Topper's
Profile : Vikas Sharma
Meet Mr. Vikas Sharma 2014 batch HAS, Hard working and Ex-Serviceman worked in Indian Navy,
Cracked HPAS 2014 Examination and achieved Rank-4 with Anthropology and Sanskrit Optional.Meet Mr. Vikas Sharma 2014 batch HAS, Hard working and Ex-Serviceman worked in Indian Navy,
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Name
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Vikas
Sharma
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Rank
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4th
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Roll
No.
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406447
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Age
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37 yrs
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Total
attempts in HPAS
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2nd
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Optional
Subject
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1st:
Anthropology, 2nd: Sanskrit Literature
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Medium
chosen for Mains answers
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English
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Schooling
medium
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Hindi
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College
medium
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English
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Home
town/city/Village
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VPO:
Phataher, Tehsil: Baijnath, Kangra
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Work-experience
if any
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15
years Indian Navy,
02
months: Lecturer Electrical Engineering at Govt Polytechnic Kangra,
Assistant
Engineer HPSEBL since Mar 2015 till date
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Details
of other competitive exams, including success/failures
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Cleared
JTO exam (BSNL) in 1999, Cleared Bank PO & Clerical exam in 2014
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Details
of coaching, mock tests, postal material for any competitive exam (if used)
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Postal
material: Panini Classes for Sanskrit
Braintree
material for Anthropology
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service
preference
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HAS,
HPS
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Educational
Profile
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% in
class 10
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64
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% in
class 12
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51
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Schooling
(Medium)
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Hindi
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Graduation
course and %
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1)Diploma
in Electrical Engineering, 76%
2)AMIE
Electrical Engineering from Institution of Engineers (India)
64%
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Name
of college, city, passing out year
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School:
Govt High School Deol
College:
GGDSD college Baijnath
Diploma:
Govt Polytechnic Hamirpur
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Post-graduation
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NO
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Any
other professional courses
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Diploma
in Rural Development, IGNOU
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Hobbies
& Extra curricular
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Internet
Surfing
Listening
Jagjit Singh Gazal
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Introduction
Question: Tell us something about yourself, your family, your place, when and why did you enter in this field of competitive exams?
![]() |
| Vikas Sharma HAS (2014 batch) |
Answer: I was born in a lower middle
class family at village Phataher (near Baijnath). My father was Sr
Assistant in HPSEBL, mother – house-wife. My elder sister is in noble
profession of teaching, younger brother is software engineer.
My village is one of the remote locations of distt Kangra, where regular bus facility started when I was in college. As far as entering into the field of competitive exams is concerned, getting into any Govt job was also my motive (just like any typical village society mentality).
My village is one of the remote locations of distt Kangra, where regular bus facility started when I was in college. As far as entering into the field of competitive exams is concerned, getting into any Govt job was also my motive (just like any typical village society mentality).
After
completion of Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Hamirpur, I got the first
opportunity to join Indian Navy and I grabbed it with both hands. Navy
provided me the opportunity to visit different places and interact with diverse
personalities. On one of these occasions in 2009, I got a chance to meet IAS
probationers’ batch, which had come to visit my submarine. Time spent with them
infused a sense of urgency and confidence to achieve this milestone. A desire
to work for the down trodden of society and to make a mark in the society were
also one of the driving factors.
An
incident at the age of fifteen always motivated me to reach at certain position
in society where people couldn’t ignore me easily.
Since
then I decided to start preparation and the result of this long but exciting
process has been achieved now.
Electronic Vs Paper material
Question:
Now a days many students rely on internet for study material, So how much do
you rely on electronic material and how much on the paper material (Books,
Newspapers)? If
possible narrate a typical day in your study life. What is your style of
preparation (e.g. I continue making notes no matter what I’m reading, I just
read multiple times but don’t maintain notes, I make mindmaps on computer…etc
styles or way)
Answer: Since internet surfing is my
hobby, I decided to convert the internet into a treasure house of knowledge.
