Category: How to Prepare

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Methodology for improving Answer Writing Skill

  • by IAS Score

Every student while preparing for IAS Mains concentrate on improving Answer writing skill by either practicing previous year questions, sample questions available through different sources but usually they come to get feedback such as:

• Improve articulation of the answer
• Place examples to justify the point, etc.
• Enrich the answer

So what does that depict…what is the correct methodology for developing the answer…

a) Develop right perspective:

The content of the answer solely do not determine the marks. Many a time a student have better knowledge with respect to others but fail to get good marks. Here the role of right perspective comes. The questions in the mains paper are not direct. They check the analytical skill, perspective of the candidate. Right perspective depicts seeing the question in right framework, right dimensions.

For example:

Ques: The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss.

The question is related to challenges in higher education, but while writing an answer student has to depict right perspective i.e. those challenges should be placed in the answers which are related to dismal rankings of the institute. How entry of foreign education institutes would help in improving the quality. In this both the pros and cons of that should be discussed.

Many a times candidate answer the complete question based on one dimension and failed to anlayse the correct perspective asked in that.

b) Articulation:

The flow of the answer should be proper i.e. there should be connection while moving from one point to other, with proper introduction and conclusion.

For example:

The answer should clearly depict the division of:

Introduction: In GS question it should be of maximum 2 lines as increasing its length may reduce the main body content due to strict word limit guideline. The introduction may be inform of definition, fact, etc.

Main Body: Thus should depict the different dimensions asked in the question. If the answer is related to Pros and cons or similar to that, it should be written in point format. This will increase the visibility of different dimensions covered and candidate will be able to stick to word limit.
In the answer related to critical analysis paragraphs should be placed under each dimension with proper justification.

Conclusion: It should depict the crux of the answer as well as the way forward.

c) Place examples:

Concrete examples should be placed to justify the point. The examples should be based on some case study, governance, etc. A student should avoid writing examples that are related to some religion, caste or culture.

d) Enrich the answer:

As the questions are quite analytical in nature, the answer should incorporate multi-dimensions. Placing different dimensions requires proper understanding of the question as well as good active reading skill through which a student may be able to jot down good points from the article, report and place that at Right time at Right place.

Hereby discussing different sources which can help a student in enriching the answer:

• NITI Aayog Reports: The reports are available on different topics as health, nutrition, manufacturing industry, agriculture. The report discusses the issues related to different sectors but the recommendations are relevant and can be placed directly in the answers.

• PRS reports: There are few latest PRS reports on agriculture, police reforms as well as some standing committee reports on defence. The reports compile the issues alongwith concrete examples and recommendations. In few reports it provides summary of different committees formed in that sector earlier (as in case of police reforms).

• PIB: The reference material provided in the website can help in enriching the answer under the “Features” and “Backgrounder” column.

• Monthly magazines: The monthly magazines such as Yojana, Kurukshetra, Outlook, etc may provide better analysis of the particular topic. However, a candidate should be able to look out for chapters useful for Civil Services rather than reading complete magazine.

Hope this article will prove to be helpful for the aspirants in improving their answer writing skill.

MAYURI KHANNA

Manoj K. Jha

What is Integrity and why it is so Important for Civil Servants?

  • by Manoj K. Jha

Integrity is a personal choice, an uncompromising and consistent commitment to honour moral, ethical, spiritual and artistic values and principles. Integrity compels us to be socially conscious and to welcome both personal and professional responsibility. Its values encourage us to be honest in all our dealings and committed to a lifelong search for truth and justice.

Integrity requires a self discipline and will power capable of resisting the temptation. Its priceless reward is peace of mind and true dignity. There’s one proviso, no one can guarantee that his or her particular version of integrity is actually sound and true, and not misguided.

It is a fact that we are not born with integrity. How well it is ingrained into our character depends upon the healthy development of certain key personality traits, especially during the critical stages of early childhood. How well we maintain personal integrity once it develops depends thereafter on the strength of our values and the moral choice we make.

