[Q] Editorials: How much time to allot, Relevance of Internet based study etc

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Editorials: how much time to allot?

Q. I find the editorials of HINDU very interesting, so i use to read them and research them on the net for about 2-3 hours daily.
Do you think I must give more stress on NCERT's and standard textbook more, than relying on internet studies.

• It all depends on your preparation stage.
• If you're guy who appeared in Mains 2011, and currently awaiting the interview call, well it's a good practice to read and research those editorials for 2-3 hours.
• But if you're a greenhorn, targeting Prelims-2012, then you best devote your energy to the core books and material. 
• I'm not saying "IGNORE" editorials, because even they can be converted into 4 Statements true/false type of MCQs but one has to draw a line, depending on his preparation level vs Number of days remaining before the prelims vs number of pages to be read for each topic. If you're a first-timer, you must concentrate only on prelims from now-onwards.

Relevance of Internet studies: to what extent

Beyond a level, Not much. Core books must be referred. For example, no webpage can become a substitute for Laxmikanth or Bipin Chandra.

Lot of prelim-GS questions, still come from routine NCERTs, GS Manual, Newspapers and standard books. Because UPSC has to keep in mind those candidates who can't access internet much.

Hence, Wikipedia or googling beyond a level, doesn't put you much-ahead of the competition, as far as prelims are concerned. Ofcourse for mains/essay/interview, they do provide fodder material to add extra dimension and depth to your answer.

Last year/semester in College: Can apply for CSE?

Question: I am in 4th year B.tech, do i need to bring any college bonafied certificate for applying in Civil service Exam (CSE)?

• If you're in last year / semester of college, no problem you can apply for the exam, provided that you're going get a graduation degree or provisional marksheet in August 2012, (If you're planning to give 2012's CSE.)
• Let me elaborate:
• Prelims=20.May.2012 (SUNDAY)
• For the prelims they don't ask for any documents or certificates or proofs.
• You'll get its result somewhere in August. If you pass prelims, you'll have to fill up a new form for mains. Along with the application-form for mains, you'll be required to submit all your xeroxes for 10,12,college degree, work experience, caste certi, handicap certi, Ex-serviceman certi...etc.etc.etc. whatever applies in your case. 
• Last date for submission of forms is generally August-end to September start.
• Mains Exams are conducted from  05.October.2012
• Bonafide certificate is not necessary. Your marksheet/degree matters: graduation is 'minimum educational requirement' for appearing in CSE.