Importance of General Studies

There have been a lot of changes in the exam pattern of UPSC since 2013. Not only the number of general studies papers 1 has been increased and optional as well. Percentage marks for essay and personality tests have also has been increased.

Four general studies papers carry 1000 marks 250 marks for each of them. You can get an idea of how important is general studies in the Civil Service exam. It has more than 50% weightage in the mains exam. Earlier it was approx 30% on the mains paper; that is why a proper strategy for general studies paper is a must. 


The questions of general studies papers II and IV are designed in such a nature so that a well-educated person can answer them without any special study. National importance and social headlines have become very important. Some important international events which are related to economic polity or international relations are also very important.


Prepare for the GS paper 1 topic-wise. Read the topic several times, which are asked more. Build your strategy. Go through the daily current affairs regularly. The syllabus of general study has become vast since 2013. The number of questions also increased, so it is very important to understand all the topics mentioned in the syllabus.


GS I

Indian art and culture

UPSC asks the analytical questions more in art and culture. There will be a need for both good analyzing quality and knowledge of content to answer the questions. Understand the historical background in which these arts were produced. It will enable you to answer this question: why and how. Read NCERT XI edition (India to read the historical context).


To write great answers, understand the social, religious, political, and economic context in which these grand arts were produced so that you can easily form the analysis part. Watch both visual and performing arts and reconnect such visuals; it will help write a good answer. Sketch diagrams to illustrate your answer. No matter if you are not a perfect artist but make sure that the fundamentals should be correct. To get mastery in this topic, multiple revisions will help you.


Modern Indian history

The questions of modern Indian history are like that every student can answer them well. So you will have to make special efforts for the question to get higher marks. Prepare these topics well in the Prelims, and in the mains exam, you will need only answer writing practice for these topics.


India's post-independence history

Focus on reorganization and consolidation, political developments, and administrative advancement


World history

You can draw a map to demonstrate some important events of world history

Prepare from RBD publication books to cover world history.


Geography


  • World physical geography-Old NCERT
  • Distribution of key natural resources
  • Class 11th NCERT
  • Class 12th NCERT
  • Youth destination coaching material
  • Geophysical phenomena geographical features- Class 11th NCERT Class 12th NCERT and youth destination coaching material


Indian society

  • Read NCERT sociology class XI and XII
  • Frame a proper structure and subheadings to answer the questions of this topic

GS 2
Polity governance and Social justice

  • For analytical content polity notes of use destination
  • ARC-2
  • Current affairs
  • The Hindu
  • Civils daily 
  • PRS India 
  • All India radio spotlight 
  • youth destination current affairs material
  • International relations

Read the historical background of India's relationship with other countries.


GS-3


Economy

  • Economic survey gist
  • Budget (youth destination coaching material compilation)
  • Niti 3 year action plan report


Current affairs

  • The Hindu
  • Indian express
  • Civilsdaily
  • Youth destination current affairs materials

Indian agriculture land reforms PDS food processing LPG infrastructure


The questions of GS3 revolve around current affairs, so restrict yourself to the good material. Don't get involved in the heap of current affairs' books and coaching materials. Make brief notes from the available resources for each topic that are mentioned in the syllabus.


Security


  • Youth destination IAS material
  • The Hindu
  • Civils daily
  • Definitions of technical terms
  • Practice drawing an India map for the questions on border security


Disaster management

   

  • Read fundamentals in the CBSE book
  • Read current affairs from newspapers and the internet
  • coaching material notes
  • Some concepts like land zoning, river embankment, watershed, and management, draw diagrams to illustrate them clearly


Environment and ecology

  • RBD books
  • The Hindu 
  • Civils daily 
  • classroom notes of youth destination

Science and technology


  • In this section, questions are asked from current affairs.
  • Note down the scientific terms, technology aur concepts that are in the news currently. Later you can search about them on YouTube.
  • Learn the fundamental terms and technology that are used in space,
  • PSLV, GSLV, and cryo engine, Nanotech, nuclear research (fast breeder reactor uranium enrichment Nuclear fission and fusion, etc.)
  • The defence cruise missile, ballasted missile, and stealth bomber, etc
  • Biotech (gene editing stem cells GM food.etc)
  • Communication LIDAR, RADAR, LiFi, and 5G
  • Printed notes of youth destination coaching institute
  • Focus on concepts to prepare for this topic. Learn the practical applications of potential threats and how these are beneficial in the future. Why is this topic in use? It will make this topic easy in the final exam.


GS-4

  • Prepare own notes for certain topics.
  • Youth destination class notes
  • Read about some moral thinkers and their contributions.
  • Drawing flow charts and schematics are also beneficial.
  • For case, studies write something practical and realistic rather than extraordinary solutions.
  • Display your ethical knowledge where you get the opportunity. You can illustrate your real-life examples like career, college, school time, and childhood. These examples are not only simple but also represent your ethical values.
  • These tips will help you while preparing for the UPSC mains general studies paper. preparation of GS papers can be a bit difficult in starting but remember with planned strategy and small steps, and you can handle it easily


Planning, adequate practice, the right study material, and time management are necessary to conquer GS effectively. Don't ignore your health while preparing for the general studies paper for the UPSC exam. This is also a part of your preparation strategy because you cannot prepare well if you are not fit. Choose any gym, or you can exercise at home. To remain fit, have healthy food, and keep a positive attitude towards the exam.

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