Sunday 30 September 2012

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


I've done my graduation in Botany, Zoology& Chemistry Now I'm pursuing my post graduation in Biotechnology What are the possible combination of subjects can I take? Can I opt for Public Administration and History? I'm in 2nd year When is the right time to start the preparation?

There is no need to worry. It will be easy for you, once you start preparing. But these two exams will come back to back i.e. next day like that you will not have time for revising the subject. Though History is easy, it is not & scoring well. The success ratio of History is also poor Compared to many subjects. 

We suggest you to take Public Administration and other optional may be zoology / Botany. If you are not comfortable with one of the two, you can think of opting Anthropology. As you are a Science student, Anthropology will be easy for you. It is scoring and the success ratio also very good.

If you have a problem in selecting these two, please go through the detailed syllabus and old questions, which will give an idea to select an appropriate optional.

As far as starting the preparation is concerned, you can start now itself. If you go through the tips given in the blog, which will give you an idea about the preparation also.


UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I am a B.E in Computer Science. Should I take maths as the second optional? My first optional is Chemistry.
- Muthu

After the change in the syllabus in 2001, maths has become really difficult. Even IITians do not opt for maths The maths result is also not good after 2001. You can take geography as a second optional. Otherwise (if you have good command over language) you can go for public Administration / Sociology / Psychology. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I want to write CSE main examination in Telugu.
- Raghu 

There is no problem in writing in Telugu medium. But the questions will be in English or Hindi only. You have to translate the question and answer the question. Normally 15% of students appear in Telugu medium among Telugu knowing students. As you have not mentioned about your optional, we are not in a position to give more detail in this regard. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir,I am a Maths graduate. I want to appear in CSE can I write the exam in my mother tongue (Tamil).
- Subramanian 

Yes - at the Mains stage only. But the questions will be in English and Hindi only. You have to translate the Question and answer. Candidates can write the main exam in any Indian language as specified in the VIII schedule of the Constitution.


UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Respected Sir, for the written exam can I give first optional subject i.e. civil engg in English and second optional subject i.e. History in Marathi?

No. You can write in one medium only if you are selecting any Indian language as a medium. You have to write all the papers that is General Studies, Essay and the optionals in the same language. But you have choice at the interview stage. You can give it in English, or in the language, you have written the main exam. The same is not applicable to the students, who write their exam in English medium. In the interview board they have to answer in English only. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, Is it possible to appear for Public Administration with Hindi medium along with Electrical Engineering in mains exam which is only in English.
- Shambu 

No. All the papers should be written in the same Language only.


UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I am from the North-Eastern region domiciled in Assam. Is it mandatory for me to take up a language other than English in the mains?

-Engam Pame
Those students who are from North East, don't have any scheduled Indian Languages, they need not write the exam for the qualifying purpose. They have to write English exam and they are exempted from the Indian Language paper exam. If you go through the detailed to notification, it is given. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir,Do I've to study all the NCERT books up to 12th std for General Studies or study only some selected books?? I've completed my schooling in Oriya medium. Though in college we study in English medium, we don't follow the NCERT books.
- Arun Prsad

Normally the questions are based on NCERT books because this is common to all. Every state has its own syllabus. But the question is not NCERT or STATE board, one should understand the concepts.


If you are from the Science background, it will be very easy to follow the NCERT also. But you have to concentrate on arts subject in a detailed manner. If you are from arts background, the Science subjects will be really tough. You have to read and understand it thoroughly. Usually, Science students don't find it difficult to study the Arts subjects. But at the same time, Arts background student find it difficult to study Science subjects.


Science books upto 10th standard is enough. For other subjects you have to read upto 12th standard. Nowadays the questions are in the applied aspect based on the concepts. So one should understand the concept well. The concept may be from Science or Arts.

There are some NCERT books may be less useful. So read the books of Science, History, Geography, Civics/Polity and Economics

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Thousand “Yesterdays” have passed and A million “Tomorrows” may come, but There is only one “Today”…Love it & Live it.

Saturday 29 September 2012

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling

Dear Sir / Madam, I am from IIT. I think that in IAS main exam taking physics as optional, good student can get above 400+marks but normally student those taking physics getting very less marks near about 300. What is the reason behind this? 
This is same for maths........

Why are engineering student normally not taking physics, chemistry and maths? They are taking arts subject. What is your view about scaling?

You are right. This was true in 90s. IITians used to take maths & physics or maths & chemistry and crack it. It was in early 90s technocrats started to top the civil services and the students from arts / humanities front left behind. 


The Satish Chandra Committee recommended an introduction of Essay in the Civil services in 1993 as a level playing field for humanities also. IITians found difficulty in writing essay.

Even after the introduction of essay in the CSE mains, the humanities left behind. IITians were ruling the reign again.

In the year 2001, the syllabus of maths, physics & chemistry were revamped. This made IITians left behind the race. The exam pattern of maths being made tough, aspirants don't opt for it.

