Friday, August 28, 2009

My Public Administration Book

Dear All,

It is with immense pleasure that I want to inform you all that a book on Public Administration, written by me, is being released soon. It is basically a comprehensive compilation of the most important topics of Public Administration for Mains.

I hope you find it useful.

Thanks.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thread for my Pub Ad students

Dear students,

As requested by a few of you, I am creating this post so that I can continue helping you in your preparation even if the classes are over now. Plz feel free to post your queries, upload your answers as you did during the classes.

God bless you all!


Thursday, August 13, 2009

Sociology tips

On my request, Ms. Aditi Singh(AIR 12) has provided some pointers on Sociology. I thank her for her contribution to the blog.
Beyond this I won't be able to answer any questions on Sociology

Reading List for Sociology (Main)
Shri. Upendra Gaur’s class notes
Sociology-Tom Bottomore
Sociology-Michael Haralambos
Classical Sociological Theory-George Ritzer
Tribal India-Nadeem Hasnain
Modernization of Indian Tradition-Yogendra Singh
Changing India-Robert Stern

A few tips:
1. Refer to IGNOU notes for the new topics introduced in Paper II
2. Make sure you mention case studies in Paper II answers
3. Make good notes on topics like ethnicity, religion, caste, environment, women’s movement, tribal movement, political parties, pressure groups, judiciary, etc. which are common to Political Science, Sociology, GS or Essay as it’ll help you to optimize your preparation.
5. Read the questions carefully in both optionals before answering. More often than not the second part of the questions would require a bit of original thinking beyond what you may have prepared.

Political Science

On my request, Ms. Aditi Singh(AIR 12) has provided some pointers on Pol Science. I thank her for her contribution to the blog.
Beyond this I won't be able to answer any question on Pol Sc.

Reading List for Political Science (Prelims and Main)
The Constitution of India-D.D. BasuAn Introduction to Political Theory-O.P. GaubaSpectrum's Political Science for PrelimsThe Constitution of India-P.M.Bakshi
Political Theory-Amal Ray, Mohit Bhattacharya
Comparative Politics-Ronald Chilcote
Our Parliament-S.C. Kashyap
History of Political Thought-Subrata Mukherjee, Susheela Ramaswamy
A History of Political Thought-J.P. SudaFoundations of Indian Political Thought-V.R. MehtaModern Political Theory-S.P. Verma
Western Political Thought-R.M. Bhagat
Andrew Heywood-Politics
Andrew Heywood-Political Theory: An IntroductionComparative Politics-J.C. Johari
History of Political Thought- George Sabine
Politics among Nations-Hans Morgenthau

A few tips:
1. Look up Wikipedia for the latest on world constitutions
2. Combine preparation of Section B of Paper 1 with Indian Polity and History in GS
3. Update your Paper II Section B answers with GS Paper II notes on India and the World and International Organizations
4. Take a look at the Delhi University B.A./M.A. Political Science syllabus/reading lists for references on International Relations

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!!!!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to those who have cleared Prelims. From now on, you can ask questions pertaining to this year mains in this post. I will try my best to write the outstanding post on essay soon.

For people who havrn't made it this year, do not be disheartened. Work harder and smarter this time. All the best!!!