Myth: Only Agricultural Engineers are suitable to take this optional.
Fact: Any Graduate, preferably Engineer, can take this optional without any fear (2 of top 4 selected in 2016 Exam were of different background)
Agricultural Engineering is one of the short optional, which can be handled to decent level within limited time of 1 month that we usually get after Civil Mains. Main Advantage: 3040% of both papers are composed of formula-based numerical problems which are easy for an engineer of any background & others would also find it easy
SO focus during preparation has to be to ensure this advantage is optimized to the maximum extent. Moreover, as each paper comprises of just 200 marks divided among 5 compulsory questions. Usually theory questions also wouldn't cross the ambit of Syllabus. Hence, solving previous 710 years question papers would usually help the aspirant get that bent of mind & most importantly CONFIDENCE. Checklist: {You can find necessary sources & additional references for materials at the end of this post}
Give a glance over the past 710 previous year’s papers
Refer to the sources provided at the end of this post & prepare a 1520M answer on possible questions on every point of syllabus (helpful for quick revision for THEORY part)
You can use the pdfs in drive link (Credits: Shanmukh Kumar (IFS) & Y. Venkateswarlu, his father) for various revision notes, [it is better if you make your own notes]
Solve all the solved examples in the reference books [for additional instructions, refer to WhatsApp group link]
Solve the previous papers of 710 years as per time available for better introspection & get CONFIDENCE
Mug up all the related formulae on regular basis
Sources:
Reference Books [nearly mandatory] a) Elements of Agricultural Engineering by Dr. Jadishwar Sahay; b) Principles of Agricultural Engineering by TP Ojha & AM Micheal (Volumes 1 &2)
IFS - Agricultural Engineering Optional Notes by Y Venkateswarlu & Shanmukh Kumar (IFS) - Google Drive (Comprises of Revision notes made by Shanmukhs father for his exam & forwarded eversince)
https://sagartheforester.blogspo. (Blog by one of the toppers of Optional in 2016 Exam regarding Strategy, Sagar Pawar)
IFS 2017AgriEngg Optional (WhatsApp Group with all Successful candidates of 2016 & 2017 Exam + Current Aspirants.
Myth: Only Agricultural Engineers are suitable to take this optional.