We have so far covered the brief bio-data, inspirational journey and study plan of UPSC Civil Services Exam 2013 topper Gaurav Agrawal in Part 1. The unedited version of the detailed interview of Gaurav Agrawal (CSE 2013 Rank 1) UPSC Topper’s Interview with Clear IAS is presented in multiple parts, so that aspirants get right guidance regarding the preparation methods, books and coaching. Now straight to Part 2 which explores the books and study-materials referred by AIR 1 for UPSC Prelims.
UPSC Prelims
ClearIAS.com: Can you elaborate on your preparation strategies/approach and study materials and books used for Prelims Paper 1 and Paper 2 (Please mention books/materials used for each subject)?
- General Studies Paper 1:
Topic |
Strategy/Booklist/Comment |
Ancient History |
I had history optional last year. |
Medieval History |
I had history optional last year. |
Modern History (Freedom Struggle) |
Shekhar Bandopadhyay and Bipin Chandra books |
Culture society |
I had history optional last year. |
Polity (theory + current) |
|
Economy (theory + current) |
I had economics optional. |
Science (theory + current) |
9th and 10th class NCERT and Vajiram notes. |
Environment (theory + current) |
Please read my blog post for this. |
Geography Physical |
11th and 12th class NCERT, Goh Che Leong, Vajiram notes. |
Geography India |
11th and 12th class NCERT, Goh Che Leong, Vajiram notes. |
Geography world |
11th and 12th class NCERT, Goh Che Leong, Vajiram notes. |
National/international current affairs |
Newspaper and internet. |
Schemes, Policy & Filler Stuff |
Newspaper and internet. |
- General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT): No preparation was needed, only attempted 3-4 mock tests.
ClearIAS.com : Any tips/advices for UPSC Civil Services Prelims?
Prelims preparation is same as mains preparation for common parts of syllabus. This is because even in prelims, UPSC is moving away from information based questions and towards understanding based questions.
Continued in Part 3 of the interview : Gaurav Agrawal (CSE 2013 Rank 1) UPSC Topper’s Interview – Part 3.
How should I prepare for History as an Optional?
Sir, for economics optional in upsc do we need to read ‘the economic times’ newspaper along with ‘the Hindu’ newspaper daily or else the Hindu newspaper is more than enough?