Paper I

Art & Culture : Class XI NCERT old books(ancient, medieval India)

Class XI NCERT latest book on art & culture
Spectrum (Art & Culture)
World History : NCERT old books Class IX(last three chapters), Class X, Class XII
Indian History : Bipin Chandra Struggle for independence , India since independence
NCERT Class XII old
Ramachandra Guha India since Gandhi
Sociology part : NCERT new books Class XI XII
Geography NCERT old books (Class VI VII VIII IX X XI XII)
NCERT new books Class XI XII
G C Leong
Paper II
Polity & Governance : IInd ARC report , especially the 6
th
7
th
12
th
13
th
14
th
15
th
reports
12
th
FYP chapters on women, health, social development , governance, regional
inequality , education , skill developement .
Book by D D Basu
Book by Laxmikant
International relations : Ministry of External affairs website go for Indias relation with countries and
intl groups download and get print out for important ones
For whole paper II, I also used Vision IAS material and ALS class notes (from my friend)
At the same time, this paper is also about having all the current affairs with you and a thorough writing
practice (which has to be on a daily basis).
Paper III
This paper is very much in line with the economic survey topics. Collect the last 3 editions and go
through important topics and development from them.
12
th
FYP topics on Energy, Sustainable development, Agriculture, Industry, Transportation,
Forestry/wildlife, Land, Water.
On food processing a report by CCI get it downloaded from internet
On PDS Wadhwa committee report summary from internet, report of planning commission on PDS
Land Reforms Bipin Chandras India Since Independence 4 chapters
Vision IAS material and ALS class notes will also help.
Science & Tech download them from internet, for eg, for nanotechnology there is a very good report
by TERI
Security/Disaster management IInd ARC report on disaster management, conflict resolution, terrorism
12
th
FYP topics on them
Vision IAS material and ALS class notes
Current Affairs knowledge
Paper IV
I was ready to give the paper completely on my own. Later, on friends insistence, I referred ALS class
notes and Some Vision IAS material. But I would say that only know this papers vocabulary &
terminology clearly from these references. For rest, write on that day without pretending anything.
Special notes : Writing practice on a daily note is a must(mains exam is all about writing).
Joining test series will help (I joined Vision IAS test series which I found satisfactory).
Current affairs has to be comprehensively covered THE HINDU & TOI as well as
Chronicle year end magazine, ALS current affairs class notes and VISION IAS every
months current affairs material, look for PIB website every day.
For Yojana & Kurukshetra magazines, buy them and make notes from them on that day
itself. Else, there is faint chances of looking at them afterwards.
There is no substitute for self-notes. Make it for every mega topic and typical analysis or
facts that you come across. Remember, during or just before mains you will find your
micro notes most useful and friendly towards mental pressure of remembering infinite
knowledge.
Do not run after attending coaching classes. Your time is your only capital which has to
be invested smartly in your own way, and not in coachings way.