In fact there is no scaling in the mains. It is there only in the prelims.
These exam reforms made humanities subjects in the driver seat. The justification given for giving importance to humanity subjects are many. So it is the time for humanity / arts subjects in the civil services. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I am working as a software engineer from last 5 years after completing my B.Tech. in Electronics Engineering. First, Should I go for it because I am doing the job and can get 5-8 hours max a day for study? Second, which optionals should I go with? I have in mind Geography, Public Administration and Psychology.
- Jaya 
It is really interesting that a person, even after working for 5 years coming forward for civil services.

The time of 5-8 hours or working days and 10-12 hours on holidays will be more than enough for an aspirant like you to succeed in the civil services. But we suggest you to go for one month leave before prelims and 2-3 months leave before mains, if you are serious about the exams. As far as optionals are concerned, we suggest to Engineering graduates to go for Geography as a first option if they don't have any subject in their mind. A month other three optionals you can select either public Administration or Psychology you should select the optional based on your interest and availability of other resources. As per the UPSC record, psychology is better performing subject than public Administration

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir/Madam I am a student of Architecture, presently doing 2nd year of the course. Can I give the CSE if so what subject is suitable for me?
-Lokesh

Yes. You can give the CSE. There are set of subjects given by the UPSC. This is available in the book also.

If you have gone through the previous questions & answers of this section have got an idea.

In our opinion, you can go for Geography / Public Administration / Sociology / Psychology. In the prelims, it may be Geography. In the mains one of the remaining suggested subject may be selected. To select the optional, first go through the detailed first go through the detailed syllabus and questions papers. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, Can I choose "English" for Indian Language?
- Neelam
No. You have to take both the papers. You have to qualify in both the exams also. If you don't qualify in the language papers, optional papers will not be evaluated. So English and one Indian Language of matriculation standard is must for qualification. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir,When should I take coaching? Is it coaching necessary?
- Menaka Gulati

Coaching is not necessary. But Coaching institutes make the aspirants to interact
with fellow Competitors. A healthy competition makes a person to get ready for any eventuality. Good institutes also shape up the students to written exams well. This also has a drawback that every student in a classroom will follow the same pattern of answer because of the influence of the teachers originality gets good marks in the UPSC. So one should not loose his / her originality even after joining coaching Institutes. So joining in a coaching Institute is purely a personal decision. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling

Sir, I am 2nd year physiotherapy. I have opted "Public Administration" for prelims AND "Psychology" for mains, how should I start preparing? 
- Vikas


Your optional selections are really good. Both are promising and scoring also. The preparation strategy for General studies is already available in the website. The Psychology preparation is already available in the toppers Interview. The book list for Public Administration available.   We suggest you to go for General Studies preparation at the first instance. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir, What type of mapping questions are asked in the mains exam of geography subject? 
Navneet

The map question may be city, Industrial area, Physical geographical structures like sea, stream, peak, etc. The questions are from Physical, Political & economic geography. 

These are available in the previous year question booklet. It is available in the market/ leading shops all over India.

Map reading is there in both the papers one is world map & the other is India Map. Total 120 marks i.e. 60 marks each. You have to mark 10 spots. There are choices also. The map reading should be done / located accurately and 25 words write up also will follow. The evaluation has few break ups out of 6 i.e. Correct map reading / location, write up, key words in the write up etc. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, Can persons already employed in Central Government appear in CSE? Are there any exceptions?
- Murugesh Babu

Yes. No exceptions. You will be also considered like a normal candidate. 

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Heart is not a basket for keeping tension and sadness. It’s a Golden box for keeping roses of happiness. Let your heart be happy always..!!!

Friday 28 September 2012

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir, I am student of Law. How should I go about my preparation for CSE?
- Kalaivanan

We hope you are aware of the pattern and scheme of the examination. If you don't know, go through these items in the blog first. 

Once you have decided to write Civil services, the next step is to select the optional selection of optional is the crucial one in the Civil services. 

As you are from the Law background, you may or may not like to take your subject one should select the optional based on his/her interest, understanding ability of the subject, availability of proper / standard books, Previous years trend closeness/relevance of two subjects. If you are keen in opting for law, the other optional may be Public Administration / Sociology / Psychology. 

We suggest you to go through the detailed syllabus and previous year’s questions after you have decided / sorted out some subjects. Among the sorted subjects, something will be interesting and easy for your nature and mental make up. Because Civil services exam preparation not an university exam, which needs one of two days preparation only but CSE preparation needs similar or more hard work through out the year.

Then follow the strategy given in the blog, which will guide you for your success. 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I want to take History as first optional and English Literature as second optional in CSE . Though I did not study History in Graduation but I have great interest in it. How does Public Administration ,History and Anthropology fare in comparison to each other?
- Priyanka 

It is not necessary to take the same subject as an optional in the civil services. In India, most of us join a course which is not interesting to us or liked by us most of the time peers and family member's influences than our own decisions. After joining the course we feel that it is not suitable for us. Once we understand the reality and stand of our own, we come up with our wishes.