During initial stage of my preparation, since there was no source of guidance
available on HPAS exam and I was preparing in isolation (at Andhra Pradesh), I
was solely dependent upon internet. I have been accessing most of the GS paper
material form internet only. My day starts with newspaper reading (at least 3-4
e-papers, Hindu editorial, opinion).
I used to make hand written notes from newspapers on a daily basis in addition to saving important articles etc. in Pockets (an app on play store). Reading multiple newspapers helps in revising important news item.
I used to make hand written notes from newspapers on a daily basis in addition to saving important articles etc. in Pockets (an app on play store). Reading multiple newspapers helps in revising important news item.
For
optional part I was relying on multiple revisions and didn’t make notes.
Tempo and Style
Tempo and Style
Question:
Students know what books and syllabus points are to be prepared. But most of
them lack consistency in their preparation. So, how do you keep study momentum
going on? How do you fight against the mood swings and distractions?
Answer:
Motivation and tempo during preparation time is most important. Most of us set
the highest target, when we are high on motivation. But as the time passes
importance of targets keep reducing and also the motivation level goes down.
Therefore it is very important to keep reminding ourselves about our goals on a regular basis. When our ‘goal’ becomes our ‘life’, nothing can stop oneself to achieve it.
Dreams
aren't those which comes while you sleep, but those which
don't let you sleep. - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
If Struggle of a senior player
My Question are two:
After
1-2 failures in any competitive exam, a phase of mental saturation comes. The
person knows the booklist, he knows what is necessary to succeed. But it
doesn’t yield result.
Question: How did you handle the mental Stress and what are your words of wisdom to other senior players? If any specific inspirational incident(s), please share.
Answer: I was worse at handling the
failures. ‘You can win’ by Shiv Khera was helpful to keep reminding me of my
goal. A few childhood incidents always kept me motivating.
Moreover
once you enter in this process, social pressure won’t let you fall back till
you achieve it. You can’t keep telling relatives that still I am preparing for
HAS / IAS.
Question: What went wrong in your previous attempt? What changes did you make in this current attempt?
Answer: During previous attempts my
calculation for optional back fired. Pub Ad fetched avg marks and disaster
happened with Hindi Litt.
This
time I tried to sail through with most dependable and scoring subjects. I
changed the strategy from ‘liking for the subject’ to ‘scoring ability of the
subject’. Since our ultimate aim is to achieve success (and that too without
wasting our valuable time) and not to become Ph D in optionals, we have to
prepare our strategy dynamically. We can’t keep preparing in isolation and wait
for our ‘favourite’ optional to click. Therefore I took the risk of changing my
both optional to Anthropology and Sanskrit. And it paid off handsomely.
If Working Professional
If Working Professional
Question:
If you’re a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with
job?
Answer: My whole preparation was
during my Naval service period (except leave). Defense services have no time
schedule; hence time table for studies can also not be made. Where ever, when
ever, what ever time one gets, should be utilized to the fullest. Job requirements
have to be met (b’coz back up has to be there), personal aspirations have also
to be fulfilled (b’coz …all of us know). So time is to be managed smartly.
Personal leisure time has to be sacrificed and devoted to studies
judiciously.
Studyplan:
Prelims:
General Studies (GS) :
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Topic
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Studyplan/booklist/comment
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Himachal
Pradesh General Studies :
History
Art & Culture Geography Polity Economic & Social Development |
Himachal: The wonderland (Jag Mohan Balokhara)
Economic
Survey: HP
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History
Ancient
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NCERT
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History
Medieval
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NCERT
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History
Modern (Freedom Struggle)
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NCERT,
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Culture
society
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NIOS
material
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Polity
& Governance (theory + current)
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Economic
& Social Development
(theory
+ current)
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Economic Survey, India YearBook by GoI,
NCERT
for Basics, Mrunal.org for current issues
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Science
(theory + Current)
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NCERT, Arihant book
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Environment
& Biodiversity
(theory
+ current)
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NCERT
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Physical
Geography,
Indian
and World Geography
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NCERT, Arihant book
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Other
national/international current affairs
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GkToday.in,
Mrunal.org,
Insightsonindia.com
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Schemes,
Policy etc
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Economic
Survey
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Question: Any observation / comments / tips about GS Prelim paper?
