Tuesday, May 26, 2009

GS Resources

History- NCERTs, Bipin Chandra and Spectrum Modern India

Polity- D D basu- constitution, bare act- p m bakshi, our parliament- subhash kashyap

Geog- Physical and Human geog- NCERTs and Goh Cheng leong- Physical Geography, one Atlas

Economics- Dutt Sundaram, PD-economics, Penguin dictionary, newspaper, NCERT macroeconomics

GMA- last ten years questions
Stats- NCERT
Current affairs- Hindu, TOI, yojana, frontline, kurukshetra, any current affairs magazine.
S&T- Spectrum and M&M

If you have time, you can supplement this with any good notes.

Thanks.
Shubhra.
Posted by at

149 comments:

  1. vandnaMay 26, 2009 at 2:07 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. vandnaMay 26, 2009 at 2:11 PM

    hi shubhra...
    first of all hearty congratulations...
    well..all these books listed from the pre cum mains point of view i guess....did u actually read those?? :)

    would really like to know your own strategy which u followed...timings...and im also starting my preparation for 2010 exam from now on...so plz tel me how to plan it...my optionals botany and zoology since im a life sciences student and most comfortable with these to carry on for the year ahead...

    i forgot to mention i took coaching at vajiram (pre-cum-mains)...except polity and history it wasnt very useful...so for the year ahead im goin to jus rely upon myself...self study and good books...plus an idea of wat to read and 'wat not to read'...plz help me with d strategy...

    regards,
    Vandana

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shubhra Saxena IASMay 27, 2009 at 1:54 AM

    @vandana

    well....I can't understand the logic of your question. Why would I be putting the book names if I didn't "ACTUALLY" read them? It's upto you if you wanna accept my suggestions. No one is forcing you.

    All the best.
    Shubhra

    ReplyDelete
  4. Shubhra Saxena IASMay 27, 2009 at 1:55 AM

    And please appreciate the fact that I am trying to take out some time for you ppl only. And if you do not agree with something, it's fine. But please do not cast doubts on my intentions.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  5. vishwaMay 27, 2009 at 1:58 AM

    shubhra perhaps Vandana and many like her, including me would like to know how you went about dealing with the tome that together these books make . what were the timelines .what were the major goals and timestamps in the whole prep

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shubhra Saxena IASMay 27, 2009 at 2:04 AM

    @vishwa

    timelines are personal. You need to make them on your own. You need to delineate areas and then go about preparing them separately with specific deadlines.

    For eg. in GS you separate the static area from the current area.

    Static: Polity, History, Geography, Stats, S&T etc.

    Dynamic: Eco, Current national and intl issues.

    Master the static part first.
    The dynamic part mastery is relatively diff as that keeps changing. So you need to plan your timelines accordingly.


    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  7. vishwaMay 27, 2009 at 2:09 AM

    Thnaks Shubra for your help . Sitting here in Bangalore , the guidance through your blog is nothing sort of blessing . what about Vaji coaching on GS.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Shubhra Saxena IASMay 27, 2009 at 2:37 AM

    vishwa,

    I would request you to kindly go through all my posts and comments. You will get answers to your queries.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  9. saraswatiMay 27, 2009 at 4:03 AM

    My grand dad went to Sachdeva. my dad went to rau and my aunt to vajiram! They are spent. today's guys are going elsewhere.
    last year topper spoke for vaji. what guys found in the class room was entirely diffferent. sad.
    vajiram deteriorated beyond description in the last 1 -2 years got gs. Shubraji agrees, if i remember right.

    ReplyDelete
  10. NiketanJune 10, 2009 at 8:42 AM

    thank you mam for such important guideline about GS. We will happy if u remain in touch thorugh this blog. we would be happy if u share ur interview exprience.......

    ReplyDelete
  11. VIJAY ASHOK REDDYJune 11, 2009 at 6:13 AM

    Mam,
    First thanx for starting this blog,for it is very helpful for aspirants.Regarding 2 mark qes,the scope of them in GS(mains) is vast.Is it possible to answer all of them,if not how many of them are usually attempted by successful candidates.we usually have 30 qes in paper1 and 2,beg ur pardon how many have u actually attempted

    ReplyDelete
  12. Shubhra Saxena IASJune 11, 2009 at 8:00 AM

    I attempted the ones that I knew except for 4 or 5 that I didnt know. The effort shud be towards answering all of them

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownJune 15, 2009 at 10:24 AM

    Hello Madam,

    Please mention some resource material for social issues. Is there any special book for preparation of this area?

    Also guide me whether coaching for GS is indespensible or it can be compensated by the class room notes of Vajiram? Actually I will not get much time for self study if I go coaching as I am also doing my job besides preparing for civil services exam.Also guide me Vajiram's which subject classroom are good.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Shubhra Saxena IASJune 15, 2009 at 1:01 PM

    class noets will suffice. you don't have to do classes for GS anywhere. Just buy notes of any good coaching that you like. vajiram or als or any other that you like.

