UPSC Preparation: Commerce optional tips by Raj Karan Agarwal

Raj Karan AgarwalCA,CS,B.COM(H)AIR 474,1st AttemptCommerce Score : 144 + 128.

Commerce & Accountancy : It is one of the lengthy optional in terms of time needed for preparation & revision.The biggest hurdle that arises during preparation is that it requires vast reading and then integration from different sources so that coverage is comprehensive.Also,supply of study material is limited hence reliance on coaching is increased.


But nevertheless,provides advantage as graduation/professional studies are utilized and around 150 marks numerical are there which can fetch very good marks.Also,larger part of the syllabus is static in nature.


In this scenario,there is no harm in taking coaching for paper one is uncomfortable like I did for paper 2 as basics are clarified in class and regular test provide a check. But a word of caution that coaching helps around 20-25%, rest is application and hard work of student itself.



PAPER – I


Accounting and Finance

Financial Accounting : JR Monga & DS Rawat(For AS) OR Material of CA PCC can be referred.

Remarks-Focus more on Accounting Standards and presentation(for numericals) should be taken care of properly with working notes.No need to practice again & again. Just mark the important adjustments/questions and refer them only in subsequent revisions.


Cost Accounting : Maheswari & Mittal plus theoretical part from either book itself or some compilation like CA PCC scanner. Also material of RANKER’s CLASSES (RC) provides very good compilation of numericals and theory.OR Material of CA PCC can be referred.


Remarks-Emphasis should be given on theory also.


Taxation : Girish Ahuja OR CA PCC.
Remarks-one can go in depth initially and mark important adjustments and later on focus on bacics itself. Again theoretical portion is important like exceptions to any section/rule etc.


Auditing : CA PCC notes for relevant topics or Aruna Jha.


Financial Management : RP Rastogi OR CA PCC notes plus relevant topics from CA Final can also be seen.


Remarks-FM has been the most wicked portion for past few years but don’t try to control this part as question have wide range.Just see that one is aware of different models/concepts/terms that come along.


Financial Markets and Institution : Relevant Chapters from Indian Financial system by Bharati V Pathak and newspaper cuttings provided by RC. Keep track of steps/initiatives by RBI,SEBI,IRDA etc.

Remarks-Same as FM.



Capsule for Exam Hall : In exam hall patience & calmness holds the key since there will definitely be bouncers(unpredictable & unexpected questions) which need to smartly avoided in Choice and for compulsory questions don't beat around the bush if answer is not known. Rather invest the time in known questions & numericals.Even if 40-50 marks questions are unanswered then also around 140 is achievable easily.



PAPER – II


Organisation Theory and Behaviour, Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations

Organisation Theory & OB : SP Robbins OT book (for different models/terms/concepts),Singh & chhabra. SP Robbins OB book. PLUS RC notes and answers.


Human Resources Management (HRM) : CB Gupta,Aswathapa and RC notes and answers.

Industrial Relations : RC notes are sufficient.


Remarks-Here preparation should start with a general reading & developing the conceptual clarity with subsequent reading focusing upon important definition by authors/thinkers,establishing links with other topics/chapters and current corporate practices.After reading the definition & basic explanation try to think before studying in detail.Note making is very important here wherein diagrams,verbatim definitions (by thinkers),examples & only core points should be noted without explanation.Topics from all sources should be integrated at one place.Important lines from class noted should be on the lips like NR Murthy says “ our most important assets walk out everyday and we have to make sure they return” in context of HRM.


Capsule for Exam Hall : For compulsory question same as for Paper 1.Choice here is more important as little knowledge of every question shall be there.So,after choice careful reading of question is needed before writing & while writing also.Introduction can be either indirect through some lines or quotes or direct with general explanation followed by exact definition.Thereafter topic need to be explained in short followed by establishing links with other chapters and focusing on the question again.Here give a pause & think again.

Diagrams can be used effectively.Ending of answers should always be visionary/positive with example if needed or with some lines.There should be mixed use of paras and points.Examples should be quoted wherever possible but refrain from using one enterprise again & again.