OPSC is going to conduct OAS Prelims 2019 probably on first week of February. 1-2 months to go. This time OPSC has brought vacancies for 153 of its posts and realizing the number of aspirants, who are going to appear for the exam, the competition is going to be tough. Nevertheless, every exam has its own set of challenges. For you to grab one of those bureaucratic posts of the state sheer focus and determination is required and we are pretty sure, most of you are up for it. There are a number of institutes in and around offering OAS Coaching in Bhubaneswar. Opting for coaching or not is purely a personal decision. But, a hand of help can only enhance your chances to have a real crack at the exam. So, here are some few tips and strategies as to how you can conquer the OPSC OAS Prelims exam for 2019:
Basics First:
The OPSC conducts the Examination in three phases i.e. Prelims, Mains and Personality Test much like that of OPSC. The Preliminary examination is basically aimed to filter out the non-serious candidates from that of the sincere ones. It consists of two papers of 200 marks each:
Paper 1: 100 questions × 2 marks = 200 marks
Paper 2: 80 questions × 2.5 marks = 200 marks
[**Each negative answers in both the papers 1/3rd negative marking]
Before we move further, have a glance at what the OPSC syllabus includes regarding the Preliminary Examination:
SYLLABUS
Paper 1 (General Studies)
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography — Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
- Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development — Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change — that do not require subject specialization General Science
Paper 2 (Civil Service Aptitude Test)
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc. — Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level)
Tips and Strategies
- Try to cover the entire syllabus word-by-word. The syllabus is your most important reference document during your entire preparation.
- Start from the NCERT books and then preferably move to the standard and popular books of that particular subject.
- Although OPSC notes are readily available for every subject in the market, but it is advisable to prepare your own notes. It will help you in the long run if you consider the mains examination also.
- Devote 1-2 hours religiously for newspaper reading. While reading the newspaper, trying connecting the topics with that mentioned in the syllabus.
- Start early, don’t wait for that ‘auspicious’ moment to start studying. The OPSC OAS is a long drain process, the early you start, the better for you.
- Collect and analyze the previous year question papers atleast of the last 5-6 years. This will give you an insight into the demands of the OPSC and as to what kind of question you can expect in the forthcoming exams.
- OPSC generally goes for factual questions like the one you encounter in the banking or SSC exams. You might require mugging up certain facts and figures. Go through the Current Affairs sections pertaining to Awards and Honors, Books and Authors, Recent Appointments, Government Schemes and policies, New Inventions and Discoveries etc.
- Keep a note of all the government documents published from time to time all throughout the year. This will not only help you in answering few of the prelims question but also help you prepare the draft answers for the mains examination as well. Documents like India Yearbook, Economic Survey, and Union Budget etc. are immensely important.
- Keep your booklist and references concise. No point in going through hell lot of bulky books and getting stressed by the view of the pileup. Instead trying finishing a particular book multiple times.
- Make sure that whatever you study is retained and imbibed in your mind. Try constructing mind maps, pneumonic anything to hold these portions in your brain for longer time. Revisions are must; preferably it should be done everyday once you are done with the day’s syllabus.
- Once you are done with the syllabus, go for as many OAS Prelims Test Series as possible. This will give you the self-confidence required to appear the actual exam. Every successful OPSC candidate you come across will admit to the importance of mock test series. VAJIRAO IAS ACADEMY is conducting the OAS Prelims Test Series 2019. Join today and test your OPSC proficiency with us.
Make wise and efficient use of internet. It is advisable to stay out of social media in course of your preparation. Search over the internet for the topics you could not understand or to cover current affairs. Vajirao IAS Academy Blog section can be of immense help.
If you take OPSC as a ‘WAR’, then you need to win multiple battles and fronts in order to conquer it. And the battle duly starts with the Prelims Examination. So, it’s almost mid-December now, get going. Join our mock test series and test your OPSC competency with us.
Guess, we have made ourselves loud and clear as to what all is required to ace the OPSC Prelims Exam 2020. Follow your routine, the grind religiously and success is bound to be yours.
