Dear Aspirants,
Many of you might be perplexed with the thought of choosing the First Optional Paper in WBCS Mains . In a way, selection of right optional subject is the most crucial step. Post-graduates in any discipline, generally prefer taking up their parent subject for optional. Though such selection is quite logical, aspirants with any science discipline as their base subject must ponder over the issue more seriously. Maths, Physics, Chemistry etc., optionals for the main examination must be opted for, only if one is out and out thorough with the subject. Aspirants having knowledge in science subject must judge themselves correctly regarding their own capability. Some of the social sciences (e.g. History, Economics , Public Administration) opted by quite a significant majority can, however, be a much safer bet, particularly for those (ordinary science graduates) who do not have any specific parent subject or for those who are not able to develop confidence in their parental subject. In either case, the formal preparation must start from the basic fundamentals, even if a person is already a post-graduate in that subject.
To select the second optional subject, one must decide on the basis of two factors:
Study material is generally a problem! So one should keep a look out for good books etc. that cover the syllabus of the optional subjects he selects. The second optional subject could be something like “history” or “geography” or “Anthropology” etc. if he can mug-up a lot of facts! On the other hand, if one has interest in some other subject and he can find enough study materials on it, he should definitely go for that subject.
It is also important to remember that the level of questions asked is of the Masters level examination. The questions have an added spin in order to bring out the grasp of the candidate with regard to the basic concepts of the subject. Hence, if one chooses subjects in which he does not have a basic grounding, it would be advisable to start from simple topics. After getting the grasp of the basic concepts, start with higher level study material. Here again, reflections on basic concepts and their application in real life is important. For best preparation and a success plan, it is suggested that the candidates make a habit of beginning their study by writing answers to two questions each day, One each from two optional subjects. Questions should be chosen from previous years’ papers and the answer writing should be preceded by study on the subject.
All the Best !
Avision
Howrah, Liluah & Kolkata
Leave a Reply