The civil services exams should be based on interest and liking because it needs intensive and continuous study for at least a year. The tempo can be kept if we choose subject interesting to us.

You may have a liking for History and English literature. In our opinion, both are not advisable because the History's success ratio is really very poor for English literature, one should be really talented and should have some base.
As per the subjects given in the last line, we advise you to go for public Administration and Anthropology. Public Administration is really doing well. It will be easy for you to read and understand.

As far as Anthropology is concerned, it is a good subject for science graduate who studied botany, zoology at the college level, even school level will also do. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Respected Sir, I' m a student of veterinary sciences doing the last semester. I want to prepare for CSE. Can I prepare for it while pursuing my post graduation, or I have to drop one year?
- Umesh Kumar

You can very well prepare for your Civil Service preparation simultaneously with your post graduation. If your optional is same as in your graduation, it will be an added advantage for a consolidated preparation. Technical subjects like veterinary sciences will have questions of UG level only. The PG level papers are on specialization it may help if you have expertise in that particular area. As far as veterinary science aspirants are concerned, they are at both UG & PG levels . The post graduation will help you get more job opportunities because the Civil Services exams are more uncertain than any other exam. 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, Can I choose zoology with anthropology?
-  Veni 
Yes. Both are really good combination also. The success ratio of Zoology is about 1:9 and Anthropology also has the same success ration. 

Anthropology is a good subject for Zoology students to understand the terminologies and definitions. So you can go ahead with these two optionals. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I just want to know whether my focus should be only on prelims now or I should study for mains syllabus along with prelims .My first optional is Public Administration and second is Geography.
-  Syed  Ismail  

Yes. One's approach to civil services preparation should be holistic approach. As of now, in the prelims, it is only General Studies and CSAT; you have to give more concentration to clear the Preliminary hurdle.
The General studies and the optional should be prepared for mains, Essay and even Interview point of view. But you can leave the Interview point of view at present once you study well for the mains that will make you to do the essay part well.
The Prelims needs an exhaustive and broad spectrum study but the mains needs intensive and topic oriented. First make a structure for prelims & mains preparation. Then follow it.

The prelims point of preparation needs recollecting capacity and mains preparation needs remembrance capacity. So, you have to blend both the talent. The preparation of Public Administration will help in the Polity part of General studies. 

UPSC Exams-General Issues-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, Can anyone choose different languages for mains & interview as for example mains in English & interview in Hindi?
Elavarasan

No. one can take Hindi/ Indian languages as a medium for mains and appear in Interview in English/ the language written in mains. But a person can write main paper in English and cannot appear in interview in Indian language. He should appear in the interview in English only. 

UPSC Exams-General Issues-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, What goes on after the interview is over? How are the services and cadres allotted?. Can anybody get into his service and cadre of his choice according to rank? Or the cadre is allotted randomly.
- Nithya Menon

After the Interview is over, the board discuses your performance and award marks. This mark is added with your written marks. Then final ranking is given based on the total marks taken by students.
The services are allocated/ allotted based on the final ranking and the preferences given by the students during main examination.

For example, if a person gives his top preference as IPS in the main application he/ she will be allotted IPS even he/ she tops in the final ranking. So one has to be very careful in filling up the main application.
Cadre allotment is applicable only in the case of IAS and IPS. Cadre is allotted based on the rank and availability of seats/ vacancies in a particular state. Number of vacancies and reservation also included in the allotment.
One has to fill his/ her Cadre choice also in the main application. So student's preference is also taken into consideration for cadre allotment.
There are occasions successful student with top rank also doesn't get his home cadre/ cadre of his/ her choice because of "No vacancy" Position.

So there are many factors involved in getting the Cadre of one's choice

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir,I am poor in General knowledge/ General studies.
-  Mohan Raj

The General knowledge/ General studies is nothing but whatever one had studied in the schooling. The questions are in applied nature some years back the questions were more direct and factual. The Competitive world driven this model to be more of an application oriented.

So, you have to read NCERT books to improve your basic knowledge one should understand the basic concept of then only you can answer the, applied nature questions. Economics related questions may be difficult to you. If you go through the NCERT books, it will be help. 

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Small Minds-Talk People, Average Minds-Talk of events, Great Minds –Talk of ideas, Greatest Minds-Act in silence. 

