How to prepare for UPSC: A beginner’s guide.
A career in Administrative Services tends to be the goal of thousands of people. When a person decides that he/she wants to get selected in Civil Services Examination, they barely have any idea about the environment of the completion. This examination is very prestigious in it and falls under the category of one of the toughest exams of the country.
If you truly want to clear the examination and face the competition, you are required to put your 100% efforts. Now, there are a lot of people, who put their effort but miss the mark, it happens because the efforts you put needs to be in the right direction with right management and right guidance. By the end of today’s blog, you’ll be learning how to place your efforts effectively, when to place them and where to emphasize the most.
1. Self-Study- When we think about preparing for an examination like UPSC, the very first thing you must do is to prepare yourself. Now, this is a very crucial step which most of the people are not aware of. What it is that you need to manage your studies on your own. Preparation of Civil Services Examination drains the aspirant completely, both physically and mentally. So if you want to stand out in the crowd of thousands of other aspirants, you need to work on yourself first. Eat healthy, drink plenty of liquids, get a sound sleep of around 6-7 hours, keep breathing in fresh air , try meditation and do some activities to keep your mind relax and body happy.
2. Know the syllabus- A lot of aspirants directly join coaching institutes or classes without having an idea about the basics of the examination. Instead of doing this, you should get the overview of the examination first. The Civil services Examination takes place in three steps-
· The Prelims- This is the first step; it comprises of two examinations in total. One is General Studies exam and the other is Civil Service Aptitude Test. The general studies exam consists of total 100 questions for 200 marks. These questions are in MCQ pattern. The total time allotted is 2 hours. For every wrong answer ‘one-third’ of the total marks allotted to that question is deducted. This exam checks the retention ability and conceptual knowledge of the aspirant. The CSAT is an aptitude exam, which checks the logical reasoning, aptitude and problem-solving skills of the candidate. It has 80 questions for 200 marks to be solved in 2 hours. The negative marking scheme is same as the former. The objective of the Prelims exam is to check the understanding of the candidate regarding the History, Polity, and Geography, Science and Technology and the Current events taking place in the country.
· The Mains- When a candidate qualifies the prelims as per the cut off marks, he then appears for mains exam. This is a subjective exam that checks the writing skills of the candidates. Here, the in-depth knowledge of the candidates regarding various topics and events are tested. A candidate is required to have multi-dimensional knowledge of the historical, political and the current events happening in the country. It has a total of 9 papers covering almost all the general subjects under the sun.
· The Interview- This is the final stage of the examination, clearing which makes you a Civil Services officer. This test assesses the personality, psychology, mental caliber and decision-making skills of the candidate. Most of the times, students are so engrossed in preparing for the prelims and mains examinations that they do not give proper time for the preparation of this stage. Avoid this mistake to get your name in the merit list.
3. Focus on Concepts- Once you’re familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus, start preparing. Either you’re preparing for prelims or mains; you need to focus most on the concepts of the respective subject. Your syllabus and concepts are the most important part of your preparation. If you just mug up the syllabus, it will not help you. You need to have brilliant understanding of the subject so that you will be able to answer any question from that particular topic. There are some tricky questions sometimes, and conceptual knowledge is necessary to solve them.
4. Take Guidance- When you start your preparation, always take guidance from someone who has the relevant knowledge. It may be your teachers, your parents, you friends, relatives, mentors and past year achievers. This helps you in the term of motivation and knowledge. They’ll introduce you to the practical aspect of the examination, subject or your career.
5. Make a Routine- Now, comes the management of you time and resources. A very significant component of the preparation is how you manage your time. An ideal routine is , where you give all of your subjects equal time in the week or in the 10 days, where you take 6-7 hours of fine sleep, where you give some time to yourself and where you take some time to revise what you have learned. Make a nice time table and follow that, no matter what. Do not procrastinate your work, because it you break the rhythm once it’ll be hard for you to make that again. Keep a consistency in your time. If you study 6 hours a day only, continue those 6 hours on a daily basis.
6. Read Newspapers- Make a habit of reading any English newspaper everyday. It will not only increase your general knowledge but will also help you to speed up your reading game. You’ll be amazed by the results if you continue it for about 6 months only. The newspapers enhance your vocabulary and make you habitual of reading everyday. Lay down special emphasis upon the editorial column and look at the writing styles to make you answers more creative and presentable.
7. Use Every Source Possible- In today’s world you have no scarcity of sources. You have hundreds of books, magazines and websites providing all the things you need. Widen your scope, and try to get the best knowledge which you can.
8. Choose Your Optional Subject wisely- In the UPSC you have a choice of two optional subjects. You must choose those subjects which are of your interest and in which you have core knowledge. If done rightly, you can score so well in these optional subjects. You just need to recognize your strengths and weaknesses in respect of a subject and to choose ‘your best subject’.