Public service is a ‘vocation’ and only on this foundation upon which a moral and responsible government can be based. The civil servants need to be people of absolute integrity because only then they can take the civil service as a ‘vocation’. It strengthens the sense of mission which a civil servant is supposed to undertake to serve the public; perform duties and fulfill obligations. A similar doctrine of vocation was enunciated several thousand years ago by Lord Krishna in Bhagwad Gita (chapter III, verse20). It has been mentioned there, that ”Securing” universal welfare by one’s action is the ultimate measure of a human being but more so of those who hold the public office”.

Civil servants have to set out highest standards of integrity and morality. This requires self sacrifice a concept that rises above individualism and ‘hedonism’ to create an environment of public duty among the civil servants. An exemplary civil servant is not simply one who obeys the laws and behaves within the confines of law but is also one who strives for a moral government.

Integrity requires in a civil servant to incorporate the values of honesty, sympathy empathy, compassion, fairness, self control and duty so that a civil servant will be able to uphold high personal and professional standards in all circumstances. ‘Honesty’ requires ‘truthfulness’, freedom from deception and fraud, fair and straight forward conduct. Sympathy enables a person to be deeply affected and concerned about the well beings of others, to imagine their suffering and be moved by their experience of others especially people who need assistance compassion is a form of spirituality, a way of living and walking through life.

‘Civil Service Conduct Rules’ recommends ‘absolute integrity’ for civil servants, whether they are IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS etc. Also every civil servant is supposed to take all possible steps to ensure the integrity of all government servants for the time being under his/her control and not only be honest but should also have the reputation of being so. Integrity has been considerably widened by declaring that a civil servant must keep himself within bounds of administrative decency. Breach of trust is termed as lack of integrity and the apex court has ruled that in such matter the civil servant should be removed from service. Possession of disproportionate assets, even temporary defalcation of public money is termed as lack of integrity. Honesty and faithful discharge of duty, promptness and courtesy, observance of government policies, general good conduct strengthen ‘integrity’ in civil services.

Manoj K. Jha

Perception and Reality of Ethics GS Paper 4

  • by Manoj K. Jha

Is there any trend of IAS exam to follow at all? Yes…No… Don’t know…! Often IAS aspirant design their strategies based on certain reliable trends of this exam.  This includes from selecting an optional subject to giving importance to certain areas of GS Mains depending upon such hollowly created trends. Aspirants often underline the areas from which marks can be easily fetched. But is there any worth following such marking pattern of 2015 mains exam? For example; following slaughtering of Public administration from the last 3 years, many candidates moved in the sheds of safer subjects. Geography was supposed to be one such safe womb till marks of 2015 mains were out.  Again query remains unchanged- ‘is there any safe haven to fetch marks’?

No. A big no! Lets churn out another scenario; Scope of Ethics paper.

Continue reading “Perception and Reality of Ethics GS Paper 4”

Manoj K. Jha

Why taming current affairs is still tough despite all the resources and ideas available at fingers?

  • by Manoj K. Jha

Current Affairs for GS is an area which is by far the most important aspect of the GS paper and also perhaps the most difficult area to master. Important, because most of the questions whether they are in the prelims or the mains draw their inspiration from what is happening in the current affairs, and difficult because of its vastness and difficulty in identifying what is important and what is not.

Making Sense of Current Affairs !

Why taming current affairs is still tough despite all the resources and ideas available at fingers?

Current Affairs for GS is an area which is by far the most important aspect of the GS paper and also perhaps the most difficult area to master. Important, because most of the questions whether they are in the prelims or the mains draw their inspiration from what is happening in the current affairs, and difficult because of its vastness and difficulty in identifying what is important and what is not.

Most candidates have been found to be complaining that they have not been able to either recall or reproduce whatever they have studied in the current affairs in the sense that the factual part which is useful in the prelims cannot be recalled sometime and the analytical part which is useful in the mains cannot be related and incorporated in the descriptive answers, especially when demand is of interdisciplinary approach. However, the factual versus conceptual demand for GS is now an outdated story. Key concepts are paramount. Thus, preparing contemporary issues and developing interdisciplinary approach is the last resort to give you best hope to qualify main examination.

For example consider last two years GS mains exam paper, especially GS Paper 2 and 3.

• With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Company’s Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications.

