DHATRI REDDY NOTES 

Prelims

GS1

GS2

GS3

GS4

OPTIONAL

SOCIOLOGY

Arpit Gupta

 

Arpit Gupta (AIR-54, CSE-21) Prelims, Mains & Maths Strategy

Hello Everyone,

I am Arpit Gupta (AIR 54, CSE’21). I belong to a small town Sahjanwa in Gorakhpur (UP). I have done my graduation in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Roorkee. I worked as Financial Market Analyst for 3 months then left my job in Aug’19. I started my preparation in Sept’19 with Mathematics as my optional.

My UPSC Journey:

I gave 2 attempts. I have done self-study and did not join classroom coaching for anything (No GS coaching, No optional coaching). In my first attempt in 2020, I could not clear Mains (i got 735, 736 was the cutoff in 2020). I also fell severely ill (due to chicken pox 20 days before my 1st mains). During my 1st mains, I had pneumonia, so I gave it in highly feverish condition. It was a learning curve as I understood that health was to be given topmost priority. I shifted back to home just after my 1st mains. I gave 2nd attempt in 2021 from my home. In this attempt, I cleared the exam with AIR 54. 

Prelims Strategy:

Pretty simple. Read all basic books. Used PYQs as the reference to cover any topic (made it clear what to read in a topic). Booklist was similar to other toppers hence I am not mentioning them.

I would explain my approach for each subject through Polity. I picked Laxmikanth and completed its first reading. Went to PYQs. Saw what was asked and how were the questions framed. Picked the book again, with a highlighter and marked everything which I found on pattern of PYQs. Revised the marked portion. Gave a sectional test to see my hold on the subject. This approach is useful for every subject.

Now once you have done this for all subjects, you now know what is your strength area and weak area? You also know where you stand at the level of preparation (through the sectional tests).

After completing all these subjects, I went for the Full Length Tests (FLTs). You can use FLTs of various coachings. I found Vision, Forum, Next IAS as the good ones. I used to give open tests of almost 10 coachings to enable myself to tackle various types of papers..

Regarding mocks, I would say it is not important as to how many mocks you give, the key is the number of mocks you revise. I tried to revise all the mocks I gave and made a copy where I wrote all mistakes I had committed in 1-2 liners. This helped me minimize my mistakes.

My prelims mantra is – Minimize your mistakes through mocks and you will sail through.

Maths Optional Strategy (completing Maths with self-study):

Although the no. of days for each topic can vary, the rough distribution should be like this. Everyday you have to give 3 hours (can add another hour based on your convenience) to maths.

The Plan:

Start with Linear Algebra – Nearly 20 days (can be flexible since most of the engineers study this in college)

3-D Geometry – 25 days (focus on conicoids more because it is tougher)

Vector Analysis – 15 days (after understanding 3D figures, this part becomes a bit easier)

ODE+PDE – 25 days (Easy part hence must be covered properly)

Calculus+Real Analysis – 30 days (calculus is easy for most of the maths optional people, real should be covered in continuity)

Complex Analysis – 15 days (low hanging fruit)

LPP – 10 days (Easiest among all but prone to calculation mistakes hence practice practice & practice)

Modern Algebra – 30 days (toughest topic, but if you master it, it becomes the deadly weapon. In my 1st attempt, I was frightened of modern a bit, in my 2nd attempt, modern was my deadly weapon.)

Numerical Analysis + CP – 18 days (focus on derivation rather than mugging up. UPSC has evolved in this portion)

Physics Topics:

Statics and Dynamics – 25 days (Easy topics should be picked and mastered. Conceptual understanding is the key here. You can practice 20 problems and then fail to solve 21st here. Hence, concept holds the prominence.

Mechanics – 15 days (lagrangian+hamiltonian is the low hanging fruit here. Rigid body is a bit tougher and less chances of hitting the question present.)

Fluid Mechanics – 20 days (follow the themes of PYQ; conceptual understanding needed otherwise you will suffer)

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Now, this is around 8 months plan for completion of maths syllabus. It includes the tests & PYQs to be solved. PYQs must be a priority while you learn the syllabus. I know when we go forward in maths syllabus, we tend to forget things behind. So, once in a while simply look at what you studied previously. Note making is a personal choice. I followed Kanishak Sir’s notes. I studied all the topics of sir’s notes from books and then used his notes as primary reference afterwards. IMS notes (in my personal opinion) are not sufficient for the maths papers of 2020/2021. You have to cover books properly.

 your optional should be given 3 hours (extendable upto 4) everyday. So, nearly 5 hours remain everyday. 1 hour can be reserved for the newspaper. Remaining 4 hours are for GS portion.