    ReplyDelete
  15. rajaJune 16, 2009 at 1:21 AM

    Hi Shubhra,
    Is it possible to have a look on any of your written material in G.S. (as a sample), like your notes, or practise answers.

    This will help us all, as we will have an idea of an ideal answer format (especially the language of the answer).

    Everbody suggest that one should write the answer in their own simple language, but a model answer like d one u must have written in d mains would give us a practical example.

    If not possible to provide d same here (space constraint) can u please mail one such sample to my mail i.d. "raja.deb001@gmail.com"

    i may forward d same to other interested candidates.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Shubhra Saxena IASJune 16, 2009 at 9:19 AM

    I really dont have these answers with me. Sorry

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownJune 25, 2009 at 2:05 PM

    Hi shubra

    congratulations!

    S&T - Spectrum and M&M

    what is M&M?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Shubhra Saxena IASJune 26, 2009 at 8:22 AM

    it's a series by jawahar publications

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownJune 29, 2009 at 8:38 AM

    maam can u tell me what is S&T,if i have 2 guess...then is it science and technology?

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownJune 29, 2009 at 8:39 AM

    n one more thng,i have just started preparin,so i dont knw,the abbv. ?

    what is GMA

    ReplyDelete
  21. Shubhra Saxena IASJune 29, 2009 at 8:47 AM

    yes, it is science and technology. Please get the syllabus of upsc and see what all you have to study.

    General Mental Ability.

    ReplyDelete
  22. VikasJuly 2, 2009 at 12:53 AM

    maam..what does PD stands for in PD-economics

    ReplyDelete
  23. vrindaJuly 2, 2009 at 8:50 AM

    Hi Shubra

    Congratulations shubra.
    I read you interview. Your answers were really straight forward.
    I am preparing from Dublin, decided not to rely on the magazines or coaching materials. Before coming to your blog I am confused about GS study material, but after reading your post on GS, cleared all doubts. I am very thankful to you; the purpose of this blog is really appreciating.

    Many thanks
    Reena.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 2, 2009 at 8:59 AM

    Pratiyogita Darpan economics

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownJuly 2, 2009 at 9:33 AM

    maam
    CAN U PLZ SPECIFY,"NCERT" BOOKS OF WHICH STANDARD(CLASS)?
    FOR HISTORY,GEOGAPHY AND ECONOMICS AND STATS.

    SO THAT I WILL PURCHASE THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE...

    ReplyDelete
  26. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 3, 2009 at 10:59 AM

    I just bought 12th class books. Others suggest buying from 6th to 10th.

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownJuly 3, 2009 at 11:32 AM

    ya maam,i have seen that,most of the websites recommend students to study NCERT books right frm class 6th to class 12th.
    and it ll b a vry tirin job,to go thru all the books of all d subjects,so studyin only d books of class 12 will suffice,as you had done durin ur preparation.
    MAAM i have found true mentor in from of you,when it comes to the preparation of GS and PUB ADMN,coz i have to start preparing both the papers right frm scratch,n i dont find a better resource othr than this BLOG,as i m frm steel city jamshedpur,where there is no guidance available for the preparation of CSE,n i cant go to delhi.
    so the only thing m relyin upon is ur advice.
    thank you

    ReplyDelete
  28. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 4, 2009 at 8:19 AM

    I meant 11th and 12th books.

    ReplyDelete
  29. UnknownJuly 4, 2009 at 8:37 AM

    so maam is it sufficient for a beginner?hope m nt irritatin u?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 4, 2009 at 11:02 PM

    I have given sources for GS in detail. Kindly go thru the post.

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownJuly 7, 2009 at 12:59 PM

    hello shubra

    can u throw more light on general studies from prelims point of view regarding current affairs.
    how many questions can we expect on this removing the static part like history polity geography
    i love reading editorials and i keep them daily in my folder. but i hate jotting down daily headlines.
    is current affairs not covered in editorials

    thank u very much

    ReplyDelete
  32. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 7, 2009 at 3:20 PM

    you dont have to jot down editorials. get a good CA magazine. That will help you.

    I can't predict the no of questions after removing the statis part. Every year the pattern changes.

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownJuly 8, 2009 at 4:44 AM

    hi shubra.

    also can u let me know from which month i have to
    keep note/eye of current affairs if iam appearing in prelims 2010. also let me know from which month to which month i have to keep eye on for mains.

    thank u

    ReplyDelete
  34. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 8, 2009 at 8:23 AM

    There is no fixed time but this is the range:

    for pre-from june 20009 to march 2010


    for mains - from october 2009 to sept 2010

    ReplyDelete
  35. CreativeKingJuly 13, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    Hello Subhra,

    What about the India Year Book and Manorama Year Book? Can we avoid those safely? pls let us know your stand on these bigggggg books...

    Thanks...

