Hello Guys
M planning to give the upcoming IAS exam. but I am little confused about the General Studies papers of main exam. The syllabus for this papers is quiet large because of which I am not able to prepare my study plan. I would be very much thankful if an of you guide me in preparing this subject
Yes, at times GS syllabus can be overwhelming. But do not worry about that. GS is not one single subject. It is a mix of various subjects. So, divide it into its component subjects. So, it will roughly come out to be History, Geography, Polity, Science and Technology, Current Affairs, International Relations, International Institutions, etc.
You can refer to the book list on my
blog. I am also presenting here:-
History: NCERT(old syllabus books for XI and XII) - Ancient, Medieval, and Modern
India's Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra
Note: First complete the NCERT books. You can arrange the old books from some seniors as the old syllabus books are not available in the market.
Geography: NCERT (XI and XII books, new syllabus books are also good).
Geography through Maps by Anil Kesari.
I also referred Wizard's Geography for GS only because I was not sure about Geography syllabus.
Note: Have an Atlas handy while studying Geography. And when I say handy means, refer it whenever you encounter some geographical feature, relief, place, pattern, etc.
Polity: Indian Constitution by Laxmikanth,
Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu (only if you want to)
Economy: Read NCERT books specially India Economic Development
Science and Technology: Read NCERT books. General Science books for Class IX and X. And for current affairs, I had ordered Panorama (Current Affairs) from UPSC Mantra (website).
Misc: India Year Book.
Statistics: Spectrum Statistics for UPSC CSE
For General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change-that do not require subject specialization, I had notes from a local teacher named Atul Lande from UPSC Mantra. His notes along with Science books of NCERT were good enough for CSAT GS 1.
Note: Have syllabus handy while studying so that you do not overburden yourself with useless information.
Make sure that you keep making notes. Notes are important for last day references. Follow the following link to know why and how to make notes:-
Why & How to make Notes for UPSC Civil Service IAS,IPS Exam- Study Tips:Mrunal