Answer: Newspaper note-making is an
essential & unavoidable part. Regularity plus revision is a must. To cover
HP GS part, notes from Balokhara’s book are to be prepared to speed up the
revision. Economic survey (HP) is also a very important document. Practical target
to score 80-90 marks should be set under all conditions. One should identify
his strength as well as weakness in GS part and prepare accordingly.
Prelims: Aptitude Test (CSAT)
Prelims: Aptitude Test (CSAT)
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Topic
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Studyplan/booklist/comment
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English
/ Comprehension
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No
preparation
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Reasoning
and Analytical Ability
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RS Aggrawal, Old papers from Internet
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Maths
/ Quant / Data Interpretation
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RS Aggrawal, Old papers from Internet
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Interpersonal
Skills including Communication
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No
preparation
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Decision
Making and Problem Solving
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No
preparation
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Misc
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Misc
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Question: Any observation /
comments / tips about Aptitude (CSAT) paper?
Answer: CSAT needs practice. More the
practice, more the speed, more the accuracy hence more are the marks. And more
you inch towards your goal.
Prelim Accuracy
Prelim Accuracy
Question: Did you attend any ‘mock
tests’? Do you think they are necessary for success?
Answer: no, I didn’t attend. But they definitely help in identifying one’s weak areas.
Question: Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in HPAS 2014 ?
Answer:
Answer: no, I didn’t attend. But they definitely help in identifying one’s weak areas.
Question: Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in HPAS 2014 ?
Answer:
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Papers
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Attempted
Questions
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Marks
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GS
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Cannot
recall
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ATITUDE
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Cannot
recall
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TOTAL
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Mains: Compulsory Language Papers
Question: How
did you prepare for the Compulsory English Paper? (If then Book list and Study
pan/comments/tips)
Answer: I solved previous year’s
question paper.
Question: How did you prepare for the Compulsory Hindi Paper? (if then Book list and Studyplan/comments/tips)
Question: How did you prepare for the Compulsory Hindi Paper? (if then Book list and Studyplan/comments/tips)
Answer: I solved previous year’s
question paper. From this time onwards, Hindi needs a proper study plan.
Mains Essay Writing
Question: How
did you prepare for the essay paper?
Answer: I had downloaded few essays
from Vision IAS, written by UPSC toppers. This provided me the basic framework.
Rest, Yojana magazine also enriches one’s knowledge while preparing for HPAS.
Question: Which among the following essay did you write? What key points did you include in it? (If you remember)
Question: Which among the following essay did you write? What key points did you include in it? (If you remember)
Answer: Essay of “Sports”
General
Studies (Mains) Paper :
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Topic
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How
did you prepare?Studyplan/booklist/comment
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Indian
History (Modern)
(Please give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books) |
NCERT
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Freedom
Struggle
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Post-independence
India
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Indian
Culture
(Please
give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)
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NIL
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Physical
Geography
(Please
give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)
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NCERT
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Indian
Geography
(Please
give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)
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NCERT
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Indian
Polity
(Please
give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)
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Indian
Economy
(Please
give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)
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Teachings
of Mahatma Gandhi
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Internet
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Himachal
Pradesh General Studies:
History
Art & Culture Geography Polity
Economic
& Social Development
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Question: Any other comments, Tips or word of wisdom after going through the mains?
Answer: Concise & specific notes for
important topics should always be ready for last moment preparations. (It
really helps a lot and reduces a lot of pressure).
Optional
Subjects :
Question: What were your optional subject and why did you chose it and not something else?
Question: What were your optional subject and why did you chose it and not something else?
Answer:
My optional for this attempt were 1. Anthropology 2. Sanskrit.
