Strategy for PCS Mains (GS Paper-1): By Ramandeep Singh, PCS Rank 8 (B.C.)

First of all i want to congratulate Mr Ramandeep Singh for his success in PCS. His performance in this examination is laudable, specially in GS Paper-1 in which he has scored the highest (113 out of 250). I thank him for taking out time to discuss his strategy for this paper.




Ramandeep Singh:

Hello everyone I am Ramandeep Singh. I have been asked to share my views regarding preparation of paper 1. I feel that this particular paper is both technical and scoring at the same time. Though I am not an expert , I will try my best to provide you a broad framework regarding the study material.
1)   WORLD HISTORY
          Ncert books by Arjun dev, world history by wizard.
2)   INDIAN CULTURE
         Nitin singhania notes, CCERT website
3)    MODERN HISTORY
        A brief history of modern india by rajiv ahir is sufficient.
        If you have time then give a reading to bipin chandra INDIAS STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
4) SOCIO RELIGIOUS REFORMS
       2nd chapter of spectrum by rajiv ahir
       For punjab , read any good buk on punjab history.I have followed Khuswant singh's book on punjab history
5) POST INDEPENDENCE CONSOLIDATION
        Selective chapters from Bipin chandra book INDIA SINCE INDEPENDENCE
6) HISTORY OF PUNJAB
      Khuswant singh book plus +1 and +2 books of modern publication
7) PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
      IMP books--- savinder singh (physical geography)
                                Khullar ( indian geography)
                  Salient features of world-darshan singh manku
                 Factors responsible for location -khullar
          Goephysical phenomenon---khullar indian geography
        Punjab geography--- goegraphy of punjab by darshan singh manku
   Modern concept of farming-- internet , newspaper(the tribune)
8) SOCIETY
         NCERT OF SOCIOLOGY, notes of GRAB academy(sukhchain singh)
    Newspaper
9)  ETHICS
      didnot  do
10) HUMAN VALUES
        mukul pathak notes of psychology
11)  TEACHINGS
        GRAB ACADEMY NOTES
12)    VULNERABLE SECTIONS AND SOCIAL SECTOR
    Grab academy
  

IMP SUGGESTIONS
1) Make notes for quick revision
2) Attempt all questions
3) Wherever possible draw diagrams and flow charts esp in geography
4) Most importantly dont get disheartened by failures.Identify your strengths and learn from your mistakes..formulate your own strategy of success.
   Good luck.