By Mashum Mollah
A nation as massive as India, both in geographical and population aspects, is bound to have development issues. But it is the same story for all developing nations. Despite these issues, the central as well as state governments, are working in unison to raise the position of India in every possible way.
The teeming millions are competing daily to get their hands on the necessary facilities. One problem that the government has not been able to solve is that of unemployment.
The central and state government has several departments, and they recruit eligible Indians to fill the vacancies. The private sector companies are also churning out lakhs of jobs every year. Unfortunately, these figures are far from meeting the requirements.
Every educated person desires to bag a career in the government sector. Apart from the good pay, the job offers them the security that is not available in the private sector. From the very top level of the bureaucratic office to the Group D staff, every government employee has to prove that he/she deserves the position.
Youngsters who desire to crack any government job, will have to prepare for a written examination. After passing the written exam, they will have to appear for a personal interview session. If all goes well in this interview session, the candidate will be selected.
Indian Administrative Service: The Crowning Jewel:
The IAS officers are placed at the head of the Indian bureaucratic system. Indian Administrative Service is popularly known as the IAS, and enthusiasts will have to work very hard to crack this examination.
Bhartiya Prashashanik Seva, which is the IAS in full form in Hindi, is one of the most prestigious jobs that one can attain. The smooth operation of the framework of the government depends on the shoulders of these people.
The IAS examination takes place every year, and Indian citizens who fulfill the eligibility requirements will be able to fill out the form and sit for the test. The written examination comprises preliminary and main levels.
A candidate who passes both these hurdles will have to impress the selection committee in a personal interview round. After passing this, the candidate will get the appointment letter, and then his/her training will start.
Guideline For Cracking The IAS Examination:
As mentioned, IAS enthusiasts must prepare themselves mentally and physically for the arduous journey that lies ahead. There will be a time when frustration will get the better of them.
However, the candidates must have the conviction to bounce back and work extra hard to prepare for the upcoming examination. Apart from mental agility, they must ensure that they are physically fit to endure the stress and hectic study schedules. Students often enroll in training centers that help with the preparation.
But the ultimate hard work must be done by the candidates. Here are some tips which will make the journey a tad bit easier:
Understand The syllabus first
The first step towards preparing for the IAS is to understand the syllabus thoroughly. This means, you have to get yourself familiarized with every topic as well as related sub-topics. If you know what are the things you have to cover, then you will be able to plan it effectively.
Read through the syllabus and then divide it into two halves. One which you will be able to manage easily and the part that would get you overwhelmed. Identify the topics, that have come in previous exams.
Plan for proper preparation
The IAS examination has a massive syllabus, and there is no scope for selective studying. It is impossible for any candidate to complete the entire curriculum without proper planning. Time management is of the essence.
Calculate the time you have and divide it equally for every module. Sticking to the time chart is very important. Make sure that you have enough time to rectify your mistakes and revise.
Choose an optional carefully
The optional subjects hold 500 marks in the exam, and you have to choose the optional subjects very carefully. Think about the pros and cons of a subject that you are thinking of. Some of the factors that you should keep in mind while choosing the optional subject are:
- Whether you are interested in the subject
- If you have any kind of previous knowledge about the subject or some academic background
- Whether it will overlap with general subjects
- If there is scope for coaching
- If there are study materials available
Pick one subject at a time
Trying to read up too much will only be a waste of time. Experts and IAS toppers suggest that it is best to tackle one subject at a time. If you are strong in English, then leave it for last. Preparing tough topics in advance will give students an edge. It offers you ample time for revision in the future.
Before the examination, you will be able to finish the entire syllabus if you stick to the one-subject-at-a-time plan. Apart from this, make it a point to read the newspaper daily. It will help you with current affairs preparation to a great extent.
Selection of study materials
Ample books and study materials are available in the market. These books are rather expensive, and be very careful before you make the final purchase. Some books are better than others. For concrete exam prep, purchase the best guidebooks for every subject.
Make effective notes
Creating your own notes is one of the biggest parts of preparing for IAS. When you write down the notes, you understand the material better. Also try to maintain these in your notes.
- Make headings and bullet points.
- Always highlight the information so that you can find it later.
- Use different colors for different topics.
- Make a summary for every chapter.
- Just focus on the materials and avoid writing big texts.
- Use charts, tables, or diagrams.
- Make time every week to get through these notes.
- Always review your notes to make sure you have not missed out on anything.
Practice answer writing
The main papers in IAS are descriptive, and they mostly test your critical, analytical, and communicative abilities. It checks whether you have conceptual clarity on the subject what are your views about it, and how you think.
Also, you have to consider the space and time constraints of the answer sheet. So, you have to answer the questions effectively and quickly in minimum words, and you will never achieve that if you do not practice writing the answers down.
Stay updated with current affairs
You have to be updated with current affairs for IAS preparation. Daily practice helps you relate the recent events with the questions and syllabus. Here are some of the things that you can try to stay updated with the current affairs:
- Read newspapers: Read newspapers regularly. Make it a habit and this is going to help you immensely. You will be updated with the important events happening in your country and all over the world.
- Have online resources: Apps and websites also provide current affairs, and also summarize those for your help. Moreover, look for those platforms that come up with analysis and quizzes.
- Make notes: Keep the notes concise about current affairs. This will help you revise quickly before the exams.
Mock tests
Another way to test your preparation is by taking as many mock tests as possible. If you have enrolled in an IAS preparatory institute, then they will arrange these tests accordingly. Mock examination papers are also available in the market. Taking these mock tests will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Consequently, you can work on your preparation and leave no room for errors.
Join a coaching
Enrolling in an institute might be a game-changer for you. A good coaching institute can guide you better and the faculty would be able to navigate you through the vast syllabus. Here are some of the benefits that you will get from enjoying a coaching center:
- Expert guidance: They have experienced teachers to clear your doubts and give you insights on exam patterns.
- Comprehensive study material: The institutes will give you well-researched notes covering the entire syllabus.
- Regular mock tests: They take regular tests, which will help you with the preparation and improve your time management skills.
Revise Regularly
Revision is one of the main parts of the study. It will remind you of what you have learned. After you are done with the subject, get back to it and revise everything. Here are some of the best ways to revise.
- Set a revision schedule: Keep some time to revise every week and review what you have studied.
- Use flashcards: Have some flashcards for the important topics and that would make the revision easier.
- Summarize topics: Make summaries for every topic, and that would help you understand.
Take breaks for relaxation
Acquiring satisfactory results comes with a price. But burying your head in books all the time is not a wise decision. If you try to take in too much, then after some days, your brain will be fatigued and automatically shut down. The best way to keep your mind fresh is to take small breaks at regular intervals.
Don’t give up your hobbies completely. Just put some time restraint until the examination is over. Listening to soft music will also help in relaxing your mind. It will increase the overall retention capacity of your brain.
Start Preparing
IAS is a tough examination, and not many succeed in cracking it on the very first attempt. Appearing for the examination will give you a realistic feel. In case you don’t pass the preliminary written exam the first time, don’t lose heart. Take some days off and start your preparation for the next IAS recruitment assessments.
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