Civil Services General Studies Paper-3 2019 Analysis
Browsing the paper of General Studies (GS) Paper-3, it can be easily observed that this examination is not about rot learning instead it requires profound study of concepts and their application in society. It demands more practical solutions rather than bulky theoretical answers. The role of a Civil Servant in today’s time is changing, from being an administrator to a mentor. Administration seasoned with good governance and responsive behavior is the need of the hour.
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel credited Civil Servants by accolading them as ‘Steel Frame’. Nonetheless, bureaucrats are the backbone of administration. As society is an organic whole which grows, morphs and shapes new course of life, it becomes imperative for an administrator to be also dynamic, progressive and solution oriented with optimism towards new path.
This is what GS Paper-3 is trying to gauge that given new challenges as cybercrime, increasing pollution levels, global warming, growth without development, threats to internal security and increasing incidents of anthropogenic and natural disasters propel for disaster management.
Therefore, the syllabus of this exam specifically tries to cover whole ambit of crucial areas where critical approach is required for solving the changes which have marred the society from so long.
Now let us try to see this year’s paper through these lenses:
- The first question itself was for GST and glitches in revenue collection, which itself needs conceptual as well as current affairs understanding. Knowing current affairs is one part and articulating the information is the real task which can come only with practice. Therefore, practice is the secret to qualify Main Examination.
- Also, expression makes a difference amongst the answers. A balanced answer is always appreciated. Avoid being technical gobbledygook.
- Every question seemingly simple at superficial level requires a specific or detailed answer as in this question; “Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters”.Such questions need to supplement with data, important statistics and some significant case studies regarding vulnerability to disaster and pre-disaster management.
- “The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs”; this question requires a clear-cut solution to the problem of ‘home-grown terrorism’ which is also a threat to internal security of the country. Such sort of questions can be handled through enriched content from good newspapers and magazines. Avoid sharing volatile views in the examination.
- Border management related question is asked in the last question; “Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges”In this question, a candidate should be able to share the information of types of borders that India have and why Indo-Myanmar border is crucial. Mention of ‘Golden Triangle’ becomes impeccable over here supported by some significant data.
- The questions covering the aspects of food processing and food grain distribution system, are related with food production and food grain management. As well as how biotechnology can be used to enhance the lives of the farmers. Overall, the paper has covered every nook and corner of the syllabus. So, keep your syllabus handy during preparation.
Hence, in order to have an extra edge in the paper, it is pertinent to change the way of learning and approaching the paper. Solve as many as previous years’ question papers, practice writing maximum and rely on standard and authentic sources for preparation.
All the best!
Sherry A Singh
Senior Editor Acquisition- Test Prep