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[Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies: Prelims + Mains for Civil ServiceIAS IPS Exam
This articles needs to be tweaked further in the light of actual papers of Mains-
2013. However should give the basic idea to new players.
1. Prologue
2. What is not changed?
3. Prelims approach
4. What about the current affairs?
5. Mains Exam: Change of format
6. GS1: Culture History Geography
7. GS2: Polity, Yearbook, IR
8. GS3: Economy, Environment, S&T, Agro, Disaster and Security
9. GS4: Ethics
10. Personal Opinion?
Prologue
Ok, so few days back UPSC released the much awaited notification for 2013
So you already know, what is changed. It is a stale news. This article is justan overview article for future approach.
Ill upload a full fledged strategy / approach / studyplan for General studies
(Mains), combined with all list of topics to be prepared, resources, downloads
etc. Yes i know preliminary is over, but it takes time for me to wade through
all the books and pdfs myself. You dont want me to misguide you in haste,
do you? hahaha. Besides Ive other exams to look into IES, CDS, RAS et al.
What is not changed?
1. Age- attempt limit is not changed.
2. Age is still counted on 1stAugust of the given year. (rumor market said UPSC
was planning to count age on 1stJan.)
3. Vacancies are almost the same (2012: 1037 vacancies, 2013: approx. 1000)
4. Mains to Interview quota is same (twice the number of vacancies. It was same
in 2011 and 2012)
5. Prelims syllabus is not changed even one bit. (so the approach / strategy for
prelims remains one and same.)
http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://mrunal.org/http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://mrunal.org/5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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Prelims approach
Approach to general studies for prelims, already given long time ago.Here is just a
checklist, ask yourself:
1. Ive finished reading NCERT, NIOS, Yearbook, Laxmikanth etc. (+static
topics from GS Manual) multiple times. Ive rock solid command over them
(or Ill be revising them often until I get rock solid command).2. Ive tried/ will try myself with the MCQs given in GS Manual.
3. For aptitude, Im doing maximum practice at night (so I dont fall asleep by
simply reading some book).
Thats Well and good, youre on right track. Now the question that bothers a lot of
candidates:
What about the current affairs?
Current affairs itself is quite big. But for prelims, youve to concentrate only on the
current affairs associated with specific sectors:
High priority
current affairs
1. Environment n biodiversity
2. Science tech
3. Polity
4. Economy.
5. Yearbook stuff (Government schemes/ org. etc)
Low priority
current affairs
1. International relations.
2. Misc.GK (Sports, awards, persons in news, books, authors
etc): Lists already given for 2012 and 13 click me
If youve been maintaining notes out of Hindu/Indianexpress past one year,
thats totally awesome. Just keep doing it.
But those of you, who joined the game late and or did not diligently read
newspapers/maintained notes. What to do now? Here is a firefighting tip. Doany one of the following
Option A:
Get a book called Wizards Current Affairs 2013. (they publish it every year.
Please note, other publication houses also release similar books. Use
whatever is easily available to you.)
It doesnt guarantee UPSC is directly going to asks questions from it. But
such book gives an overview of what happened past one year (in topicwise
http://mrunal.org/2013/02/misc-gk-persons-in-news-2012-13-sports-books-awards-for-ssc-cgl-sbi-po-upsc-csat.htmlhttp://mrunal.org/2012/11/strategy-upsc-civil-service-exam-ias-ips-csat-general-studies-part1.html5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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fashion: bilateral, sci-tech etc.)
The book itself is quite thick but you dont have to prepare everything, just
concentrate on the high priority areas. Then you dig internet, standard
reference books etc. for topics that are directly indirectly related to it and are
basic in nature. For example, there is news about Libya, then you check
Libyas location in the map, its capital, its bordering nations and so on. There
is some news about Eastern Dedicated freight corridor, then you dig out from
which states does this corridor pass through? ..Prelims is not about Ph.D.Prelims is mostly about tricky questions from very basic concepts / facts.
Option B:
hit the public library. Pick past 1 years current affairs magazines (CST,
Chronicle, PD, Wizard..whatever is available).
Go through the first 20-25 pages :the important national international affairs
are given here.
And Remaining pages of magazines is usually filler material (toppers
interviews and recycled articles on polity), you can read them if youve timeand mood.
But from those first 20-25 pages, note down the exam worthy current affairs,
come back home dig net +/- standard reference books as and where required.
^Please note, these option A / B are just firefighting tools. Theyd work fine for
SSC, SBI type exams. But Current affairs for UPSC is a different game altogether.
