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.