In what would become one of the most discussed videos, Sajal Sir has analyzed some basic mistakes committed by the first attempters (and probably the more mature aspirants too).
Please take these tips very seriously to ensure you get the most out of your preparation in this year.
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Out of lakhs of candidates, only 10K make it. Why do some people clear prelims with ease year after year and others fail to do so? Read on
Our analysis shows that candidates who study S.M.A.R.T. clear prelims easily while people who slog too hard sometimes miss out. What do we mean by S.M.A.R.T. Study?
S.M.A.R.T. Study means being your best on the day of the Prelims, not before that, not after. But on the D Day. How to do this? Follow this mantra –
S – Syllabus completion. No excuses for leaving out Enviro or Art and Culture. Pick one source for each part and revise it again and again.
M – Manage your time. Do not start preparation of Prelims in full flow in December or January. Study 2 hours in these months and devote rest of the time to Mains prep. You should focus fully on prelims from March onwards.
A – Analyse. If you are first timer, analyse your test series to see where you make mistakes. If you are an experienced candidate, analyse your tests as well as previous attempts. Focus on weak areas that are remedied easily. Use TIKDAMS to solve seemingly tricky questions.
R – Revise. Remember what Bruce Lee said – I am not afraid of the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks but I am afraid of a man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times. Keep revising your chosen sources.
T – Test Series. Are you giving a test series that covers the whole syllabus, that gives you practice at different levels of preparation – basic and advanced.
Are you solving a test series that provided detailed explanations and essentially serves as notes for your preparation. If NOT, now is a good time to look at CD’s Prime and Advanced Test Series.
Join our Prime Test Series to gain an edge. View the schedule here: Click2View
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Civil Services has an infinite syllabus. If you don’t constrain yourself then practically everything under the sun and beyond is relevant for the exam.
No matter how much you prepare, you will not feel it is adequate. You will never get a feeling that I have read enough to ace the exam. That’s why you need to develop a different perspective to look at your preparation.
Define a cut-off date and revise. Revise and more revise. It is important to be able to recall and reproduce what you have studied so far. You won’t regret missing out on questions you have no clue about. But you will regret missing questions that you had knowledge about but weren’t able to recall during the exam.
To prevent such a mishap, you absolutely need to join a revision course that covers everything. At the same time, testing yourself is very important. Attempting mock tests will help you fine tune your preparation.
Do check out our SIP Program
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What are the 5 things candidates do that makes them cross the Prelims Hurdle? Read on
A. They solve thousands of Questions before the D Day. This way almost 70% of the questions in the paper are related in some way or the other to their practice questions. Remember solving 55-60 questions correctly gets you over the line in prelims. So how do you go about solving questions?
B. They Revise. Never underestimate the power of repetition. Stick to limited sources and keep revising until you see the lines of the book in your dreams.
C. They peak at the right time. Some people after failing at prelims, start preparing for the next prelims immediately after the result. WRONG MOVE. Prelims is like a 100-meter race. Usain Bolt doesn’t run the whole year to prepare for 100-meter races. He paces himself. Much like him, you have to pace your study. Start with 2-hour stretches in Jan/Feb and devote fully to prelims by March.
D. Coverage of the Whole Syllabus. Gone are the times when you could leave Environment and still make it. With Forest services clubbed in prelims, coverage is important. You should have one source for each part of the syllabus.
E. They analyze and get better with time. None of the successful candidates starts scoring 120+in their first test. Some start with 40s , some with 60s and so on. The point is to go over the line on D Day. Always analyze your attempted tests and see where you went wrong, what you could have done better. Then do it.
Successful candidates see multiple sub 100 scores in practice and refuse to get bogged down by them. So don’t despair and follow these 5 steps.
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Are you sure of your strategy of covering the right news, the right newspapers, the right amount of analysis needed and the right correlation of news with the syllabus?
Civilsdaily has launched ‘Samachar Manthan – the weekly CA Enforcer’ to take care of all this and more.
Current Affairs dominates both prelims and mains exam. Hence, it has always been a focus area at Civilsdaily.