Thursday 27 September 2012

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, What is the success ratio of ratio in History in recent years? This was one of the leading subjects in previous years, but not in recent years, why? How to study this subject in scientific way? Why has it been becoming tougher and tougher year by year? For this the only reason is to avoid Engineering /science stream students? Are any specific reasons to make it tough even in mains.
- Dharmendra 

The success ratio of History in recent years is about 1:25 to 1:32 in the mains. Of course, this was one of the leading subject of civil services. This was a good subject as there was no problem in getting resource materials. Earlier, other subjects were not so much developed. Now, there are many subjects. History questions are normally answered directly if there is a Question about evaluation, elucidating, examining, comments etc. So students are not in a position to give proper write ups up to the standard of UPSC. History is where it was decades ago, other subjects have developed lot. Science has developed a lot. Normally science stream students do well in history, than a humanity background student. One more thing is that the evaluator cannot know about the student's background. When students have started developing themselves to face the UPSC with the help of coaching institutes, UPSC also has started making the papers tougher in setting, as well as at the time of evaluation. 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir, I am a third year engineering student. As I am not comfortable with the engineering subjects I had lost a year. Whether I am eligible to take up the civil service exam? Can I take prelim exams when I am in my final year? i am very much interested in geography and history. Shall I take these as my optionals and start preparing myself. Kindly suggest me.
- Kannan 

You are eligible to write civil services even though you have lost one year. only thing is, you have to complete your degree before filling the main application. You can attend your prelims & mains during your final year also, provided you are qualified by age wise. If you are not sure, don't waste one attempt.
Normally, we suggest the aspirants to write civil services, after completing degree if they are in UG. If they are in master's degree, they can go for the exams during PG.

As far as optionals are concerned, it is fine. But you have to remember the following if you are going for these two subjects.

1. The syllabus is vast for both the subjects.

2. Both will be back to back exams where you won't find time to revise the subjects.
3. All the exams will be held continuously without break.

4. History is not scoring well. The success ratio also Poor compared to many other optionals.

In our opinion Geography is ok. You can go ahead with your preparation. You may think of some other optionals from the given following list. Sociology / Psychology / Any Indian Literature. We also suggest you to go through the detailed syllabus and previous years question papers, which will give an idea to take an appropriate decision. 

UPSC Exams-general Issues-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir, Where can I get the UPSC syllabus?
-  Mohan Raj 

Syllabus is issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year. It is normally published in the UPSC website and the same is published in the Employment News also. It is normally available in the market. 

UPSC Exams-Eligibility Issues-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir,Can we write any of civil services exam after intermediate?
- Dilshan Fernando

`No. You have to have a Graduate degree, you can not go for Civil services directly before completing your degree.


UPSC Exams-Eligibility Issues-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir, I was born in Tamil Nadu now I am in Gujarat, Where can I apply?
- Guru Samy

You can apply from anywhere. In the main application, you have to mention about your preference for the cadre allotment in case of All India Services like IAS and IPS 

UPSC Exams-Eligibility Issues-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


 Respected Sir,Am I eligible for certain relaxation in the upper age limit as my father is a central government employee?
- Monisha

No. There is no such relaxation available in the government. 

UPSC Exams-Eligibility Issues-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling

Dear Sir, I am doing BBA final year through correspondence, am I eligible to write the . 
- Nirmala

Yes. You are very much eligible. You have to have a degree before the exams.


Free Essays for Competitive Exams-Auto Component Industry–Ready for the Transition


Auto Component Industry – Ready for the Transition

The Government is soon going to launch the 12th Five Year Plan.  It is reviewing the targets set in the Automotive Mission Plan (2006-16).  Based on the planned trajectory, the size of the auto component industry is expected to be Rs. 2.48 lakh crore (USD 54.6 billion) by 2016-17, the terminal year of the Twelfth Five Year Plan.  This would mean huge opportunities in investment, production, exports and employment creation across the country.

The Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2006-2016 of the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, scripted in partnership with the industry, envisaged that the output of automobiles and auto components industry would reach a level of USD 145 billion in 2016 accounting for more than 10% of GDP; of this, it was expected that the auto component industry would contribute USD 40 billion, thus generating additional employment for 1 million people.

To achieve these targets that some urgent and timely interventions need to be done by the Government.  However, there has to be proactive action on the part of industry so as to ensure success, competitiveness and sustainability, coupled with organizational change and improvement.  In this regard, there are some imperatives for the Auto Component Industry in India in a changing environment; for example, the Indian component manufacturers will need to move up the value chain to retain their competitive position as they are competing in the lower value-added space and produce parts/components. Even relatively larger component manufacturers depend on either the OEMs or on their JV partners for technical/product design capabilities.  This has to change and even SMEs have to invest in greater product and process improvement through meaningful R&D.

Product design, testing and validation capabilities are expected to become even more important as OEMs rely more on their suppliers for product design.  This need is driven by shortening product life cycles, introduction of new products/variants and increasing localization.  R&D capabilities in Indian component industry need to be necessarily established at the earliest.

As per the current trends, the growth of the domestic component industry has been accompanied by a corresponding growth of component imports into India Imports, at Rs. 38,760 crore, comprised almost 18% of the domestic demand in 2010-2011.  In this background of the strong auto components market in India, the industry has to work towards creating capacity ahead of demand.

