Author: Root

About:

Prelims Strategy:

The only thing I did was a consistent and planed preparation without taking any breaks in studies.

Preferred books:

The usual and standard material.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

Answer writing is the key

Tips for students:

I am the best example for any aspirant who doubts that he or she is from a rural background and studied in Telugu Medium and thinks that it is extremely difficult to crack the Civil Service exam. From whichever background you are, you need to steadily focus on the goal and work hard towards achieving that goal.

About:

Prelims Strategy: 

Strategy for prelims be making questions for yourself. While reading any material, the students should try to figure out what possible questions can come from it. This helps in better preparation and also the person may get similar questions in the exam.

Preferred books:

The standard material.

Views about importance of Test series:

The more you practice the better it is.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

1. Making handwritten notes is very important. Even while reading a newspaper jot down all the important points.
2. In jotting the important aspect is to keep it to 200 words. This makes the quality of the answers better and makes learning easy.
3. For general studies the key is not to mug up but to get the concept. Clarity of concepts in this subject is extremely important.
4. In history, test papers of any coaching and all the other available test series in the market, read the questions and their answers and from there he made his make notes. This makes it clear that which topics are important and even if same questions don’t come, the questions will surround same topics.

Tips for students: 

Here are the three important tips-: 

1. The first thing is focus on was ‘planning’. It is very important to have a proper day plan, he had his plan of next four months. This is important because IAS preparation takes one full year and if one doesn’t have a scheduled plan then there are chances of getting diverted. Also, the plan should be pragmatic not idealistic. Keep buffer zones in planning so as to cover up anything couldn’t be done because of non-compliance of his plan.
2. Secondly, he advises not to get demotivated. The only way to ‘not’ get demotivated is enjoying this process of learning. If one starts to enjoy it then demotivation will keep at bay.
   
3. Thirdly, get into the habit of reading fast. This helps in covering more syllabus in lesser time and gives you an edge over other aspirants. I took four days to read a magazine and when he read it for the first time but eventually the reading got faster and I took 3-4 hours to cover that magazine.

Points to be noted:

• The difference between the preparation for prelims and mains is that for prelims you need to have broad coverage of current affairs while in mains the analysis of current affairs is more important than broad coverage.
  • While taking exams one should take calculated risk. Distinguishing between what to study and what not to study is of immense importance which comes from taking tests.
  • Lastly, presentation has to be given special emphasis as it fetches you extra marks. Make it easy for the evaluator.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

1. Must read are all textbooks of NCERT. These make strong base and value addition can be done from newspapers, internet sources.
   2. Just before 2 months from prelims make sure you solve as many mock tests as possible. It must be ensured that you go through explanations and mark some important questions which you will revise again.
   3. Certain sections like geography and environment should be strengthened as some quality questions which are current based are asked.
   4. You should remember facts but more focus should be on clarity of concepts. This is the thing which will help you in mains. From 2010 onwards we have seen dramatic change in nature of the preliminary examination. UPSC has shifted its focus from facts to concepts.
   5. Remember one mantra that revision is the key.

Preferred books:

• History
  1. Ancient History by R S Sharma
  2. Medieval history by Satish Chandra
  3. Modern history spectrum Rajiv Ahir
  4. Culture from GK today culture module
  5. Post-independence by Bipin Chandra
• Geography
  1. 6th to 12 the NCERT new textbooks
  2. G C Leong ( basic geography and world climate)
  3. 6th to 10th old geography for world geography chapters
• Indian polity
  1. Vajiram and Ravi notes
  2. Indian polity by M laxmikanth( prelims )
  3. NCERT our constitution at work (for mains)
• Indian economy and PAPER 3
  1. Vajiram and Ravi notes
  2 selected topics from Ramesh Singh
  3. GK Today- mains paper 3 MODULE (infrastructure, railways, ports , etc)
  4. Economic survey.
• World History
  1. GK today module
  2. 11th and 12th class textbooks
  3. Solved questions from Norman Lowe ( questions at the end of chapter)
• Society
  1. 11th and 12th sociology Text books ( for basic understanding)
  2. GK today module (subscription){ for current acts and Constitutional provision}
• Paper 2 mains syllabus (dynamic portion)
  MY Own notes and GK today (especially combined modules on education, poverty, governance ,health).. it is Integrated with current events.
• Ethics
  1. Mukul Pathak videos on ethics ( vision)
  2. Self-prepared notes on thinkers like Gandhi Ji, Jawahar Lal Nehru, B R Ambedkar, S Radha Krishna, Amartya sen etc
  3. Lots of answer writing practice.
  4. GK Today module is good especially on question answers section (subscription)
  5. I read selectively and practiced a lot.
• Current affairs
  1 CGS documents by GK today ( subscription)
  2. My own notes from two newspapers , the Hindu and Indian Express
  3. Selected topics from Yojana and Kurukshetra
• Environment an ecology
  1. 11th and 12 text books ICSE ( ecology portion )
  2. GK today environment modules (1-7)
  3. Current notes from newspapers
  4. Moef & CC site for updates esp. state of forests and annual report documents
• International relation
  1. Current affairs from newspapers. Made my own notes in tabular form.
• Government schemes
  1. GK today schemes
  2. Ministry sites especially rural development, urban and poverty alleviation ,minority, etc
  3 For ready reference and consultation INDIA year book (do not read it a to z)
• International Organization
  1. Wikipedia. When I was tired to read anything

Views about importance of Test series:

Take as many tests as possible.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

1. Go through the syllabus of MAINS and try to remember the topics. This will help you to pick up the relevant portion of news and add to the mains topic.
   2. Daily minimum 2 hour of answer writing is must after prelims one can write 7 questions in an hour. It should be a time bound event.
   3. If possible one should join classroom test series mains. It mimics the exam conditions.
   4. I will say it by my experience that in Mains the conceptual clarity and coherent thought process is given more weightage during marking.
   5. Try to make your own viewpoint on the current issues.
   6. Write balanced, positive perspective with subtle blend of criticism in questions. Conclude on futuristic and positive note.(3-4 lines)
   7. Whenever you write the answer particularly GS – 3 remember to try to link the answer with the current events and relevant examples. Make sure that you project yourself a learned and educated personality.

Tips for students:

Tips for ESSAY writing:
1. Present yours ideas coherently and in simple language.
2. Be original and write what you think about the topic.
3. Don’t put unnecessary facts and figures . only at relevant places.
4. Write in such a way that it has a flow and examiner is engrossed to know what next.
5. Limited quotes. They want your understanding about the topic
6. Write bigger picture of the issue.
7. Multi facets of issues and their impact on various sectors like social, political, economic and ethical should be discussed

Points to be noted:

In the interview-:
1. Be what you are. The diversity among each us is our strength. Polish it, enhance and make it relevant to the situation.
2. Honesty, Integrity, Calmness and Composure are key.
3. Show them what you are than what you are trying to be.
4. Please don’t listen to myths of boards and story that circulate on internet. Don’t have stereotypes of any board. Don’t prepare for boards, Prepare for interview.
5. Showcase yourself a person who is ready to take responsibility of public service.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

1. Understand the requirement of this exam.
2. Those who get in first attempt basically get their sratergy right.
3. Planning is very important. Plan how to study.
4. Don’t leave anything. UPSC is very unpredictable.
5. Different stratergy works for different people.

Preferred books:

Key lies in remembering. Everyone uses same books. NCERTs, Bipin Chandra etc. Revising is important. Those who don’t revise will forget. Don’t go for too many sources. Keep reading newspapers. Eventually you will understand what is important.

