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Indian economy needs special emphasis. I recommend reading a basic book for clearing the concepts (for those of non-economic
background), it could be 12th level economics book. These concepts need to be regularly updated from the economic sections of newspapers
and magazines. The fundamentals need to be clear and for that one should make a list of all basic terms of economics that one comes across
on daily basis and discuss with teachers or friends e.g what is the difference between FDI and FII or between fiscal deficit and revenue
deficit. I also would recommend the CSE aspirants to read the following chapters in economic survey
1.
Social Security
2.
Agriculture
Sciences
For the prelims the order of preference must be biology > physics> chemistry. General Studies manual (tatamcgraw) serves the purpose or
one can refer to 10thand 12th standard books of these subjects (ncert).
Statistics
One must focus on statistics as they are sure shot marks in the mains. Statistics must not be ignored as they can make a difference of 50
marks to the final total.
Bilateral and International relations
The reason I have put this under a separate head is because for the mains bilateral and international relations form veryimportant part of GS
paper 2, in which candidates tend to have a low score. It is important to keep all updates on this topic from the newspapers and monthly
magazines. Towards the mains a special wizard book (mains special) comes out which I referred to update this section. Civil services times
(magazine) constantly updates the development on this front which proved very useful. Also, this section must be prepared with a equal
focus on factual information and its analytical part. (e.g. How are regional organisations impacting the geopolitical canvas of South Asia?)
Science and technology
Science and technology section is very vast and unpredictable. I would not advice non science students to spend too much time on this
section. Whatever can be covered from newspapers should be done. Defence, environment, nuclear and space science are some important
sections which need special emphasis.
Is there a difference between mains and prelims preparation?
Many have their own views on this question, but if you were to ask me, there isnt much of a difference as one needs factual and analytical
information for mains as well as the prelims. Based on my experience one should start GS preparation from the mains point of view at the
onset (about 8 months prior to prelims). The detailed and exhaustive preparation for mains helps CSE candidates to become adequately
prepared to tackle all kinds of questions in prelims. 2-3 months prior to the prelims ones focus for GS preparation should only be prelims,
which includes fast repeated revisions, solving previous year questions or some test series available in the market, going back to the notes
from the newspapers, re-reading the marked sections for PT in monthly magazines and practicing mathematics for CSAT .
The last word!
Revision is the key to score well in GS. I made a consistent effort to revise conventional GS at least 4 times before the mains, and also go back
to newspaper notes and magazines (marked portions).
When it comes to attempting the GS mains two things are important one, stick to the word limit and second attempt 250 plus in both the
papers.
Goodluck!