    ReplyDelete
  36. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 13, 2009 at 9:33 PM

    I never read manorama year book. But I can't say that you shouldn't read it as I have heard that GK is a substantial component of GS prelims.

    I read only 4 5 chapters of IYB. spply related to finance, commerce, dev schemes etc.

    ReplyDelete
  37. akhilJuly 16, 2009 at 4:47 PM

    Hi Ma'am,

    I am doing fine with my self study, studying GS from notes for prelims 2010 only. Should i be studying from comprehensive notes and books like DD Basu, Bipan Chandra etc for relevent constituents of GS from now itself ?

    Secondly Ma'am,

    What according to you is the importance of the coaching institute in regards to the preperation. If one feels the need then is Vaji Ram a suitable institute for preperation. If not what were its flaws that you felt during you 1.5 months there..??

    I have read you earlier posts but i still felt that this subject needs to be discussed in a bit more detail due to its popularity amongst all aspirants.

    Sincerly,
    Akhil Rana.

    ReplyDelete
  38. UnknownJuly 17, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    hello shubra

    when u say bipin chandra for mains (history)
    can u say the complete book name

    is it india's struggle for independence by bipin chandra?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 17, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    India's struggle for independence.

    ReplyDelete
  40. VikasJuly 22, 2009 at 7:57 AM

    maam after watching the trend of last few years of GS prelims, i observed that other than GMA,the most important part is geography(there are always 25-30 questions) ...and also in other subjects like economy,polity more stress is on GK type questions rather than core topics.....so for PRELIMS in which vast factual knowledge and names and all has to be acquired ..are these books enough or one has to read more..as i don't have geography as my optional i feel that 'geography people' are at advantage and i really want to score in that area.. did you read extra books other then the ones you mentioned above(especially geography)..in short please share your strategy for prelims and the books you followed..
    thank you so very much

    ReplyDelete
  41. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 22, 2009 at 9:50 AM

    For geography these sources will help you answer most of the questions. But not all. Your attempt should never be to answer all the questions. The Q paper of GS is not designed in that manner that you should be able to answer all questions. You can also read the supplement for geography in a current affairs magazine. the facts are given well in that.

    For economics, study the facts in economic survey and budget. That will help.

    ReplyDelete
  42. RameshJuly 28, 2009 at 3:38 AM

    Hello Madam,
    Can we use Wikipedia(as a credible source)to add some points(or even articles)to our preparation of Science&Tech.,Geography,G.K. etc.Also you have mentioned two books on S&T(Spectrum and M&M).Are both of them necessary?

    ReplyDelete
  43. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 28, 2009 at 8:55 PM

    Yes, you can use wikipedia.
    no, both are not necessary. you can choose either.

    ReplyDelete
  44. RameshJuly 28, 2009 at 9:35 PM

    Thank you madam for your response.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Raman KumarJuly 30, 2009 at 9:53 AM

    Dear Shubhra Mam,

    I needed some clarification regarding Indian Economy by Datt Sundharam. It's a huge book with a lot of information in it. Are there any specific topics to be focussed upon? Or can you please suggest me some strategy on how to make it's best use?

    Thank You.

    ReplyDelete
  46. akhilJuly 30, 2009 at 4:13 PM

    Hi Ma'am,

    DD Basu is quite a bit difficult to understand at certain instances.... did u face similar issues..?

    i also think on switching to laxmikant's polity.. what would u suggest..?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 30, 2009 at 6:28 PM

    Laxmikanth is ok but you need smthg substantive to back it.

    Get subhash kashyap if you find DD basu difficult

    ReplyDelete
  48. Shubhra Saxena IASJuly 30, 2009 at 6:29 PM

    @Raman

    The best idea would be to get any good GS coaching's notes. You can take a xerox from your frnds or buy from the institute.

    Then supplement it with dutt sundaram

    ReplyDelete
  49. akhilJuly 31, 2009 at 10:44 AM

    thanks ma'am...

    I would have gone by laxmikants exclusive book for polity, but then i thought of asking you first.

    thankyou for the consistent support and guidance ma'am.

    and i sincerly mean it Ma'am.

    ReplyDelete
  50. SashiAugust 1, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    Hi mam,

    Congadulation mam for this wonderful blog,My optionals or also Pub ad,Psychology.Then a query
    I have got Bakshi Book for Constitution of india.Is that ok ,r only DD basu will be good.Then i found Bipin Chandra Modern India book under Ncert public.Is there any separate book,or its only that Ncert book of bipin chandra XII,is which u have suugested

    ReplyDelete
  51. SashiAugust 1, 2009 at 8:41 AM

    Mam ,
    One more thing,These books wat u have recommended or prefered for GS is for prelims or mains.Pls clarify.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 1, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    @sashi
    p m bakshi isn't a book.
    It IS the constituion.

    Bipin Chandra- India's struggle for independednce.