THE 8-MONTH PLAN:

1.Pick polity (you can pick any other, I am telling you my preference order). Go through at least 2 readings of Laxmikanth. Use a highlighter to mark important things. Now, go through PYQs, especially mains. You will find you can’t answer many questions 😅. That’s because laxmikanth doesn’t cover many issues from mains perspective. These have to be covered from Vision’s value added material (VAM). Use upsc syllabus to pick up the value added material and complete them in one go (make short notes as you have a good understanding of polity already after reading Laxmikanth). Try to solve all PYQs now. No answer writing, simply framing answer in mind.

2. Pick Geography now. Cover it from NCERTs. Use Rajtanil Ma’am’s lectures if you think you lack clarity in any concept. PMFIAS notes are also a handy source. Any thing remaining can be covered with Vision’s VAM (use upsc syllabus to find the portion which needs to be covered through VAM). Look at the PYQs. Here, you might be able to solve almost all of them. If you can’t, just google the concept and make small notes on it. Now, brainstorming on all mains PYQs is a must. Practice diagram of every concept you learn.

3. Pick Economics now. Read Sriram IAS’ notes or Mrunal Sir’s notes (as per your comfort). They both comprehensively cover the syllabus. Use VAM if needed. Go through PYQs and brainstorm.

4. Pick Environment now. Easy subject. From mains perspective, you need very less things to know. Try to cover issues from mains365 of previous year. Use VAM if needed. Look at the PYQs and you will find they are very general and easy to answer. But you have to prepare quality content. Theme based notes must be prepared (like climate change, air pollution etc)

5. Pick Modern History now. Go through Spectrum once. If possible, try to go through NCERTs to have a grasp of the story. From mains perspective, cover “events”, “personalities”, “contributions” (syllabus keywords). Make notes around cause, consequence, phases and features etc. Look at PYQs, you will find almost all of it is focused on the keyword I talked about (decoded this early in prep hence history was my stronghold😅).

6. Pick Art & Culture. Use Nitin Singhania and NCERTs selectively to prepare notes on S&T, coins, painting, archi, dance, music. There is no end to the syllabus here but you have to be selective because it is low yield topic in mains. Look at PYQs and you will curse yourself for even making those notes 😂

7. Pick Society. It is easy again because most of us know about society. Here, framework development and uniqueness of content with examples becomes key. Use VAM and search for good examples. See PYQs and prepare framework on dealing with society questions (much needed since the question is always abstract worded).

8. Now you can pick Internal security. Use Vajiram’s yellow book (found it really good). Make notes based on syllabus keywords. Look at PYQs and try to solve. Most of them are theme based so prep becomes easy.

9. Pick governance. Use VAM. Go through PYQs.

Join Decode Civils Telegram Group For Free UPSC CSE Guidance From Mudit Jain, IRS CSE 2017 (Ex-IPS CSE 2014 & 2015), Author of Decode Ethics and Decode History Books

You can reach me at Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Telegram.

All My Notes @ 1 Place

10. Now you can cover other remaining topics like disaster management, agriculture, sci&tech etc. Simply look at PYQs and prepare around it.

11. Topics like international relations which need only basic current awareness should be prepared between prelims and mains from mains365.

12. ETHICS : Go through Lukmaan’s notes. Read them 2 times at least. Before reading this, go through “Justice” series on youtube to understand basics of Ethics. This is the subject which gives low cost high benefit. Case studies can be practiced from various toppers’ copies available freely on coaching websites. Readin toppers’ copies is of immense benefit in Ethics. My scores of 105 & 106 in both attempts show that I have gained marks with minimal efforts in Ethics just by using toppers’ copies and Lukmaan’s notes. Time for each subject should be decided on one’s own. I would just suggest that no subject should go beyond 20-25 days because it creates monotony and reduces our interest thereby reducing our gains.

