Friday, August 7, 2009

Compulsory English and regional language papers

Now this post is very important for the people who are writing this year mains.
Why?

Every year thousands of candidates are disqualified because they fail to clear either of these 2 exams. The process is that first UPSC evaluates the language papers, and if you qualify them, only then your GS, optional and essay papers are evaluated.

All your hard work would go to waste if you fail to qualify the language papers.

For people who are weak in English, buy a good gramma book, a dictionary and last 10 yrs english papers. Start working on this from now onwards.Even people whose english is fine, plz do not forget to buy the last 10 yr questions and go through them to see what kind of questions are asked just so that you are not surprised in the exam.

Same thing would hold for regional language papers. I had opted for Hindi, as it is my mother tongue. But I hadn't written Hindi since 10th, So it was rusty. I practiced writing Hindi and Hindi grammar before exams. Eg Idioms, synonyms etc.


Please remember, do not be overconfident with regard to these papers.
They are of a qualifying nature, but probbaly the most imp.

All the best!!!!

70 comments:

  1. hi Shubhra,
    Prelims cleared! I was preparing for geography so not on the blog for sometime! I wanted to know did you attempted to write one page daily for hindi...or was it on and when did you start??

    ReplyDelete
  2. First of all congratulations!
    I just prepared 15 days before exam. My Hindi at school level was good. So I just needed to revise my concepts that's all.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi..Shubhra Madam.....
    Really Greatttttt...So So Muchhhhh..Excellent and Congratulationssss fr Selection in Indian Adminstrative Service. Now a days you are the Roll Model fr Civil SErvices Aspirants Students.
    I have Strammering (Voice Problem) problem dats wy Want to ask that this Problem is lossing my Confidence in Interviews. I m Nervous abt this My Problem . So How I Can Improve my Interview Level/ Strammering ? Tnanks............Plz tell me .


    Yrs Abhimanyu Singh Rathore (rathore01@gmail.com) 9711242232 (New Delhi )
    (MSC BIOINFORMATICS +PGDM +BSC BIOTECHNOLOGY )

    ReplyDelete
  4. @CHIKKU
    First stop focussing on your stammering problem. If you keep thinking about it, you will not be confident when going into the interview.

    All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  5. thank You very much Mam for your support

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Shubhra Ma'am,

    Thank you for replying my previous query I posed in your previous post.

    I had one more question about preparing for current affairs. The problem I am facing with newspapers is that,

    1. I do not know which areas to cover in a news paper. Will, only the editorial, international, and economic section need to be concentrated ?
    2. Reading it everyday is becoming a bit unweildy as we lose interest because most of the articles are round about in nature. Also we tend to forget over a period of time.

    What would you suggest to overcome these problems ? I am reading the TOI.

    Bharat

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Subhra,
    Thanks for all the postings. I am eagerly waiting for your tips about essay. By the way, which topic did you write on?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Shubra,
    Well i too havent written anything worthwhile in hindi since 10th. I studied in CBSE and we had to write a lot in hindi. My mother tongue is kannada but i dont know th script.:)

    How tough is this exam?..what is the qualifying marks?..i thought it was elementary in nature, i mean , do they test your minor spelling mistakes , usage of fancy words etc?...

    Appreciate your work Dear Lady,

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  9. @Naveen
    Youi can buy previous year question collection from any book shop. That will give you an idea. The paper is not so tough. But every year thousands of candidates fail to qualify.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would suggest a smaller newspaper like Hindu or Indian Express as TOI is very lengthy.

    1. I do not know which areas to cover in a news paper. Will, only the editorial, international, and economic section need to be concentrated ?

    A. editorial, business, national and international.

    2. Reading it everyday is becoming a bit unweildy as we lose interest because most of the articles are round about in nature. Also we tend to forget over a period of time.
    A. you don't need to memorise news. and reading newspaper is indispensable.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you Shubhra,

    But Thousands?....Isnt that a bit too many..that tranlates to one in ten writing the exam. If it is true then its much more serious than PCS language qualifying exams.

    Again, country needs an IAS like you, for having Conquered the Crown you still strive to help teeming masses who dream to make it big.

    ReplyDelete
  12. hello mam
    my best wishes. pl give tips about news paper reading. do u hav any idea for candidate writing mains in regional medium. thank you mam

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mam
    What is cut off for qualifying papers?
    As you mentioned thousands get disqualidied in it.It must be high. Did you do all questions correctly?
    For Hindi how you revise grammer(which book). My mother tounge is Hindi and I don't have problem in writing Hindi but I want to revise.

