NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss
Q1. What is “Great acceleration”. Explain it’s impacted on the global bio-diversity.(in 200 Words) 16 Marks
Q2.Examine how the Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project (IIAP) seeks to address the challengesrelated to India’s food production sector.(in 100 Words) 8 Marks
Q3. What is Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). Also list out it’s potential uses. (in 100 Words) 8 Marks
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss
Q1. What is Electoral bonds scheme and how can it help bringing more transparency in political funding. (in 100 Words) 8 Marks
Q2. Critically examine how can the completion of National Register of Citizens (NRC) can address Assam’s immigration problem? (in 100 Words) 8 Marks
Q3. Describe the Triple Talaq Bill 2018. (in 200 Words) 16 Marks
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss
Q1. Define Global Warming? List out it’s possible effects. Suggest some measures to control Global Warming. (250 Words) 4+6+6=16 Marks
Q2. Write a short essay on the requirement of skill development in India. (250 Words) 16 Marks
Q3. Discus the main features of National Medical Commission Bill, 2017. (150 Words) 8 Marks
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
APSC Mains exam questions are of descriptive nature and these should be attempted by keeping in mind the various requirements of the questions, including instructed word limit, approach to the question, demand of the question.
You have to ‘analyze and evaluate’ the question and then write the answer accordingly in prescribed manner. Only by practicing Answer writing with discipline can prepare you for the exam and improve your writing skills for better answer writing in the Mains Exam.
What to do after getting the Question paper?
Read the instructions on the question paper, for any changes from that of previous year’s instructions.
Take 5 minutes to fast-scan the whole question paper, mark the questions by pencil which you are comfortable answering.
Start with big questions – Read the question carefully. Find the directive word and the main topic/issue.
Think for a minute and make a mental outline of your answer and then start with the answer writing.
Tips/Strategy to write better Answers (to fetch good marks in APSC Mains exam)
Understanding the question – Understand what the question ask, so that you can write only relevant points and opinion to the same. ( Never beat around the bush, if you know the exact answer ).
Organise Answers well– Answers should be organised well according to the question. If Question is in many parts, try to break answers also in parts or at-least put it in the logical order of the question.
Use important points and keywords – This will establish your strength the subject/topic.
Maintain the word limit – This is very important. Always try to stick to the word limits directed by the question paper. If word limit not mentioned, generally try to put answers in (Marks x 10) words, i.e. for 10 Marks = 100 words.
Dividing the Answers – For large essay type questions, try to impart sections like introduction, body, conclusion.
Point-wise– Try to keep answers in point-wise like bullet-listing ( if possible) and facts that support their viewpoint or main argument in the answer.
Logical Flow – Try to maintain a logical flow of the paragraphs you are writing, so that the order of the paragraphs gives a good coherence.
Simple & Precise– Use simple words, write precise and effective answer. Don’s use too many jargon or flowery/ornamental language. Don’t just dump the facts and never try exhibit superfluous knowledge.
Answer Structure
Introduction – A short introduction is a must for big questions (Qs with 8 marks and above). This part gives brief about what the answer is about. Skip or give just one line intro in Qs of 5 and 2 marks.
Body – Start writing the main answer based on the directive word of the question. Put all contents, arguments etc. in few small paragraphs, in an orderly fashion.
Conclusion – The introduction and all the paragraphs should lead to a logical conclusion.
Types of questions asked in APSC Mains Exam
Elaborate:In this type of question candidates are required to explain in details the main point/concept in question in detail. Don’t give your personal views.
Discuss: Candidates should go through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. They have to pros and cons by giving reasons for both.
Elucidate: They are required to make the question clear or explain or elaborate in detail. Candidates’ views on the matter are not required in this type of questions.
Examine: Candidates have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. Analyse the main idea of the question and try to provide a balanced view.
Critically Examine: Candidates have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. Analyse the main idea of the question and associated merits and demerits and try to give a fair judgement.
Express your views: This type of questions require candidates’ unique perspective. Candidates show express their clear views supported with relevant facts.
Comment and Critically Comment: Candidates have to pick main points and give his/her own ‘opinion’, may be for or against, but must be backed by argument or evidences.
If the word is ‘Critically comment’, then at the end you have to provide a fair judgement.
Analyze and Critically Analyze: Examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
If the word is ‘Critically Analyze’, then at the end you have to provide a fair judgement.
Evaluate: Candidates have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question.
Compare: Discuss the similarities and differences between two or more things. Also explain why the comparison is useful.
Define:: What something means or does or how we know it.
Describe:You should provide a detailed account of the topic/issue. List out it’s characteristics.
Explain: Explain why or how something happened and justify it.
Express your views: It requires candidates’ unique perspective, either positive or negative, and supporting the logical stance with facts and reasoning.
Disclaimer:The above mentioned views/opinions are of Adhikary Education team’s recommendation. If any/some aspirants have different ideas/approach/style, which works for well for them, they may stick to that if they wish.