Thats the reason Ive always advised people to read daily newspapers and
maintain notes out of it. As a UPSC aspirant, Current affairs must be part of your
daily routine. If you dont do it on dailybasis, thats when youve to turn to such
(not so reliable) ^firefighting tools.
And dont put too much of your time in current affairs, because lot of questions
come from static part (theory) too.
Another concern is regarding Cutoffs possibly getting high because IFoS and
IAS have common preliminary exam. My point is: Just read revise and practice.
Leave rest in the hands of God. Dont enter the exam hall with the cut off mindset
or negative marking will dig your grave.
Thats for prelims. Now lets move to Mains.
Mains Exam: Change of format
Before (upto 2012) After (2013)
Paper Marks Paper Marks
Compulsory
Regional language
paper.
Marks not counted
in merit.
300 Same as Earlier 300
5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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language
papersEnglish Paper. But
marks
not counted
in final merit list.
300 same as earlier 300
Essay Yes 200 Yes 250
General
Studies2 papers 600
4 papers (new topics
included)1000
First
optional2 papers 600 2 papers 500
Second
optional2 papers 600 Removed 0
Interview Yes 300Yes but marks
reduced275
total
2900
Merit from
2300.
2900
Merit from
2025
What is removed from general studies?
1. Statistics and data interpretation topic removed from General Studies
(Mains).
2. Public Health, Health education and ethical concerns regarding health-care,
medical research and pharmaceuticals topic removed. (It is no longer
Explicitly mentioned under syllabus, although doesnt prevent UPSC from
asking this under GS3!)
GS1: Culture History Geography
#1: History and Culture
1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of
Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times.
Same as usual. NIOS,
IGNOU tourism studies,
Spectrum book on Culture.
2. Modern Indian history from about the middle
of the eighteenth century until the present-
significant events, personalities, issues
3. The Freedom Struggle its various stages and
important contributors /contributions from
different parts of the country.
Same as usual. Bipin
Chandra +/- Spectrum +/-
GS Manual.
#2: History of World
5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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1. events from 18th century such as industrial
revolution, world wars, redrawing of
national boundaries,
2. colonization, decolonization,
3. political philosophies like communism,
capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and
effect on the society.
1. NCERT.
2. http://Mrunal.org/history
3. Any one book: Norman
Lowe, Jain and Mathur
or Arjun Singh.
#3: Socio stuff
1. Post-independence consolidation and
reorganization within the country.
1. For Post independence India,
use Bipin Chandra: India Since
Independence. (Ramchandra
Guhas book not giving good
cost:benefit ratio.)
2. Starting point is IGNOU MPS
003 India democracy and
Development.
3. Then there is Decent material
scattered in IGNOU Sociology,
political science and Public
Administration (BA, MA).
2. Salient features of Indian Society,
Diversity of India.
3. Role of women and womens
organization, population and
associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, urbanization,
their problems and their remedies.
4. Effects of globalization on Indian
society
5. Social empowerment, communalism,
regionalism & secularism.
#4: Geography
General
Studies
Before change 2013
Preliminary
exam
Geography = Physical +
World + IndiaSame
MainsGeography = only Indian
Geography.
Now Geography = Physical +
World + India.
Now, Lets check the syllabus of geography (general studies)
Physical Geography
http://mrunal.org/downloadhttp://mrunal.org/2013/06/download-sociology-ignou-ba-ma-no-registration-ncert-nios-topper-notes-last-34-years-question-papers-1979-2012.htmlhttp://mrunal.org/2013/12/december-2013-write-articles-win-books-for-prelims-mains-interviews-free-notes-as-consolation-prize-for-everyone-26th-dec-last-date-to-submit.html#166http://www.flipkart.com/india-since-independence/p/itmczyrqkf5sysbs?pid=9780143104094&affid=mrunalrugm5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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Topics Comment
1. Salient features of worlds
physical geography.Starting point is NCERTS / GS Manual.
2. Important Geophysical
phenomena such as earthquakes,
Tsunami, Volcanic activity,
cyclone etc.,
3. geographical features and their
location.
4. changes in critical geographical
features (including water-bodies
and ice-caps) and in flora and
fauna and the effects of such
changes.
Starting point is NCERTS + GS Manual
+ NIOS biodiversity + selective reading
of IGNOU Disaster
Management.+Indian Geography by
Khullar.