As
all aspirants know that HPAS is a game of optionals. Once you score 70 – 80% in
optional, you are way ahead of others. GS, essay and interview more or less
have the same average marking i.e. the difference is very less. Liking for the
subject had very little part to play in this game. We should understand one
thing very clearly that in order to qualify in this ruthless competition, one
has to study anything under the sun. Therefore whatever tool helps you
achieving your goal, has to be grabbed with both hands.
Question: If a new player wants to pick this subject, would you advice for it or against it?
Question: If a new player wants to pick this subject, would you advice for it or against it?
Answer: Above answer explains it well.
Question: First the essential book/resource
list and strategy of Optional 1 ?
Answer: Since I had followed the strategy provided in Mrunal.org , so I am pasting the same. This is more than enough, if done religiously.
Answer: Since I had followed the strategy provided in Mrunal.org , so I am pasting the same. This is more than enough, if done religiously.
http://mrunal.org/2012/06/strategy-anthropology.html
Preparation of Anthropology (mains)
Preparation of Anthropology (mains)
It’s
advisable to start anthro preparation as early as possible after the psc
preliminary examination and with focussed, systematic study one can complete
the subject by end of august.
Useful books
P.Nath
(Preferred) / B M Das for Physical Anthropology. Nath is very useful
for misc topics also
Indian
Anthropology by R.N. Sharma
For More
also visit : Anthropology Studyplan Here
About these Books
are
interesting but not commission exam oriented. Just keep glancing at it when u
feel bored with other stuff thats more than enough. Do not waste time trying to
cram it line by line.
R.N.
Sharma is good for tribal topics, also get hold muniratnam sir’s notes plus do
keep updating and make notes from min. Of tribal affairs websites wrt tribal
legislations,schemes. P.nath is good for the genetics /biology part.
Makhan
Jha is an essential book as there are no good books available exclusively for
theories) also make use of internet and prepare notes for theories given in
union public service commission syllabus that are not in makhan jha.
Das/nath
havesimple diagrams for physical part but parts are not marked in both. There
is a physical anthro book by r.n.sharma which has well marked parts but instead
of buying that book just for diagrams,i suggest you see the topic in das/nath
and then google the topic (eg. Neanderthal skull) you’l get beautiful
diagrams.for diagrams on pre historic tools, ” an outline of indian prehistory
” by d.k.bhattacharya is good but again instead of getting the book you can get
it from the internet. Most of my flow charts are result of my own thoughts- i
just make a pictographic representation of the whole broad concept,didnt refer
anywhere for it.
Tips
for Anthropology Preparation :
Try to
start preparation as soon as upsc preliminary examination are over(thats the
reason for me posting now) instead of choosing it late and feeling sorry better
start your preparation asap. I finished the whole thing in 4 months.
Try
attempting physical anthro based and theory based questions as much as
possible.from what i know, socio based questions fetch lesser marks
comparitively( i avoided questions like those on origin of language in the exam
even though i knew it).
When you
come across a case study, note it down as use it at appropriate topics where
you are expected to explain the concept.
Practice
diagrams for physical part, diagrams will ultimately fetch us more
marks, Do not ignore theories part ,selective study is always
dangerous, Try to make good notes for theories and misc part as good
material is not available in market.
Keep
updating the latest trends and developments in anthropology from
newspaper/magazines and internet
Importance of diagrams in Anthropology Answer Writing :
It’s more catchy and provides more information,saves examiner’s time also- if he finds your diagram to be very good, he’l be more inclined to like your description too.. So as far as physical anthro is concerned, neat diagrams will definitely give us an edge over others.. So practice diagrams.
By
diagrams i meant anatomical -skull,vertebra,bones,teeth diagrams when we are
asked to write about prehistoric man,also a good comparative diagram with
modern man also can be given(depending on question).for questions on
prehistoric stages you can give good diagrams of the tools used then, a rough
picture of the habitat, some pictures of artefacts found etc.. Its easier to
draw diagrams and then explain.
