Approach to Civil Services Examination How much time is required for Preparation? To begin a study from the first year of the college is the right time. At the same time no doubt both the studies are possible simultaneously if the U.P.S.C. optional subjects are taken for the graduation course then the work pressure will be reduced. However to have graduation subject for the U.P.S.C. is not the condition. How to select optional subject? Consider five things in selection of optional subject   (1) Interest in subject    (2) Subject background Note:  If there is no subject background then also you can take any subject as optional but there must be proper guidance for the subject   (3) Subjects (two optional have common area) (4) Subjects that help you for general studies in Main Examination Example: - Only political science is the subject that covers core section 290 marks in main examination for general studies out of 600 marks. Political Science covers core section from general studies like -   MAIN EXAMINATION   1.    (General Studies 1st Paper     -   300 Marks        1. Indian National Movement   -     60 Marks      2. Indian Polity              -    130 Marks                             Total =     190 Marks   2.  General Studies 2nd Paper -    300 Marks        1. India & World             -    50 Marks      2. International Affairs &      -    50 Marks           Institutions                           Total =    100 Marks G.S. 1st + 2nd Paper G. Total    - 290 Marks Means Political Science directly covers 290 Marks out of 600 Marks from G.S.   ·       Indirectly Political Science covers some parts of Indian economy ·       Directly Political Science covers social issues ·       Pol. Sc. covers current affairs ·       Pol Sc. covers Essay of 200 Marks ·       Pol. Sc. covers 50% preparation of interview out of 300 Marks   Conclusion:  If Political Science is not your optional subject still you have to prepare for general studies. So it’s wise to have political science as an optional subject. For your kind information political science do not require any background and this is proved by previous year’s better result. It will also helpful in essay and in interview. Proper guidance is necessary it makes subject easy and enables candidate to write standard answer.   Who is failure in civil service examination?   In civil service examination failure are those who have lack of proper planning and proper guidance   What is meaning of Real Preparation?   Taking syllabus, buying books accordingly, getting study material studying the whole syllabus, taking admission in the coaching class and working hard does not guarantee to success in the CSE. Following are different dimensions of effective & meaningful preparation which will help any candidate to reach the platform of success   1.      Integrated preparation of general studies 2.      Right selection of optional subjects 3.      Planning preparation 4.      Formulation of strategy 5.      Sufficient & Authentic study material 6.      Scientific Approach to solve the questions in prelims examination 7.      Answer Format for Main Examination 8.      Analysis of questions 9.      Expected topics/questions for forthcoming examinations   10.    Information related to approach to answer writing   Key to success Hard work confidence and proper guidance is the key to success in every examination. If you are seriously thinking to join this service than you must resolve that you have get success in this examination. Once you have strong determination in mind then success will not be far away from you.