Views about importance of Test series:

They are very important, don’t take tests just for the sake of it. Try to analyse where you are going wrong. See the pattern. Learn from it.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

Essay-
• Once you are good with GS you have the knowledge. It’s about weaving all this knowledge.
• Flow is very important in writing. Coherence is very important.
• Plan what to write. Jot down in the rough sheet what points you will write and the order.
• You don’t need flowery language. Simplicity is beauty. Quotes are important.
• There is absolutely no advantage in taking a topic which nobody will take or disadvantage in taking a topic which a lot of people can chose.
• Take a topic you are comfortable in.
Newspaper-
• Make it a habit.
• If you lose touch with it don’t panic. It’s fine. You can cope up.
• Make notes, handwritten or printed whatever suits you.

Tips for students:

If it’s not happening it’s your fault somewhere. Find it out and work on it. Work simple and don’t be lazy. Believe in yourself.

Don’t lose hopes. It’s based on hard work. Work hard and don’t feel depressed.

Points to be noted:

Make sure you revise and be quick with answers. There is no time to recall.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

I made notes from newspaper. Summarized all the editorials daily. This makes it easy for revision. Don’t think it as a time waste.

Preferred books:

Standard material.

Views about importance of Test series:

Extremely important. I did all the experiments I thought of in these tests. Write as much as you can.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

Make notes as much as you can, this helps you in revising.
Structure your answer- introduction, main body and conclusion. Don’t beat around the bush. Write to the point.
See what the question is about.
Give both positive and negative points in the answer. Write how negatives can be removed.
Essay- give mocks for essay. This tells you how good you are at formulating thoughts how your flow will come.

Tips for students:

Keep your cool. Don’t start analysing before the exam that what will come in the exam.

Points to be noted:

Relaxing is important.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

Study for 8 hours. Studying too much for long hours was never my approach. I used to study with small-small breaks in between.

Preferred books:

India’s Ancient Past
History Of Medieval India
India’s Struggle For Independence
History Of Modern India
Indian and World Geography for Civil Services
Geography of India
Oxford School Atlas
Facets of Indian Culture
The Wonder That Was India
Indian Polity 5th Edition
Indian Economy 8th Edition
Science and Technology in India
Economic Survey
Environmental Studies from Crisis to Cure 2nd Edition
India Year Book 2017
Manorama Yearbook 2017

Views about importance of Test series:

They make you practice. I had promised myself that I shall finish the syllabus of each prelims and mains test, revise it and write tests without fail.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

I decided the following,
• My entire preparation will be based on self-study.
• I will study at home.
• I will focus on writing practice by taking tests and personal feedback

A few things which I followed in writing are as follows:
• Explain in simple terms and in your own words but make answer illustrative
For example, for the question on air mass in GS 1 diagrams should accompany the explanation.
• According to the demand of question one can use paragraphs, flowcharts, or bullet points.
• Give an account of both conceptual (theory) part and current aspects asked in a question
• Justify every statement with illustrations, facts, figures or examples from newspapers
• Revision helped in reducing time to recollect during exam and is a must
• Revise all the basic books and have a clear understanding of concepts. Instead of reading many books for a single topic read one book many times and have good understanding of that.

Tips for students:

Despite hard work, even the second attempt slipped away from me. This was because of the following mistakes committed by me

•  Compromise in preparation plans: Due to paucity of time and other challenges at work I could not execute my preparation plans to the fullest extent. Adding to that revision of topics could not be done in the manner I had planned.
•  No writing practice – I had not practiced full length test papers. This cost me heavily in the exam. Even though I had covered syllabus, worked hard, knew answers to questions, I had to come out of exam hall without answering many questions due to mismanagement of time. I had not practiced essay writing also.
  So please avoid these mistakes.

Patience and persevarence is very important. Patience is the key of my success.

Points to be noted:

Correlation among topics of various subjects helped in answer writing. For instance, for a question about Krishnadevaraya as a patron of literature (GS 1), I utilized the knowledge of culture, medieval Indian history, and my optional (kannada literature) though all three are from different sources.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

Go through the syllabus before starting any preparation. CONSISTENCY AND MOMENTUM is important

Preferred books:

Standard material.

