TUESDAY, 14 JUNE 2011
How to start reading the Pub ad
Public Administration syllabus is divided into two parts.
- Theories – principles
- Indian Administration (for convenience in this article, I also include Financial/Accountability –control / Administrative system in it : everything that has only fact and data to remember or practical application of part 1- then its part 2)
Now pick up Laxmikanth
Don't Read 1st Chapter right now,
Instead of that - read
Stephen Robbins, & Read Chapter #13 - it gives you elaborate practical examples- advantages and
disadvantages of those Basic Concepts.
good now Solve the papers given after Laxmikanth's Chapter #2 once you solve it, then Open your UPSC paperset (Arihant/Wizard) and see how UPSC has been asking since last 10 years.
Now to next step
once you are done
Open Prasad & Prasad and read about the thinkers that you saw in Laxmikanth's Chapter#3. Do make a good comparative note, along with positive contribution, and criticism of the thinkers. If you don't then you'll end up answering criticism of Follet into Bernard's and contribution of Fayol into Urwick's etc. UPSC ask very tricky questions ,so you'll feel like all of the given statements are correct (in those questions)- don't let them confuse so ,for even a second during the prelims- so its essential that you make the note in your own words and keep revising it as much as you can.
*Test Time* as explained ago.
refer following books for topics related to it
Prasad (Simon, Argy, Maslow etc)
Nicholas Henry (leadership etc.)
Stephen (Decision Making, motivation etc)
WARNING- DON't GO LAZY.- KEEP MAKING NOTES AS You GO, if you think that "ok i'll make the notes once I'm done covering entire syllabus "- then you'll have to re-read everything again for making the notes, cause by the time
you reach the last chapter - you'd have forgotten what you read in 1st Chapter."
Especially in this topic make a really good note- otherwise you'll make lot mistakes in answers related to Thinkers especially- Argyris – Likert , Leadership Models, motivational theory etc. (prepare them well from Stephen.)
*Test Time*
Avasthi
Polity (SC/HC/ parliament )
Read newspapers/ editorials for latest happening in this area (RTI, Suo moto, Judicial Activism, Judges' inquiry bill etc)
*Test Time*
They rarely ask anything out side what's given in Laxmi.
Keep an eye on newspaper to see how Govt. works in America etc.
This topic can evaporate quickly from you mind because its only facts and data, and you'll make mistakes like US 's answer in UK 's question etc, so do revise it a lot.
Few years ago, in syllabus Russian administrative system was also included, so when you are solving old papers- don't get confused if you see it.
*Test Time*
and then
Avasthi & Avasthi's chapter on same topic
Stephen,
finally
Mohit's Chapter on Personnel administration
*Test Time*
Wizard Polity 's chapter on budget discussion
Nicholas – various types of budget
Mohit – same topic
(always read Mohit @ Last- otherwise you'll not understand what the old man is trying to say, Cause he doesn't give any data, facts but only a philosophical review so you need to learn the facts and data first before you want to understand him.)
Additional – read the budget /economy special PT issue in Chronicle/Wizard when the budget comes.
*Test Time*
Laxmi # 9
Avasthi's first few chapters dealing with Evolution of Indian administration since Maurya times. And what are the functions of Each dept / Ministry.
(you'll have plenty of time till December – so it'd not hurt you if you prepare some mains topics as well like this Evolution part. Or administrative adjudication / delegated legislation.
+ this thing might help you in G/S-History Topic in prelims as well.
+ you'll understand the current administration better if you learn how it evolved.)
Constitution of India also comes in this section so Finish the Wizard Polity .
Indian Polity is also worth 110 M in Mains G/S and 15-17 Marks in Prelims G/S so prepare it PERFECTLY.
Do make a good note cause lot facts and data coming here. And it all obvious, common sense like things, nothing hard to understand, so you must not lose any marks here.
*Test Time*
Avasthi's chapter
*Test Time*
Nicholas : Phases of Public Administration , PCA, NPA,NPM
And then finish Mohit – entirely – each and every chapter.
You'll understand everything, and see the 'big picture.'
Alternatively you can do this thing , once your part-1 is over.