Creation of capacities is not only vital for lowering the country’s import bill, but, this will become an enabler for the country wishing to improve exports prospects through bilateral routes and bilateral and regional FTAs.  The auto component industry needs to explore markets and make strategic decisions based on these FTAs.  Further, each company needs to draw up a roadmap for skilling of its workforce to complement the formal efforts that have been made by the industry in setting up the Automotive Sector Skills Council as this lone effort by itself will not be adequate.

The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 has now been unveiled last week in the first meeting of the National Council for Electric Mobility.  This will open a new vista of growth for the auto components industry and pave the way for greater indigenization of electric and hybrid vehicles. The auto component industry has to gear up as this exciting opportunity awaits them.

This industry is no stranger to change.  The auto component industry is ready for a change, for a better future.  It has thrived to be a part of growing manufacturing sector that is closely integrated into the global market and its’ supply chain.



Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

The purpose of life afterall, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

Wednesday 26 September 2012

UPSC Exams-Eligibility Issues-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Respected Sir,I am Homoeopathy student wanted to appear for UPSC. I had undergone splenectomy (removal of spleen) due to accident 2 yrs back now I am perfectly alright. Do I fulfill physical requirements for CSE?

No problem. If you are normal and carry out other activities it will not affect your prospect in the civil services. Thy physical fitness is must for only few technical services such as Indian Police Service, Indian Railway Traffic Service and Indian Customs and Central Excise in some extent for other services; it is only a formality in the medical examination 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I am Hindi medium student . What is the success ratio of Hindi Literature? How can I get 100 % marks in mapping in Geography?
-Umesh Rawat

The Success ratio of Hindi Literature is about 1:31. The success ratio of Geography is about 1:9. One can get more than 60% if he/she does the exam well. The scoring of a subject is concerned, it is difficult to tell. If you read the "SECRET OF SUCCESS" Column in the Blog. You will get the clear picture of the evaluation also.

As far as mapping is concerned, if depends on the exact marking, notes about the marking (25 words ) and key words relating to the point. For example, NARMADA river is asked, you have to mark it properly first. The other key words are west flowing, flowing between, source, length and other key details relating to it. If the key given by the UPSC is fulfilled the evaluator will give 5 out of 6 for one spot. Some one may give 5.5 also not 6 out of 6. Anyhow it is far better than other written answers, which will fetch you around 30-35 out of 60 marks. 

The medium of exam is not at all a problem, how do you present your paper, which will make the difference. 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


I am an engineering student, doing my second year in electronic instrumentation and control engineering. How to select an optional and mains papers

For the General Studies you can go through the site and follow the tips. As far as the selection of optional is concerned, you have to follow some basics. If the subjects are of your interest, you can read the subject without any problem ie continue the same tempo throughout the preparation. Then you have to see the subject, which had some relevance in your career, so that there is no problem in understanding. In case, it is not so, select the subject, which you feel would be easy for preparation. The last and final criterion is - do you have the access to proper and standard books/ guides for your preparation? 

Our advice to you in general, is that you can think of taking Geography as an optional. This will be easy for you because of your Science background. If you possess good writing skills, you can think of opting for some humanities subject like Psychology/Sociology/ Public Administration. For the Mains, you may think of opting for one of the Indian Literatures, if you are really good at that Literature. Hindi Literature is not doing well in comparison to other regional Languages.

Whatever the subject, you have to go through the detailed syllabus and the previous year question papers to decide the option. This will give a broad picture about the subject. If possible, you can interact with some successful students in the same subject.

But you are going to prepare, so apply your mind and decide on your own with the all inputs received from different quarters. 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir/Madam I am a B .Tech (I Year) student. I aspire to be an I.A.S officer. My question is that I have decided to take Geography as the preliminary subject & I am thinking of taking up Electrical as my second option. But the big question is that while I feel confident in Geography as I have been finding it quite easy, I am slightly hazy about  Electrical, as I am finding difficulty in applying the concepts in numericals. Time management is a big issue as I have huge course load.
-  Tippu

Time management is a big problem for most of the aspirants. In fact this problem persists with others also. You are very clear about your objective. Then 50% of the problem is already solved.

Your decision about the optionals are really perfect. Geography is a very good optional, safe and scoring also.

Regarding your own subject, Electrical Engineering, good to stick to it for the present. As you are in the first year, there is lot of time to think of other subject. What you have to do now is to study the subject well. Read the full syllabus and have the old question papers also. Sort out the questions of mains as per your college syllabus, so that you can prepare the subject side by side in the UPSC standard. This will make lots of difference ie Normal student's approach and Civil Services' aspirants approach. This will make you an expert in Electrical Engineering also.

You find Geography easy because you had already studied Geography in the school. But, you have never had an exposure to Electrical Engineering. In the process of learning, it will also become easy in due course. 