    And waiting for Essay post.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What is cut off for qualifying papers?
    As you mentioned thousands get disqualidied in it.It must be high. Did you do all questions correctly?
    A. The cut off is pass marks. 33%

    For Hindi how you revise grammer(which book). My mother tounge is Hindi and I don't have problem in writing Hindi but I want to revise.
    A. Buy any good Hindi grammar book that you studied in school.

    ReplyDelete
  15. hello madam,
    congratulations for your victory. And thank you for your valuable support through this blog. i too have pub ad and psyco as optional.
    i want to ask a very important question that what is the approximate cut-off for the prilims...
    good day..

    ReplyDelete
  16. The cut off varies year to year. It is dependent on a no of factors, like difficulty of paper, no of students to be selected for a certain subject and so on.

    No one has any exact idea about the cut offs. All anyone does is speculate.

    ReplyDelete
  17. hello Mam,
    its nice to know every imp. details about the c s exam...
    Thnx

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  19. hi this is sudipta.cleared prelims.however had to write state mains exam(west bengal)also had to appear for interview (2008)state exam.feeling a little worried about gs(science&tech,issues of social relevance,)can you suggest how to manage these topics in a short span of time? with regards sudipta

    ReplyDelete
  20. Get written notes of any reputed GS coaching inst. That will help.

    And PLEASE post your questions under relevant post!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. are there certain specific books that need to covered (both hindi and english)?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ma'am,
    Q1. Is it desireable to give a heading to the precis writing in both English and Hindi?
    Q2. The question asking us to use the phrase or idiom so as to bring out its meaning, can we just use it in any sentence or in any specific way? It would be kind of you if you could give an example to clear the doubt.
    Thank you so much Ma'am.

    ReplyDelete
  23. 1. Yes, I gave heading.
    2. Just use it in a manner that its meaning becomes clear.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Dear mam,

    I completed a graduate in University of Madras. i.e. 10+3 (X std without study for XII std but go to get the B.com open university. This qualifigation elgilble for UPSC exam or not.

    ReplyDelete
  25. hi mam !!!!! i wanted to know the syllabus for english and hindi compulsory papers... i also wish to know that for general studies we have to study all subjects till class tenth or 10
    +2?????? i would be thankful to you..

    ReplyDelete
  26. plz buy the upsc syllabus for that.
    i just read +2 books.

    ReplyDelete
  27. @chikku
    one thing I would like to tell you.
    Jack Welch former chairman GE has a similar problem.
    But eventually he touched the sky.
    Nothing can stop you if you have right determination.
    Just thought of sharing it with you.(by the way you can use it as an example also)

    regards
    Gaurav Shrivastava.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Shubra di--myself Anuj,BE(ME-3YEAR).first i assumed i could enhance in ICS With ME as a optional,but after careful analysis i decided to change my track---please answer;
    1.which optional wil best suit with P-Ad for me.i feel confused by geography,pol-sc,pysco or geology
    2.mention exact books and material,you prefered for COMP-Eng$Hindi papers.
    3.i can study P-ad easily on my own except some sections,but feel very difficult to retain long mains type ans and how to present them effectively.
    4.found too many books or gs mains.how could i detect the most relevant info and details and then prepare good notes so that nothing imp is left
    5.some net links stressed making notes from N-paper and Magzns.what exactly must be collected as far GS and optinals are concerned.--------awaiting for POSTS on
    ESSAY,RIVISION,WRITING EFFECTIVE ANSWERS and SELECTIVE STUDY---------thank you-----for your hardwork and help to average candidates like us
    4.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hindi paper is not such tough earlier I was also afraid of HINDI for I am not good at hindi but constant practice will clear our concepts.But in english one has to be very careful in grammar and essay writing.

