How can I prepare for the HCS exam, and what is the right way for it?

Like any other Civil Services Examination, the HCS examination is a three-stage process comprising of :

i) PRELIMS: The Preliminary examination comprises of two papers (The General Studies and Aptitude Test).Each of the papers is of 100 marks each.

ii) The Mains: The Mains examination comprises of 5 papers which are English, Hindi, General Studies, Subjects 1 and 2 respectively.

iii) Personality Test : Though the exam is almost on the same pattern as the UPSC examination, however, there is increased stress on the state affairs. There is a lot of material available both online as well as offline sources for the preparation of the HCS exam. Without naming any particular study material and being biased, it is advised to take the help of a few of your friends who have taken the examination before or ask your teachers.

Some of the commonly followed online sources for the preparation of the elite exam are:

a)Online Tyari : Online Tyari is a leading web and mobile app platform which helps in preparing for different competitive exams. It partners with coaching institutes, independent tutors and publishers to provide the latest study materials to aspirants. For more details, visit the website.
b)Clear IAS : ClearIAS is rated among the top websites for IAS preparation. It provides free online study materials, guidance, toppers’ interviews, online mock exams, etc. Clear IAS is also an Android app now. For more details, visit the website.
c)Civils Daily : Civilsdaily has been rated as the number one GK and current affairs app for IAS and UPSC preparation. It provides news in a simplified manner for aspirants. It also publishes daily flashcards and compiles them under different topics on the website. For more details, visit the website.
d)Unacademy : Unacademy is India’s largest free education initiative. It makes high-quality educational videos that are free for everyone. Unacademy’s vision is to have the best explanation for every educational topic in all languages. The Unacademy app is also available on the Google Play store. For more details, visit the website.
e)Mrunal.org : This website is for every newbie who wants to give the exams a shot. Mrunal Patel is well-known for breaking down complex ideas and explaining things to public service aspirants in the simplest manner. Mrunal wasn’t able to clear the UPSC exams but he channelled his energy into teaching other aspirants. He also gives video lectures on Youtube. For more details, visit the website.

The offline sources of preparation are mainly books and coaching centres which can help you out in the preparation for your civil services examination. Some of the preferred books by the students for various subjects are listed below:

1) PRELIMS
a)General Knowledge Haryana (2018): General Studies and Current Affairs on the state of Haryana.
b)Part B which is the Aptitude Test can be prepared by Standard book of McGraw Hill.
The other books which are recommended are listed as under:
i)NCERT Books (Grade 9-12)
ii)Indian Polity-M.Laxmikanth
iii)Indian Economy-Sanjeev Verma
iv)Environment-Shankar IAS
v)Indian Geography-Majid Hussain
vi)ATLAS
vii)Ancient History-RS Sharma
viii)Medieval India-Satish Chandra
ix)Modern History-Bipin Chandra

2.THE MAINS:
The candidate is supposed to shortlist 2 subjects out of the list of 23 listed in the brochure. However, the candidates’ should be careful in not selecting subjects that seem similar e.g combinations like Political Science and Public Administration are not allowed. One is advised to check the previous year’s papers to ensure the comfortability factor with the subjects of their choice.

COACHING INSTITUTES FOR HCS EXAM

There are reputed institutes which provide focussed and targeted coaching for the HCS examination 2019. These institutes have years of experience in the trade and have successfully mentored thousands of students to achieve their goal. Some of the leaders in the field are listed below:
i) RAJ MALHOTRA IAS
ii) CHANAKYA IAS ACADEMY
iii) DRONACHARYA IAS
iv) CS MENTORS IAS
v) BRAIN TREE -IAS ACADEMY

The above list is just based on suggestions by successful candidates, however, you are free to choose others depending on your convenience.