Gear up: right approach to Group-I Mains
THE BATTLE lines have been drawn. The results of Group-I screening test have been declared recently. The test is only meant to shortlist the number of candidates to be admitted to the Main examination. All the candidates who have been declared successful at the test stand on the same footing and now their success depends upon their performance in the Mains.
Analysing the syllabus that has been outlined for the Mains, it is divided into five parts -- General English, Essay, General Studies and two optionals.
* General English: General English paper is of a qualifying nature (Marks scored in this paper are not considered when the final rank is being determined. However, a candidate has to score minimum marks in this exam otherwise his other papers will not be evaluated). The paper is of X class standard and includes comprehension, rearrangement of sentences, synonyms, antonyms, etc. Normally no special preparation is required to answer this paper.
* General Essay: In this paper, the candidate has to choose one topic from eight topics given and write an essay for three hours. Topics cover a wide range of areas from Indian theatre to women's liberation to privatisation of public sector to information technology. The topics that can be expected are role of citizens in participatory democracy; efficient administration through e-governance; water resources management; tomorrow's India: challenges and opportunities; Indian judicial system: need and directions of reforms; Globalisation: myth and reality; India's role in promoting ASEAN cooperation; Judicial activism and Indian democracy.
It is to be noted that the ideas in the essay should be in an orderly fashion and written concisely. Credit is given for effective and exact expression.
* General Studies: Unlike the screening test, the general studies paper is not general but quite specific. It accounts for 150 marks. The paper is divided into five parts.
1. Modern Indian history and Indian culture: Modern Indian history begins from the sepoy mutiny to the present day. Indian culture includes architecture, fine arts, dance forms, etc. In this section we are confronted with two questions - one from history and other from culture. Usually the question from the Indian culture part has a specific reference to Andhra Pradesh.
Sample questions:
* Examine the role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopalakrishna Gokhale as leaders of the Indian National Congress during India's struggle for Independence.
* State the main folk arts of Andhra Pradesh. Sketch the relative importance of folk arts.
History and culture by the Publications Division and the history and culture of Andhras published by Telugu University are suggested references.
2. Indian polity: Questions from this part cover the general and broad understanding of the structural aspects and the functioning of Indian political system.
Sample Questions:
* India is a unitary State with some subsidiary federal features. Comment.
* Write an essay on the National Commission to review the working of the Indian Constitution.
3. Indian economy and geography of India: In this section, there will be two questions one from Economy and another from geography. Questions in both these areas could refer to India in general or Andhra Pradesh in specific.
Sample Questions:
* Economic liberalisation and privatisation alone can ensure welfare of all the people. Critically examine with reference to India.
* Describe the salient features of agrarian economy of Andhra Pradesh. Discuss the significance of water resources and the management in this state.
Indian Economy by Dutt and Sundaram, Economic Survey Report are some of the suggested references.
4. Current events of State, national and international importance: The scope of this area is very wide and questions can range from international events, India and the world, Andhra Pradesh and its contribution etc.
Sample Questions:
* Peace has today become an almost mythical word in the middle east. Critically examine the statement (2002)
* Critically examine the impact of the Pokharan test on India's relations with the US (1991).
* State the major achievements of the National Games and Sports held in Andhra Pradesh. What are the main problems which arise in organising such mega events?
(To be continued... )
By Gopal Krishna,
Director, Brain Tree
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