Civil Services Exam-History Tips and Strategy updated- Part 6
Above is the analysis of past papers from 2001
onwards. 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.
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 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 few mains UPSC has kept surprising (or
shocking) the candidates by changing the question format in all the optionals.
Instead of 60 marks question, they divided it into two questions of 30 marks,
or three questions of 20 marks each. 2012 the patter was short notes for 12
marks each and long questions divided in 30-30 format. Candidates have to write
one extra short note than earlier now.
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)
In modern India
Overall we can see that they are targeting peripheral
areas in the history, which are hitherto not asked. For e.g
Caurapancashika and Jain styles of paintings (12, 2012)
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.
Since changing pattern has become pattern of UPSC
now, if they do not change it that will be a surprise hereafter. So be mentally
ready for the changes.
*****
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