Just
read the theory part then spend 5 mins for looking at the diagram, then try and
do a rough sketch.. 15 mins /day for the diagrams should be more than enough..
That too its only when you read the physical part..
Diagrams
are important ( for physical anthro part only) because you can draw a picture
and explain things easily than writing paras and paras( saves time too). It
also shows that you know the concept better. Nobody will reduce your marks for
not drawing, but you are bound to get more if u give neat sketches. So if you
want really high scores then you have to pay attention to it.
For non physical anthro part – give some pictorial additions – like a cycle(eg. Bonded labour question in 2010)/ flow chart- that way we have an edge over others
Question : Is it required to draw skeletons and dentition for questions on neanderthals, australopithecines etc?
Answer
: Yes..
Diagrams will definitely fetch you more marks..focused preparation with
good strategy and guidance will definitely succeed.
Question: First the essential book/resource list and strategy of Optional 2 ?
Answer: For Sanskrit, all the books I followed were from MLBD Prakashan. Their website provides most of the books. Geeta Press books are also helpful.
Question: First the essential book/resource list and strategy of Optional 2 ?
Answer: For Sanskrit, all the books I followed were from MLBD Prakashan. Their website provides most of the books. Geeta Press books are also helpful.
Question: How
much of internet-research / current affairs is necessary for this optional? OR
can one simply rely on the books and be done with this subject?
Answer: For Anthro’ One needs to update latest data, hence govt website for tribal, population etc are helpful.
Answer: For Anthro’ One needs to update latest data, hence govt website for tribal, population etc are helpful.
Question: How
many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?
Answer: Since I had changed both optional this time, I had to finish these in three months.
Question: How much writing practice you did for Optionals?
Answer: For anthro, I relied on www.insightsonindia.com. On this site, we can see how the answers are framed for optional. I wrote a few of answers, on that site.
For
Sanskrit, we need to do a good writing practice. Essay needs to be practiced on
different topics. It will reduce grammatical errors.
Question: Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? Or you simply rely on reference books?
Answer: I prepared notes, in order to have writing practice on the subject. Otherwise books are all time notes for me.
Question: What
do you think about the Importance of Optionals in HPAS in existing pattern?
Answer: Every senior player understands the importance of optional in HPAS mains. They can make or break your dreams. To play the game of ‘HPAS’ well, we need to understand its rules. Only those optional need to be chosen where ‘knowledge’ can be converted into ‘marks’. We can’t regret that so & so optionals are easier / scoring, therefore people are getting selected. Optionals are open for all. Selective study of any subject can sail you through. We need to go through previous year papers to get an insight of level of toughness. We need to go through the marking trend in mains papers. Go through the marks of the selected candidates. Then try to make a careful & balanced selection of optional. Otherwise in this world of ruthless competition, we can’t keep waiting for our optional to ‘click’.
Question: What you will suggest to the young aspirants about how to choose the Optional Subjects?
Answer: Every senior player understands the importance of optional in HPAS mains. They can make or break your dreams. To play the game of ‘HPAS’ well, we need to understand its rules. Only those optional need to be chosen where ‘knowledge’ can be converted into ‘marks’. We can’t regret that so & so optionals are easier / scoring, therefore people are getting selected. Optionals are open for all. Selective study of any subject can sail you through. We need to go through previous year papers to get an insight of level of toughness. We need to go through the marking trend in mains papers. Go through the marks of the selected candidates. Then try to make a careful & balanced selection of optional. Otherwise in this world of ruthless competition, we can’t keep waiting for our optional to ‘click’.
Question: What you will suggest to the young aspirants about how to choose the Optional Subjects?
Answer: As above.
Mains Answer Writing
Mains Answer Writing
Question: What
style you follow like “introduction-body-conclusion” format or just simply
write down what comes in mind first or any other style?