Answer Writing Strategy:

My answer writing strategy is pretty simple. Start writing some answers after you complete any one subject. I know the quality of answers would be ridiculous (especially if you are an engineer). But just write and try to see what you missed. Use toppers’ copies to see how they write differently. Inculcate from them the art of showcasing limited knowledge. After prelims join a mains test series. Try to give full length tests if it is your 2nd mains (in 1st mains you can write some sectional tests too, fully upto you). Focus on value addition. Learn data, facts, committees etc and sprinkle them in your answers. I would use any committee name (if i remembered the work of committee in any field) & use any general recommendation under the committee name. It looked attractive and made my answer a bit different. I had limited knowledge and less time for improving GS portion because of my optional Maths. But I used the time to add value to answers rather than learning too many things or topics.

You can contact Arpit as his Telegram Channel or at his Instagram Profile.

Maths Booklist:

1. Linear Algebra – Shaum/Krishna series

2. Calculus – Malik & Arora or any engg book

3. 3D – Krishna series/PNC

4. ODE – MD Raisinghania

5. Vector Analysis – Any engg book.

6. Statics & Dynamics – Krishna series

7. Modern Algebra – R Kumar (2 books – one of group & other of ring)

8. Real Analysis – Malik & Arora

9. Complex Analysis – Krishna Series

10. LPP – Watch any engg youtube channel and learn simplex, trasportation & assignment.

11. Numerical Analysis – Iyengar

12. PDE – MD Raisinghania

13. Mechanics – Krishna

14. Fluid – MD Raisinghania

Use Kanishak sir’s notes (AIR 1, 2018) to see what is in syllabus. Also use them as point of reference.

GS booklist:
GS 1 :

Modern – spectrum

Ancient & Medieval (for prelims) – NCERT

Art & culture – Nitin Singhania

World history – Google topics like 1st-2nd WW, integration of Germany &Italy, Industrial revolution.

Society – Mains365 of previous year & vision’s value added material

Geography – NCERT (9th to 12th). Minerals+industrial location – I didn’t study (it is a subject in itself so simply left). Remaining topics – cover from Vision’s value added material

GS 2 :

Polity – Laxmikanth

Governance – vision’s value added material International relations – mains365

Remaining topics – cover from Vision’s value added material

GS 3:

Economy – mains365

Environment – Vision’s value added material and mains 365

Disaster Management – Basics & NDMA guidelines regarding all notified disasters in news (google or any source)

Science & tech – mains365 (selectively)

Agriculture – Vision’s value added Remaining topics – vision’s value added

GS 4

Lukmaan’s notes (print out and pdf both available in market). I simply read the notes & tried to understand as many values as I could.

Current Affairs: Mains365 for Mains
PRELIMS:
Booklist remains the same for history, polity & geography.
Economy – Read basics from Sriram’s notes and current from any current affairs source (vision’s or forum’s or any magazines). You can go for Mrunal too if you want.
Environment – Can read Shankar IAS for basics. Cover current from any current affairs source (vision’s or forum’s or any magazines)

Science & Tech – Any magazine (try to understand new techs rather than mugging up facts here).

Balancing maths & GS between prelims and mains: Finally, the prelims is over. The day must have been tiring (I would go for a party after this 😂). I know the rush to match your answer with keys and the urge to maximise your marks (I would try to go for 1-2 keys and then stop, I trusted vision’s key which would come late so, I used to relax till then). But I would suggest you to please be patient and go for a party, the time between prelims and mains is really exhausting. So, coming to balancing Maths and GS, my time table has been like this:

1. Used to start 3-7 days after prelims in both attempts.

2. Maths was the first to be picked.

3. Used to pick P-1 syllabus and covered first 3 topics ( I know sab bhul chuka hoga😛 isliye easy utha lo, confidence aata hai).

4. Nearly 8-9 days for maths p-1.

5. Gave 2 tests for p-1.

6. Went for GS and would revise gs-1 & give a test.

7. Went for GS-2 and gave its test. Also, used to write on test for essay just after GS-2 or between GS1 & GS2.

8. Again, picked up maths and went for p-2.

9. P-2 took generally 12-13 days.

10. In the meanwhile i would keep studying few questions and frame answers in mind. Helped to maintain continuity in GS.

11. Again, gave few tests for p-2.

12. Used to write GS3 & GS4 after revision. Also, wrote 2nd essay test.

13. Now, more than a month time was already over and I got nearly 70-85 days in both attempts so had nearly half of the time over by this time.