Our students have benefited a lot from the classes and many have done well in 2018 prelims despite the paper being tricky.
What are we offering and how is it unique? Follow the links below-
Samachar Manthan Current Affairs Module 2018-19 (December 2018 to May 2019)- Starts 2nd December
Join Samachar Manthan 2018-19 (December 2018 to May 2019) [without Answer Writing Module] here: Click2Join
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4 months are left for Prelims 2019.
Now would be the perfect time to join a test series that prepares you for the rigor of this examination.
You will get:
Current Affairs – forming almost 40-45% of Prelims questions
Standard Sources – NCERTs and all the standard books
Tikdams – Practice the art of cracking seemingly tricky questions by over 600 such tikdams
Test Practice – 3200 questions spread over 32 tests.
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Re-sharing it for the benefit of all new students. It is an absolute must to get a better feel of the demand of the exam.
Detailed trend analysis of previous years UPSC Prelims GS Papers by Sajal sir
In this video, Sajal Sir focuses on the following
Do share this video and post your doubts related to the preparation in the comments section.
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Our Mains Test Series had the highest hit ratio among all the test series. Going with us gives you the best shot at scoring very high marks in Mains.
For GS1, 13 questions directly came from our 3 Full-Length-Tests. Not the complete test series, not the daily answer writing. Just the Full-Length-Tests.
If you followed our website/study material, you would’ve written above average answers for the complete paper. YES. The complete paper.
*These are not solutions but pointers/line of thought to be followed.
**Please do not look for a precise 1-1 match between the UPSC paper and our Test Series. The comparison is there to help you get a feel of the approach we follow in our Test Series.
***In the comments section, let us know interesting points along with the reasons that could enrich these answers.
1) Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment (10 marks)
We had written a note on heritage 2 years back.
1. What is heritage erosion and how can we manage it?
2. What are the components of heritage?
It was accessible via clicking on Paper 1 on left sidebar – https://www.civilsdaily.com/
We can’t claim this question but at the same time, we will work to ensure that good content from which questions are expected are made more accessible before the exams.
Approach
>Introduction – Start with defining Indian Art Heritage.
The term heritage has wide connotations spanning across nature, culture, food and other dimensions. Art heritage primarily refers to the tangible heritage comprising of
1.Paintings and art forms
2.Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites
3.Sculpture
4.Scriptures
5.Artifacts
Preserving our heritage is enshrined as a Fundamental Duty in our Constitution
Threats to Art Heritage
1.Lack of public awareness -This makes the local administrator break the buildings and replace it with other structures.
2.Duplication of paintings and art forms
3.Theft
4.Smuggling
Reasons for safeguarding
Cultural
1.Identity and pride of our country.
Economic
2. Tourism involves around monuments.
3. Infrastructure development takes place in and around the areas. Eg. Khajuraho despite being a small village has excellent infrastructure.
4. Creates jobs.
Social
5. It creates a feeling of community, a sense of attachment. enhances a sense of belonging.
Way forward
Strengthening institutions
-Ministry of Culture, ASI, Museums, Archives, etc.
Cultural awareness programs.
-Curriculum modification – Identification and inclusion of heritage as an asset in school, Open departments of Heritage management on the lines of Ahmedabad University
-Introduction of a compulsory offline and online training for tourism purposes willing to undertake ventures.
-Heritage depiction and promotion through immersive technology & augmented reality
-Re-Classify heritage and announce awards for people with exceptional heritage sense.
Adaptive reuse of heritage sites
-Restoring the historical sites in the form of festivals and inducing festivity link perceptions.
2) Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travelers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (10 marks)
Similar question from Test Series – Round1 GS1
19. Greek and Roman literary account proved extremely useful in writing the history of Ancient India? Discuss.
This shows how our thinking is on the spot. Make a note of this question. Absolutely important for prelims and mains next year.
Approach
Foreign travelers in the past played a more profound role than tourists of the present day. They were agents of civilizational contact and exchange, bringing with them new ideas, skills and technologies and returning with new knowledge.