This initiative is created to motivate serious APSC Assam civil service aspirants to practise answer writing to improve performance in the APSC CC (Mains) Exam. Questions covering mostly of dynamic sections of GS syllabus are posted regularly. Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Test Series will be of immense help to help you prepare for the GS Paper of Mains Exam.
APSC CC (Mains) Interview –Tips, Question & Guidance (All you need to know)
APSC CC Mains 2016 results is out now. For those in the list, the war is not won yet, you still have the last battle, i.e. Interview or Viva-Voce. You need to prepare and perform alteast decently in the interview, to get a good score out of 200 marks, which will get added to the Mains written exam to determine the final score for selection.
APSC CC(Mains) Final Marks = CC Mains (Written Exam) marks + Interview marks
Need for Interview
The interview stage of the APSC CC (Mains) Exam is supposed to assess the suitability of the candidates who are academically qualified to serve the executive branch of Govt of Assam. They try to ascertain personality traits, qualities and essentialities of a good civil service officer.
InterviewProcess
Unlike APSC Prelims and Mains Exam, Interview questions have no defined standard & Syllabus and thus difficult to prepare and generalize questions by the APSC Interview Boards, and solely depends on the board members taking your interview.
There will be multiple Boards, each board has one chairman (probably either APSC Chairman or as APSC member) and two/three other members.
InterviewQuestions
Most of the questions asked in interview are usually predictable barring a few. It is therefore important to be as attentive and as calm as possible in the interview so that the answers should be short, sensible and up to the point.
You should try to answer any question by systematically arrange the facts and points (in mind).
It is more about answering correctly rather than giving correct answers. You should smartly sail through the questions whose answer you don’t know.
Tips for APSC Interview Preparation
# KnowYourself – Very probably the APSC Interview board will ask atleast one question regarding yourself. So, know everything (what comes in your resumes) about yourself. Stick to the original you (If you are not a good actor). Your Hobby, Your Academics, Your Achievements, Your Job (for working candidates), Your Family etc.
# WhyACS/APS or any other service – At some point of time they may ask your reason to join ACS, APS or any other particular service. Prepare a very convincing answer for this question. Utmost important for candidates already in a job, any way superior to APSC ACS/APS etc.
# CurrentHappenings – Reading newspapers, magazine, following govt/development happenings and other current issues of Assam and India is very important
# Know Assam – Knowledge about Assam History, Polity, Geography, Economy and Art & Culture is also very important, so, try to brush up again these areas. (Very important if you are staying outside Assam). Also know your locality.
# Optional / Academic subjects – Questions can be asked about your optional subject(s) and degree/masters subject(s), so try to revise alteast the fundamentals of these subjects. (Very important if your Optional(s) are different from your educational background)
# Don’t Bluff– If you don’t know answer of a particular question, say “Sorry Sir/Madam, I do not know” instead of beating around the unknown bush. Just make sure you don’t say too many “Sorry Sir/Madam, I do not know”.
Before the APSC Interview
# Preparementally – The Interview stage demands more of calm and composed mind & personality, so stop accumulating more and more information immediately before Interview and try to be in your comfort zone.
# Readyall necessary documents
All original certificates (including Birth Certificate)
Mark Sheets
Caste certificate
Disability_status(if applicable)
We recommend No Objection Certificate (NOC) also
# First impression(Dress code)
On Interview day, Dress smartly in a comfortable full formal attire.
For Male – Shoe (with shocks), Trouser (Preferably dark coloured), Full sleeve shirt (Preferably light coloured). Tie is optional (based on your comfort level and climatic condition). Wristwatch is good.
For Female – Shoe or Sandal (low-heeled / do not make noise), simple Saree or a Salwar suit (based on your comfort level). Neaty hair and minimum makeup. Minimum jewellery.
NOT Recommended
Avoid bright colours/shades/prints cloths
No cool jeans and T-shirts.
No sneakers or flip-flops.
Male candidates avoid very stylish beard and long hair.
Be ConfidentBe Positive
Don`t give up and never despond! Believe in yourself and your luck; you can do everything!!!!
Study Plan, Recommended Books for APSC Prelims & Mains Exam
You are happy/unhappy in your ongoing life, be you are a student/ professional/ unemployed, life was going somehow, suddenly you stumble upon or set your focus on the ‘APSC Combined Competitive Exam’ or you are a person always have the ‘APSC Combined Competitive Exam’ in your eyes. Considering all other aspects of life, if you have sincerely set APSC Combined Competitive Examination as your goal, then WELCOME ABOARD!!.
“Without strategy, execution is aimless. Without execution, strategy is useless.” – Morris Chang
STEP 1 –The Earlier the Better
STEP 2 – Exam Pattern
STEP 3 –APSC Prelims Preparation
STEP 4 – APSC Mains Preparation
STEP 5 – Viva-voce (Interview) Preparation
STEP 6 – Relax (Not exactly!) Public Servant Life Starts Here
Starting preparation for anything (including APSC CC Exam) as early as possible will always give you a great advantage as you can build your general awareness and basics really strong over a longer period of time. And once the Notification is out, you will not waste time in collecting necessary information about the exam, what to study and from where to study.
Find out everything about the APSC CC Exam.