14. I had gotten test copies and used to discuss them with friends ( a big shoutout to the group of 10 which was the biggest companion during this time)

15. The issues in all the papers including maths & GS were discussed. I am a firm believer of reviewing copies and incremental improvement.

16. The 2nd iteration would start and by this time mains 365 used to be available.

17. Went for maths and would again revise p-1 & p-2 and give tests.

18. Went for GS and tried to study mains365 & made additional very short notes for revision during the papers. GS1234 in succession were dealt with and tests were written. Used to write 2 more essay tests in between.

19. After all this just about 12-13 days would remain. It was pretty much stressful situation.

20. Prioritized maths & used to give as much tests of maths as possible in next few days (tests picked from G-20 google drive) to get complete hold of it.

21. Last 8 days were for GS only. Used to revise short notes & work on value addition in some areas (like unique data, unique recommendations of committee etc).

22. Last day before the essay paper, I enjoyed fully. 😜 Talked to all friends & used to chill. I did not prepare anything for essay, simply used to read toppers’ copies.

I hope I have given all the details about balancing both. I would recommend making small groups of 4-5 people with similar optional since mains preparation is a lot about discussing variety of questions and knowing each others’ approaches.

Anjali Shrotriya

Anjali Shrotriya (AIR-44, CSE-21) Prelims & Mains Strategy

Hi All,

It feels great to present this particular blogpost to you all. Having known Anjali since last few years, it is special for me as well that she cracked CSE-21 with AIR-44. Following is her strategy in her own words:

Hello everyone,

This is Anjali Shrotriya. I hail from the city of Indore (MP). I have secured Rank 44 in UPSC CSE 2021. This is overall my 4th attempt and 2nd interview at UPSC. I would be happy to share my strategy with you all:

Prelims: REVISION and PYQ’s are must.

Previous scores: 76 (2018), 88 (2019), 105 (2020) and awaiting 2021 (cleared forest cut-off this time).

You can contact Anjali at her instagram profile.

Prelims was a major hurdle for me. I could not clear it in my 1st two attempts but with consistency I learnt the art of clearing prelims. I call it art because prelims is much more than knowledge. It requires you to be calm and composed, have faith in your preparation and hard work ofc. But once you are good at prelims you will make it even with less efforts. I had only 10 days at my disposal after 2020 Interview results were out to prepare for prelims, yet I cleared it with a comfortable margin because I happen to decode prelims. I will share my learnings regarding the same:

Keep sources as limited as possible:

Polity Laxmikant– Bible: Read cover to cover

  I made 2-page notes of every chapter of Laxmikant to revise fast. I also made 1 big sheet in which I wrote all the Constitutional and Non constitutional bodies as I got confused every time. I also went through class 11th and 12th Polity NCERT’s too in the time between 2020 covid wave and prelims as UPSC is now asking unconventional questions.

Modern Indian History Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir: Again bible I made 2-3 pages notes of each chapter of spectrum and compressed into 70 pages which were very easy to revise. Tables at the back of spectrum are very important. I revised them in last couple of days before exam. I also read class 12th NCERT (Themes part 3)and class 8th NCERT for modern India. Really good NCERT’s.

Environment Shankar IAS and looked at PMF IAS notes. Monthly magazines and newspapers are a good source to cover Environment. As it is mostly dynamic. Made notes of important acts of environment and Shankar IAS book.

Economy SRIRAM IAS book beats all. I read Mrunal in 2019 but because it is bulky and difficult to revise, I switched to SRIRAM book, and it is good. However, I had also compressed Mrunal Sir’s book into short notes, so I revised them as well.

Sc and tech Newspaper + Monthly magazine. I googled every new term that I came across

Mapping Prem Patel + Atlas as main source. I marked all important places in news, static mapping points on the maps. All the important dams, places in news, countries, national parks, GI tags etc I marked on map and revised them.

   

Join Decode Civils Telegram Group For Free UPSC CSE Guidance From Mudit Jain, IRS CSE 2017 (Ex-IPS CSE 2014 & 2015), Author of Decode GS-2, Decode Ethics and Decode History Books

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All My Notes @ 1 Place

Revision is the key to prelims: Atleast 10 times revision of all the sources. That is why I prepared my own short notes of everything even for prelims so that I can do a greater number of revisions. I never made notes in 1st reading. 1st reading was just cursory, I highlighted important parts and in 3rd or 4th read I made notes.