They left elaborate records of their travels often mentioning facts that native writers simply took for granted and hence ignored.
Chinese travelers visited India during the Gupta and Post-Gupta period when Buddhism was prominent while notable Arab travelers can be seen during the medieval period with the advent of Islamic rulers. Few important accounts are as follows.
Fa-Hien – Account of the Gupta Period
An extensive account of society. first to talk about the caste system and shudras. Shudras were kept outside the town and entered the town by making a noise with a stick. Fahien had also mentioned about Shaiv and Vaishnav religion.
Comprehensive eyewitness account of the history and customs of Central Asia and India.
Economic account. Stated that income of the government was mainly based on the revenue taxes which were one-sixth of the total production.
Similarly, talk about
Hsuan-Tsang – Account during Harshavardhan’s era.
Al Beruni (AD 973 – 1048) – Mahmud of Ghazni. Culture of Indians especially the hindus.
Abdur Razzaq – Vijaynagar Empire
Conclusion – They provide enriching narratives highlighting the diversity of our past.
3) Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (10 marks)
Similar question from Test Series – Round3 GS1
5. By offering an ideological critique of the western civilization in its modern phase, Gandhiji was effectively contesting the moral legitimacy of the Raj that rested on a stated assumption of the superiority of the west. Comment (10 marks)
One of the most important topics from UPSC perspective relevant for Essay, GS1, GS4. A more difficult question was asked in the test series.
Approach
Start with a line like Gandhi is regarded as the greatest Indian since Gautama Buddha and the greatest man since Jesus Christ.
Elaborate on the following writing 1-2 lines and you’ll score an 8/10.
1.Truth
2.Ahimsa – believer in peace and harmony.
3.Satyagraha
4.Swaraj – Multidimensional concept spanning political, cultural, economic and technological spheres.
5.Dharma – Multidimensional concept meaning many things depending upon the situation – obedience to law, morality, being virtuous, etc.
6.Trusteeship Model – Though a failed model but inspired Corporate Social Responsibility. The best companies in the world invest heavily in social projects.
7.Ram Rajya/ Decentralized polity – Democracy is about giving power to the masses. Debates around strengthening the Panchayati Raj system all based on this ideal.
8.Sarvodaya and Antyodaya
9.Campaign against untouchability
10.Campaign for cleanliness – Inspired swatch bharat.
11.Ethical journalism – Gandhi was a journalist at heart. He published 4 newspapers and used it as a medium to generate awareness.
12.Opposition to western materialism, appreciation for sciences and bringing back spiritualism from our past.
4) Why is the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (10 marks)
Straightforward question.
Approach
IRNSS constellation of eight satellites, NavIC. Three satellites are located in suitable orbital slots in the geostationary orbit and the remaining four are located in geosynchronous orbits with the required inclination and equatorial crossings in two different planes.
It is needed for the following
Besides the above applications, it has implications for India’s security. It will help India become self-reliant to keep a close watch on its boundaries and remove its dependence on US-based GPS. Hence, its military applications remain important.
It is also playing an important role in India’s softer diplomacy by providing services to our neighboring countries.
It helps in navigation in the following manner
>It uses the principle of triangulation.
It requires only three satellites to provide a precise location. The other satellites add to the accuracy.
<draw a diagram with the intersection of 3 circles>
If you are positioned somewhere on Earth with three satellites in the sky and if you know how far away you are from satellite A, then you know you must be located somewhere on the red circle. If you do the same for satellites B and C, you can work out your location by seeing where the three circles intersect.
5) Why is India taking a keen interest in the Arctic Region? (10 marks)
Similar question from Test Series – Round 3 GS 3.
Q2 As the Arctic has continued to warm and the temperature difference relative to the equator has reduced, many strange climate anomalies have been witnessed around the world. Examine.
Previously asked mains question on Arctic Council. Since questions are hardly repeated we had left this question.
Approach
The introduction can start with the definition
Arctic Region refers to the polar region located at the northernmost part of Earth. It consists of the Arctic Ocean, adjacent seas, and parts of countries like Alaska, Finland, Greenland, etc.
