Civil Services Exam-History tips and Strategy-Part 5

Civil Services Exam- History tips and Strategy-Part 5

If you analyze the past papers you will be surprised to find that most of the questions are repeated from the last ten year papers for e.g. Indian Feudalism, Bhakti & Sufi Movement. Economic impact of British rule on India is asked record no of times. So that’s the hint. Here some analysis of past papers from 2001 onwards.

For preparing mains one has to be focused on relevant areas. Guesswork has to be done to what will come and what will not. (And be mentally prepared to face anything in paper). If you make notes in question-answer format then nothing like that. If you get ready with say 150-200 questions with outline of answers then you can stuck a jackpot. Chronicle Publication has published the book in such format and will prove useful for reference.

It may sound absurd, but NCERT books on History (Class XI & XII), both old and new versions are highly useful in writing the mains answers. They present the clue about direction and the structure of the answer.

It is very common to say that one has to do writing practice. I repeat it is necessary. Candidates dream that as soon as study is over they will give tests. That’s ideal, seldom has this happened. Studies may never get over. Just make a timetable of tests, follow it strictly, and get it checked from competent authority and discuss them out. Handwriting, speed, fluency and structure of answer play a main role in marks.

One should give full attention to the direction of the question like Discuss, Explain, Evaluate, Describe, Compare etc. Each of them connotes different meaning. 

Where ever possible the answer should be substantiated with tables, diagrams and flowcharts.

Group study can do wonders in study of history. Every member in the group can give different insight into the subject. You can shoot questions to each other and comprehend the facts. But make sure that group is no larger than 3-4 friends and all damn serious.

So take a long breath and strings tight in your hand. Now with full vision of future turn your eyes towards past. May goddess of history bless you with success.

Twist in the story continues

In last three Mains (2009/10/11) UPSC surprised (or shocked) the candidates by changing the question format. Instead of 60 marks question, they divided it into two questions of 30 marks, or three questions of 20 marks each. This was done not only in History but in all other optional’s. It’s like test match suddenly turned into 20-20.

With this examiner were able to cover far more syllabus, they are able ask the questions on such areas of syllabus that remained uncovered 60 marks pattern (for e.g. Importance of Jain tenets and their relevance to humanity)

Earlier hardly three questions are asked on Ancient, Medieval, Modern and World each. But with double the questions appearing now, much more syllabus is covered. In others words luck factor has came down.

There is one more twist. Since the old format is divided into two questions. It bought the catch-22 situation for the candidates. Suppose you know the (a) answer of question 4 and (b) answer of question (5), no use, you have to answer either 4 or 5.

Actually every mains UPSC will surely keep throwing new surprises, keep changing the pattern of questions asked so that nobody should try to make it a cake walk.

So those who accepted the changes with open heart survived. Those who were not able to and remain rigid ended up getting low score.

Not to forget that the biggest test scorer in the world Sachin Tendulkar has won the Orange Cap for the best batsman in the 20-20 format.