Abraham Lincoln is known to have said “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Similarly, it is important that before any candidate begins his or her preparation, there must be a clear, well-though strategy in mind. This brief article seeks to highlight a few pointers that will be useful while preparing a strategy for the Kerala PSC Kerala Administrative Services (KAS).

About the Exam

Kerala Public Service Commission conducts the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) exam under 29 departments of Kerala State Ministry. The Kerala PSC Kerala Administrative Services (KAS) Exam will be conducted in three phases i.e. Preliminary exam, Mains Exam, and the Interview. The Prelims exam will contain MCQs, the Mains exam is descriptive in nature and the interview stage tests one’s personality. Each stage requires its own preparation strategy.

Tips and Tricks

• One prioritizes the manner in which they will study different sections. Completing the tougher subjects early and then approaching the easier subjects might prove to be effective in strengthening one’s knowledge base and understanding.
• Make your own notes that can be easily revised just before the exam. Condense and extrapolate only the most relevant information.
• One must complete multiple revisions prior to the examination – this will not only improve one’s retention, but will also make one more confident.
• One must check out important current affairs sources such as PIB, Rajya Sabha TV debates, Yojana and newspapers.
• Some books that aspirants should avoid missing out on are – 

1. ThozhilVartha Magazine
2. Manorama & Mathrubhumi Yearbook
3. PSC Degree Level Exam Past Question Papers Answers & Explanations
4. (KAS) Kerala Administrative Service super Rank file (preliminary exam)
5. Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) Cracker I & II (IET Publications)
6. A brief history of modern India – Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum Publications)
7. Indian Polity – M Laxmikanth
8. Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh
9. India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipin Chandra
10. Certificate Physical Geography- GC Leong

• Checking out dedicated rank files for each of the posts is advisable. It is good to study Talent, Lakshya, Aashiwad.
• Practice as many mock or previous years tests as possible before going for the examination. Be mindful of the negative marking and avoid guessing; calculated risks, however, as recommended. 
• Do not ignore any subject area as one never knows when the weightage to a particular subject might change.
• Try and memorise important information with the help of mnemonics, songs, short forms, mind maps etc.
• The right food and nutrient intake, along with adequate sleep and exercise is essential. Take breaks as and when needed, but do not overdo it.

To conclude

With adequate preparation and patience, this summit can be easily conquered! All the very best for your exams and hope you pass with flying colours!