Once ignored because of the prevalence of ice, it has started gaining importance due to the melting of ice caps because of global warming. Its implications have caught India’s interest.
1. Climate change concerns – Global Warming leading to the melting of ice can lead to the release of more methane and CO2 accelerating Global Warming. This can further lead to a rise in sea levels across the globe impacting India as it remains surrounded by water on 3 sides. This concern needs to be addressed.
2. Navigation routes – New and shorter strategic sea routes that will change the pattern of energy flow on sea lanes of communications (SLOCs).
3.Oil Beds – Arctic seabed may contain substantial oil fields which may become accessible if the ice covering them melts.
4. Finally, Arctic Region is not considered as a global common and its discourse remains dominated by the Arctic Five countries and the Arctic Council. This doesn’t work in India’s favor.
Hence, it’s in India’s interest to make Arctic talks more accessible. With Russia, China already laying their claims on various parts of the region, India should try to push its agenda in the Arctic Council. It should try to ensure that developing countries have a say in the matters of Arctic Region. This will not only ensure that its economic, security and environmental interests are protected but will see India play a leadership role in promoting south-south solidarity.
6) Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (10 marks)
Similar question from Test Series – Round1 GS1
16. Without magma man’s survival and progress would have been difficult. Comment.
17. The theory of plate tectonics has greatly contributed to our understanding of the earth. Comment.
Though not precisely the same question, attempting the test would’ve ensured that you don’t leave the question blank and write some quality points on plate tectonics and mantle.
7) What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? (10 marks)
8) “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10 marks)
Similar question from Test Series – Round 2 GS1
Q.18) Caste in its old form is irrelevant and cannot exist in the modern or contemporary Indian society. Comment(15)
Hope you appreciate the similarities in the questions. We asked Caste in its old form is irrelevant and the question said caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Had you gone through the model answer, you would’ve gotten some rich points to attempt this question.
9) ‘Despite the implementation of various programmes for the eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (10 marks).
Very general question. Asked across our TS in GS1, GS2, GS3 in various forms linking with lack of female participation, etc.
10) How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (10 marks)
Similar question from Test Series Round 2 GS1
Q.19) India needs a reinvented secularism 2.0 rooted in the complete separation of religion and state. Critically comment(15)
Approach
Secularism broadly refers to the separation of religion from state and its confinement to the private sphere. It’s a western construct whose roots can be traced back to the treaty of Westphalia which called for state sovereignty and its separation of religion. However, the relationship between religion and states remain complex.
There are 2 prominent models of secularism regarded as western models
1.France –> wall of separation model – which calls for a water-tight separation between the religion and state exists. The state actively tries to confine people’s religion to their private spheres and bans public appearances. Eg. banning burkinis, hijab, etc.
2.USA -> no-preference model – which calls for equal treatment of all religions by the state and no preferential treatment. In USA, you have every right to wear your religion in public.
The version of Indian Secularism has been a matter of intense debate. Secularism is a part of the Preamble and the Constitution calls for no discrimination on the basis of religion. However, it also allows the state to intervene in matters of religion via Art. 25-30. The DPSP for establishing UCC also goes against the principles of Secularism.
Some matters where the state has interfered
1.The Hindu Marriage Act.
2.The Triple Talaq Ban
3.Jallikatu, Temple Entry, etc.
Hence one can see it is neither a wall of separation model nor a no-preference model.
The Indian Secularism can be best described as that of ‘Principled Distance’. The doctrine of Principled Distance allows states to interfere in matters of religion to stop discrimination and ensure that all religion are treated equally.
11) The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (15 marks)
Similar question from Test Series – Round3 G S1
4.Kabir was one of the chief exponents of the Bhakti movement in the medieval period. Discuss the Relevance of the teachings of Kabir in Contemporary India? (10 marks)
Instead of Chaitanya, we asked Kabir. We could’ve asked any Bhakti saint like Dadu Dayal, Tulsi Das. We went with Kabir so students could at least attempt Kabir if it was asked in the exam.
