1.General studies manual 2007 by Tata Mcgraw
2. Indian history by V.K Agnihotri 22nd edition 2006
3.public Administration M Laxmikanth Tata Mcgraw 5th edition
4. CSAT paper 2 by P N ROy Chowdhury.. Pearson

Also please suggest me reference books for preparation in case if the above mentioned books are out dated

Thanks
Sreeranjani

In case you do not want to pick Economics, then there other subjects which are strategically beneficial in the overall scheme of the examination (these subjects have overlap with the syllabus of General Studies and have had good success rate in the recent past). Consider your interest among subjects like, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Geography, etc.

However, do not sweat too much over optional subjects already. Read ‘Expected changes in Civil services (M) Exam‘

Initiate preparation in Pre (General Studies and Aptitude) and Mains (General Studies and Essay) in the time being. New session starts 1st June 2012 – http://www.rauias.com/june.php

Regards,
Rau’s IAS

1) You can appear in Civil Services Examination after completing 5 years in SSC. Then, you’d be eligible to get age relaxation upto 5 years. Download and go through pages 29 and 30 http://www.rauias.com/UPSC%20Civil%20Services%20Exam%20Syllabus.pdf

2) You would not be allowed to appear in this exam after 2 years (while still in service). If you strictly want to appear after 2 years you’ll have to do that after resigning from your service (and you would also not get any age relaxation benefit).

Regards,
Rau’s IAS

What, exactly how and when the Mains pattern will change is unclear. It could change in 2013 or later. UPSC is expected to announce the changes by or after September 2012.

However, first thing first, the impact of change will be felt by everyone equally. Thus, you (or for that matter anyone else) will not be at any disadvantageous position vis a vis other aspirants.

In your case, your optional subjects (Pub Ad and Sociology) are such which should remain relevant even in the revised pattern. That could actually be advantageous for you.

We will update more on this as soon as anything becomes publicly available.

Take care,
All the best,
Rau’s IAS

First of all, read our blog and related Q&As from http://www.rausias.com/blog/?p=69.

This should resolve your query.

Regards,
Rau’s IAS

The basic guideline at the start of the preparations for both Preliminary and Main Examination is to read NCERT books on related subjects. There is no substitute for them. One should refrain in the beginning from reading guidebooks, as they load you with information, but with very little concept.

• Civics: 6th – 10th standard
• Political Science: 11th and 12th standard
• Geography: 6th – 12th standard
• Sociology: 11th and 12th standard
• History: 6th – 12th standard
• Economics: 9th – 12th standard (latest edition)

NCERT Books: General Science
• Physics, Chemistry, Biology: 9th and 10th Standards

For Current Affairs and General Knowledge (make a habit of reading newspapers and magazines regularly and analytically. The events of National and International which effect human lives at large are important from General Studies point of view)
• The Hindu, Times of India, Frontline, The Economist, Pratiyogita Darpan

Thereafter, once you get in 3rd year college, contact us again to understand the targeted strategy and methodology to be followed then.

Regards,
Rau’s IAS

There are two categories of services, Technical and Non-Technical Category of Services. For example IPS falls under Technical category for which there are different set of physical conditions/eligibility/medical examination. IAS falls under Non Technical.

For rules regarding the same – download http://www.rauias.com/iassyllabus.php and read from pages 5-6, 8-13.

Also, only UPSC will be the competent authority you should trust on such matters.

Regards,
Rau’s IAS

There is a considerable length to cover before you will become eligible for Civil Services Exam [about 5 years (2 + 3)].

There is a chance that by the time you will become eligible, there will be a new pattern of Civil Services (Mains) Exam. So , we’ll not get into making strategies for your college already. For that contact us again after clearing school.

However, yes, till then, if Humanities subjects (Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Geography, etc) interest you then they will certainly be beneficial for you later.

Also,
1) Go through your NCERT text books very well and from a long terms perspective. The basic guideline at the start of the preparations for both Preliminary and Main Examination in Civil Services is to read NCERT books on related subjects. There is no substitute for them.

2) Develop a habit of reading newspapers (The Hindu) and magazines (The Frontline, Economist) regularly. This will help you a great deal later.

All the best,
Rau’s IAS

Download and go through the examination’s pattern and syllabus from here http://www.rauias.com/UPSC%20Civil%20Services%20Exam%20Syllabus.pdf.

Or, you could go to our website and read systematically through links ‘About IAS’ beginning from Scheme of Examination.

Regards,
Rau’s IAS

1) Yes, these are good number of hours to start with, however, you might be required to devote between 8-10 hrs on a daily basis as you close in on the exam. Moreover, nothing can be said on the basis on quantity of hours alone. It is emphasized that more than quantity, the quality of time must be given utmost importance.

2) See, both Geography and Public Ad will be strategically better optionals to keep in Civil Services (looking at their relevance with GS syllabus, relevance in the overall scheme of the exam, success rate of 9%+, etc).

3) You are allowed to take it. However, quality study material and guidance might not be available in Bengali medium.

Regards,
Rau’s IAS