Regarding the General Studies preparation, you have to study the NCERT books again. As you are a Science student, you need not concentrate on Science. Geography is becoming another optional, so there is no need for GS preparation for Geography also. At present you have to concentrate on Polity, Economy, History. Current Affairs will develop automatically, if you keep abreast with latest national and international happenings. Read your tips and follow the same.

Regarding time management,. you have to target all holidays and vocations. Have a timetable for the whole day. One should make his/her own plan to follow it because they only know their positive and negative points. Don't be a bookworm always. Have time games and other entertainment also. These entertainments should be healthy. This should not be an obstacle to your objective. Have a good friends circle so that you can discuss various things. This age is really important, once you miss it, you will never get it back, but the same period of life is delicate, so "HANDLE WITH CARE" . So, one should have a judicious mixture of all the above. Morning hours are really very good for memorizing facts, for your brain is fresh after a good night's sleep. Still, if you find a problem to make a study Schedule, feel free to ask us. 


UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Respected Sir, I am doing my 3rd year engineering in electrical and electronics. Suggest me some optionals and their success ratio. I am planning to take up Electrical Engineering and Public Administration as my optionals.
- Meeran

The success ratio of Electrical Engineering is not good. There are 2 - 3 people only clear main exam out of 100 aspirants wrote with Engineering as an optional. So you have to revisit you decision.

Public Administration a good optional and its success ratio is about 1:12. Other optional, you can think of Geography. Its success ratio is about 1:10. In fact, you can go for Geography as a first optional. Other optional you can think is either psychology or Anthropology (being a science student, you will understand the subject well). The success ratio of Psychology is about 1:6 The success ratio of Anthropology is about 1:9. 

UPSC Exams-Optional Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir, Can you please tell me the success ratio of Geography, Sociology and which one is the best scoring subject among the two?
- Monica

The success ratio of Geography is about 1:10. The success ratio of sociology is 1:9. This success ratio also varies from year to year.
The scoring or not scoring is again subject for discussion. It depends purely on the individual's talent and capacity. In the mains there are about 1000 students appear with Geography and 500 students with Sociology


UPSC Exams-Reservation Issues-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


How can I ascertain my status for reservation under SC/ST/OBC categories?
- Manikandan 

You can find out from the National Commission for the Backward Classes website about your community, whether it come under OBC or not. Whether you come under the creamy layer or not also available. The URL is http://www.ncbc.nic.in/

UPSC Exams-Reservation Issues-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, What are the kind of relaxations and reservations for physically challenged persons in CSE.
- Akhil
In civil services, the seats are reserved for physically challenged candidates every year. It is also on rotation basis. They are also allotted to few services. It is also decided in advance. A physically challenged student also come through open competition without reservation. But  he/she will be given that specified service only. Physically challenged student get age relaxation also.
As you have asked, if there are two candidates only for three seats. Third seat will lapse or will be carried forward to next year. It depends on the rule of the particular service/cadre controlling authority



In practice, there is enough competition among the physically challenged students. 


Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Definition of Failure: “Failure is the only opportunity to begin the same work again with more intelligence…!

Tuesday 25 September 2012

UPSC Exams-Eligibility Issues-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir, I am studying B. Tech final year in ECE branch, my exams will be in April, am I eligible to write the exam
- Sweta 

You are eligible if you fulfilled the age criteria. But you have to submit your degree certificate/ provisional certificate before the main examination if you clear preliminary. The photocopy of a certificate has to attach with the main application. It is in the month of August. So, you have to get your provisional/ course completion certificate before main application. 

UPSC Exams-Eligibility Issues-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I m doing B.TECH 2nd year. I m handicapped having polio in right leg. Can I give IAS test?
- Mahesh Kumar


Yes. You can go for civil services exam. Normally, Students with little handicap used to get IAS. Some years there is some reservation also for handicap students. For Example, in 2006 there are few seats (IAS) reserved for handicaped students. The Reservation also given in rotation basis from one service to another. Normally Physically Challenged persons are not allowed in few technical services like IPS, IRTS. For other services, you are very much eligible. If you read the model notification you will get an answer for your question. 


UPSC Exams-Eligibility Issues-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling

Are there any quotas for the defence personnel appearing for the UPSC exams? 
-  Dhiraj Kumar


There is no quota for defence persons in UPSC exams. But they are given relaxation in the ex-service man category in maximum age limit. 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Hi Sir,I am working as a software engineer from last 5 years after completing my B.Tech. In Electronics Engineering First, Should I go for it because I am doing the job and can get 5-8 hours max a day for study? Second, which optionals should I go with? I have in mind Geography, Public Administration and Psychology.
- Venkatesh

It is really interesting that a person, even after working for 5 years coming forward for civil services.

The time of 5-8 hours or working days and 10-12 hours on holidays will be more than enough for an aspirant like you to succeed in the civil services. But we suggest you to go for one month leave before prelims and 2-3 months leave before mains, if you are serious about the exams.