Keep an eye on newspaper- for the administration related issues coming
Cut them , note them do whatever you want but you must have it in your brain
DON't rely on magazines for Public Administration's current affairs, you've to do it by yourself from newspaper.
e.g
Its easy to reach upto 70 Correct answers in Public Administration
But getting from 70 to 90+ requires heavy preparation.
Keep in mind- just because you understood Public Administration doesn't mean the mission is over, Challenge is how much can you recall with out getting Confused (like don't make mistakes in contribution of Argyris & Likert etc) cause if you don't make notes and if you don't keep revising it then you're going to mix up everything.
Secondly, its said about Public Administration , that the one who understands part 1, is the winner. (because as explained ago, any one can get upto 70M due to part 2, that's Indian administration, Constitution etc lot facts and data so its nothing hard for anyone. But in the part 1- that's theory & thinkers, only the people who understood it very well, can answer the questions. So you must not make any mistakes in part 2 but at the same time, to stand ahead of the competition you've to be perfect in part-1.That's why I told you – going from 70 to 90+ is tougher. So do give extra attention to part-1. Don't ignore anything- keep your concepts clear as your glasses.)
Once your syllabus is over- then buy some practice test paper sets and practice them.
Practice is really important because
Most of the questions from part-1 are like , they give you two sentences and ask you which of them is correct/ wrong. But the problem is – almost 90% of the time you'll feel that both of them are correct (because its tricky, so if your concepts and revision is not perfect, then it'll all look correct to you. that's why keep practicing test papers.)
Don't Read 1st Chapter right now,
Instead of that - read
Chapter #2 Basic Concepts.
once done, openStephen Robbins, & Read Chapter #13 - it gives you elaborate practical examples- advantages and
disadvantages of those Basic Concepts.
*TEST TIME*
done making Notes?good now Solve the papers given after Laxmikanth's Chapter #2 once you solve it, then Open your UPSC paperset (Arihant/Wizard) and see how UPSC has been asking since last 10 years.
Now to next step
Thinkers
Laxmikanth Chapter #3 : Theories of Administrationonce you are done
Open Prasad & Prasad and read about the thinkers that you saw in Laxmikanth's Chapter#3. Do make a good comparative note, along with positive contribution, and criticism of the thinkers. If you don't then you'll end up answering criticism of Follet into Bernard's and contribution of Fayol into Urwick's etc. UPSC ask very tricky questions ,so you'll feel like all of the given statements are correct (in those questions)- don't let them confuse so ,for even a second during the prelims- so its essential that you make the note in your own words and keep revising it as much as you can.
*Test Time* as explained ago.
Administrative Behavior
Laxmikanth Chapter #4refer following books for topics related to it
Prasad (Simon, Argy, Maslow etc)
Nicholas Henry (leadership etc.)
Stephen (Decision Making, motivation etc)
WARNING- DON't GO LAZY.- KEEP MAKING NOTES AS You GO, if you think that "ok i'll make the notes once I'm done covering entire syllabus "- then you'll have to re-read everything again for making the notes, cause by the time
you reach the last chapter - you'd have forgotten what you read in 1st Chapter."
Especially in this topic make a really good note- otherwise you'll make lot mistakes in answers related to Thinkers especially- Argyris – Likert , Leadership Models, motivational theory etc. (prepare them well from Stephen.)
*Test Time*
Accountability & control
Laxmi #5Avasthi
Polity (SC/HC/ parliament )
Read newspapers/ editorials for latest happening in this area (RTI, Suo moto, Judicial Activism, Judges' inquiry bill etc)
*Test Time*
Administrative System
LaxmiThey rarely ask anything out side what's given in Laxmi.
Keep an eye on newspaper to see how Govt. works in America etc.
This topic can evaporate quickly from you mind because its only facts and data, and you'll make mistakes like US 's answer in UK 's question etc, so do revise it a lot.
Few years ago, in syllabus Russian administrative system was also included, so when you are solving old papers- don't get confused if you see it.
*Test Time*
Personnel administration
Laxmi #7and then
Avasthi & Avasthi's chapter on same topic
Stephen,
finally
Mohit's Chapter on Personnel administration
*Test Time*
Financial Administration
Laxmi #8Wizard Polity 's chapter on budget discussion
Nicholas – various types of budget
Mohit – same topic
(always read Mohit @ Last- otherwise you'll not understand what the old man is trying to say, Cause he doesn't give any data, facts but only a philosophical review so you need to learn the facts and data first before you want to understand him.)