(The question is related to the Companies Act, 2013 promulgated by GOI)

• Discuss the rationale for introducing Good and Services Tax in India. Bring out critically the reasons for delay in roll out for its regime.

    (The question is related to the controversy on GST between Centre and State and recently Standing Committee Report on this issue came up)

• Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.

  (This was related to the recent collaboration between India and Germany on energy corridor)

• What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining sector.

(This was related to recent mining scams and land acquisition issues)

• Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.

(This was related to Aadhar and UIDAI implemented by GOI)

• ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.

(This is related to Lokpal Act promulgated by GOI)

• Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences have come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.

(This is related to recent Supreme Court verdicts on pardoning power of the President)

• Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.

(This is related to recent controversy between Adhaar Card and NPR and verdict of Supreme Court on Adhaar Card)

• Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.

(This is related to the recent remarkable rise in judicial activism and its achievements in handling corruption in India)

• Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-a-vis industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base?

(This is related to the recent launch of Make in India initiative with an aim to boost India`s   manufacturing sector).

• Foreign direct investment in the defence sector is now said to be liberalized. What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?

(This is related to the recent ease in FDI cap in defence manufacturing sector by GOI)

The above questions clearly show that contemporary issues form the pillar of the IAS preparation.

People have been suggesting several strategies to prepare for current affairs but very few have really decoded the challenge. Those who manage to do so, are success stories now. Though every person may have his own way to deal with the challenge, yet by far all the successful candidates concur on certain important aspects.

Firstly, the preparation of the current affairs is not a separate activity carried out in isolation with other topics, rather; the concepts in all other areas together contribute both to the understanding and the relevance of whatever we study in current affairs.

Secondly, the study of current affairs has to be essentially based on those issues which are of contemporary importance nationally as well as internationally. This is by far the most important aspect of studying current affairs. This alone shall ensure that, whatever is studied is not only methodically arranged in the mind but is also logically reproduced in the exam. By adopting this approach, a student can even create his personal notes extensively, replete with references for current happenings on all the major issues of the time. However, this approach is best carried out only when a student is thorough with all the concepts across the various disciplines and is in a position to identify the areas where these concepts overlap and contribute to enrich the overall understanding. Once this happens, the student automatically develops the ability of identifying issues and sub-issues within the issues which on the one hand reduces the vastness of studying current affairs and on the other makes the study more methodical, enriched and easily reproducible, as now he can easily relate facts and events to issues and quote them at appropriate places.

Despite all this, a student will find that there are still some questions both in the prelims as well as in the mains examination which he does not know anything about. First of all, one must never get discouraged by such questions as no matter how well you study there will always be some areas which will remain unchartered. Even the toppers do not write answers to all the questions.

The important point is to minimize rather than eliminate the number of questions you do not know because that is what makes the difference in a competitive examination. Further, whatever you write must write well i.e. to say that whatever answers you write, you must try to make sure that you have given it the widest and most lucid treatment, within the boundaries of what is being asked in the question. Even in the preliminary exam the demand for current affairs and contemporary issues are at the higher end.

Lastly, every serious candidate must try to develop a healthy group among his peers, where he can discuss the various issues he has read and studied about. Such group discussions not only help in fine-tuning the understanding as various ideas come to forth for analysis but also allows for introduction to newer facts and perspectives along with a revision of already developed concepts and knowledge bytes.

Make a deliberate attempt to try these techniques and you will surely find definite improvement.

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Economic Analysis of Time Management for UPSC

  • by IAS Score

The essence of economics is resource management, so we will analyze the most important resource for civil services aspirant, i.e. Time, by using some macroeconomic tools.

Well you have given time and there can be two choices, between studying concepts and between studying facts, while for good preparation, both are equally important, neither we can write vaguely without facts, nor we can state facts only, as they would be like unconnected dots in absence of concepts.

