Civil Services Exam 2018: How to Prepare Series | Part 1 | Polity & Governance Video Lecture - UPSC

Ans. To prepare for the Civil Services Exam in 2018, it is important to have a systematic and comprehensive study plan. Here are some steps you can follow: 1. Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus provided by the UPSC. This will help you plan your preparation accordingly. 2. Create a study schedule: Allocate specific time slots for each subject and topic. Make sure to cover all the important areas of the syllabus. 3. Read standard reference books: Refer to recommended books and study materials for each subject. Make notes and highlight important points for revision. 4. Practice previous year question papers: Solve previous year question papers to get an idea of the exam pattern and practice time management. 5. Take mock tests: Mock tests are a great way to assess your preparation level and identify areas of improvement. Take regular mock tests to gauge your progress. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to crack the Civil Services Exam. Stay motivated, stay focused, and keep revising regularly.

Ans. The Polity and Governance section plays a crucial role in the Civil Services Exam. Here are some important topics you should focus on: 1. Indian Constitution: Understand the basic features, preamble, fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and fundamental duties. Also, have a good understanding of the various parts, schedules, and amendments of the Constitution. 2. Indian Political System: Study the structure and functioning of the executive, legislature, and judiciary in India. Know about the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Governor, Parliament, etc. 3. Governance: Learn about the concept of good governance, transparency, accountability, and the role of civil servants in governance. Also, understand the concepts of decentralization, local governance, and the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions. 4. Public Policy: Understand the policy-making process, different types of policies, and their implementation in India. Also, be aware of important government schemes and initiatives. 5. International Relations: Have a basic understanding of India's relations with neighboring countries, major international organizations, and India's foreign policy. Focus on these topics and refer to standard books and study materials to enhance your knowledge in the Polity and Governance section.

Ans. The number of attempts allowed for the Civil Services Exam varies depending on the category of the candidate. Here are the details: 1. General Category: General category candidates can attempt the exam a maximum of 6 times until they reach the upper age limit, which is 32 years. 2. OBC Category: Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category can attempt the exam a maximum of 9 times until they reach the upper age limit, which is 35 years. 3. SC/ST Category: Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories can make unlimited attempts until they reach the upper age limit, which is 37 years. 4. PwD Category: Candidates belonging to the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category can attempt the exam a maximum of 9 times for the General and OBC categories and unlimited times for the SC/ST category, until they reach the upper age limit. It is important to note that the number of attempts is counted from the year a candidate first appears for the exam, irrespective of whether they clear the exam or not in that attempt.

Ans. To improve your knowledge of the Indian Polity for the Civil Services Exam, you can follow these steps: 1. Read standard books: Start by reading standard books recommended for the Polity section of the exam. Some popular books include 'Indian Polity' by M. Laxmikanth, 'Introduction to the Constitution of India' by Durga Das Basu, and 'Our Parliament' by Subhash Kashyap. 2. Refer to online resources: Apart from books, refer to reliable online resources such as government websites, UPSC portals, and renowned educational websites for supplementary information and updates on current affairs related to Indian Polity. 3. Take notes: While studying, take detailed notes of important concepts, articles, amendments, and landmark judgments. This will help you revise and remember the information easily. 4. Practice previous year questions: Solve previous year question papers specifically for the Polity section. This will give you an idea of the type of questions asked in the exam and help you identify areas where you need more practice. 5. Stay updated with current affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and online news portals to stay updated with current events and developments related to Indian Polity. This will help you answer questions on current affairs in the exam. By following these steps and consistently revising the topics, you can improve your knowledge of the Indian Polity and perform well in the Civil Services Exam.

Ans. The Polity and Governance section holds significant importance in the Civil Services Exam. Here are some reasons why: 1. Weightage in the exam: The Polity and Governance section carries a considerable weightage in the exam. Questions related to Indian Constitution, political system, governance, and public policy are frequently asked. 2. Understanding of the system: As civil servants, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the Indian political system, constitutional provisions, and governance mechanisms. The Polity and Governance section tests the candidates' knowledge in these areas. 3. Relevance in administration: The concepts and principles of polity and governance are directly applicable in the administration and governance of the country. Civil servants need to be well-versed in these areas to effectively carry out their duties and responsibilities. 4. Current affairs linkage: The Polity and Governance section often overlaps with current affairs. Questions related to recent constitutional amendments, government policies, and political developments are frequently asked. Hence, staying updated with current affairs is essential for this section. 5. Impact on overall score: A strong command over the Polity and Governance section can significantly boost your overall score in the exam. Since it carries a considerable weightage, scoring well in this section can give you an edge over other candidates. Given its importance, it is crucial to dedicate sufficient time and effort to prepare for the Polity and Governance section in the Civil Services Exam.