Congratulations!

Congratulations to all of you who have got through.

For those who couldn't make it this time, all the very best for the next attempt.

Interview Preparation

Hello All,

Sorry for the delay in the post.
I have been very busy with my training at LBSNAA. Even right now as I write this post I am sitting in the office of a regiment of army at Poonch(the border town on Indian side).

Let's come to interview preparation.
Interview is a test of your personality. The attempt is to test your presence of mind, attitude, emotional stability and in general they would like to see if you are a balanced personality or not.

1. First take a few copies of your mains form. Share it with a couple of people/friends who are close to you. Now start writing questions on every component of your mains form. For eg. if your form contains names of 4 5 places, then write whatever questions come to your mind wrt these places and even related questions. For eg. my form had moradabad in it, so questions would pertain to brass exports, SEZ, child labour in brass industry, moradabad's share in Indian handicraft exports and so on. Open your mind to the range of questions that can be asked. You should take some time to do this job as it is the most crucial part. Make a notebook having different sections, hobbies, places, educ background and write as many questions as possible.

2.. Once you have made this notebook, start researching the answers. Write relevant facts and info in a separate notebook.

3. For general awareness and a balanced opinion, read atleast 2 newspapers. I read ToI and Hindu. Jot down the important aspects and facts in news and major issues, for eg climate change.
4.Also focus heavily on International relations and specially India's equation with other countries and changes in foreign policy. Get a good book on India's foreign policy, preferably a new one.

5.Always remember that more important than the facts it is your opinion that matters. So try to cultivate a balanced thinking if you don't have it. Try to form an opinion on all issues around you.
6. For people with difficulty in public speaking, get involved in group discussions with other people on current issues of importance.

7. Develop a good awareness of yourself and your background. You should be sure of what you have presented before them in your mains form. I hope you haven't lied about your hobbies and extra curricular activities in the form, as they are wise men/women.

Keep posting questions on this post for interview preparation. No other questions would be entertained.

Inactivity on Blog

Dear Blog Visitors,

First of all, apologies for keeping you waiting for many days for replies to your queries.
I am attending the foundation course at LBSNAA at the moment and it is so very hectic here. That's why I can not be very regular and prompt on the blog during the foundation course.

God Bless You!!
All the very Best!!!

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.

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!

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