Tips to Success:
Follow the exam pattern with consistency and PATIENCE
Focus on one step at one time but with a broadened vision to incorporate Mains and Interview along with Prelims.
Donot be afraid of the negative marking in Prelims
Prelims:
The focus on prelims mainly towards your Optional as it has a good weightage.
Work with General Studies simultaneously with special emphasis on Current Affairs.
Current affairs constitute most important section these days. Refer to standard current affairs series.
Pratiyogita Darpan Special and Competition Wizard supplement released just before the prelims are very helpful.
Never exculsively rely on what is said in coaching classes if you prefer one. No coaching center can provide an elaborate content for Prelims.
India Year Book is again a major area which covers good concepts on prelims.
Those who have online facilities and substantial time for preparation can subscribe for csgsindia.com
Mains:
Work on the optional with equal importance to general studies.Answers require a explanatory and analytical prepective to check your understanding of the subject.
Efficient time management is very important. Papers are lenghty. May times students are unable to answer even when they know the contents.
Keep a good writing Pace.
Refer to few good sample essay from Spectrum and Pratiyogita Darpan winning essays.
Do not worry about english and language papers. They just require passing.
Refer to standard books for optional. Few of the coaching institutes also provide good study material for mains which is quite useful. Study package by Brilliants is good for many optionals. Study material by VaziRam and Ravi is good for Psychology and Public Adminstration. Interactions is good for Geography and General Studies.
Interview:
Have self confidence
Review the current affairs well before appearing for interview
Interviews are mostly analytical so be prepared with any reasoning
Prepare few topics on your optionals very well. Interviewer can ask you a choice.
Read the interviews from Competition Success and you can have a good idea
Dress yourself in a formal attire
If you donot know any answer just say no, never try to hook around the bushes