History, Political Science, Public Administration and Geography...

[cybernomad]

Hi Friends,

Im a BE Graduate and am planning to appear for Civil Services Prelims 2010.

After going through papers and syllabi of various subjects, i have zeroed in on four subjects viz. History, Pol Sci, Pub Ad and Geography in that order of interest...

Please suggest some combinations as well as pros and cons of the various subjects...

Thanx

[khadoosbaby]

hi cybernomad,

you cant take political science and public administration together, so kindly go through syllabus of each of these again, and check which falls into feasible region and interest. you being from different field you got to start from scratch, i suggest pub ad would be better option as it relates more wit the work of an officer ( for g.s you anyways got to read bit of polity)

as regarding history and geography, well the only thing common btw these is the vastness of syllabus. its just matter of interest. take your time to choose.. dont rush into any decision.

[cybernomad]

Hi,

thanx for the reply.

Pol Sci and Pub Ad combination cant be taken. I had knowledge of this fact. but thanx for pointing it out, i had not stated this in the first post.

You are right when you say that I will have to start from scratch, if I take any of the four subjects.

My choices were History, Pol Sci, Pub Ad and Geography...

The combination I cud choose are:

History and Pol Sci
History and Pub Ad
History and Geography
Pol Sci and Geography
Pub Ad and Geography

What is the opinion of the forum members on History and Political Science combination?

Is History and Pol Sci better or History and Pub Ad?

History and Geography combination is ruled out, in my opinion, as both are very vast and there is no synergy amongst them as far as syllabus is concerned.

I dont know any one who has chosen Geography and Political Sci combination, but still wud like to know the opinion of the esteemed members.

Geography and Pub Ad is a popular combination, wud like some comments from the members.

Also if you can comment on various subjects individually, I wud really appreciate it.

Thanx for reading this...

[cybernomad]

hi,

please reply...

[SathishMC]

hi,

please reply...

Hi,
I have choosen 'History' and 'Geography' as my optionals because of the following reasons,

Ready availability of materials and guidance,
History and geography are a must for anyone who prepares for UPSC,
Both covers nearly 40 % of the questions in prelims,
GK section will be covered in history and Geo itself,
Great knowledge treasure for mains GS.


but the 'vastness' was a big hindrance for me while choosing the optional. But even if we dont choose them we need to study them as part of GS. Remember Geography covers almost all the general questions, we get to know about all the regional aspects of India and world which will help us to write most of the questions in GS prelims and mains. Combined with History, we will indeed have a strong platform during our Mains preparations.

So for mains, the only thing we need to prepare is,
General Science,
Economy,
Polity,
Current affairs (its a daily routine)

These are my personal opinions, It alll depends on the person, his interest in the subject. Finally, whatever may be their options, all have the same vastness, but with effective time management and interest the vastness of the syllabus can be overcomed.

Guys, all of you, please let me know your comments.

Regards,
Sathish

[epandit]

Hi
The subjects depend upon your interest, your inherent capability, and UPSC requirement for that subject.
I had chosen(with due guidance) geography and pub ad for 2010, my first attempt. I was skeptical about pub ad initially. But now I find that it is probably the best arts subject to choose. Go through syllabus and question papers(online available) before deciding.

Pub Ad:- not much to memorize, understanding will be required in most of the questions to be answered. Short and interesting syllabus.

Geography:- the subject feels scientific, in terms of theories. But to secure marks you need to memorize a lot. Map entries are asked. Also Indian geography requires much memorizing. I am considering dropping it now in favor of sociology or psychology, after taking coaching from majid husain(arguably the best coaching), preparing for 9 months now. The reason is even after understanding the course content, it doesn't seem possible to secure good marks for me.

I invite others' comments on my analysis.

My background - BTech, CS, IITD, 3yrs work ex, married.

[epandit]

and also, I request people to help me decide between sociology and psychology. I hate memorizing, and love understanding. Pub Ad is going to be first optional.
Thanks!

[cybernomad]

hi,

thanx for the replies everyone...

@SatishMC

You are quite right when you say that taking History and Geography combination would cover a large part of GS. The same can said about History and Political Science combination.

In my opinion, History and Geography dont have much synergy between themselves, as History and Political Science do.

I have a great interest in Geography as a subject, I love the Atlas and Maps part but am not comfortable with Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography etc. Also there's a lot of memorizing needed. And seems like my apprehensions are echoed by epandit in this same thread. This is a very subjective opinion of Geography. Of Course you may have a different opinion.

Between Pub Ad and Pol Sci, I am veering more towards Pol Sci, because of Paper I of both subjects. I dont feel like studying Administrative theory of Pub Ad Paper I, but am intrigued by Political Theory. I want to study Marx, Kant, right, left etc. Paper II of both are some what similar in requirement for exam. All Im saying is that I find Paper I of Pol Sci more interesting than Paper I of Pub Ad. Also Pol Sci emphasizes more on International Equations which I find extremely interesting.

@epandit

I can identify with your views on geography. I dont have any knowledge on psychology and sociology.


i appeal for more replies to this thread.

[mrunal]

read this thread
[My Tips] How to choose Optional Subject

[cybernomad]

hi,

@mrunal

thanx. i have read some articles on ur blog. interesting. u r helping people a lot. thanx again.