A GUIDEBOOK TO SCORE GOOD MARKS IN GS PAPER 3 (GS-III)

General Studies paper 3 plays a pivotal role in UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. Scoring marks in this paper is relatively easy with the right strategy. The Mains Examination Syllabus of General Studies paper 3, comprises Economic Development, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment & Ecology, Security and Disaster Management. 

To get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics and write them many times – you should be strongly etched in your memory.

Well, now a pertinent question arises how you should read these topics? The answer lies in understanding the basic concepts. Further, you need to relate them to current events. For this, reading one newspaper helps a lot. Now, I will discuss the strategy of each important topic one by one.

1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment: To prepare these broad topics, one need to prepare static and dynamic part thoroughly. 

To prepare the static part, NCERT of class XI and XII could be instrumental. 

For preparing the dynamic part, articles from the Hindu and other business newspapers could prove to be a milestone.

• This will help in elevating the knowledge and building a concept-context linkage.

1.  Inclusive Growth -After understanding the basic clarity in these topics aspirants should add dynamism in these areas. 

For this, other than basic books, one needs to also study NITI Aayog’s strategy. 

• Moreover, very selective reading of the 11th and 12th five-year plans could be effective.

• Issues relating to direct and indirect subsidies and minimum support prices and public distribution system-Apart from getting conceptual clarity on these topics, candidates also have to develop a critical perspective on these sub-topics. Important articles that have come in The Hindu, Business Standard and Business Line are useful.

1. Food Processing and related industries in India:-Again this topic needs to be supplemented with current affairs. Hence, PIB and newspapers are of utmost importance.
2. Budget and Economic Survey:-You could listen to an entire budget speech by the finance minister and write key points in your own words. 

Well, a thorough reading of the Economic Survey is mandatory.

•  It will help you in Prelims as well as the Mains examination.

1. Topics like Major crop cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation systems, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issue and related constraints, e-technology in the aid of farmers, Infrastructure, Investment models, effects of liberalisation on the economy, changed in industrial policy, and their effects on industrial growth, disaster management could be completed from basic books and supplement them with current affair articles.

• Science and Technology:-Understanding the previous years’ question paper from this section, you need to prepare topics like biotechnology, nanotechnology, space science, robotics etc. from newspapers and relevant articles from magazines.

1. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment:-These topics have static as well as dynamic relevance. After completing basic concepts in these topics, value addition from the annual report of the ministry of environment and Newspaper is required.

Understanding the importance of this paper and the ease with which the marks can be achieved with the right guidance, GS Score has started a modular course for GS Paper 3. The basic intent behind this course is not to provide plenty of information but rather to build conceptual clarity. The course includes a blend of informative and interactive classroom lectures, Exam Relevant Content & Analysis of the topics. We also train the candidate in the art of developing answer writing. In addition to this, personalised mentorship helps a candidate to understand his strength and weakness. Hence, it’s not merely a modular class but rather a holistic programme to excel you in your preparation.

Well, to sum up, the key Mantra to prepare this paper is to read, retrieve and revise. 

Team GS SCORE