Additional – read the budget /economy special PT issue in Chronicle/Wizard when the budget comes.
*Test Time*
Union Govt. & Administration in India
The lengthiest and most imp of all topicsLaxmi # 9
Avasthi's first few chapters dealing with Evolution of Indian administration since Maurya times. And what are the functions of Each dept / Ministry.
(you'll have plenty of time till December – so it'd not hurt you if you prepare some mains topics as well like this Evolution part. Or administrative adjudication / delegated legislation.
+ this thing might help you in G/S-History Topic in prelims as well.
+ you'll understand the current administration better if you learn how it evolved.)
Constitution of India also comes in this section so Finish the Wizard Polity .
Indian Polity is also worth 110 M in Mains G/S and 15-17 Marks in Prelims G/S so prepare it PERFECTLY.
Do make a good note cause lot facts and data coming here. And it all obvious, common sense like things, nothing hard to understand, so you must not lose any marks here.
*Test Time*
Civil Service in India
Laxmi # 10Avasthi's chapter
*Test Time*
State & District Administration
Same as above.Local Administration
Same as above.Chapter #1 :Introduction
Now go back and read the 1st Chapter of LaxmikanthNicholas : Phases of Public Administration , PCA, NPA,NPM
And then finish Mohit – entirely – each and every chapter.
You'll understand everything, and see the 'big picture.'
Alternatively you can do this thing , once your part-1 is over.
Parallel
As I've explained ago, how to use newspaper for preparing current affairs and Essay. (here) Same way they're very important in Public Administration.Keep an eye on newspaper- for the administration related issues coming
Cut them , note them do whatever you want but you must have it in your brain
DON't rely on magazines for Public Administration's current affairs, you've to do it by yourself from newspaper.
e.g
- name of New CAG etc,
- new policies for poor ,
- Administrative reforms
- New laws, bills introduced
- Nice editorials written for improvement of administration
- New e-gov initiatives
Now time for finishing touch-
BASIC CHECKLIST
Have you Read each and every chapter of .. & made your notes?- Laxmikanth
- Mohit
- Stephen ? (Stephen is like story book – not a big deal you can finish it in a week.)
- Polity
ADVANCED CHECKLIST
Have you read following things? (and made note of it)- Nicholas
- Avasthi (finish entire book and your mains paper 2 syllabus is also covered – don't give time limit as an excuse – you can do it till December. It'll help you in some questions.)
ULTRA ADVANCED CHECKLIST
Have to read following things? (and made note of it)- Avasthi & Maheshwari (Administrative law, delegated Legislation and everything else)
- Local administration : S.R.Maheswari (especially the different types of urban bodies- Cantonment etc)
- Keeping a sharp eye on newspaper for anything related to Public Administration ?
- Reading any other reference books as you come across?
Its easy to reach upto 70 Correct answers in Public Administration
But getting from 70 to 90+ requires heavy preparation.
Keep in mind- just because you understood Public Administration doesn't mean the mission is over, Challenge is how much can you recall with out getting Confused (like don't make mistakes in contribution of Argyris & Likert etc) cause if you don't make notes and if you don't keep revising it then you're going to mix up everything.
Secondly, its said about Public Administration , that the one who understands part 1, is the winner. (because as explained ago, any one can get upto 70M due to part 2, that's Indian administration, Constitution etc lot facts and data so its nothing hard for anyone. But in the part 1- that's theory & thinkers, only the people who understood it very well, can answer the questions. So you must not make any mistakes in part 2 but at the same time, to stand ahead of the competition you've to be perfect in part-1.That's why I told you – going from 70 to 90+ is tougher. So do give extra attention to part-1. Don't ignore anything- keep your concepts clear as your glasses.)
Once your syllabus is over- then buy some practice test paper sets and practice them.
Practice is really important because
Most of the questions from part-1 are like , they give you two sentences and ask you which of them is correct/ wrong. But the problem is – almost 90% of the time you'll feel that both of them are correct (because its tricky, so if your concepts and revision is not perfect, then it'll all look correct to you. that's why keep practicing test papers.)
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