Answer: ‘Intro –body –conclusion’ is the best choice. If the ‘body’ part of the answer can be written in point – form along with underlining of the important points, it will definitely fetch a few more marks. Please go through www.insightsonindia.com website, it will guide you to a very god extent on answer writing.
Question: Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs or any other style?
Answer: Those questions, where answer was very clear in my mind, I chose bullet form. But where some thing ‘bla bla’ was to be written, I preferred paragraph.
Answer: ‘Intro –body –conclusion’ is the best choice. If the ‘body’ part of the answer can be written in point – form along with underlining of the important points, it will definitely fetch a few more marks. Please go through www.insightsonindia.com website, it will guide you to a very god extent on answer writing.
Question: Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs or any other style?
Answer: Those questions, where answer was very clear in my mind, I chose bullet form. But where some thing ‘bla bla’ was to be written, I preferred paragraph.
Question: What
was your approach in the exam writing questions in fixed word limits?
Answer: Clarity of the answer is very important while writing the answers. It helps in framing the answer within word limit. 20 -25 min for every question should be allotted.
Interview
Question: How did you prepare for the interview?
Answer: Bio data sheet needs to be prepared carefully. Your hobbies play an important part in interview. Extensive study of current affairs is a must. I relied on newspaper reading, rajya sabha / lok sabha TV debates, opinions / editorials of The Hindu, Pratiyogita Darpan magazine etc. Current national issues are very important. I tried to frame answers for every small question, which came to my mind. I prepared a list of local issues / problems at block / district level.
Question: Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes?
Answer: No
Question: How long was the interview?
Answer: It last for 25 -30 min.
Question: Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you reply and other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview. (Or you can simply tell about the questions asked in the interview, but it will be better if you try to narrate in question-answer pattern).
Answer: Clarity of the answer is very important while writing the answers. It helps in framing the answer within word limit. 20 -25 min for every question should be allotted.
Interview
Question: How did you prepare for the interview?
Answer: Bio data sheet needs to be prepared carefully. Your hobbies play an important part in interview. Extensive study of current affairs is a must. I relied on newspaper reading, rajya sabha / lok sabha TV debates, opinions / editorials of The Hindu, Pratiyogita Darpan magazine etc. Current national issues are very important. I tried to frame answers for every small question, which came to my mind. I prepared a list of local issues / problems at block / district level.
Question: Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes?
Answer: No
Question: How long was the interview?
Answer: It last for 25 -30 min.
Question: Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you reply and other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview. (Or you can simply tell about the questions asked in the interview, but it will be better if you try to narrate in question-answer pattern).
Answer:
As the attendant guided me into the room , I loudly asked, “May I come in, sir
?”
C/M: Yes
Me: thank u sir. He directed me towards the chair. I thanked.
Since I had written my hobby as listening Jagjit Singh Gazals & Internet surfing, so chairman asked me to sing a Gazal.
Me: Tum itna jo …..
C/M:
Very good. Five extra marks for it.
C/M: Why gazal is a fading art ? Should pak singers be allowed in India ? (intolerance)
(It got
converted into a discussion)
C/M: What about corruption in defence services ?
Me:
Since I am an ex-ser man , I had to defend the services. A diplomatic answer.
C/M: GST ?
Me:
Since I was not very much clear about this, I asked C/M for an attempt. Then
I explained a few points.
C/M: Compare India – China w.r.t growth rates ?
Me:
Answered, but not very satisfactorily.
C/M:
Which news papers u read & why ?
Me:
Answered.
M1:
He asked about India Electricity rules, Transmission & Distribution losses
in HPSEBL, functions of State Load Dispatch Centre & is it a biased
orginisation towards Pvt hydro plants ?Minimum wages Act ? what facilities u
expect from GoHP w.r.t. the improvements in agriculture in your village / own
land.
M2:
Difference b/w gazal & nazm ? What is the use of vidhan Sabha at
Dharamsala, ‘Manesar’ place w.r.t environment ? What is bird ringing ? Famous
temles of Baijnath & stories behind them ? What is Kripal Singh Kuhal model
of irrigation in palampur ?