Previous year Questions (PYQ): in my first 2 attempts I never gave importance to PYQ’s but in 2020 and 2021 I solved all the PYQ’s (used DISHA publication book). Also analysed each option of the PYQ’s-> googled it and made notes for the same. This single exercise helped me understand UPSC pattern of asking questions in prelims.

Test series for Prelims:

Forum IAS: SFG helped me to have a disciplined approach. I subscribed to it in 2019. Simulators are really good.

Vision IAS: Did FLT’s and Abhyaas

IASBABA: Did FLT’s

Practised all the FLT’s of different coaching to increase my width of Current affairs.

Current Affairs for Prelims:

Newspapers are indispensable

Any monthly magazine. I followed Vision IAS.

Mains: 787 (2020); 838 (2021)

Before I go down to my booklist, I wish to emphasise few things:

Most important break or make phase of the journey is Mains. Your selection depends on how well your mains go. Put everything you have in those 3 months of mains. I never speculated if I would clear prelims or not. I started right away for mains. 1st month is very crucial to get into mains mode. Start early .

Importance of PYQ’s for Mains: I solved and made frameworks and even answers in some cases for all the PYQ’s asked by UPSC from 2013-2020. This is the most important part. I never ran after Mains test series, nor did I write many tests. Only 4 FLTS of Abhyaas in the end to check my speed. I solved PYQ’s diligently and this helped me a lot. From the PYQ’s I was able to map important themes and topics that UPSC is asking these days and I prepared them. For instance: river interlinking was asked in 2020 mains, and it had been asked twice before as well.

Introduction and conclusions: I already had prepared introduction and conclusions for each important topic w.r.t. GS and optional which helped me save time.

Diagrams and schematics: I tried to put diagrams and schemas, flowcharts in my answers wherever possible to make answers look appealing

Breaking the Question: Most important. Try answering the question by dividing it into different categories and answering each subpart. It makes the life of the examiner easy.

Keywords of the Question: Vision IAS and IASBABA website has explained what each keyword means. Critically analyse is different from Explain or elaborate. Please read the question carefully and then start answering.

Focus on revising more. If you can’t recall in the exam no point of having things in your notes. Revise atleast 10 times before exam. Things should be on your tips.

Importance of test series: Do not spend too much time thinking which test series needs to be taken. All are good and similar. Take any and start preparation. In my case I subscribed test series not to write but see the questions being asked to widen my horizon of questions and Current affairs that could be asked. Also, I had done a lot of answer writing in geography hence I was confident I could write good answers in GS presentation wise. The only thing I needed to work was on content, so I focused here. I referred to FORUMIAS tests, Shankar IAS, Vision IAS and Lukman IAS (ethics)

Some good blogs I was ardent follower of: Decode CIVILS, Shubham Kumar sir’s channel , Anudeep sirs blog.

Some myths: Fill all pages – Not at all true. I never used to do that and yet scored above average in mains. Don’t leave any question even if it means writing any thing in technical questions like BLUE LED or Bose Einstein condensate. The examiner can’t be fooled. Pls don’t write 3-page rubbish to expect marks in such question. Better to save time here and use in other questions.

GS 1: 101 (2020) and 108 (2021)

GS1  

Art and Culture Nitin Singhania Book. Made short notes for each important topic from the book. Made diagrams that I could use in my paper for ex: Stupas, Architecture etc.  

Modern history Spectrum: But this time I made notes thematically for each topic in the syllabus asked. I had notes on governor general, important movements like NCM QIM etc and not just information but analytically I tried to write points in my notes. Referred to Mudit Jain sir’s 78 pages notes on modern India.

Geography It was my optional, so I had to put less efforts. Nevertheless, I compiled diagrams all at one place and revised them.

Society I had made 1-page notes on each topic of the syllabus with examples. Examples are must here. I also read class 11 and 12th Sociology NCERTS.

World history Decode World history book by Mudit sir. Took the online version and prepared notes. In 2020 I saw Prateek Nayak sir’s videos on YouTube

In GS1, we do give importance to Geography and Society but forget modern history and art culture. Pls revise that too. It gives an edge to score high in exam.