India and World Geography
Distribution of key natural resources across the world
(including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent 1. Starting point
NCERTs
2. then
Mrunal.org/Geography
factors responsible for the location of primary,
secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various
parts of the world (including India)
GS2: Polity, Yearbook, IR
#1: Polity + rights issue
Basic Constitution
1. Indian Constitution-
historical
underpinnings,
evolution, features,amendments,
significant
provisions basic
structure.
2. Functions and
responsibilities of
the Union and the
States,
http://mrunal.org/geographyhttp://www.flipkart.com/india-comprehensive-geography-02/p/itmdytnsg6zmft7a?pid=9788127226367&&affid=mrunalrugm5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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3. Comparison of the
Indian constitutional
scheme with that of
other countries
4. Parliament and State
Legislatures
structure,
functioning, conductof business, powers
& privileges and
issues arising out of
these.
5. Structure,
organization and
functioning of the
Executive and the
Judiciary
6. Appointment tovarious
Constitutional posts,
powers, functions
and responsibilities
of various
Constitutional
Bodies.
7. Statutory, regulatory
and various quasi-judicial bodies
Starting point is: yes you guessed it right, the
great M.Laxmikanth. Then DD Basu if youve
time and mood.
+net digging and newspapers for new stuff e.g.right to education.
Also Mrunal.org/polity
Advanced topics
1. issues and
challenges
pertaining to the
federal structure,
2. Devolution of
powers + finances upto local levels and
challenges therein.
3. Separation of powers
between various
organs dispute
redressal
mechanisms and
institutions.
4. Pressure groups and
Starting point is (again) IGNOU MPS 003. Then
again lot of good stuff scattered around in IGNOU
Public Administration, Political science and
sociology.Also newspapers, columns, net digging
from current affairs point of view (e.g. Pressure
groups > Lokpal)
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formal/informal
associations and
their role in the
Polity.
5. Representation of
Peoples Act: Salient
features
Rights issue
1. Vulnerable sections:
protections,
Betterment:
mechanisms, laws,
institutions and
Bodies.
2. Vulnerable Sections:
Welfare schemes.
Starting point again our good old Laxmikanth.
For welfare schemes, INDIA Yearbook, list of
topics given here click me
+ newspaper + official websites of respective
ministries.
Yearbook, Welfare schemes
1. Ministries
and
Departments
of the
Government;2. Government
policies for
development
in various
sections.
3. Social Sector
development:
Health,
Education,
HumanResources.
4. Poverty and
hunger:
Issues
relating to
Basic functions and overview of policies given in India
yearbook. After that, Newpapers, Yojana Kurukshetra,
official sites of respective ministries.12thFive Yearplan
PDFs click me. (they contain truckload of fodder points).
Public Administration related
http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/12thplan/welcome.htmlhttp://mrunal.org/2013/02/studyplan-india-2013-yearbook-approach-to-rights-issue-education-welfare-poverty-removal-schemes-part-4-of-6.html5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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1. Governance: Important aspects of
2. Development processes and the
development industry
3. the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and
associations, donors, charities, institutional
and other stakeholders
4. transparency & accountability and
institutional and other measures.5. e-governance- applications, models,
successes, limitations, and potential;
6. Citizens charters
7. Role of civil services in a democracy.
Respective chapters
from IGNOU BA, MA
Public Administration.
2ndARC reports click me
(selective reading).
IR / Diplomacy
1. India and its neighborhood-
relations.
2. Bilateral, regional and global
groupings and agreements
involving India and/or affecting
Indias interests
3. Effect of policies and politics of
developed and developing
countries on Indias interests,
4. Indian diaspora.
5. Important Internationalinstitutions, agencies and fora-
their structure, mandate.
Approach remains same as earlier.
Starting point is selected topics
on international relations from
IGNOU BA (Political Science)
click me
Dispora strategygiven
separately click me
Then IGNOU MA (Political
Science) MPS 002 click me
+ newspapers, magz, net digging
And
Mrunal.org/diplomacy
GS3: Economy, Environment, S&T, Agro, Disaster andSecurity
For a paper worth 250 marks, UPSC has packed way too many topics here!
#1: Economy
1. Indian Economy
and issues relating
to planning,
mobilization of
resources, growth,
development and
employment.
