Optional subject
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
Dr Bhat's record with the optional across three examinations, and his published strategy and booklist.
Record with the Optional
| Examination | Optional(s) | Marks | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| J&K Combined Competitive Examination 2010 | Public Administration; Veterinary Science | 425 / 600 | Rank 22 |
| Indian Forest Service Examination 2012 | Zoology; Veterinary Science | 198 / 400 | AIR 23 |
| Civil Services Examination 2016 | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science | 304 / 500 | AIR 10 |
His Published Strategy
His 2018 essay rests on the standard veterinary curriculum: reading the prescribed textbooks for each paper, preparing concise notes topic by topic against the UPSC syllabus, practising answers with previous years' questions, and revising the notes rather than the books in the final months. On material he is direct: "Stop searching for so-called IAS/IFS veterinary material. It does not exist anywhere."
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science: Main Examination strategy and booklistInsights IAS · 24 June 2018
- Topper's Strategy: Rank 10 with Veterinary Science, in the fourth attemptInsights IAS · 11 June 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science a good optional for UPSC?
It is a specialised optional suited to graduates in veterinary science, animal husbandry and allied fields. Dr Bilal Bhat scored 304 out of 500 with it in the Civil Services Examination 2016 (All-India Rank 10), and had earlier used Veterinary Science as an optional in the J&K KAS examination (2010) and the Indian Forest Service examination (2012).
Is there special coaching material for the AH&VS optional?
In his published strategy Dr Bhat advises against searching for special 'IAS/IFS veterinary material', which he says does not exist; standard veterinary textbooks and self-made notes covering the syllabus are sufficient.
Where is Dr Bilal Bhat's AH&VS booklist?
In his essay 'Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry IAS Mains Strategy', published by Insights IAS on 24 June 2018, linked on this page.