As far as optionals are concerned, we suggest to Engineering graduates to go for Geography as a first option if they don't have any subject in their mind. A month other three optionals you can select either public Administration or Psychology you should select the optional based on your interest and availability of other resources. As per the UPSC record, psychology is better performing subject than public Administration. 

UPSC Exams-Eligibilty Issues-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Respected Sir,I have secured 2nd division marks in my 10th examination 48%. Am I eligible for CSE or not. Is it necessary to take coaching for preparation?
- Deb Burman

You are eligible to write civil services. As per the eligibility criteria prescribed by the UPSC, one should possess a degree, which should be UGC recognised. So your degree must be a recognised by UGC. The UPSC examiner, who will evaluate your main paper never, will come to know about your degree and divisions.

As far as Coaching is concerned it depends upon the individual's decision. After selecting the optional, first go through the questions, which will give an idea. Follow the strategy given by us in the Book. This will give an idea where do you stand? Then find out the way to improve yourself. If you have more doubt, then you are welcome 

UPSC Exams-Reservation Issues-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir,I have done my BE and am presently with the Navy. Other than the SC/SC/OBC age relaxations, are there any specific age relaxations for defence personnel as well? Or is it 30yrs only?
- Vijay Kumar 

Defence Services Personels get 5 Year relaxation in all categories as ex-service person in addition to his/her community relaxation. If you read the model notification you will get an idea. 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I am doing BA with subjects Education, English, and political Science, Can I appear in CSE with education as optional, is there enough study material available for this subject, is it scoring? How is English as optional ? What other subject in your opinion is good for me?
- Khadri Syed

There is no optional subject called education in the UPSC syllabus. The syllabus prescribed by the UPSC is available in the Book. First go through it. At BA level, we don't advise you to go for English. The questions are masters’ level, we suggest you go for Political science as one of the optionals second optional may be Psychology/Sociology one of the listed Indian literature if you are really good at it

We also suggest you to go through the detailed syllabus and previous years questions and decide about the second optional you should select the subject, which is interesting to you so that you can study the subject without any hindrance. You may not lose the tempo of preparation also. 

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day


Why we need A close Friend When we have so many Friend…?
A great Write said, “There are so many hases in the Air, But we need only Oxygen to Live”…

Free Essays for Competitive Exams- Renewable Energy an Important Source


 Renewable Energy an Important Source

Electricity is one of the prime requirements for any country to develop. Without it, infrastructural bottlenecks accentuate, causing hurdles in growth across the board. Industries, Agriculture, services and in fact every walk of life need electricity to move forward. With this in view, India has been making all efforts to generate as much electricity as possible from different sources. These include Hydro, thermal, nuclear and even non conventional sources like solar and wind energy.
            The country is facing acute power shortage and its per capita consumption is one of the lowest. 75 % of the electricity is generated by burning coal and natural gas. If we continue to bank on our coal reserves so heavily these are estimated to last just for another 40 years. Besides, burning of coal raises environmental issues which should be avoided to the extent we can. Twin challenges of power and clean environment have to be met squarely.
It is in this backdrop that the government of India has made energy generation through non-conventional sources one of its top priorities. Creation of a separate Ministry of new and renewable energy is a testimony to this effort.  Because of these efforts generation from renewable sources of energy has trebled since 2005 from 5 to 15 GW. By 2022 it should reach 40 GW. According to an estimate, Potential of power generation through renewable sources of energy in the country is 150 GW. A lot more needs to be done therefore.
As of now, electricity generation from renewable sources of energy is only 3.5%. It is likely to increase to 10% by 2022.
 Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, launched on the 11th January, 2010 by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is a major initiative in the field of giving a boost to utilisation of non-conventional sources of energy. The Mission has set the ambitious target of deploying 20,000 MW of grid connected solar power by 2022 . It is aimed at reducing the cost of solar power generation in the country through long term policy; large scale deployment goals; aggressive R&D; and domestic production of critical raw materials, components and products. The  Mission will create an enabling policy framework to achieve this objective and make India a global leader in solar energy.
The 11th Five Year Plan witnessed an impressive progress in research and development and deployment in renewable energy sector. Ministry of new and renewable energy has sponsored 169 R&D projects in the area of solar energy, bio-energy and hydrogen and fuel cells with a total outlay of about Rs.525 crore. Renewables contributed to nearly 14,660 MW power during the 11th Plan and they will become more important in future.
The Ministry is providing subsidy of 30% of the benchmark cost  of the solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems. It is also providing subsidy  for installing solar lanterns, home lights and small capacity PV plants through NABARD, Regional Rural Banks and other Commercial Banks.  Banks also extend credit facility to the beneficiaries at usual commercial rates to meet the rest of the cost. Upto 31st March, 2012 over nine lakh five thousand  solar lanterns,  eight lakh sixty two thousand  solar home lights and about eight thousand  solar water pumping systems have been installed in the country. During 2011-12, the  Ministry sanctioned a project for installation of standalone SPV power plants aggregating to 8740 kWp capacity in 4115 schools and 9 examination centers. During the current financial year a project for installation of 560 SPV water pumping systems in six districts of Bihar has been sanctioned. A Plan has also been prepared for increased exploitation of various renewable energy sources in the country during the 12th Plan .
The 12th Plan proposals envisage 29,800 MW grid-interactive and 3267 MW off-grid power generation capacity addition from various renewable energy sources and deployment of 7 lakh biogas plants, 35 lakh cook stoves, 8.5 lakh solar cookers and 80.5 lakh solar thermal energy systems in the country . Twenty  million solar lighting systems and 20 million sq. solar thermal collector area is envisaged by 2022.
Efforts are also on to promote wind power through private sector investment by providing fiscal and promotional incentives such as concessional import duty on certain components of wind electric generators and  excise duty exemption to manufacturers. 10 years tax holiday on income generated from wind power projects is also available.  Besides, loans for installing windmills are available from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and other Financial Institutions. Technical support  is provided by the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai.  The Government had announced a Generation Based Incentive (GBI) during 11th Plan period. Efforts are being made to continue the GBI scheme in 12th Plan.
National Tariff Policy was amended mandating State discoms to have a solar RPO of 0.25% by 2013reaching  3% by 2022. The Government has already implemented a scheme to procure 1000 MW of solar power and supplying it to State discoms after bundling with equivalent capacity of thermal power.
Even generation of power from garbage and municipal solid waste is also being given due attention. The 16 megawatt project installed at Okhla in New Delhi is the only such project in operation in the country. The project, commissioned in May this year, has so far generated about 24 million units (kWh) of electricity. Projects on energy from municipal solid wastes (MSW) are being taken up by the Municipal Corporations in public private partnership mode by tying up with selected private companies.
The need to  tap new and renewable sources of energy to meet energy requirements of the country and protect the environment from greenhouse gases can hardly be overemphasised. Fortunately, there is abundance of solar energy available in most parts of the country. Ladakh, for instance has bright sunshine for 300 out of 360 days a year. No wonder it is one of the focus areas of the ministry in exploiting solar energy. What matters is to tap it for electricity generation or for other useful purposes. To make it affordable and cost effective, sincere efforts have to be made and suitable policies formulated. A total of around 1000 MW capacity solar power plants have been installed in the country in last two years and if this trend continues, the country will indeed achieve the target of 20000 MW by 2022. Alongside, due attention has to be paid to provide quality product and service  to develop confidence among  the users.