12thFYP plan PDF files.Basic of budgeting is
explained in Laxmikanth, Ramesh Singh etc. But
hardly any direct-static questions come in mains. So
http://www.mrunal.org/diplomacyhttp://mrunal.org/2013/06/download-political-science-mains-ignou-bama-no-registration-fullsets-last-34-years-previous-question-paper-1979-2012-ncert-nios.htmlhttp://mrunal.org/2013/07/strategy-indian-diaspora-for-general-studies-mains-paper-2-free-study-material-previous-questions-for-upsc-civil-service-ias-ips-exam.htmlhttp://mrunal.org/2013/06/download-political-science-mains-ignou-bama-no-registration-fullsets-last-34-years-previous-question-paper-1979-2012-ncert-nios.htmlhttp://arc.gov.in/5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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2. Inclusive growth
and issues arising
from it.
3. Government
Budgeting.
this is mostly yearbook, IGNOU (Economics)
newspaper and current affairs.+ Mrunal.org/economy
4. Effects ofliberalization on
the economy.
Basic given in NCERT Class 11 economics. More can
be found in Ramesh Singh, Netdigging.
5. changes in
industrial policy
and their effects on
industrial growth.
6. Infrastructure:Energy, Ports,
Roads, Airports,
Railways etc.
7. Investment models
Basic given in India Yearbook.Then IGNOU
(Economics BA, MA) selective reading, Newspapercolumns, 12thFYP pdfs for more fodder points.
#2: SnT + Environment
1. Science and Technology- developments and their
applications and effects in everyday life
2. Achievements of Indians in science & technology;
3. Indigenization of technology and developing new
technology.
4. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers,
robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and
issues relating to intellectual property rights.
1. Starting point isIndia Yearbook.
2. Then The Hindus
Sci-tech portion,
net digging and
3. www.Mrunal.org/snt
4. +/- Spectrums
book on Science
Tech.
5. Conservation, environmental pollution and
degradation, environmental impact assessment
1. NIOS, IGNOU
material on
Environment-
Biodiversity.
2. India Yearbook
3. Official site of
MoEF
4. Newspaper
columns, Yojana,
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Kurukshetra.
#2: Agro
Now this is a new topic introduced in 2013.
1. Major crops cropping patterns in variousparts of the country,
2. Irrigation: different types of irrigation and
irrigation systems storage,
NCERT geography, GS
Manual+ Indian Geography
Khullaretc.
3. e-technology in the aid of farmers
4. Farm subsidies: Issues related to direct and
indirect farm subsidies
5. minimum support prices;6. Public Distribution System- objectives,
functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of
buffer stocks and food security;
7. Technology missions;
8. Land reforms in India.
Starting point is
INDIA Yearbook, List
of topics given here:click me
Official website of
Agriculture ministry.
9. transport and marketing of agricultural
produce and issues and related constraints;
10. Animal rearing: economics of11. Food processing and related industries in
India- scope and significance, location,
upstream and downstream requirements,
supply chain managemen
Yojana-Kurukshetra
old archives + new
issues.click mefood processing
already covered in my
article series. visit
mrunal.org/economy
Disaster
1. Disaster and disaster management. Selective reading IGNOU MPA 018
Security
1. Various Security forces
and agencies and their
mandate
This is given in India Yearbook. Click me for the
topicwise list
2. basics of cyber
security
Also given in India yearbook. More stuff can be
found the previous writing competition held at
Mrunal.org/Write2Win
For the remaining topics:
http://mrunal.org/write2winhttp://mrunal.org/2013/02/studyplan-india-2013-yearbook-approach-to-culture-tourism-youth-sports-misc-gk-part-6-of-6.html#157http://mrunal.org/2013/06/download-public-administration-mains-ignou-bama-no-registration-fullsets-toppers-notes-neeraj-om-kshitij-last-34-years-paper-1979-2012.htmlhttp://yojana.gov.in/cms/%28S%28z01lyhmvpz33pqrhv1bti145%29%29/default.aspxhttp://mrunal.org/2013/02/studyplan-india-2013-yearbook-approach-to-science-tech-public-health-agro-part-5-of-6.htmlhttp://www.flipkart.com/india-comprehensive-geography-02/p/itmdytnsg6zmft7a?pid=9788127226367&&affid=mrunalrugm5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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1. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
2. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal
security.
3. Challenges to internal security through communication networks,
4. role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges,
5. money-laundering and its prevention
6. border areas: Security challenges and their management
7. linkages of organized crime with terrorism
For above topics, Lot of revision friendly content available in the previous writing
competition held at Mrunal.org/Write2Win
+newspaper and net digging.
GS4: Ethics
Lot of vague topics added. Anyways, first lets check the topics for which exact
material is available
Probity inGovernance:
1. Concept of public
service;
2. Philosophical basis of
governance and
probity;
3. Information sharing
and transparency in
government,
4. Right to Information,
5. Codes of Ethics,
6. Codes of Conduct,
7. Citizens Charters,
8. Work culture,
9. Quality of servicedelivery, Utilization of
public funds,
10. Challenges of
corruption.
