Myth Debunked

My English is very poor. They say I am out of the race. Am I?

No. You are still part of the race. Now you have figured out the problem – that your English is poor. Work on it. All you need is basic English. Moreover, you can write this exam and give the interview in your mother-tongue. Buy a basic Grammar book – read it( WREN AND MARTIN), listen to English news on TV and radio, try to write something in English, everyday (don’t worry if it is very bad, keep trying) Necessity should push you to learn. Push yourself. Win the race.

Only English medium candidates fair well myth

This is another huge misconception among aspirants. Many IAS, IPS, IRS and other civil servants of India come from vernacular academic backgrounds. It is clarity of expression and original problem-solving abilities to existing socio-economic problems that count. However, study materials being mostly in English, candidates with English medium backgrounds do have an advantage.

UPSC is Partial to English Speaking

Not at all. UPSC examination examines awareness and analyzing skills, and the medium of language in which you write is not significant. The government decided in 2013 to restore the status of other scheduled languages allowing aspirants to take the test in any regional language.(so you can appear for your exams in regional language too).

Having a Good Command Over English to Ace the Interview

The reality is that this is a misconception and the candidates who speak English, as well as other languages, have cleared it. UPSC is an examination of awareness and analyzing skills, and the language of the medium has no role in it. You need to be smart, and that is all.

Why English is Important for UPSC Aspirants?

• plays a very important in the process of communication.
• “English” emerged as the only potential language that solved all the language barriers and brought people closer together.
• UPSC Mains examination comprises a separate English paper that requires to crack the qualifying standards.
• Sparing English during the IAS preparation would be a big no.

How to Improve English in a Fun Way?

One of the biggest problems in their strategy to master English for IAS Main Exam was their focus on the formal educative style of learning. However, when it comes to English, there are many practical and fun ways in which one can learn English for IAS Exam.

• Read Editorials – The Hindu, Indian express
• Write Letters to the Editor
• Write 100 words daily
• Think in English
• Focus on improving your grammar and vocabulary – BBC Learning English, Babbel, Duolingo
• Indulge in productive discussions and debates, to improve your English
• Watch English Movies, Documentaries and TV Series
• Read Government Scheme & Policy Documents
• Solve Previous Year Question Papers
• Be Patient

It is true that the UPSC exam is not a test of the English language. But, you will all agree that it does help if one is at ease with the language. In the UPSC mains written exam, it is important to put your point across in the best possible manner. In this regard, having decent English can do wonders for you. Finally, in the UPSC interview, imagine if you have to search for words in your head while answering the question. Despite being knowledgeable, you might cut a sorry figure. To portray a confident person sure of himself/herself, being able to speak without hiccups is essential. This is where good English can help you.

READ MORE: Daily Prelims Booster

READ MORE: Daily News Analysis