9. Test Series and Question Banks- Once you memorize your subjects and move further in your preparation, use a test series to give daily mocks. These mocks improve you speed, increase you attempts and teach you time management. If you’re familiar with sitting for 2 hours for these mocks, you’ll feel familiar with the main exam. Apart from these mocks, solve past year question papers. There is a lot of repetition in questions every year, so do not miss a chance to score in these repeated questions.
10. Personality Development- This is the part that most of us skip. Apart from academics, the final stage of this examination is personality interview. You need to prepare for this as well. Groom yourself, work on your public speaking skills, work on your pronunciation and be confident. Some people clear the prelims and the mains easily but fail to clear the interview. From the very first day when you start your preparation, devote some time for your overall personality development weekly on daily.
Join the Best Online Learning Platforms to explore more about examination and subject to empower your career.
0 notes
Frequently asked questions about GATE exam
What is GATE?
GATE- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is an all India examination that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of the candidate in various undergraduate subjects in Engineering & Technology. The GATE score reflects the relative performance level in a particular branch. GATE score is valid for three years. The score is used for admissions to post-graduate engineering programs in an Indian higher education institutes with financial assistance provided by MHRD and other Government agencies. The score may also use by Public & Private sector unit ads for employment screening purposes.
Why should go for GATE Exams?
There are various reasons for one to go for GATE:
This is an opportunity for the student to get a technical profile jobs in their dream companies. Companies are more preferred towards recruiting tech(ME) students during placements.
It is also stipend based course with average stipend of Rs 15000/- to Rs 20000/- for GATE qualified students.
GATE qualified candidates in the Engineering discipline are also eligible for the award of JRF & SRF in CSIR Laboratories.
Some government organizations (PSUs) prescribe GATE qualification as a requirement.
Based on the GATE score, some of the foreign university (Like NTU, Singapore) prefers Ph.D. position without any GRE score.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for appearing in GATE?
Candidate must be in the final year of the technical programmes either completed Bachelors in Engineering/Technology/Architecture can apply.
Master's degree holders in any branch of Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent and those who are in the final or pre-final year of such programmes.
Candidates in the second or higher year of the Four-year Integrated Master's degree programme (Post-B.Sc.) in Engineering/Technology or in the third or higher year of Five-year Integrated Master's degree programme and Dual Degree programme in Engineering/ Technology.
Candidates with qualifications apply through examination conducted by professional societies organized by UPSC/AICTE as equivalent to B.E./B.Tech. Those who have completed Section A or equivalent of such professional courses are also eligible.
How many times one can attempt GATE Exam and what is the age limit to appear in GATE?
Ans- Number of attempts is not restricted for GATE Exam. The best of the valid GATE score is accepted which we provide in application form. The GATE score is valid for 3 years only and there is no age limit to attempt GATE.
What is the latest GATE question paper pattern?
Ans- Total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, out of which 10 questions carrying a total of 15 marks are in General Aptitude (GA).
In the papers bearing the codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, IN, ME, MN, MT, PE, PI, TF and XE, the Engineering Mathematics will carry around 15% of the total marks, the General Aptitude section will carry 15% of the total marks and the remaining 70% percentage of the total marks is devoted to the subject of the paper.
In the papers bearing the codes AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH and XL, the General Aptitude section will carry 15% of the total marks and the remaining 85% of the total marks is devoted to the subject of the paper.
What are the types of questions asked in GATE?
Ans- GATE 2016 would contain questions of two different types in various papers:
(i) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all papers and sections. These questions are objective in nature, and each will have a choice of four answers, out of which the candidate has to mark the correct answer(s).
(ii) Numerical Answer Questions of 1 or 2 marks each in all papers and sections. For these questions the answer is a real number, to be entered by the candidate using the virtual keypad. No choices will be shown for this type of questions.
What is the process of calculation of GATE score?
Ans- GATE scores are totally dependent on highest marks & qualifying marks and may differ from year to year. For similar marks you get different scores during different years.
After the evaluation of the answers, distributed marks based on the above formula will be calculated corresponding to the raw marks obtained by a candidate for CE, CS, EC, EE and ME papers and the GATE 2017 Score will be calculated based on the distributed marks. For all other papers, actual marks obtained will be used for calculating the GATE 2014 Score.
GATE 2017 Score calculate using the formula:
In the GATE 2017 score formula, MCQ is usually 25 marks (out of 100) or μ + σ , whichever is larger. Here μ is the mean and σ is the standard deviation of marks of all the candidates who appeared in the paper.
What is the application fee for GATE?
Ans- Application Fee has been re-considering as shown below:
Women Candidates- Rs.750
SC/ST/PWD Category Candidates- Rs.750
All Other Candidates- Rs.1500
What is the Application/Registration Process for GATE 2017?
Ans- Registration is complete online application can be filled through GOAPS website.