Ethics in Public Administration
1. Status and problems;
2. ethical concerns and dilemmas in
government and private institutions;
3. laws, rules, regulations and conscience as
sources of ethical guidance;
4. accountability and ethical governance;
strengthening of ethical and moral values in
governance;
For ^above topics, youll find content scattered in around in
1. IGNOU MPA 011 and 013
http://mrunal.org/2013/06/download-public-administration-mains-ignou-bama-no-registration-fullsets-toppers-notes-neeraj-om-kshitij-last-34-years-paper-1979-2012.htmlhttp://mrunal.org/write2win5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
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2. 2ndARC reports.
Remaining topics
1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of
Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public
relationships. Human Values lessons from the lives and teachings of great
leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educationalinstitutions in inculcating values
2. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought
and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
3. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and
non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy,
tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
4. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in
administration and governance.
5. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
6. corporate governance.7. ethical issues in international relations and funding.
8. +Case studies
Personal Opinion?
Father Wallace, a renowned Gujarati author and Maths Professor in St.Xaviers
College, Ahmedabad. Once a TV reporter asked him, Lot of students in class 10
hate mathematics. So, What is your advice to them? I was watching TV and hoped
that hed give some awesome set of formulas that will completely demystifymathematics even for the weakest student. But all he said was:
Mitro maare Etlu j kehvaa nu ke tamne gume ke naa gume, bhanvu toh padshe j!
(Friends all Ive to say is, whether you like it or not, youll have to study.)
Same applies to the pattern change, you can welcome it, you can condemn it, but as
long youre in this competition business, youve to play by UPSCs rules. Anyways
for the sake of timepass reading, here are my opinions.
Positive
Most of the General studies syllabus (mains) can be covered using IGNOU,
Yearbook, Yojana Kurukshetra, newspapers etc. So atleast the reform is not
heavy on your pocket(in terms of having to buy lot of new books /
material).
Thanks to IGNOUs material, self-study is easily possible. (available on
egyankosh.ac.in)
Negative
http://arc.gov.in/5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
14/15
3/19/2014 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 Genera l Studies: Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
http://mrunal.org/2013/03/approach-upsc-2013-general-studies-prelims-mains.html/print/
Reading so many PDFs on computer screen =painful on eyes.
Overlapping topics
Each mains paper has 3 hours duration so UPSC can take maximum two
papers per day. Now, suppose today is GS1+2, then tomorrow will be GS3+4.
Here comes to issue: youve to prepare similar topics again and again for two
days because of their overlapping nature. for example:
1. Social empowerment in GS1, and next day Inclusive growth for GS3.
2. R.T.I, citizen-charter etc. as [Polity] topics for GS2 and next day for Ethics
under GS4.
3. Role of civil services in a democracy (under GS2) and next day almost similar
thing for Ethics under GS4.
So it feels as if the topic-list is compiled in haste, and that Agro topic in GS3
(+including supply chain Management!) sticks out like a sore thumb.
One Optional still kept
Instead of two, now youve to pick only one optional. Makes it difficult for
senior player to decide: which subject to keep and which one to drop.
(especially when UPSC is yet to deliver marksheets for Mains 2012).
UPSC should have removed both optionals. That way, people have to spend
less money on books / coaching + more time sparred to pursue any career
backplan/ other exams.
Faster results
It still takes 1 year to finish the exam. Very painful especially for those who
fail in mains and have to reappear in next prelims within 2-3 months.
UPSC Should have converted prelims into a computer based MCQ test like
IBPS/LIC to hasten the result delivery.
On an unrelated note:
If we look at the larger picture, everyone has to give so many exams
simultaneously (UPSC, State PSC, IBPS, SSC, LIC, CDS, CAPF.) These
should be combined into only 2-3 exams for combined recruitment into all
these jobs.
URL to article: http://mrunal.org/2013/03/approach-upsc-2013-general-studies-
prelims-mains.html
5/28/2018 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 General Studies_ Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
15/15
3/19/2014 Mrunal [Approach] UPSC 2013 Genera l Studies: Prelims + Mains for Civil Service IAS IPS Exam Mrunal
http://mrunal.org/2013/03/approach-upsc-2013-general-studies-prelims-mains.html/print/
Posted By Mrunal On 11/03/2013 @ 22:05 In the category Studyplan