M3:
Why there is shortage of officers in armed forces ?
Me: My
answer resulted in a dispute when comparison b/w IAS vs Army officers arose.
Since he was an IAS (I thought so), he defended IAS vigorously. But C/M saved
me from further bombardment from him.
C/M said
ok , your interview is over.
Question: Was your interview on the expected lines of what you had prepared or did they ask you totally unexpected questions? Was it a stress interview, did they ask any uncomfortable questions? If yes, how did you handle it?
Answer: It was not a stress interview. C/m asks you about language preference. A few question were unexpected, otherwise overall a nice experience. Most important is to assess the question immediately and decide whether u want to answer it or not. Politely say ‘No’ if u don’t know the answer.
Question: Was your interview on the expected lines of what you had prepared or did they ask you totally unexpected questions? Was it a stress interview, did they ask any uncomfortable questions? If yes, how did you handle it?
Answer: It was not a stress interview. C/m asks you about language preference. A few question were unexpected, otherwise overall a nice experience. Most important is to assess the question immediately and decide whether u want to answer it or not. Politely say ‘No’ if u don’t know the answer.
Insecurity about profile
Question: Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about ‘profile insecurity’. I’m not from a big college, I’m not from English medium, and I don’t have work-experience. What if they ask some stressful questions in the interview about this? What is your message to these candidates?
Answer: Be truthful to what you are. Prepare well. If we can express yourself nicely in any language, 90% of job is done. But that can be done only if you have knowledge.
Mark Sheet
Please
provide your marks when they will reveal the marks it will help future
aspirants.
Didn’t receive yet.
Career Backup
Question: If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
Answer: Since I was working as Assistant Engineer HPSEBL, so my back up plan was already in place.
Question: When were you going to “execute” that backup plan?
Answer: NA
Views on HPAS Reforms
Question: Optional subjects should be removed altogether or not?DoesPresent pattern seems biased these days when importance is being given to GS more? What is you take on this ?
Answer: If there is one optional, still it is going to play an important part in final merit. But the overall difference may get narrowed down. In GS part, every one has to answer the same thing, hence the true equality will be applicable.
Question: What are your thoughts on the Aptitude test (CSAT)? (Honest Views) It should be only Qualifying in nature or not?
Views on HPAS Reforms
Question: Optional subjects should be removed altogether or not?DoesPresent pattern seems biased these days when importance is being given to GS more? What is you take on this ?
Answer: If there is one optional, still it is going to play an important part in final merit. But the overall difference may get narrowed down. In GS part, every one has to answer the same thing, hence the true equality will be applicable.
Question: What are your thoughts on the Aptitude test (CSAT)? (Honest Views) It should be only Qualifying in nature or not?
Answer: Not applicable in HPAS
Question: HPPSC have amended the Mains Pattern & Syllabus and scraped one optional subject and 3 General Studies papers have been added, what do you think about these changes how they will affect the preparations of HPAS overall?
Answer: If there is one optional, still it is going to play an important part in final merit. But the overall difference may get narrowed down. In GS part, every one has to answer the same thing, hence the true equality will be applicable.
Question: What other reforms you would like to see in HPAS?
Answer: Marks of candidates including cut off should be uploaded on the website.
Inspiration
& Wisdom
Question: Through
this struggle and success, what have your learned? What is the wisdom of life
and competition? What is your message to the new aspirants?
Answer:
Answer:
"वोह रस जो तेरी इबादत में है
वो शायद तुजे पाने में नहीं
वो आनंद जो तेरी चाहत में है
वो तुजमें समा जाने में नहीं
वो अश्रु जो छलके तुजको याद करते
या जो छलके सजदा फ़रियाद करते
कसम तेरी उसका मज़ा इस ज़माने में नहीं"
The days
of preparation are unforgettable. I remember those days in 2009, when I had
seen a ‘normal human being’ as SDM. Till then I kept on assuming that these
people are ‘super human’. Then started the process of collecting basic
information about the process. I searched ‘orkut’ & ‘facebook’ for contact
details of HAS qualifies people. Sent messages to many ‘unknowns’ to help in
the process. Some responded generously, but some … Internet proved to be ‘true
& loyal’ friend.