    Prelims and Mains both

    ReplyDelete
  53. SashiAugust 1, 2009 at 8:50 PM

    Oh ok mam.Really thanks for your reply.Pls continue this ggod work,so that most of the aspirants would get a good guidance.Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  54. SashiAugust 3, 2009 at 6:53 AM

    Mam,
    Under geography,haven't u used any book for indian geography,coz last time 50% of questions were asked from Indian geography books of auhor-Khullar,india year book and author-manoma book.In the above refernced books u haven't mentioned anything about Indain geography.Thts y asking mam.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 3, 2009 at 7:15 AM

    No, I didn't consult any of these books.

    ReplyDelete
  56. SashiAugust 3, 2009 at 9:11 PM

    Oh,ok mam.Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  57. Vinodh KumarAugust 6, 2009 at 7:46 PM

    Hi Shubra,

    Pratiyogita Darpan economics is a magazine or its a book publication from Pratiyogita Darpan for economics.

    ~Vinodh Kumar

    ReplyDelete
  58. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 6, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    It is a spl edition of Pratiyogita Darpan. It's not a book.

    ReplyDelete
  59. NAugust 8, 2009 at 12:37 AM

    hello mam.
    i have heard about spectrum. wats this?
    thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  60. varoonAugust 8, 2009 at 2:14 AM

    Hi shubhra

    Regarding polity, dd basu though a wonderful book is not an easy read also I happen to get a glance of bare act and was overwhelmed by the amt of data and the fine print.

    Could you please elaborate on how to go about these books for some one beginning with gs polity ?

    Tips on how you structured ur time for it might be helpful.

    Thanks again for doing the wonderful job.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 8, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    @N
    It's a publicaton house.

    @Varoon
    Go for Subhash Kashyap then.
    Time management is something you will have to decide yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  62. varoonAugust 8, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    Thanks for the response

    any input on bare-act as to what to read, how to make notes from it as I feel it has much more than what is required ??

    ReplyDelete
  63. UnknownAugust 8, 2009 at 11:36 AM

    Mam i am going to buy coaching notes for GS as supplement u suggested to buy als and vajiram
    mam should i purchase these both and i followed
    this blog but cant make out wheher to buy printed coaching material or class room notes?

    ReplyDelete
  64. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 8, 2009 at 3:59 PM

    Class room notes.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 8, 2009 at 4:00 PM

    @Varoon
    dont make notes from bare act. just keep it for reference and clarifications.

    ReplyDelete
  66. NAugust 12, 2009 at 12:49 AM

    hello mam.
    should i purchase the spectrum?
    how can i get it-means wats the full name of this spectrum?

    ReplyDelete
  67. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 12, 2009 at 7:12 AM

    Modern India- by spectrum publishers

    ReplyDelete
  68. SashiAugust 14, 2009 at 7:33 PM

    Mam,

    What books should i use for general science(physics,chemistry,biology) for prelims.then for history(GS)is it necessary to take notes .,because in each para we do have a lots of kings & years.So what i can i do mam.Please give your suggestion

    ReplyDelete
  69. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 14, 2009 at 8:47 PM

    You should use NCERTs for gen sc. I didn't do anything for gen sc.

    I used to leave medieval history mostly as it is too lengthy and doesn't give substantial returns.

    Years are imp, specially for modern India.

    ReplyDelete
  70. SashiAugust 15, 2009 at 7:39 PM

    Thanks mam.But how about taking notes in history.Did u do have any special method to remember those years and names or will revision of repeated times would be enough!!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 15, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    revision

    ReplyDelete
  72. NAugust 15, 2009 at 10:51 PM

    hello mam.
    thanks.
    mam, modern india-by spectrum publishers-is it for only modern history?
    mam, for gen.sc.-should i read ncert buks upto 10th only or should i refer the 11 and 12th buks which we read up at school time?

    ReplyDelete
  73. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 16, 2009 at 7:12 PM

    For general sc, I can't advise much as I didn't study anything for that.

    The spectrum bookis for modern India only.

    ReplyDelete
  74. varoonAugust 20, 2009 at 9:46 PM

    Hi shubhra,

    Mam could you please sight some examples where referring to bare act for clarification helps while preparing polity.

    Thx

    ReplyDelete
  75. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 21, 2009 at 7:20 PM

    when what's given in book doesn't clarify it totally, only then

    ReplyDelete
  76. UnknownAugust 23, 2009 at 2:34 PM

    Hi Ma'am,

    Could you please suggest any resources for mains solved /Unsolved question papers for GS.

    ReplyDelete
  77. UnknownAugust 24, 2009 at 1:02 AM

    hi shubra

    is class room notes from coaching centres necessary? for gs. if the above sources u mentioned isnt more than enough.
    please let me know becuase after reading different post it looks like " even these are also necessary to clear prelims/mains" - psychological feeling!:)

    thanks
    srikanth

    ReplyDelete
  78. UnknownAugust 24, 2009 at 1:13 AM

    Hi shubra

    in paper 2 gs there are questions on international affairs, social issues , indian external affairs. so if iam appearing in mains 2010 , if my concentration on magazines and news papers for ( the above areas) from september 2009
    to september 2010 , it is sufficent?

    thank u
    srikanth

    ReplyDelete
  79. UnknownAugust 24, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    hello mam.....
    I ve just starting mine preparation for cse....i was confussed about whether it is necessary to read ancient and medieval history as part of mine GS prep. as I was going through previous yrs papers I didnt find any questions frm them apart from 1 or 2 2 marks questions... so please tell me what should i do .....