1. GOAPS has the web address http://appsgate.iitr.ac.in. It can also be obtained from the website of the appropriate Zonal GATE Offices or from the website of the GATE Organizing Institute 2017.
2. The following screen will show after clicking on the above link.
3. Click on the SUBMIT button after filling the email ID and password
4. To accept the declaration you need to click on the edit application form after clicking on the check box.
5. The online application will appear. Fill the necessary details and upload the scanned photograph, signature and other mandatory details. After this section, you need to clear the payment section which you can do through the net banking, credit/debit card, E-Challan.
6. Now, check the status of your GATE application. Make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria specified on the GATE website and have compulsory certificates/documents as required.
Documents required for National & International Candidate
Personal information (name, date of birth, your personal mobile number, parent’s name, parent’s mobile number, etc.)
Address for Communication (including PIN code)
Eligibility degree details
College address, PIN code of college
GATE paper, choice of GATE examination cities
For Indian Candidates- Scanned image of your photograph, signature, thumb impression. Scanned copy in pdf format of Degree Certificate or mark sheet of previous semester/year (for final year candidates) / Provisional certificate (letter) from the Institute for final year students Scanned copy of Category/PwD Certificate (if relevant) in pdf format ID Proof : Only Passport/PAN Card/Voter ID/Aadhaar UID/College ID/Employee ID card.
For International Candidate- Scanned image of your photograph, signature, thumb impression. Scanned copy of Degree Certificate or mark sheet of previous semester/year (for final year candidates) in pdf format ID Proof : Only Passport/Government issued ID/College ID/Employee ID card
What are the supporting documents required to be submitted during Registration/Application process?
Ans- Supporting Documents required at different stages are mentioned below:
Eligibility Documents
C/ST/PWD Certificate
Candidates who claim to be in any of the category have to submit valid document provided by competent authority, to qualify for the reduced fee.
Those candidates, who require a writer to assist writing the exam, also need to provide a valid PWD certificate.
Authorities Empowered to Issue Certificates (SC/ST)
District Magistrate/ Additional District Magistrate/ Collector/ Deputy Collector/ Deputy Commissioner/ Additional Deputy Commissioner/ 1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate/ City Magistrate/ Sub-Divisional Magistrate/ Taluk Magistrate/ Executive Magistrate/ Extra Assistant Commissioner.
Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Presidency Magistrate
Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tahsildar
Sub-Divisional Officer of the area where the Candidate and/or her/his family resides
Administrator/ Secretary to Administrator/ Development Officer (Lakshadweep Islands)
Certificate issued by any other official will not be accepted.
PWD Category
Candidates should attach a recently obtained proper PWD certificate to avail concession under the PWD category, which is to be submitted during the admission process. The responsibility of verifying PWD certificate lies with the admitting institute. The GATE committee will not be responsible for any invalid declaration of the PWD status of applicants.
Certificate from Principal
Applicants who mention that they are up to now complete their course, will receive a "Certificate from Principal". Please download the form from http://gate.iitk.ac.in/GATE2015/docs/CertificateFromPrincipal.pdf, get the signature & seal of the Principle/HOD on this and then upload.
What is All India Online Test Series?
Ans- All India Online Test Series is an assessment platform for GATE Examination. It helps student to get comfortable with the real GATE Exam Environment. Developed by the EX IES Officers and IITs Alumni who are having vast experience in the field of GATE. Some faculties consist of GATE toppers who secured AIR 1, 2 etc during their time. All India Online Test Series consist of tests for various branches like Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical, Electronics & Communication Engineering, and Computer Science Engineering.
ALL INDIA ONLINE TEST SERIES will help students to evaluate themselves in national level. All questions are prepared considering previous asked questions.
Tests are prepared according to the various difficulty and easy level as asked in the Exams.
GATE 2017 All India Online Test Series consist of total 67 tests which are divided further in Sectional Test, Subject Wise, Full length and GATE mock test.
How is All India Online Test Series Unique from others?
Ans- All India Online Test Series is an assessment platform to provide the real time exam experience to the students. Part Syllabus and Full Syllabus tests are designed for thorough coverage of the entire syllabus in a systematic way.
Most importantly, these tests are designed as per revised syllabus of GATE- 2017.
Online Test Series is the best platform to enable concept building and to improve the performance.
Features of Success All India Online Test Series
Practice as much as you want to. With an unlimited number of practice sessions available, you will never run out of practice material.
Practice from 1000+ high quality GATE practice questions that cover every single concept that the GATE tests you on.
With solutions and detailed explanations that serve as mini-lessons, learn how to solve every single GATE question.
Create your own practice sessions from an unlimited number of options including lessons, question types, time limit & difficulty levels
Get question/topic/subject wise in-depth student’s performance reports with an interactive dashboard along with feedback on areas that require to be revised and practice
Engineers Success GATE Online Test Series is a nationally recognized GATE Test Preparation framework which sets you for the actual GATE exam efficiently
DZ��(�
0 notes