    ReplyDelete
  30. For English and hindi ten year papers are the best possible way.Make a cartographer to practise precise so that u may stick to word limit.Dnt take this paper lightly as majority does.These papers will uplift you.I hope you all guys will try to comply with my suggestion.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Try to give wide coverage to previous year papers as far as possible so as to clear your doubts and acquire a good command.Application of mind is much needed for grammar's point of view.Also try to overcome your grammatical blunders which will let you down.
    NOTE FOR CS ASPIRANTS: "Feelings produce vibrations that propel action.Ones body posture ,outlook and seriousness of purpose must never be lost sight of.Setting targets according to time available and then sticking to the time-table framed to achieve those time bound targets is the royal road to success".
    "Fail I alone in words and deeds,
    Why all men strive and who suceeds". good luck guys,keep up and doing.I am also an IAS aspirant namely Natesh Behl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. previous year papers for english is available at www.mrunal.org

      Delete
  32. My comments will b informative regarding English compulsory if any one has opted fr english literature they can clear their doubts.Feel free to ask abt english

    ReplyDelete
  33. how much time should i devote for preparation
    as i apear in IAS - 2011

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have already given sources that I used. Others, please post questions under relevant posts

    ReplyDelete
  35. IF ANY BODY HAS OPTED FOR ENGLISH LITERATURE N HVING PROBLEMS FEEL FREE TO ASK ME.Natesh Behl.good luck to every body.

    ReplyDelete
  36. hi shubra mam,
    cogratulation for ur victory over such different type of exam(ias).

    m also computer engg. graduate but dont try in any company bcoz my dream job is ias job..but m confuse regarding to 2nd optional my first one is public adm. but i hv confusion bcz my maths is strong but bcoz of paper level i feel phschology is best bcoz of time management....

    so plz tell which one i'll take for 2nd opt.

    ReplyDelete
  37. respected madam
    i am very inspired to you. madam i am mca student and i want to prepare ics madam plz give me some tips. for civil services books.my first paper is public admin, and second paper is hindi literature.
    thanks
    krishna kanhaya

    ReplyDelete
  38. thnx mam
    i'd sum confusion 4 preparation of english & regional language .thnx again 4 ur support .

    ReplyDelete
  39. respected madam
    I have just completed my BCA(2010) with 65 %
    maks.now, Am i able for civil services ?

    now i m preparing for this.but little confuse about my post graducation.
    tayari k sath me PG k liye LLB karke ki soch raha hu other-vise education gap aa jayega.

    pls tell...

    ReplyDelete
  40. respected mam,
    i wanted to know abt regional paper Hindi...how to prepare dat...upto which level ( of class)is required..and wanted to know abt optional subjects..which subjects are best to choose as optional ...which help to crack main..
    plz reply fast mam....
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  41. respected mam,
    i wanted to know abt regional paper "Hindi"...how to prepare dat?...upto which level (of class) is required?..n also, which are the best "optional subjects" for Main exam..?( ur choice of optional also)
    plz reply fast mam....

    ReplyDelete
  42. hi shubhra dear!!!

    what are you exactly proposing??
    which book to follow..

    ReplyDelete
  43. hi shubhra dear!!!

    what are you exactly proposing??
    which book to follow..

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hello Mam,
    I have plans to appear for the civil services exam in 2014 as I am presently working. Before joining a coaching institute in Delhi, I would like to do some ground work in areas like Essay, GS & Hindi qualifying paper.

    My Hindi isn't up to the mark as its not my mother tongue either. I think I need to start from the scratch. I last studied Hindi when I was in 10th.

    1. Could you suggest a strategy to approach Hindi qualifying paper?

    2. Also when it comes to GS, what can I on do on my own as groundwork before joining an institute in Delhi?

    3. Could suggest a strategy for preparing for Essay paper?

    Look forward to your kind advice.

    Regards,

    Vivek Samuel
    vivbsam@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Respected Madam,
    My daughter is studying with english as 1st lang and Fernch as 2nd lang in 10th std. My question is that whether she will be able to appear in IAS exam in future or she will have to change her 2nd lang with hindi or any other regional lang in 10th std.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Respected maam............I need your help...right now i am doing my bcom from st xavier's college kolkata........i am very much serious and a little bit confused about my preparations....
    Q no 1)
    i want to join a good coaching institute for GS and public ad in delhi....please suggest a good one


    Q no 2)

    I'll be able to finishing off my final year by june 2013, so should I go for tutions from october 13 or should I take 1 year for self study and then go for tutions in october 14...........i know it sounds crazy but i am totally messed up and I dont have any one who can guide me.......so please help

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hello mam,
    I'm currently in the final year of my college, so it's been a lot of time since I studied Hindi(which was in 8th standard) and I scored 90+. But since then haven't touched a book on Hindi. I can converse fluently in Hindi though. How difficult is to crack the compulsary Hindi given this scenario?
    Kindly advise. Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Madam,
    Could you suggest the syllabus for the optional hindi and english paper..I have been trying to search it online but without much luck.Also kindly suggest from where to refer for the same.Thanks a ton

