Eleven thousand candidates were selected by the UPSC, out of five hundred thousand candidates who wrote the preliminary examination for the civil services main examination. The score in the main exam will be added with the score in the interview for the appointment of 782 candidates to various services including the coveted IAS, IFS, IPS and the IRS. The main examination commences on September 28.
The pattern of main examination is descriptive answers. Both the language papers, the Indian language and the English language, are qualifying in nature. But candidates have failed to score the minimum marks of 75 out of 300, because of which their seven other papers were not taken up for valuation. Candidates must pay attention to the native language.
A candidate’s ultimate success depends on the score in seven papers of main exam — the general essay, four general studies papers and two optional papers, all amounting to 1,750 marks. The general essay carries 250 marks. There are two essays, one essay to be selected from each of the two sections, each essay to be answered in 1,000 to 1,200 words. Three hours should be divided equally between the two essays. Taking two hours for the first essay and then rushing through the second could be risky. The word limit is meant for a thoughtful comprehensive essay. A candidate has to spend some time to decide on the choice question he is more comfortable with. Spend 15 minutes to choose the question, organise the replies and then to write. The essay shall have an introduction, body and the conclusion.
The four papers of GS comprise ten 10-mark questions, to be answered in 150 words or 15-mark questionsto be answered in 250 words. It can also be 12.5 marks questions to be answered in 200 words or a combination of all. There is no choice. As a matter of strategy, a candidate may spend a little longer on the questions he or she is sure of. But it is unwise to lavish time on such questions beyond the required word limit. Plan your time to attempt all questions, for there is no negative making. A candidate is likely to panic when he or she is running short of time. Time management is the key.
Current is relevant
The affairs of the state that were reported and debated recently, and those which have relevance are likely to appear in the GS papers. In economics, for example, the economic and social consequences of demonetisation and GST are the most likely questions. From the constitution and law, the appropriateness of the death penalty for the offence of rape of children below 12 years of age, is the most likely question. Salient features of the Constitution (the one hundred and first amendment) was a question which appeared last year because it was current and had significance.
As questions can be asked from any sphere, you must be familiar with the syllabus, the topics and the subtopics. What pays is taking down notes as you read under appropriate topic head, and frequently revisit them. Ultimately, you have to improvise these notes according to the nature of the question.
Read the question a few times to get the clarity as to what the task is. It might be any of these; to discuss, explain, analyse, critically examine, evaluate, and so on. Each is different from the other. If you miss the catch word, you might miss the correct answer. The correct approach in the GS should be multi-dimensional answers; highlighting the social, economic, and political aspects along with your view point. But in the optional papers, an expert’s approach is ideal. In the ethics case studies, you can give personal examples keeping in mind the constitution, the law, and the conduct rules.
In the era of touch screens, it is obvious that handwriting skills are at a premium. If the handwriting is illegible, it might affect your chances of good score even if the answers are well-written. It is therefore, imperative, that you practice handwriting skills, which can be combined with essay writing practice or the test series of the coaching centre.
The author is Additional Director General of Police, Railways, Tamil Nadu. www.sylendrababu.com