Views about importance of Test series:

The more you practice the better it is.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

General Studies-
• I had prepared notes of everything

Static portion from NCERTs
Dynamic from magzines –yojna and frontline and newspaper
• Newspaper seems tough at first but then eventually it will become an easy thing.

Ethics paper-
• Be familiar and clear with terms like ethics, morality, values.
• Case studies – needs analysis and thus practice. Test series are a great help in this.
• Use thinkers and philosophers for thoughts and quotes.

Essay-
• Practice it a lot.
• Express it freely in crisp and simple language. Express yourself well.
• Write quotes for each kind of topic in a copy for yourself.
• Use good data in essay. Giving facts in essay is important.

Tips for students:

Be through with things because there is no time to recall in mains paper.

Points to be noted:

Make good and concise notes on everything.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

Solving many questions for Prelims, gave me the much needed confidence which proved to be helpful in the final exam.

Preferred books:

History & Culture : Ancient History- NCERT-11th(Old), NCERT-11th( New)
Modern History- NCERT-12th(Old)- Bipin Chandra, Book by Spectrum Publication. Medieval History- NCERT-11th(Old).
Polity- Laxmikanth.
Economy- NCERT-11th Macroeconomics for basic concepts, Book by Ramesh Singh
Geography- NCERTs 11th & 12th New. Don’t ignore the Mapping part, learn to spend some time with Atlas.
Environment- Few chapters from Class 12th NCERT,

Views about importance of Test series:

This time, I was more serious about writing tests both for Prelims and Mains. I joined test series and wrote tests at their centre so as to have a feeling of exam-type scenario.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

• Work on the basics: For this, I read NCERTs and got basic idea of all the subjects such as History, Polity, Geography and Economy. Once I was done with the basics part, I switched to subject-specific books.
• Practice writing: Took test series, and I worked on my answer writing. I used to write 2–3 answers daily and tried my best to include as many relevant points as possible.
  
• Optional: Since last few years, optional subject is considered as the game-changer. For my optional i.e. Mathematics, I practiced questions from the previous year question papers and subject-wise text books. The test series proved to be useful here too.
• Essay: Though I feel I could’ve done better with my essay marks but then, this time I wrote quite a few essays on my own. Don’t ignore Essays because you can score high with relatively less efforts.
• Ethics: Ethics is more about self-reflection and moderating your thought process in such a way that you can actually look at several hidden dimensions of the problem. Solve case studies, try to think over the issues involved, and apply the concepts in your life so that you can produce real-life examples in the exam.
  
• Newspaper reading: If I were to choose one most important thing about UPSC preparation, it has to be newspaper reading. Luckily, I was most regular about this aspect. I hardly missed newspaper in my entire preparation period. Making short notes of the important issues also helped me a lot in quick revision at the last stage. Other than this, I read Yojana for some issues. One needs to weed out the unnecessary facts and focus more on conceptual clarity.

Tips for students:

Overall, daily-answer writing practice, multiple revisions, more question-solving, due focus to optional and essay paper, regularity with the current affairs, is what I think, made the difference.

Points to be noted:

Practice answer writing and essay writing.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

• Don’t do Ph.D. on each topic. It’s about knowing something important about everything.
• Interlink things. This makes writing better.
• Have a compact book list. Don’t keep hoping from one book to another. Read them more and revise them. Don’t read 10 books for 1 topic but read one book 10 times.
• Read those books for prelims that will help you in mains as well.