If possible choose your Bachelor/Master degree/electives in subject(s) you would like to take as optional papers in the APSC CC Exam (see Step 2).
If academic career is over, Don’t worry. Choose any subject from List of optional subjects and collect materials and start preparing slowly but steadily.
Follow Current Affairs, News, Governance Issues, Social Issues regularly
We recommend that First-timer should ideally start preparation at least 9 to 12 months before the APSC CC (Prelim) Exam.
NOTE: Timeline may vary as all human beings are not the same in remembering, understanding and learning.
First and foremost, you should know what you are up against? In this case, it’s ‘APSC Assam Civil Service Exam’. Then know what are the battles we have to pass through to win over the battle.
Detailed Analysis of the various stages and phases of the APSC Assam Civil Service Exam, that we must have to go through, are
NOTE: This examination is meant to serve as a screening test for qualifying for Mains Exam only. The marks obtained in this exam not counted for determining the final selection.
The written examination consists of the following papers of 3 hours duration each. The questions of the Main Examination will be conventional essay type (Descriptive):
NOTE: The Commission has the discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all the subjects of the Examination.
2. Viva-voce (Interview) – 275 marks.
The candidates are interviewed by a Board. Interview Marks are added to the marks scored in the written examination (Main) to arrive at the Total Marks scored, which determine the rankings of the victories soldiers in the ‘War of APSC Combined Competitive Exam’
If Preparation started 9 – 12 months before expected APSC CC (Prelim) Exam
Start with the General Studies (GS) paper and CSAT paper for Prelim Exam. Initially, read thoroughly standard books (like NCERT books, Laxmikant etc.) and other details study materials so that it helps in both Prelims and Mains Exam, and try to finish the entire syllabus. Read and revise; read and revise as many times as time permits.
By this, before the Prelims Exam, you should have completed at least 40-50% of your Mains GS syllabus (It will be of immense help if the time gap between Prelims and Mains Exam is less).
Based on your attempts in Prelim, you think there is even a slight chance of clearing the Prelim, Immediately start Mains Exam Preparation.
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
If you have started preparation 9 – 12 months before Prelim Exam, it’s very safe to assume that you should have completed at least 30-40% of your Mains GS syllabus. And now, you are left with 60% of GS paper and the optional of Mains Exam.
Normally, Time gap between APSC Prelims and Mains Exam is of 5-6 months, and the new GS section is very vast, no accordingly allocation more time for GS Papers and the optional subject of the Mains.
If you have started preparation only 3-5 months before Prelim Exam, then it can be assumed that you would have completed around 30-35% of your Mains GS syllabus.
Immediately after APSC Prelims Exam, start right there, don’t waste any time. Normally, Time gap between APSC Prelims and Mains Exam is of 5-6 months, and the new GS section is very vast, no accordingly allocation more time for GS Papers and the optional subject of the Mains.
Join some APSC Mains Test Series, if possible (highly recommended), online or offline, as these will improve your answer writing practice and helps in time management.
After APSC Mains Exam Schedule is out
Mains Exam schedule is released approximately one month before the start of the exam and afterward, you should make study plan and time allotment among the GS, English and the optional subjects, based on the exam date of each paper and how much to be covered.
Interview is the phase where questions are asked without any syllabus and also it’s the place where you can show your specific skills and justify why you are best suited for the post.
Anyway, for an non-extra-ordinary interview session, try prepare answers for the following questions (remember, there is no syllabus and questions can come from anywhere, about anything)
Know who you are? Including all you have done and gone through after you were born.
Know Assam and it’s main problems, prospects (Political, Socio-economical, Geographic etc.)?
Why you fought the ‘War of APSC Combined Competitive Exam’?
Why want to join Assam Civil Service (or any specific service) and justify your suitability for the posts?
Disclaimer: This is a plan best only by our perspective; it may NOT be suitable to many aspirants. Best plan is what you develop by having SWOT analysis of yourself.
“A deliberate plan is not always necessary for the highest art; it emerges.” ― Paul Johnson
Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss
Q1. Give a brief account of establishment of British Rule in North East India. (250 Words)
Q2. Discuss the role of women in India’s freedom struggle. (250 Words)
Q3. Lord Dalhousie was oftern described as the founder of modern India. Explain in details. (250 Words)
Q4. Discuss how the Revolt of 1857 became a very important factor in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (150 Words)
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss
Q1. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of recent Right to Privacy issue. (250 Words)
Q2. Elaborate “Lord Ripon‘s Resolution of 1882 has been described as the Magna Carta of Local Self- Government in India.”. (250 Words)
Q3. Critically evaluate the achievements of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act (MGNREGA). Also discuss it’s impact in rural India. (250 Words)
Q4. Short a note on Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958. (150 Words)
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss
Q1. Discuss how the institute of family is changing as per the demand of the modern society. (250 Words)
Q2. Write a notes with a sociological perspective on “Westernization and institutional changes in
India”. (250 Words)
Q3. Explain the factors responsible for change in Caste System in India? (150 Words)
Q4. Give an account of various tribes of Assam. (150 Words)
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