    ReplyDelete
  80. Tushar NikhareAugust 25, 2009 at 7:22 AM

    Hi Shubhra,

    There are 2 books by Author Goh Cheng Leong :

    1) Human And Economic Geography (Paperback - 2002) on flipkart.com
    by Gillian C Morgan Goh Cheng Leong (446 rs)

    2)Certificate Physical and Human Geography on nbcindia.com (215 rs) by Goh Cheng Leong

    Kindly advise which book to refer/buy ?

    Thanks & Regards,
    Tushar Nikhare
    Pune.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 25, 2009 at 10:27 AM

    @Tushar
    2nd one

    ReplyDelete
  82. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 25, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    @Vipul
    not necessary
    prelims doesn't have many questions on ancient and medieval

    ReplyDelete
  83. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 25, 2009 at 10:29 AM

    @coolblue
    yeah that should suffice

    ReplyDelete
  84. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 25, 2009 at 10:30 AM

    @coolblue
    if you can get these notes, they exepdite the process. But they are not indispensable.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 25, 2009 at 10:31 AM

    @Akhil
    I haven't come across good solved papers.
    for 2 markers you can consult magical 2 markers

    ReplyDelete
  86. UnknownAugust 26, 2009 at 12:52 AM

    hi

    u answered my two simultaneous queries . iam unable to get the correct order ,for the two questions asked because both questions are "is
    it necessary" type

    also can u eloborate this answer

    "@coolblue
    if u can get these notes, they expedite process.But they are not indinspensable"

    what is "they expedite process"

    ReplyDelete
  87. Tushar NikhareAugust 26, 2009 at 3:42 AM

    Hi Shubhra,

    Do we have to make notes from NCERT's ( for any subject)? I mean,does UPSC asks questions pertaining to factual data directly from NCERT's ?

    I will be making notes from standard textbooks (other than NCERT's) as prescribed by you but not sure whether i need to make notes from NCERT's or not?

    Awaiting your reply.

    Thanks in advance?

    Tushar Nikhare
    Pune.

    ReplyDelete
  88. AnonymousAugust 26, 2009 at 9:40 AM

    hello ma'am.....
    ma'am what does magical 2 markers?.is it a book or any other materail

    ReplyDelete
  89. varoonAugust 27, 2009 at 2:49 AM

    Hi shubhra,

    Could you please advice the sequence of the books in order to finish the static portion of gs economics. So we r better able to follow eco of newspapers etc.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  90. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 27, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    @coolblue
    if you can get notes, it's a good idea but they are not indispensable.


    for curr affairs, reading this much would suffice

    ReplyDelete
  91. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 27, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    @varoon
    ncert macroecnomics
    dutt sundaram
    pratiyogita darpan+newapaper

    ReplyDelete
  92. Shubhra Saxena IASAugust 27, 2009 at 5:47 AM

    @karthik
    it's a book

    ReplyDelete
  93. UnknownSeptember 4, 2009 at 10:43 PM

    Hello Shubraji

    I have a doubt in history. There is one question asked in the previous yr - Trace the growth of the Indian Home Rule Movement in Britain. HOw should i write the answer for this ? as after referring books,i could only find two Home rule league est. one by B.G.Tilak at poona in April 1916 and the other by Mrs.Annie Besant at Madras, in sep 1916.

    Thank u
    with regards
    M.Lavanya

    ReplyDelete
  94. Shubhra Saxena IASSeptember 5, 2009 at 12:06 PM

    these questions aare usually unsolvable by most ppl. That's why they are sometimes given to limit the choice of questions. I am not aware of the answer.

    ReplyDelete
  95. simply MeSeptember 13, 2009 at 2:10 PM

    hello m'am
    in one of your post u hav mentioned that u had joined vajiram for GS but attended only Polity and eco as rest was not been taught well there..
    m'am as i will b appearing for CSE-2010, i was planning to join VajiRam's oct'09 batch.
    but now m confused...
    is it not fruitful to join vajiram?.
    how to prep for GS-paper 2, if one has to do it self? (the India and world,india interaction with the world where authentic source may be needed to write on various current issues eco./political)?
    are the printed materials/class notes xerox enough to prep. for the same?

    thank u
    regards
    vaibhav

    ReplyDelete
  96. Kafir-e-ishqamSeptember 15, 2009 at 6:49 AM

    Thank you for takin time out to create a blog.i was very worried whether i was studying the right way.Your blog has totally helped me fix a schedule.Thanks again