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hello Ma'am,
    I have completed my schooling in Gujarati Language.
    My mother tongue is Gujarati so I am thinking to opt the same for language paper.
    But the thing is I don't know where to search for references and materials to prepare for Gujarati Paper.
    Previous Language papers are hard to find on the internet.
    All I am getting are the previous Literature papers.
    So Kindly guide me in this matter.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hello Ma'am,
    I have completed my schooling in Gujarati Language.
    My mother tongue is Gujarati so I am thinking to opt the same for language paper.
    But the thing is I don't know where to search for references and materials to prepare for Gujarati Paper.
    Previous Language papers are hard to find on the internet.
    All I am getting are the previous Literature papers.
    So Kindly guide me in this matter.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hello Mam,

    Basically I am a chartered accountant. I wish to do upsc . May I know whether one regional language like Hindi/Tamil/etc is compulsory ?

    ReplyDelete
  52. respected madam
    i have completed my 10(open schooling)in 2004 and 12(open schooling)in 2011, now doing graduation from u p rajarshy tondon open university.
    mam i am preparing for upsc, wil there be any problem regarding this education gap for upsc examination

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hello, I log on to your blogs daily. Your humoristic style
    is witty, keep doing what you're doing!
    Also see my site > football transfer news bbc

    ReplyDelete
  54. respected mam.. i want to know something from u about ias preparation..mam my dream is to become an ias officer...but i cant afford coaching classes..my target is 2014 ias exam..nowdays i am reading ncert books only...can u suggest me how should i prepare for ias without any coaching class...can u suggest me please...

    ReplyDelete
  55. hi mam..this is debanshu banerjee... i am a final year b.tech student in electrical..i want to crack this exam ...since the syllabus has changed form this year and there is only one optional paper, i am confused as to take electrical engineering or some arts subject.. i am good in electrical but still feel that arts parers like history would be more scoring.. am i wrong ??or both the subjects are equally scoring.??
    i would also like your guidance about how to qualify in the hindi paper . are the ncert books for hindi vyakaran sufficient??
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  56. Your means of describing everything in this article is genuinely good, every one be able to without difficulty
    understand it, Thanks a lot.

    Also visit my page :: Best online backup providers

    ReplyDelete
  57. hai maam,
    myself appeared for civil mains 2011 and 2012 and both the times iam not qualified langauge paper i scored in lang paper 77(in 2011) and 87(in 2012) plz can u tell me wat will be the qualifying cut off mark for indian lang compulsory paper

    thanking you

    ReplyDelete
  58. hai maam,
    myself appeared for civil mains 2011 and 2012 and both the times iam not qualified langauge paper i scored in lang paper 77(in 2011) and 87(in 2012) plz can u tell me wat will be the qualifying cut off mark for indian lang compulsory paper

    thanking you

    ReplyDelete
  59. nice article mam .your article and it's comments are really helpful in providing imformation regarding various topic's .
    i beleive that with hard work and self motivation one can get proper results.i am preparing for IAS Hindi 2013 but with today's competition I feel that one must join some sort of coaching institute for proper preparation of IAS Hindi preparartion.one of my friend has recommended me this online coaching for IAS hindi. http://www.wiziq.com/course/7109-upsc-civil-services-general-studies-prelims-cum-mains-exam-preparation . she says it's one of the best available online course. i just want to confirm that should i enroll in any of such course?? should i spend my money on these courses?? :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. very informative Post,,,thnx for the article.,,, i really appreciate it.btw do consider online coaching option too...Online coaching for IAS hindi preparation. http://www.wiziq.com/course/7109-upsc-civil-services-general-studies-prelims-cum-mains-exam-preparation . one of the best available online course. worth a try. moneyback if not satisfied. :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hindu & indian express
    is not available in my town then what should i do

    ReplyDelete
  62. mam. can u plz tell wht is the syllabus for hindi as regional language and wht books to refer to clear hindi (regional language paper) as a qualifying paper for mains. plz reply vnmeenakshi83@gmal.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. mam
    plz tell hindi indian regional language paper syllabus and books refer so that i can clear it for mains as it is the qualifying paper for mains mam. vnmeenakshi83@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. can get solved vocabulary portion of eng-compulsory? from where?

    ReplyDelete
  65. can i get completed english vocabulary portion of compulsory english?

    ReplyDelete