BATCHES FROM NOVEMBER 2009

STRATEGY FOR THE PREPARATION
 

I would like to reiterate what I have said earlier also – “Winners do not do different things, they do things differently”. The knack is putting you in the shoes of the examiner. A little understanding of the psychology of the examiner, this can be done by putting yourself in the examiner's place. What you would like in any answer sheet? Clarity of thought, lucidity, good content, well expressed language. In short, good Communication Skill (Written Communication) so that the answer script speaks for itself. The reason why I began with writing skill is that it is the most important component in the preparation for the Mains Examination. There are many intelligent students, well versed with knowledge about their subject matter and yet they do not score in the Mains Examination. Why? Of course, luck and destiny is there. But another reason is faulty writing skill. Thus Civil Services Examination requires a two-pronged strategy to hit the target Content and Writing Skill. Now I will take up both these components in detail.  Content involves the following: (a) Conceptual understanding. (b) Facts. (c) Manipulating the facts. (d) Something new, in terms of knowledge base or linkages or ingenuity or diagrams 1.         Conceptual understanding - of the subject matter is most important. Give a layman's interpretation to the concepts and relate it with mundane example for long term memory. 2.         Facts - After conceptual understanding, the second step is memorizing the important facts. For example - some important theoretical aspects are to be memorized to attempt any question related to the spatial analysis of the subject matter. 3.         Something New - new diagrams, new ideas, original ideas, new content, latest reports, linkages etc. However, one has to be cautious that a balance is maintained and the ideas are not too radical. Also it should be well integrated with the answer.

Writing Skill:

1.         Be short and precise.

2.         Writing should be legible and neat.

3.         Grammatical errors to be avoided.

4.         Simple language.

5.         Neat diagrams whenever it is required to give precision to your answer.

Writing skill does not mean a decorative language, having extra-ordinary vocabulary. It means that the ideas should be well expressed in a lucid manner. Simple language but a speaking Language is the demand i.e. the answer sheet should speak out everything for itself with requisite words, depends on the nature of the subject matter. There should be no ambiguity in the answers.

Writing skill comes through practice. Writing skill is also based on your knowledge base and conceptual understanding. This only can give flow and lucidity to your answers. The conceptual understanding will make your answer well organized and well integrated.

Thus, writing skill and content both should complement and supplement each other. Writing skill has its base in content and content needs writing skill to be well expressed.

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION (SEVEN PRINCIPLES)

1.         Underline the key words.

2.         Underline the latest updates that you have incorporated in your answer.

3.         Make some lucid diagrams to make your presentation effective. But remember that the diagrams need to be well integrated with your answer.

4.         Each topic has some key words and the examiner expects you to write them.

5.         Another, crucial factor which many of us tend to overlook is the selection of the first answer. Remember. “FIRST IMPRESSION IS THE LAST IMPRESSION”, hence your first answer should be your best answer, Len one in which you have command and also have SOMETHING NEW to give - in the form of linkages, recent reports, diagrams, maps etc.

Why Psychology as an optional?

Psychology is the study of behaviour of human beings and animals and application of it for the benefit of mankind. It is equally favourite among all streams of students irrespective of their background to appear in the Civil Services Main Examination. Besides being interesting in nature its simplicity and more marks fetching character attracts the students.

Civil Services preparation is not just a preparation but strategic preparation. To be successful not only hard work, determination, dedication, etc required but also wise selection of subjects. Psychology is the subject which provides limited course and adequate gap with other optionals thus enhancing the chances of selection.

The best approach is to go through all the available material for the better understanding but you are not doing a PhD course but want to be selected in the civil services .Coaching institutions share this burden from you and filter the relevant material so that you can better utilize your scarce resources of time, money and energy.

But in this market of coaching institutions you need wisdom to choose the right one. We claim that here at KSG we multiplies your chances by providing.

Best available topic and sub-topic wise material (so that you can cruise through no matter from where question is asked “as last year 2006 exam”)

• Flow chart presentation (Easy to Remember and more marks fetching in character)
  
• Development of appropriate linkages (Transfer of Training so that better application in second paper)
  
• Updated material (To cope up with the growing advances ,which serve the purpose of cherry on your pudding)
  
• Application of Phemonia and other easy to remember techniques
  
• Individual attention to every student (Proper strength ,weakness, opportunities and threats analysis)
  

Above are the few important points, rest you experience yourself here at Khan Study Group Institute and chalk your destiny.