The resource constraint here is time devoted to study, and we assume students produce two aspects to their preparation; one is understanding of concepts and second is memorizing facts. Now it would be the resource allocation to production of each which will determine, marks

Case I: Choice between concepts and facts (knowledge of both is necessary to score well)

Concept of Production Possibility Frontier (PPF)

PPF is also a similar study at national level, where given the resource constraint, economy undertakes production of two types of goods, capital goods (for future investment and producing other goods) and consumption goods, which are consumed and doesn’t lead to production of other goods, for example, Rice, cloths, etc. However, the similar good rice, when sold as seed, would be capital good, because it will be invested for future production. There can be no economic growth without investment; similarly people need to consume, in order to survive. Thus, society needs both in order to survive and grow.

PPF is also called PPC (Production Possibility Curve), reflects the different combinations of two Goods (generally capital good and consumption good, when considering PPF for national economy). It shows the maximum attainable amount of one Good, given the level of other good

It is concave to the origin, due to opportunity cost and efficiency in resource use. Which means, not all resources are efficient in production of either goods; some may be good farmers, while some may be good factory workers, and some managers. Thus, devoting all resources to say, agriculture will reduce their efficiency. And any shift of resources from here to other sector, say manufacturing, would increase efficiency of both sector. As people who were not producing much in agriculture as they were good in other activities are now freed up and are utilized to some other work, where they can work better. This concept is also called Opportunity Cost (will be discussed in detail in some later entry)

The similar extension can be applied to our topic of choice between facts and concepts would be; if we devote some time from understanding concepts whole day, to memorizing facts, the preparation would become more efficient, as reading similar things is boring and can decrease the efficiency of the time devoted and a step in opposite direction would increase it. Thus, allocation of some time from one activity to other will improve efficiency of both when moving from single activity focus.

The concept is further explained through the following figures 1 to 3:
Figure 1

overview- PPF

Figure 2

PPf - explained

Figure 3
Economic Growth
Case I: Choice between concepts and facts (knowledge of both is necessary to score well)

Analysis with help of Production Possibility Frontier

In case II, later we will see, how to make a choice between leisure and work, for now, let’s assume we have found our equilibrium, i.e., we know our time devoted to study, and say it comes to around 8 hours. Now how do we utilize those 8 hours.

This we will analyze through production Possibility Frontier concept. We are producing 2 products from our resource (time) that are learning concepts (on x axis) and studying facts (on y axis). Thus, we have to see what combination of production given the resource constraint will fetch us good marks.

 

PPf 1
Figure 4

 

Ideal preparation will follow both on concepts and facts and thus, the preparation frontier is concave, as points towards center would be higher in terms of marks achievement, as we will see shortly. First let us see how to improve preparation, which is parallel to increasing production in an economy, while when we consider a PPF for national economy, the curve will show national output, and each point would be a different combination of types of goods produce. For economic growth, there are only two choices for an economy, either increase resources (i.e., increase investment to for more resources to be devoted to production in future) or improve efficiency (i.e., improve technology of production). In case of students, an upwards movement in his preparation constraint (PPF) will come through either increase in time allocated to study (which certainly has its own limits, similar to increasing investment) or to improve efficiency (through concentration and peace of mind). Topper generally devote good amount of efficient time to their studies and thus, push their preparation constraint; something that you have to figure out, how?

Now, the marks would be analogous to preparation and with good strategy, marks can be maximized given the preparation (see, figure 5 below), (why marks curve are convex to the origin will be discussion in Case-II later). Now see a strategy of studying both in tandem will fetch most marks, as highest marks on a given preparation constraint can be at highest point on constraint. Out of the given curves the marks increase from M1–M2——M4. While if we study concepts only; on the first PPF, we would be at point Z1 and thus on marks M1, which is the lowest, wherein similarly, the study facts alone strategy would lead to even lesser marks. Similarly if we study both, strategically, we can see one can even achieve M4, which is much higher to M1 and will be a marked improvement in marks. Now, this is a particular equilibrium and there can be many such equilibrium as everybody’s temperament and intellect is different and different strategy would be helpful to different people.

If we go back to national economy on the similar point, we can see that What we mean by marks here, would be social welfare and a good resource allocation and production strategy can maximize social welfare.