    ReplyDelete
  97. UnknownSeptember 19, 2009 at 6:20 AM

    hello,
    Mam
    1.for polity DD basu and subhash kashyap has to be used or one of them. same doubt for Bipin chandra and spectrum modern india
    Bare Act is only for reference na
    2.What about JO Jo mathew? Is a good books to use for Polity?
    3.Madam Books like bipid chandra,Spectrum modern india, Dutta and sundaram,Goh Cheng Leong has to be done page to page. or we have to be selective. Please give details.
    Thankyou

    And I really appreciate your efforts. but I would like to give one suggestion please dont use too many abbreviations. Related to subjects its ok, but otherwise its sometimes difficult to understand what you have written. (please dont feel offended)


    ...gaurav shrivastava

    ReplyDelete
  98. Shubhra Saxena IASSeptember 20, 2009 at 10:56 AM

    @Gaurav
    1.for polity DD basu and subhash kashyap has to be used or one of them. same doubt for Bipin chandra and spectrum modern india
    Bare Act is only for reference na

    A. either of them for constitution. Then for parliament you can buy subhash kashyap's our parliament.
    bare act is for reference.
    2.What about JO Jo mathew? Is a good books to use for Polity?
    A. No idea.
    3.Madam Books like bipid chandra,Spectrum modern india, Dutta and sundaram,Goh Cheng Leong has to be done page to page. or we have to be selective. Please give details.
    A. Look at Q paper pattern of the last 10 yrs. You will get an idea.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Shubhra Saxena IASSeptember 20, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    @Vaibhav
    classnotes, magazines, newspaper are sufficient

    ReplyDelete
  100. rajanOctober 2, 2009 at 11:57 AM

    hi mam
    what is TOI in ca

    ReplyDelete
  101. UnknownOctober 3, 2009 at 12:50 PM

    shubra

    in GS paper 2 , how did u handle the section
    "india & the world" i.e indias external affairs.
    can u tell me in detail how u went about it.
    this section is nearly 100 marks.

    thank u
    sri

    ReplyDelete
  102. Shubhra Saxena IASOctober 4, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    Times of India

    ReplyDelete
  103. Shubhra Saxena IASOctober 4, 2009 at 6:24 AM

    @coolblue
    newspaper, curr affair magazine and CA notes of a good coaching.

    ReplyDelete
  104. UnknownOctober 4, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    hi!! mam
    as i am not using any classnotes for GS(so i cannot supplement them with dutt & sundaram)
    So from last year papers , can i figure out what has to be read from dutt & sundaram,that would be sufficient or not? because reading whole of the book is infeasible and i am using only dutt & sundaram + PD + macro

    ReplyDelete
  105. Shubhra Saxena IASOctober 8, 2009 at 8:02 AM

    yes...also buy the solved 2 markers of the last 10 yrs for eco...

    ReplyDelete
  106. UnknownOctober 12, 2009 at 3:52 AM

    shubra

    is constitution of india DD basu and
    our parliament - subash kashyap is required to
    handle the indian polity sections of
    both prelims and mains?

    or for mains DD basu is sufficient

    ReplyDelete
  107. UnknownOctober 12, 2009 at 10:39 AM

    hi shubra,

    i have a query reg geography books.U have mentioned the list is
    Geog-Physical and human geog-Ncerts and Physical Geog-Goh cheng leong and one atlas...

    Do we have to refer to Physical geog By Goh Cheng leong for prelims or is it only for MAins.....

    ReplyDelete
  108. AnkitOctober 13, 2009 at 11:46 AM

    mam
    for modern india we have to buy the book spectrum book- a brief history of modern india by Rajiv ahir or some other plz tell

    ReplyDelete
  109. Shubhra Saxena IASOctober 17, 2009 at 12:44 AM

    @soni
    same one ur talking about.

    @rsk
    for prelims mainly

    @coolblue
    for both pre n mains

    ReplyDelete
  110. NEW HORIZONOctober 18, 2009 at 12:47 PM

    By the way , BELATED HAPPY DEEPAWALI...

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  111. ChetanOctober 26, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    Hi Mam,
    I have some queries:
    1. U have given a very exhaustive list of GS resources. Except this do we need to go through Coaching institutes notes of GS.

    For eg I have gone through POLITY 4m the resources u have mentioned and made my own synoptic notes 4m it.

    Now will reading it from coaching notes give me some additional information.

    in short i want to ask will GS notes of Vajiram or ALS will give some
    additional benefit or not.

    ReplyDelete
  112. ChetanOctober 26, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    2. I am working in Chandigarh thus cannot attend GS classroom classes.
    I called vajiram and ALS,they provide correspondence notes for GS only which are different 4m the classroom one's.
    But I have heard only classroom notes of GS are good not the correspondence ones.
    can i get classroom notes of GS (ALS or vajiram) from somewhere as i do
    not have any friends in Delhi.

    please advise


    Thanks
    Chetan

    ReplyDelete
  113. Shubhra Saxena IASOctober 29, 2009 at 5:42 AM

    @chetan
    consult jawahar book depot at bersarai new delhi. having the notes will help

    ReplyDelete
  114. ChetanOctober 29, 2009 at 12:56 PM

    Thanks Mam.