Approach
Chaitanya – Bengal+Orissa. He takes Bhakti Movement to the east of India where it flourishes.
Popularised Kirtans
Founder of Gaudiya Samaj. Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Gaudiya Nritya is one of the dances accepted in the UNESCO world heritage.
Bhidabhida philosophy school.
Leads to many important cultural developments in east India.
15) Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (15 marks)
Straightforward question asked in GS3.
16) What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (15 marks)
Approach
Industrial Corridors are envisioned to create a strong economic base with the globally competitive environment and state-of-the-art infrastructure to activate local commerce, enhance foreign investments and attain sustainable development
Their significance is as follows
1. The corridor approach is a proven concept to ensure industrial development in under-utilized regions.
2. Integration between industry and infrastructure
-World class infrastructure such as high-speed transportation (rail, road) network, ports with state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment, modern airports, special economic regions/ industrial areas, logistic parks/transshipment hubs, knowledge parks focused on feeding industrial needs, complementary infrastructure such as townships/ real estate, and other urban infrastructure along with enabling policy framework.
3. Opportunities for private sector investment in the provision of various infrastructure projects associated with the exploitation industrial opportunity. Enhancing ‘Make in India’.
4. Ensure smooth access to industrial production units, decreased transportation, and communications costs, improved delivery time and reduction in inventory cost. The strategy of an industrial corridor is thus intended to develop a sound industrial base, served by world-class competitive infrastructure as a prerequisite for attracting investments into export-oriented industries and manufacturing.
5. Technological Prowess.
6. Social Upliftment.
Write a few unique points about the following, the involvement of foreign organizations, etc.
Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor
Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
Bengaluru Mumbai Economic Corridor
Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor
East Coast Economic Corridor
17) Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration, and competition for its success. (15 marks)
18) ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (15 marks)
Approach
Women’s movement in India has come a long way since the humble efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chand Vidyasagar to fight for women’s rights.
In their time, it was the upper social strata who were subjected to inhumane practices like Sati. However, the scenario seems to have changed today. Women of lower social strata either belonging to lower castes, minority religion or economically backward regions continue to face hardships.
Political sphere
-elite women with influence occupying offices in governments, panchayats and other bodies.
Economic sphere
-glass ceiling breaking in corporations like google, microsoft. But the wage gap remains prominent for semi-skilled and unskilled workers.
Social sphere
The worst forms of Patriarchy is more prominent in the lower social strata. Haryana with primarily agricultural economy had the poorest child sex ratio.
Education sphere
Access to both lower and higher education remains limited.
Women empowerment can happen when everyone works towards it – the government, society, families, and individuals.
The government programs targeted towards women empowerment have started to bear fruits. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Dhanlaxmi scheme and others have acted as catalysts to promote behavior and mindset changes.
The society should be forthcoming to support women. The story of Phogat Sisters tells us how women can bring accolades to the country. All started with a father, an individual questioning established norms.
19) ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate.
Similar question from Test Series – Round 2 GS1
18. While Globalization has destroyed many traditional practices and Industries in India it has also given new lease of life to some of them who were on the ventilator. Examine. (15)
We did not ask a question on Globalization and culture as it had been asked by UPSC before. Hence we went with other dimension of Globalization.
Approach
Globalisation refers to the increases interconnected due to technological advancements leading to a shrinking of time and space and flattening of the world. Though thought of as an economic phenomena, it is now accepted to impact all spheres of life – political, social and cultural.
In its initial days, globalisation was equated with westernisation or americanisation which meant that the culture of the west was spreading across the globe. One could travel to new york and new delhi and find them to be similar in almost all spheres including culture. Thus globalisation was supposed to have a homogenizing tendency.
However, the relationship between globalisation and culture is a complex one. Globalisation has not been able to replace old existing cultures. Instead evidence suggests that globalisation has strengthened them and even modified them.
1.Indian cuisines traveling to the west
Indian food restaurants are now available all around the world. Indian curries and masalas have also become a part of our soft power diplomacy.
