As you must be knowing that Electrical Engineering is an optional subject in the Mains Exam of UPSC 2020. Those who have done graduation or post-graduation in Electrical Engineering and aspire to become an IAS officer, this is a wise option they can choose to raise the graph of their scores at the end. There are many other options but this is the one that many electrical engineer could opt for. Like other optional subjects, in the paper of Electrical Engineering also, there will be 2 papers of 250 marks each. These papers will be subjective in nature. Let us help you out with the strategy to follow for the preparation of UPSC Electrical Engineering Optional Subject 2020.
We are dividing the planning for the preparation of Electrical Engineering subjects in a few steps.
Knowing the Syllabus
Before you start the preparation randomly, you need to check out the complete syllabus of the subject. This gives you an idea that how much you have to prepare. Also, set the scope of the syllabus for you, which means set the limits otherwise you know there is no limit of knowledge. Don’t dig into the deeper. For having an idea of the questions and exam pattern, you can refer to the past exam papers. This gives you a complete idea in which direction you should march in. If you want to check the syllabus online, you may visit the official website of UPSC or scan our website for a deeper understanding of Electrical Engineering.
Divide the Syllabus in the Available Time.
Calculate how much Months, Weeks, Days, and Hours you have. Plan accordingly. Divide the whole syllabus into topics and then sub-topics to segregate it. You must be having a fixed schedule where you find time to prepare all the subjects. Allot at least 2 hours daily for the preparation of Electrical Engineering. You may also take it alternatively depending on your level of understanding. After that, divide the total sub-topics which you have accounted for in the first step by the total number of hours available to you for the preparation of Electrical Engineering.
Let us explain it with the help of an example. Suppose you have to prepare a total of 50 sub-topics in the entire syllabus of Electrical Engineering. And you have 4 Months in hand out of which you allot 2 hours alternatively to this subject. Now the total number of available hours to you is 4 (Months) X 30 days = 120 days. So you have 120 hours ( = 120/2 X 2) for the preparation of the subject. So, you can divide the 50 Topics in 120 hours i.e. you can prepare approximately half the topic daily. But you also have to keep time aside for revision and paper solving. So, keep that in mind also.
Take Time to Enjoy Your Hobbies
Never be a bookworm. It can’t help. You have to gain a fundamental understanding of the subject and for that, it is very important that you keep your mind active and refreshed all the time. Most of the students complain that the syllabus is so vast and the exam pressure doesn’t allow them to take eyes off from the books. But we would suggest and in fact, all the Educationist is of the view that the human brain can’t grasp all the things at the same time. Like your body, it also needs rest.
To refresh your brain and regain energy to learn things, you should take time to cherish and enjoy your hobbies. It could be anything like drawing, painting, dancing, playing video games, or even just sleep if you think you will be refreshed.
Take Reference From the Best Books Available
Unlike earlier, today there is no lack of study material available to the aspirants. On one hand, where it is favorable, while on the other hand, it has a disadvantage that students gets confused, what to read and what not. You should make reference to the limited number of books but make sure the books you are referring are the best. For better understanding and cross-reference, you can refer to the internet and YouTube Channels.
Some of the best books on Electrical Engineering referred by the past toppers of UPSC are –
- Electromagnetic Fields & Waves- Kd Prasad
- Energy Conversion: Ashfaq Hussain
- Circuit Theory: Analysis and Synthesis- A. Chakrabarti
- Signals and Systems-Alan V. Oppenheim, Alan V. Willsky, S. Hamid Nawab
- Physics of Semiconductor Devices – Simon Sze
- Analog Electronics: J.B. Gupta
- Digital Logic and Computer Design-M. Morris Mano
- Principles of Electronics – V .K. Mehta
- Radio Engineering – G.K. Mithal
- Circuit Analysis – Gupta Electrical Technology – Thareja
- Automatic Control System – Benjamin C. Kuo
- Elements of Engineering Electromagnetics – Nannapaneni Rao
- Electromagnetic Waves and Field – R.N. Singh
- Control Systems Engineering – Nagrath Gopal
- Semiconductor – Nag Choudhary
Practice as much as You Can
To strengthen your concepts, keep doing the practice of solving and answering the question from previous exam papers and mock tests. This helps you to identify your weak areas and the opportunity to improve it. For the last moment revision, you can also make short notes and revisionary notes. Research says that human brains quickly grasp the diagrams and flow charts rather than the simple text. So, you can also take the help of the charts and diagrams for learning the concepts. A common suggestion by the toppers and experts that students should conduct exhaustive studies instead of just learning the books..
