Q.1 What are the basic pre-conditions to get through civil services exams?
A. Pleasing outlook and positive attitude of accepting the challenges as part of life. You know, cardiograph of a live person keeps on fluctuating; a straight line is indicator of death. So accept fluctuations of life and competitions.

Q.2 Courses of General-Studies are not well defined like courses of optionals, so, how to prepare General-Studies to cover maximum question-area?
A. Firstly, go through the questions asked in the last ten years.
Secondly, consult text books, make out critical points with reference to questions.
Thirdly, focus on news related to concerned areas to have applied knowledge.

But let me clarify, it is very easy to say and certainly difficult to act. So better join professionals who have multi disciplinary approach.

Q.3 What should be the criteria for selecting optionals?
A. Relevance to General-Studies, your interest and of course, professional guidance.

Q.4 What about the art of writing a thought provoking essay?
A. It is gradual process. It is like making of a film. Develop a multi-dimensional view point on the subject. Start with the central theme and conclude properly and positively. Remember, Essay is very much decisive even in the preparation of Interview, which gives the candidate an edge over others.

Q.5 Sir, most of the time, I forget already prepared concepts and facts. So I get back to those areas after taking remarkable lead. It disturbs me. How to sort-out?
A. It is a common problem. The only wayout is to set correlated points in a separate note-pad and keep revising.

Q.6 How to write answers in Main Exam to ensure word and time management as well?
A. Firstly, simplify the questions.
Secondly, divide the question into parts, in right sequence.
Thirdly, allocate certain number of words for each part and then start writing.

Q.7 How many hours, one should study to get through?
A. You must have three sessions of three hours each to cover two optionals and General-Studies altogether. If you have joined the academy for General - Studies and one optional then make sure that your evening and late night sessions must be writing sessions to avoid sleep. Reserve your Sunday for weekly review.

Q.8 Some times, I am not able to communicate effectively in spite of knowing the concept or facts. How to improve communication skills?
A. Hold group discussions in a small group. Read out class notes in front of mirror and watch your body language.

Q.9 Some times, I get depressed. Is it a negative sign?
A. Not at all. Depression is part of elevation. Mountains stand along the valleys. Only ambitious get depressed because they want to scale heights. They succeed, if they keep looking upward, and fall, if they keep looking downward. There are reasons to smile and reasons to cry. It is up to you, explore one reason to smile and that will be the driving force to win.