Importance of Indian Economy in GS Papers
Indian Economy in Civil Services Exam
Considering the pattern and syllabus of the Civil Services Examination, an important component of both Prelims and Mains is the GS Paper. A good weightage has been given to Economic and Social Development segment in the civil services exams in the general studies (GS) papers— at both preliminary and main levels. Usually, covered under the title Indian Economy, the segment is popularly called GS Economy (for Preliminary and Main exams) by aspirants. This segment is equally important for the essay paper, interview and the optional subjects belonging to humanities.
Importance of Indian Economy across Prelims & Mains
Precisely speaking, this subject plays a deciding role in an aspirant’s selection in the civil services. Up to 50% of questions in the Prelims (GS Paper I) and over 60% of questions in Mains (GS Paper III) are usually asked from Indian Economy. Not just this, the essay paper invariably has at least one essay from economy. Apart from these, numerous questions in the Interview are also asked from Indian Economy. Being a prime part of the syllabus of Civil Services Examination, it is imperative for aspirants to prepare it thoroughly. A closer analysis will help you understand that over half of the 4 papers of GS in Mains is applied economics-the reason why it is said that 'Economics is the Gateway of GS.'
Preparation strategy for Indian Economy
To handle the objective and subjective questions on the segment one needs to adopt a three-dimensional approach, namely:
● Dimension 1: Collecting adequate information (i.e., knowledge base),
● Dimension 2: Conceptual clarity of the information collected, and
● Dimension 3: Ability to apply (at objective and subjective levels)
Picking the right set of books and references plays an overly critical role in preparation of the civil services exams. Today, there is no dearth of books in the market. On the contrary, the overwhelmingly large number of books puts aspirants in a state of confusion. However, aspirants must be careful while buying a book for Indian Economy as it is important to select a book that has the accurate set of data, facts and ideas in it. The book also must be relevant, contemporary and according to the changing dynamics of the Government policy outlook.
Indian Economy, 13th edition
The 13th edition of the book Indian Economy is not only updated with facts and figures with reference to the latest volumes of Economic Survey and Union Budget, but it is fully restructured for the upcoming exams. Students normally feel that a new edition is all about updated data! Alas, this is not the case! Simply put, every new edition of the book is like 'rebirth' for the book. Unlike any other book, this book is designed for next year and this process normally involves certain typical changes, such as— dropping topics or even chapters, adding relevant topics and even chapters, restructuring the nature and scope of the contents, replacing older questions and areas with newer and relevant ones, etc.
Hence, remember that this is one of the most important subjects that you need to master while preparing for the Civil Services Examination. Also, since this is a dynamic subject, it is mandatory that aspirants only refer to the latest edition of the book that they are referring to. This will help you stay updated and perform well in the exams as well.
All the best and do well!