    ReplyDelete
  115. RamanNovember 3, 2009 at 11:44 AM

    Dear Mam,

    A query regarding GS prelims. How much attempt should be considered as good. How many questions di you attempt? How many were correct and how many guesses? Please tell if you can remember. It will be helpful in giving an idea.

    ReplyDelete
  116. varunNovember 5, 2009 at 3:33 PM

    hello shubhra

    there are two books of spectrum on modern india
    brief history of modern india and comprehensive history of modern india. which one did you read

    ReplyDelete
  117. Shubhra Saxena IASNovember 7, 2009 at 5:30 AM

    @varun
    brief history of modern india

    @raman
    well...I attempted all questions except 2 3 questions in which I had no information whatsoever. I also left a couple of 2 markers.

    ReplyDelete
  118. varoonNovember 8, 2009 at 5:04 AM

    hi Shubhra,

    Last GS Prelims had many questions straight from India Year Book, the book seems to be quite popular amondg aspirants.

    Just wanted to know is it important, a concise version of the same is available in the market of 200 pages. (original is 1200pg)

    Thanks

    Varoon

    ReplyDelete
  119. UnknownNovember 8, 2009 at 11:44 AM

    maam

    is it really important to remember all the names of people who have received awards rite form the beginning...
    for example Nobel prize,or Oscar or nyothr award...its really difficult to keep a track of all the names.

    ReplyDelete
  120. varunNovember 8, 2009 at 9:21 PM

    hello shubhra madam

    didn't you read ncert 11std economics and ncert microeconomics book

    why do u prefer classnotes to printed material

    ReplyDelete
  121. VikasNovember 11, 2009 at 8:34 PM

    maam it is repeatedly said that one should practice writing answers ..now for GS as well as optionals how should one check that his/her answers are up to mark..

    ReplyDelete
  122. Shubhra Saxena IASNovember 14, 2009 at 5:18 AM

    Last GS Prelims had many questions straight from India Year Book, the book seems to be quite popular amondg aspirants.

    Just wanted to know is it important, a concise version of the same is available in the market of 200 pages. (original is 1200pg)

    A:I refereed the concise version, and that too only for a few imp chapters.



    is it really important to remember all the names of people who have received awards rite form the beginning...
    for example Nobel prize,or Oscar or nyothr award...its really difficult to keep a track of all the names.

    A: I never did that. It will take very long and Returns are very low.

    didn't you read ncert 11std economics and ncert microeconomics book

    A. I read the NCERT Macroeconomics and India's econ devt .

    maam it is repeatedly said that one should practice writing answers ..now for GS as well as optionals how should one check that his/her answers are up to mark..

    A. Get them evaluated by someone experienced, or your teacher

    ReplyDelete
  123. UnknownNovember 15, 2009 at 4:57 AM

    maam den wat sud b done,with facts ,figures,names...sud we leave them?Or just emphasize on the happenings of current year.

    ReplyDelete
  124. ChetanNovember 16, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    Hello Mam

    i have one query regarding Current affirs magazine.
    I am confused in chronicle and Wizard

    1. I found Wizard quite in-depth and covers a lot of current affairs(wide coverage) , wheras chronicle is not that wide in coverage.

    so should i do wizard thoroughly and then do chronicle selectively or jus stick to one. Is it a wise strategy or if not please advise what to do

    2. Do we get any questions in Mains from these magazines.. Are these magazines useful for mains pt of view also.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Shubhra Saxena IASDecember 5, 2009 at 5:59 AM

    maam den wat sud b done,with facts ,figures,names...sud we leave them?Or just emphasize on the happenings of current year.



    A. There are some questions you will inevitably have to leave in the exam. So don't try to cover each aspect of GS with equal gusto.
    ***************************************

    i have one query regarding Current affirs magazine.
    I am confused in chronicle and Wizard

    1. I found Wizard quite in-depth and covers a lot of current affairs(wide coverage) , wheras chronicle is not that wide in coverage.

    so should i do wizard thoroughly and then do chronicle selectively or jus stick to one. Is it a wise strategy or if not please advise what to do

    A. Please make this decision yourself.

    2. Do we get any questions in Mains from these magazines.. Are these magazines useful for mains pt of view also.

    A. Yes.

    ReplyDelete
  126. UnknownDecember 5, 2009 at 10:44 AM

    Pranay,

    Hello Mam,

    I am an first year Computer science student and an serious aspirant for IPS/IAS... Will u please guide me with books and magazines and the process to complete my preparations till 2012. I have selected one of my subject as Geography as I have lots of interest in it. As many magazines which were consulted to me were only published in southern india so I must say that I am from Mumbai.

    Thank you..