PPF
Figure 5

Coming next:

Case – II: Choice between study and leisure (assuming both are necessary for a normal student in long run)

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Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude: What to prepare? By S K Mishra, IAS (retd)

  • by IAS Score

Ethics – It means principles which control or influence a person’s behaviour or attitude. One can easily notice that in various questions in Sec A or Section B (case studies), the UPSC approach

It deals with three aspects of a candidate’s preparation Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

1. Ethics— It means principles which control or influence a person’s behaviour or attitude. One can easily notice that in various questions in Sec A or Section B (case studies), the UPSC approach was not only to test the knowledge component, but also to know that in a particular situation, or solving a particular problem, what will be approach of the candidate ie, whether it will be ethical or unethical, Simultaneously, now there is talk of moral-legal-rational bureaucracy instead of only legal-rational bureaucracy as propounded by Max-Weber. There was a debate that why Civil Servants should bother about moral aspect of their decisions? But now it is an accepted fact that for an enabling government, ethical aspect of decision making can not be ignored.

2. Integrity— The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Integrity includes financial integrity, professional integrity and intellectual integrity. Ethics and integrity are the two sides of the same coin. An ethical person having strong moral values is bound to be a man of integrity. Those people who are having experience of working in the government very well know that integrity is evaluated every year through their Annual Performance Report. The evaluation takes place on the basis of decisions/performance of the individual Civil Servants throughout the year. In conducting interview for testing personality of the candidats, the board carefully examines the approach of the answer of individual candidate while assessing their integrity. In written examination, the examiner will obviously look into moral stand of the candidats especially on issues and conflicts faced by them while dealing with various problems.

3. Aptitude— It is a natural ability or skill for doing a particular work or solving a particular problem or facing a particular problem or facing a particular situation. A SHO of a police station and an Asstt. Engineer of Road Construction Department can not have identical aptitude. While SHO needs to be well trained and skilled in handling and using his weapon, investigating a case or facing patiently a slogan-shouting mob, an Astt. Engineer needs to have skill of project formulation, interest and inclination of making a people convenient road construction etc. Also to be very specific one requires a different skill for law and order, for investigation of a case or for working in an intelligence agency. Though to some extent skill is inherent, but it can be acquired and upgraded through training and capacity building. At the written examination stage, it is a fact that candidates do not have working experience, yet they are expected to take decisions and justify them. What is required here that though they are not experienced, yet they must develop capacity to experience. This can be successfully done through discussing good number of case studies. Last year all the six case studies were from three chapters only (Aptitude and foundational values of Civil Services, Public Civil Services values and ethics in public administration and Probity in Governance). This paper is high scoring for those who understand case studies and respond in rational and ethical manner.

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Decoding Governance for GS Mains BY S K Mishra, IAS ( retd)

  • by IAS Score

Governance is very significant part of General studies paper II. Candidates are expected to know the general functioning of Central Government, state governments as well as urban and rural local bodies.

Governance is very significant part of General studies paper II. Candidates are expected to know the general functioning of Central Government, state governments as well as urban and rural local bodies. They have to understand that there is an organic linkage between union, state and local governments. They have to know the power, functions and limitations of legislature, executive and judiciary. General elections, both for union and state legislatives are now a regular phenomenon. Though constitution has created an independent Election Commission, yet the power to regulate the election has been vested in union parliament which has made R.P Act 1950 and 1951.

Candidates are expected to be aware about provision of these laws. Emphasis has also been given on constitutional, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies. In recent past there had been various controversies, which candidates are supposed to be aware. Various policies and programme especially relating to vulnerable section of society has been emphasized. Since these schemes are in existence for quite some time, hence candidates are expected to analyze them critically. RTI, e-governance, citizen charter are citizen-centric steps needs a deeper analysis including the success area and failures. India is a democratic country; however role of Civil Servants especially in 21st Century is very significant. This aspect requires a deeper analysis. A cursory look to 2013 mains paper will reveal that most of the questions were opinion based. While answering these question, no doubt facts will be important, however the good answer requires critical  analysis including offering a rational personal opinion. This is obvious as the new entrants will be required to handle these issues in the days to come. Since no authentic book has come in to market, the candidates are advised to rely on newspapers, Yojna, kurukshetra, India year book and sits of different ministries including Planning Commission.

The marking pattern had been very poor, and those who aspire to exceed 100 will have to read properly and develop a good understanding of governance.