2.Ancient indian practices like yoga and ayurveda being adopted around the globe.
People are now looking for the most authentic experience.
3. With the advent of ecommerce, global value chains and internet, local arts and crafts are also
Top hotels of the world are buying handwoven Indian designs sourced from traditional communities. Ikkat, block painting, etc designs are gaining popularity world over.
4.Traditional Indian forms of music and communities like the Manganiars are being studied in the Berkeley School of Music.
5. Contemporary cinema Bollywood has increased its fan following across the globe.
At the same time, local cultures are modifying western cultures. McDonalds serving a menu catering to Indian taste buds is a case in point. This phenomena has been termed as ‘glocalization’
From the above, it can be seen that the relationship between globalisation and culture is complex with each impacting the other. The above examples indeed prove that cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.
20) ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (15 marks)
Communalism in the Indian context refers to the ideology which states that society is divided into different religious communities whose interests differ from, and at times oppose, each other. Historically, Indian society has been regarded as a melting pot of various religions that have been tolerant of each other. However, the British policy of divide and rule laid the foundations of communalism which the Indian state has found hard to tackle post-independence.
Communalism indeed arises due to power struggle and relative deprivation
Power struggle
-Power struggle between political parties leading to vote bank politics with each trying to garner votes based on identity markers such as religion. Eg. Congress and BJP both trying to appease Muslims and in turn strengthening the Hindu Muslim divide.
-Between majority and minority groups. Eg. Sikhs and Hindus.
Relative deprivation
Deprivation makes groups to fight for limited resources.
-Case with Assamese and Non-Assamese. Deprivation of the native groups led to movements throughout the state.
Deprivation makes it easier to influence a group. Rather than self-introspect they blame others for their condition. It causes them to support anyone who can help them marginally move above their misery.
-Vice President Ansari had pointed out the relative deprivation among Muslims to be the biggest causes of communal tension.
Long-Term Remedy for Communalism
Every year, we update our TS syllabus sources to carefully add/remove study material according to the demands of the exam and changing pattern.
There are 3 sources that are used for our Test Series.
For those who are done with the basics, we have a list of additional sources to further mature your understanding.
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Dear Students,
Current Affairs is the key to cracking the UPSC Exam. And it requires a considerable amount of time and effort. That is why we have come up with a course that ensures you stay on the right track and remain updated always – Samachar Manthan
Read below to understand how it is unique
What are we offering and how is it unique?
1. Mentorship and guidance taken to a whole new level
Once you enroll, you’ll be assigned a Telegram group headed by Sajal Sir and rankers like Dr. Vipin Garg AIR 20, Swapnil Pawar AIR 525 and others.
Our past students have found this immensely beneficial.
2. 4 stage structure of Video->Notes->testing->review to perfect your preparation
The sequence of video->Notes->testing->review is the best way to ensure maximum retention and a rock solid preparation. Each component of the program has been meticulously crafted.
3. Our video lectures and notes on weekly CA are brief but comprehensive
Packed 2-2.5 hours Weekly videos will focus on news and its importance from both prelims and mains perspective.
4. Guest Lectures on specific issues by Dr. Vipin Garg, IAS (Rank 20, UPSC 2016) and our distinguished mentor K.Siddhartha Sir
5. Weekly Mains Test and Evaluation by our team of subject experts
The video and notes will be followed by a test released every weekend. It will have 10 high-quality questions. This will complete your study loop and enhance your retention.
6. Current Affairs Monthly Prelims Test package
This was a feedback we received from many students who desired more focus on Prelims based preparation. Hence, we included monthly Current Affairs Tests.
7. Other important material like Monthly Magazines, Listicles, etc.
After joining this programme, CA will no longer remain your pain point. Instead, it will become your competitive advantage. You will have clarity on how to use CA in both prelims and mains.
Besides giving you an edge over others in prelims, you will have a ready database of 500+ good questions exhaustively covering important topics for mains.