I tried
to prepare everything as it may come in mains. Started from ‘zero’ in new
optional subjects in first attempt. Tried to contact senior players on mains
writing techniques. Appeared in mains & declared proudly of having cleared
it. Thinking that I was almost there, started preparing for interview. Then
came the result and dreams broken. One year lost. Thought to leave this entire
process.
Started
all over again. Studied the pattern of marking in HPAS mains, marks of
different subjects and zeroed on Sanskrit & Anthroplogy. Took the biggest
strategic risk of changing optional just before three months of exam, as there
was no way out. Selective study was the focus this time. Attempted mains head
on with full confidence of clearing. Mains cleared and interview was also good.
Expected day of result was the longest & toughest to pass. At 1704 Hrs,
HPPSC uploaded the result. Heart started banging with full speed. Finally it
happened and my name was there in the list. Thanked God for this success.
Please bless me to help those poor and downtrodden in whose life, if I am able
to bring even a single ray of hope, I will think myself really worthy of this
job.
Question: Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of HPAS-2014. They’re feeling dejected- what is your message to them?
Question: Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of HPAS-2014. They’re feeling dejected- what is your message to them?
Answer: I can’t advise them because I am worse at handling failures.
Question: How did you kept motivating yourself in these years for this journey? Or form where you got the inspiration? Please share.
Answer: Blogs of UPSC toppers, their success stories, a zeal to help the last person of the society…everything contributed to motivation. Motivation needs continuous dose.
Credit: Family/Friends/Tutors
Question: Behind every topper are many people who stood by during those uncertain times when he/she was merely an ‘aspirant’. Would you like to tell the world, who was those people in your case? Any specific incidence that you would like to share with the readers?
Answer: My parents, teachers, my wife kept on continuously motivating me, brother (with whom I kept on discussing different strategies and plans), sister, Sh Suresh Chauhan HPS, Sh Surender Mohan HAS, Sh Anil Sharma HPS, Sh Surender Kumar HAS and all others who kept their faith on me.
Khadubhai : Thanks a lot for the valuable Knowledge and Experiences you shared, hope that it will inspire youth more and more and you will become a great source of inspiration. Wishing you all the best for the Great Job.

great job sir...............tinke se taz tak ka safar mubarak ho.........
ReplyDeleteThanx for a great interview...highly motivating... Specially after knowing that an average student can also get through this exam n also as u told that choice of mains subject was difficult n u prepared in such a short time span...congrats to u n thanx for posting this interview kb..
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS SIR.Each & Every step of ur journey is a treasure of inspiration. Thanku so much for sharing ur experience and motivating every aspirant
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration, congratulation.
ReplyDeleteGreat achievement Vikas. You made all of us proud. Keep up the hard work and I am sure you will contribute to a great extent in upliftment of the society. All the best for future endevours.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Superb interview, You are truly an inspiration for all.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Vikas....
ReplyDeletecongrats :-)
ReplyDeleteFelt good to read your interview here..It truly reflects what I have known you for years. Wish you more success in life ahead.
ReplyDeletecongratulations sir.....
ReplyDeletecongratulations sir.....
ReplyDeleteGreat..simply superb...mubarakein...
ReplyDeleteVishal sharma
great sir...inspiration to us
ReplyDeleteWow u r an inspiration sir all d best.
ReplyDeleteHow much chance do a non-himachali have in HPAS ?
ReplyDeleteIs there any recent success story of any such person clearing this exam.
Please guide friends
Bravo julu and kudos
ReplyDeleteNice sir
ReplyDeleteHeartiest congratulations..n..nice 2 hear ur struggling story and great success..wishing u best 4 future..
ReplyDelete