How to tackle new pattern of civil services examination

As all of us know that CSE is undergoing a transition phase in which not only whole PT process to be changed but also nature of questions in main examination have changed significantly.I started my preparation from 2009 and that was the year when UPSC started to experimenting with main pattern. With my experience of writing 2009 main, 2010 PT and 2010 main I want to share these changes as I observed. I am no expert on CSE but want to share my experience and hope that it would help. My aim of this post is to analyze proposed changes in CSE.



Whats 'new' in this new pattern?

First of all we should know whats exactly new in this pattern and how it is different from previous pattern.Optionals in PT have been done away with . So apart from GS paper a CSAT paper to be common for all. Also relative weightage of GS have been increased to 50 % as compared to 33% earlier. As GS paper is known to all so this would be deciding factor for clearing PT 2011. As despite the claims of being CSAT ' expert' by many coaching classes no one knows more about CSAT than UPSC made public. So even if CSAT paper happens to be very easy cut off for that paper will be very low as aspirants would not attempt any question they are not 100% sure.So here ' new' thing is increased importance of GS for clearing PT 2011. And GS is now changed. You can not score good marks in GS PT by just mugging facts without understanding the fundamentals of the concepts. Gone are the days when 60 days classes by a coaching institute for prelims was sufficient .Current affairs and development issues are now gaining importance. A serious study of at least one newspaper is now must.

CSAT is a new addition in PT and this is causing maximum anxiety among aspirants. Basic syllabus made available by UPSC suggest that it would be like any other aptitude test for management and banking entrance examination . But final shape of paper could only be known when UPSC come up with model question papers.It is advisable that aspirants should not panic about CSAT and start with basic numeracy and reasoning books. Those not comfortable with English grammar can also start reading basic grammar books. As stated earlier cut off for CSAT is bound to low and score in GS would be deciding factor so more emphasis should be given on basics of GS.


Coaching classes and prepartion for CSE

With new pattern of CSE in offing , many 'experts' of CSAT have emerged overnight. It is irony that UPSC is changing pattern on pretext of reducing grip of coaching classes on CSE but this is only going to help coaching classes. Here are some reasons why coaching classes would continue to attract a significant numbers of aspirants in years to come.

1. opaque nature of functioning of UPSC is the biggest reason for dominance of coaching classes as they claim of having 'insider' knowledge of UPSC.
2. Nature and pattern of examination is so lengthy that it is very difficult to manage 2 optional subjects , GS, Essay and interview phase on one's own.
   
3. In this examination stakes are so high. People put their career on holds for at least 2 years and make this as a question of life and death . So they can not take any chances and try to attend as many coaching classes as possible in hope to be befitted by them.
4. Advertisement blitzkrieg and unethical claims by coaching classes. Coaching classes never tell what course a successful candidate attended. If one even attended a mock interview they will claim full credit for success of candidate.

Coaching classes are not indispensable for cracking CSE. But if one has resources in terms of time and money should go for coaching classes.But aim of coaching classes should be to extract maximum value for money . Coaching classes attending should not be the sole purpose for this. One should prepare to win not just for sake of preparation due to pressure from family and friends.Always have a critical mind on the matter taught in class. If a teacher tells that one can safely skip some topics and still manage to attempt all 5 questions in main examination never fall for that. Whole syllabus must be covered .





I would write about what approach should be followed for preparation of CSE in next posts. All comments are welcome.