Samachar Manthan Current Affairs Module 2018-19 (December 2018 to May 2019)- Starts 2nd December
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If you are a mature aspirant, you will definitely connect with the concept of question types.
What are questions types
Wherever applicable, we will try to stick to the format decided below. It standardizes questions to a decent extent.
A. Consolidation Questions
These questions consolidate information on a key theme that is spread across different topics to help you see concepts holistically and also aid retention.
Eg. Consider this question. You would not have studied all the ‘Majorities’ together but under separate topics. This question will help you understand the concept in entirety.
Consider the following questions on the types of Majority
1. Special Majority of not less than 2/3 of the Members present and voting is required in the passage of a resolution under Art. 249 and Art. 312ONLY.
2. Impeachment of the President requires Not less than 2/3 of the Members present and voting along with Majority of the Total Strength of the House.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)1
b)2
c)Both
d)None
Explanation – A very detailed account of the types of Majority is given here https://www.civilsdaily.com/types-of-majorities/
Statement 1 is correct despite having ‘ONLY’ in it.
B. Comparative Questions
Comparative questions help you understand the relative differences between related topics. Consider the question below. Instead of asking a question on HC or SC separately, we have clubbed it together.
Consider the following statements with respect to the appointment of judges of High Court & Supreme Court
1. The minimum qualifications prescribed in the Constitution is same for judges of HC & SC.
2. While SC judges are appointed by the President, HC judges are appointed by the SC.
Which of the following is/are incorrect?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Explanation – 3 qualifications are common to both judges of HC and SC
1. Citizen of India
2. Judge of HC for 5 years
3. Advocate in HC for 10 years
In case of judges of SC, there is an additional qualification – If he/she is a distinguished Jurist in the opinion of the President. Judges of HC are also appointed by the President. The controversy around appointments has been in news very frequently. Please read – https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/judicial-appointments-conundrum-post-njac-verdict/
C. Star-marked/special questions
These are advanced questions that are not from standard sources but relevant for the exam. These questions will help you build additional knowledge without going through specialized books.
Eg. Questions on books by freedom-fighters, News not covered by the Hindu, IE, PIB but of very high importance in world affairs.
Accepting admissions – Click2Join
View the complete schedule of the program here: Click2View. Join program here: Click2Join.
Economics is not only the most important subject in all 3 tiers of the exam (Prelims, Mains and interview) but also the most technical. No wonder it is feared by many aspirants especially those from the arts and medical sciences background.
Rather than understanding the concepts, many aspirants indulge in rote learning and mugging up of concepts. Unfortunately, this method has limited value. Hence, we’ve launched
Demystifying Economics Module
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8SSKaJJu_c
Check out a sample chapter on Inequality by Himanshu Sir.
The objective of this course is to make Economics as a subject interesting, lucid, layman and enjoyable
After the end of the course, economics will be on your fingertips.
It will strengthen your basics and conceptual clarity. You will be able to apply that knowledge in understanding the contemporary economic issues.
It will be helpful to you in not just UPSC exam but also in other subsidiary exams like State PSC, RBI Grade B, CAPF, SSC, Bank PO etc.
About Himanshu Sir
Presently with the NITI Aayog.
Doctoral Scholar in Economics & Senior Research Fellow, CDS, Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Occasionally writes columns in various newspapers –
https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/national-unity-day-celebrating-sardar-patels-idea-of-india-2/1367352/
View the schedule of the program here: Click2View
Join program here: Click2Join
Last minute revision is the key to cracking the exam. We’ve been preparing for months to finalize the right format which will deal with topics in the right amount of depth as per the requirement of the exam and helps you with maximum retention
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWJ0TAnyUBA
Starts on 3rd February. The program has 4 components.
Your aim should be:
1- to maximize the score by focusing on high yield/ key areas,
2- intelligently studying areas like art and culture, science and tech & environment so that not much time is wasted on them and you are also prepared to answer questions from these areas,
3- going beyond just studying the topics to solving tests and OPTIMISING your scores with each test.