    ReplyDelete
  127. amitDecember 8, 2009 at 6:16 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  128. Shubhra Saxena IASDecember 28, 2009 at 10:12 PM

    @amit
    tpic wise prep and revision is always better

    ReplyDelete
  129. AnonymousDecember 29, 2009 at 1:25 AM

    Hello Deedi, You are simply amazing.... I have seen people who have got service helping aspirants like me. But never have I seen anyone who'd spend so much of their precious personal time, bothering to help us to such an extent and that too so actively. Indian administrative service has earned a 'gem'. Please don't ever change and continue your good work of instilling confidence and hope in the minds of the people... I'll definitely get into service and come and meet you one day :-D cause people like you are one in a million...
    I pray that God'll be there with you throughout and makes all of your beautiful dreams big or small come to pass... Thank you...

    (Sorry if in case I have posted something irrelevant. It's just that I had a constant urge and surge to sincerely thank you while I was reading through your blog)

    ReplyDelete
  130. amitAugust 6, 2010 at 7:07 AM

    dear sampada,

    M CA n finding prob with s&t(m&m)n not spectrum ,, the book u had mentioned has been bought by me,,
    pl advice me that is that book sufficient or i have to constantly update it from magzine,, as reading science is going hectic for me .

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  131. Anil aroraOctober 12, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    These comments should be Reposted as FAQ's :P.

    ReplyDelete
  132. rockstarNovember 25, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    hi,congrtulation mam..

    ReplyDelete
  133. AnonymousJune 22, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    MAM i would like to know,would thiese books will help me to prepare for GS MAINS or i have to refer something more than this

    ReplyDelete
  134. Ishan GuptaJune 24, 2012 at 7:16 AM

    hello mam,

    thnx for all the help. going through all your answers has solved most of my queries. just one confusion

    1) class notes + dutt sundram

    2)class notes + dutt sundram + PD economics + NCERT Macroeconomics

    which of the 2 options is sufficient for economics???

    N all the buks u have mentioned for diff subject should be used as supplement to class notes or they are complete in themselves for prepration??

    ReplyDelete
  135. GreeshmaJuly 26, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    hi ma'am is it enough to read ncrtc books 6 to 12

    ReplyDelete
  136. UnknownAugust 17, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Hey madam, Ty so much for the pains u hv taken to answer all d questions in Such depth.. really appreciate it...

    ReplyDelete
  137. UnknownAugust 17, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    Hey madam, Ty so much for the pains u hv taken to answer all d questions in Such depth.. really appreciate it...

    ReplyDelete
  138. UnknownAugust 17, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Hey madam, Ty so much for the pains u hv taken to answer all d questions in Such depth.. really appreciate it...

    ReplyDelete
  139. UnknownAugust 17, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Hey madam, Ty so much for the pains u hv taken to answer all d questions in Such depth.. really appreciate it...

    ReplyDelete
  140. UnknownAugust 17, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Hey madam, Ty so much for the pains u hv taken to answer all d questions in Such depth.. really appreciate it...

    ReplyDelete
  141. UnknownAugust 17, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Hey madam, Ty so much for the pains u hv taken to answer all d questions in Such depth.. really appreciate it...

    ReplyDelete
  142. vijay kumarSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    i am preparing for civil services 2013. i am refering public administration by avasthi and maheshwari.as some of the topics are difficult to understand so can you suggest me how will be the book on
    public administration by m.lakshmikanth
    does it helps in mains point of view ?


    ReplyDelete
  143. AnonymousOctober 12, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    Mam, a small question .... while in ur preparation for IAS exam wat are the steps u take to check ur standards and status, how how much time u spent a day for ur preparation. plzz can u put me out from this....

    ReplyDelete
  144. AnonymousOctober 12, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    and morover today i bought ur wizard PA text ma'm :-)

    ReplyDelete
  145. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 2:23 AM

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    ReplyDelete
  146. AnonymousAugust 22, 2014 at 10:37 AM

    mam i am a hindi medium student and dont want to do coaching. please suggest me notes for GS in hindi. i mean of which institute notes i shoud study.

    ReplyDelete
  147. A.DAugust 15, 2016 at 1:45 AM

    I am going for upsc prep and bought book a comprehensive history of modern india spectrum publication . So sir i want to ask is this book is different from a brief history of modern india spectrum publication by rajiv ahir . Ples tell me which is better book for ias pre+mains. Thanx

    ReplyDelete
  148. A.DAugust 15, 2016 at 1:49 AM

    I am going for upsc prep and bought book a comprehensive history of modern india spectrum publication . So sir i want to ask is this book is different from a brief history of modern india spectrum publication by rajiv ahir . Ples tell me which is better book for ias pre+mains. Thanx

    ReplyDelete
  149. Kamlesh kumarJune 8, 2022 at 4:53 PM

    SSC CHSL Syllabus 2023 – Download SSC 10+2/ DEO/ LDC Exam Pattern PDF

    ReplyDelete

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