Home > Admission > FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
- Which books should I read?
- How much of newspapers and magazines should I read?
- When are the Prelims exams held? What is the purpose of the Prelims?
- Where are the exams held?
- Which optional subject should I choose?
- How much importance does General Studies have in an overall score?
Which books should I read?
Civil services are perhaps the toughest exams conducted in India. The key to reading is quality and not quantity.
While reading keep in mind the syllabus. However, the syllabus for both Prelims and Mains is very broad and vague. It does not give you an idea of the type of questions you can be actually asked. Therefore it is mandatory to keep an eye on the type of questions that are to be expected. Previous years' question papers, and other sample papers are a must. For Geography, refer to our suggested book list.
How much of newspapers and magazines should I read?
Read as much and as many newspapers and magazines as you can. It will help you with preparations for General Studies, and will help you in the interview stage also. However, keep a balance between the time you spend on your optional and selected papers.
Read the daily headlines. Keep track of new laws and amendments to the Constitution. Keep abreast with the newsmakers in sports and politics. Read editorials regularly and concentrate on your Optional(s). The Hindu is the best newspaper. Read it if it is available in your city or town or village. If you have time in your hand, read Frontline.
Monthly magazines with a roundup of the monthly events can act as a fine supplement for daily newspapers.
When are the Prelims exams held? What is the purpose of the Prelims?
Prelims are usually held by mid of May, however, with introduction of CSAT it is being conducted in June this year.
Prelims are basically screening test. Its marks are not added in the final test. This objective test has two papers:
- Paper I – GS 200 marks
- Paper II – CSAT 200 marks
There is the continuation of negative marking for wrong answer.
Where are the exams held?
The Prelims exam is held in a large number of important towns and cities across India. The actual list of cities are published along with the notification every year, but you will know your actual center (school, college, etc) only in your admit card.
The Mains exam is held at fewer places, in the bigger cities. The list of centers is posted to you along with other relevant documents once you clear the Preliminary stage.
Which optional subject should I choose?
Many students opt for the scoring subjects. But before you choose a subject, keep in mind your interest and aptitude for the subject. Do not choose an entirely new subject in which you will have to work very hard.
If you prepare the optional well for the Prelims and you choose the same subject in the Mains, it will prove to be useful and also save a lot of labour and time.
How much importance does General Studies have in an overall score?
General Studies is important constituent for all the three levels. Though at Prelims it is just qualifying in nature, in the subsequent stages, that are, Main and Interview it has significant role.
The preparation of General Studies should thus be consistent.
Have questions that are not answered here? |
Post your queries to Neetu Singh, Director, DirectionIAS, who will reply personally.
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