Public Distribution System — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims preparation, focus on memorizing specific numbers and facts: NFSA coverage (75% rural, 50% urban), beneficiary categories (AAY - 35 kg per household, PHH - 5 kg per person), subsidized prices (₹3/kg rice, ₹2/kg wheat, ₹1/kg coarse grains), and key years (1997 TPDS introduction, 2013 NFSA).

Create a fact sheet with committee names (Shanta Kumar, High Level Committee on FCI), landmark judgments (PUCL v Union of India 2001), and recent schemes (PMGKAY, ONORC). Practice elimination techniques by understanding common traps: confusing per person vs per household allocations, mixing up committee recommendations, and incorrectly linking constitutional articles.

Pay special attention to current affairs integration, particularly ONORC coverage statistics, budget allocations, and state-wise performance data. Use mnemonics for remembering beneficiary categories and entitlements.