Preferred books:

Ramesh Singh for Indian economy, Laxmikanth for polity, and other standard material.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

1. General strategy is to have-
   • Self-belief
   • Patience
   • Hard work
2. Essay paper- can make your score.
   • Your perspective on a topic. Have a holistic approach and don’t think in only one dimension. Have a balanced approach and cover many dimensions in essay.
   • Keep some quotes and facts handy, make a repository of quotes on issues like peace, women empowerment etc. economic survey helped me a lot. It’s a treasury of facts.
   • Practice essays and review them yourself.
3. Ethics paper- in little effort you get good marks.
   • Get easy definition for things and look around yourself for examples in answer. Eg. something you see in the bus related to swachh bharat, include it in your answer
   • For case studies have an organized approach.
   • List out positives and negatives. Give consideration to the other side also which you are opposing.
4. General preparation tips-
   • Self-belief
   • Patience
   • Hard work

Tips for students:

Have balance between static and dynamic/current affairs. These two are complementary. Relate the two things. This elevates the quality of our answer. Do some graphical representation- map or flow chart etc. this makes your answers different. State things in an effective manner.

Points to be noted:

For mains don’t keep reading. Focus on answer writing too. If you are able to write well then in knowing less you will score more. Time yourself and write. Be critical while reviewing your answers.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

1. The monthly magazines should be read every month. Don’t think when prelims will come then you will read afresh and tick the answers.
2. Sunday was the revision day. I didn’t read anything new, instead revised my notes etc. Otherwise nothing will remain in your head.
3. Study all the subjects equally, don’t fall in love with only one subject. Cover all the subjects in equal amount.

Preferred books:

NCERT Books, Laxmikanth and other standard readings.

Views about importance of Test series:

Time management is one of the most crucial part, it is important and difficult. For this, one needs to take mock tests. Two months before prelims give many mock tests.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

1. Dwell up good writing skills. It will happen over time.
2. Whatever you read, recollect and then jot the important points.
3. Keep 5-6 bullet points on each topic in your mind.
4. To learn a topic, give three readings. First reading is to familiarise with the topic. Second reading is recollection of the topic and in third you will get it by heart. Every person has different mind and don’t get sad if your friend gets a thing learned in 2 readings while you don’t even in 3.
5. Getting good marks in mains is very important so that even if in interview you don’t score well the situation gets balanced.

Tips for students:

1. Have self-confidence and take your decision for yourself. Don’t get shaky because of others. Take up your own strategy and not what aspirants around you are doing.
2. Don’t postpone things.
3. Focus on keywords of the question. It is essential to see what has been asked, whether it has been asked to critically analyse, or to discuss, etc.
4. Attempt all questions and it can be done only by covering whole syllabus.
5. Structure your answer into three parts, the intro, the main body, and a conclusion. Have a structured answer always, whether it is an essay, GS question, or any other part.
6. Always define the term which has been mentioned in the question. That will be important opening lines of your answers.
7. Make it easy for the examiner to check. Drop the terms and underline important things, make diagrams and flowchart. This will fetch you good marks.
8. See whether you are comfortable in paragraph writing or in bullets. Both are good enough.

Points to be noted:

Dwell up the habit of thinking. Whenever you are reading anything think about it. Productive thinking is very important. Don’t compartmentalize. All subjects are related. Bridge can be developed on by thinking.

About:

Prelims Strategy:

1. Study daily, which is enough and consistency is important.
2. Please remember rote learning would do no good.
3. Prepare prelims and mains together, an integrated view.
4. Starting taking tests on a regular basis 2 months before the prelims.
5. The paper is very unpredictable, cover the basics therefore.

Preferred books:

Basic books and NCERTs.

Views about the importance of Test series:

1. They are very important. For both prelims and mains.
2. It helps you in time management.

Did you use CD Test series? How was it helpful?

Yes.

What to focus on for Mains Prep?

I followed a simple structure of answer writing. Introduction, main body and conclusion.

This can be followed in all the answers.

The conclusion should be forward looking and constitutionally correct.

Tips for students:

Patience, right strategy and consistency is important.

Ultimately it is all about your own efforts. A smart strategy and perseverance helped me crack the exam.

I can guarantee that others living in small cities can achieve success without having to leave their home towns if they apply themselves with diligence.