Key areas to focus:
1- Polity
2- Modern History
3- Geography
4- Economy
5- Current Affairs
6- Art & Culture/ Science & Tech/ Environment
From the first 5 of these, we expect at least 50 questions every year. The 6th area would ensure further 10-15 questions.
What to do with these?
1- Understand and Revise them intensely
2- Supplement with test series and keep improvising
Test series:
The only thing you have to do in prelims is solving MCQs. Hence practicing tests is a very important part of preparation. Testing yourself before UPSC tests you.
How to approach a Test Series?
Take new and unseen questions from tests as value-addition to your prep and consolidate that info. It widens your scope of preparation.
Read all about our Prelims Test Series here.
Crash Course
Recalling what you’ve read is more important than consuming more information. Ultimately, you will regret missing out on questions you could not recall, not the ones you didn’t have any clue about.
Hence, the revision becomes important.
Prime TS -> View the Schedule – Click2View. Accepting admissions – Click2Join
Students,
Prelims are around the corner and we hope you are sticking to the timetable. A gentle reminder to join our TS if you haven’t – Our Prime Test Series is our Flagship Course. You will
-3200 questions (+3 CSAT Tests) that will act as your notes for revision.
-Over 600 Tikdams to tackle those tricky questions that stump people on D-Day.
–Personalized counseling if you stray off track and need help.
Machhindra (PSIR optional, Hindi medium) is a candidate who is an absolute inspiration for anyone and everyone. This young lad from Maharashtra comes from the most humble of all backgrounds – farming. Much of his preparation has happened in his village.
His replies are crisp, unambiguous and balanced even when faced with a stern interviewer on controversial topics. This interview is for everyone. Machhindra proves that despite modest credentials, in the end, all that matters is one’s attitude.
Hello Students,
With little over 3 months to go, you need to join a Test Series that helps you stay ahead of the competition.
Updated study-plan. The same is available by clicking here – TS 2019 Time-table
All the features of the program and joining links are available here – Click2View
Other Programs are listed below
January Batch Schedule here: Click2View
Read all the unique features of our Test Series and join here: Click2Join
January Batch Schedule here: Click2View
Read all details of the program and join here: Click2Join
If you wish to join only sectional tests (No Full-Length Tests after Prelims), you can join the batch 3 of the program here: Click2Join
View the complete schedule of the program here: Click2View
Read all details of the program and join : Click2Join
View all the details of the batch 2 of the program and join here: Click2Join
If you wish to join batch 2 of only the sectional essays program, you can do that here: Click2Join
Join Samachar Manthan 2018-19 (December 2018 to May 2019) [withoutAnswer Writing Module] here: Click2Join
Join Samachar Manthan 2018-19 (December 2018 to May 2019) [with Answer Writing Module] here: Click2Join
Join Batch 2 of the SM Yearly program [with Answer Writing Module] here: Click2Join
If you wish to join the program without answer writing feature, you can do that here: Click2Join
Hello folks,
A gentle reminder – Prime TS starts tomorrow and the 10% discount ends.
Updated study-plan. The same is available by clicking here – TS 2019 Time-table
All the features of the program and joining links are available here – Click2View
Other Programs are listed below
January Batch Schedule here: Click2View
Read all the unique features of our Test Series and join here: Click2Join
January Batch Schedule here: Click2View
Read all details of the program and join here: Click2Join
If you wish to join only sectional tests (No Full-Length Tests after Prelims), you can join the batch 3 of the program here: Click2Join
View the complete schedule of the program here: Click2View
Read all details of the program and join : Click2Join
View all the details of the batch 2 of the program and join here: Click2Join
If you wish to join batch 2 of only the sectional essays program, you can do that here: Click2Join
Join Samachar Manthan 2018-19 (December 2018 to May 2019) [withoutAnswer Writing Module] here: Click2Join
Join Samachar Manthan 2018-19 (December 2018 to May 2019) [with Answer Writing Module] here: Click2Join
Join Batch 2 of the SM Yearly program [with Answer Writing Module] here: Click2Join
If you wish to join the program without answer writing feature, you can do that here: Click2Join
