Internet
has been full of articles which deal with the practical aspects of the exam.
But the reality is that basic and underlying facets of the exam has been seldom
discussed, leaving beginners bewildered. Hence this article.
Timeline
of an IAS aspirant is usually on these lines.
Initial
perception about the exam -> Begin on wrong lane-> go astray-> meet
failure( lose attempts) ->gain experience ->introspect -> become conscious
of realities -> clear the exam or go elsewhere .
Hence all
beginners have this question how to
begin. Based on my experience, i would like to give following advice to
beginners.
Firstly
buy the syllabus copy. Study it and understand the exam. After doing all these you
come to know all about the examination, the subjects, the nature of questions
and of course what you have to study. This way you take the first step in the
direction of preparation which is very significant.
While choosing the optional, u ll have to understand that any subject in itself is not scoring. It is
the student who makes any subject scoring. If the same answer written by two or
more students, one may get more marks than others due to systematic
presentation and writing answer strictly according to question. If you present
general view of the analytical questions then definitely you will not get good
marks. Ask yourself the question as to
whether the subject interests u, does it help in GS paper, does both optional
papers have common syllabus, are u familiar with the subject.
Study the
previous years questions and essence of preparation is to practice writing
answers. Get it evaluated frm ur seniors or teachers.
Preparation does not mean attending coaching classes,
studying large amount of studying materials and finishing the syllabus. It has
to be ‘meaningful’ preparation.
Image credit- sujatha.