Monday 24 September 2012

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir,In the CSE main exam, on completion of each answer next answer has to be commenced on next page if by over sight this is not adhered to will it be penalized by deducting marks-
- Shankar Chaudhury

There are no such rules and regulations. In the main exam, students are asked to use a separate page for new question because of some technical reasons. I.e. one has to a fill the page number of a every new question in the first page. The first page with the page details sent to the examiner /evaluator. If the new question is answered in a separate page, it will be easy for the evaluator also to award marks properly. The examiner may make some comments inside the paper. But marks are given in the first page only. If you write two questions in one page, it may create some confusion. But the evaluator, normally doesn't deduct/penalise marks for this over sight 

UPSC Exams-Subject Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Respected Sir, I am a graduate with B.Sc degree and subjects Psychology ,Botany and Zoology. I am planning for moving to Delhi for IAS preparations. Can we choose subjects other than what we had at graduation level. what should be the criterion for choosing the subjects? Also is it more important to finish with your PG before preparing for IAS or even graduates like me can go ahead.
- Babita  Goel

You can select any two subjects from the UPSC's listed optional subjects. This need not be of the subject, which you have studied in the college. Preparation from Delhi will be definitely advantageous for the students, compared to those preparing from remote areas.

There is no basic criteria in the selection, but there are some combinations, which are not allowed. You can not take those two subjects together. The list available in the blog ( notification issued by UPSC for 2012 Exams) .

Though there is no criteria given by the UPSC, students normally prefer to opt for few optionals. You can also keep these points in mind before the selection.
1. May opt for the subjects , which are interesting to you. So that you don't get bored of this year long preparation.

2. Informally people call some subject as popular and some are specialised and some are least popular. The popular subjects are opted by the candidate from any stream. These are like History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology etc. Technical or specialised subjects are Medicine, All branches Engineering, Veterinary Sciences, and Agriculture etc. There are subjects, which are not preferred by majority of the candidates.

3. You should also see that both the optional exams are not held back to back. Normally, the examination schedule drawn based on the number of candidates. Highest number will be held first followed by the next like that.

4. See the books and material availability. You can also see, if there is need for any coaching. If at all you need a coaching, will you get the good coaching centre and the teaching as well?

There are many Coaching Institutes run English medium coaching only. As we don’t have any details about the success percentage/ dossiers of the various Institutes, we are not in a position to recommend any Coaching Institute to you