GS2 (101 in 2020, 120 in 2021)

 It is not totally dynamic as it seems. Many questions come from static areas. So, prepare static part well.

Polity Revised the basic from Laxmikant. Made 1-page notes on all static topics like Governor, Ordinance, Bills, parliament etc. Made a list of all important amendments, committees, and articles which I needed in answers. This year there was a question on Legislative council, and I was able to write the article associated. So, such things help a lot to get that ½ mark extra.   Referred to Polity Mains 365 for dynamic part

Governance and Social Justice I made my own notes for the same. Took the help of syllabus and google. Included reports/ committees wherever possible along with examples.   Referred to social issues Mains 365.

IR Made 1 pages on each country’s relation with India. Tried to include important keywords and acronyms used by Hon’ PM in his speeches.   Referred Mains 365 of International Relations.

In GS2, focus on stats / reports / committee name for value addition.  No need of any Yojana / Kurukshetra etc. Focus on keeping your sources limited. We any way need to write only 2 -3 pages in exam.

Decode GS-2: Governance & Social Justice Sample & Format Explainer:

decode-gs-2-sampleDOWNLOAD

GS3: 92 (2020) and 98 (2021)

Use diagrams / names of important committees / SDGs. Keep reading newspapers helps a lot here. Can read NITI Aayog document for the same. (I never read though)

GS-3  

Economy Revised the Basic economy concepts well from SRIRAM book. Took pointers from syllabus and prepared own notes from google. And kept on revising. Referred Mains 365 for Current affairs

Agriculture Overlap with geography optional. I prepared notes separately here too. Plus committees name and diagrams if any

Security Maximum marks fetching area. I prepared separate notes from syllabus using google. There is no need to read any book. Directly google pointers of syllabus and use Mains 354 to enrich the content. Use maps wherever possible

Ecology and Envt No separate notes. Just read Mains 365

DM Prepared a list of all disasters, NDMA guidelines for the same and diagrams wherever necessary.

Science and Tech Mains 365 and Dipin sir’s handouts.

GS 4: Ethics – 92 (2020) and 103 (2021)

Prepare a list of all important key terms of the syllabus in a tabular form. See Shubham Kumar sir’s notes. Example of each term, quote related to it.

I did all PYQ’s from Decode ethics books and made a list of all diagrams from the book.

I also was part of online sessions where Mudit Jain sir discussed all PYQ’s of ethics and referred toppers copies to see how they wrote answers. Some good copies I referred were Vishaka Yadav ma’am, Divya Mishra ma’am, Anudeep sir, Pradeep Singh sir. Please do this in ethics.

Keep brainstorming the case studies with friends to develop insights into different cases.

Prepare a list of examples that can be used in answers.

Keep answers simple and not very technical in ethics.

Ethics paper is the lengthiest so keep a track of time here.

I wrote tests in Ethics because it is one paper where writing matters the most as we need to prepare less.

I used Lukman IAS solutions to see how to write answers and also referred good answer copies given by them.

ATB!!!

Vikalpa N Vishwakarma

Vikalpa N Vishwakarma (AIR-275, CSE-21) Prelims Mains and Interview Strategy

Hi All,

Vikalpa N Vishwakarma secured AIR-275 in CSE-21. She is already into Indian Forest Service (AIR-14, 2020)

Following is her detailed Prelims, Mains and Interview Strategy

Introduction

Brief about myself. I am Vikalpa N Vishwakarma. I am an Electronics and Telecommunication graduate by education, a Telecom Engineer by profession, and recently was able to secure an AIR of 275 in Civil Services Examination 2021. Earlier I have secured AIR 14 in Indian Forest Services Examination 2020. I am here to take you through my Civil Services journey.

You can contact Vikalpa at her Instagram Profile.

This was my 4th Mains Attempt and 1st Interview. I started my preparation in 2017. I was able to clear Prelims in all my serious attempts of 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. I have always struggled with Mains exam and I kept missing the Interview call by either 30, 14, 12 marks each year. However, the scores kept improving with each gradual attempt. I have referred to multiple sources in increasing my knowledge base, updating it with current affairs and chiseling out my answers from various topper copies. I hope I do my bit in guiding at least one struggling soul.

2018

2019

2020

2021

Few Observations from the scorecard-

Every year the cut offs change, hence direct comparison between marks cannot be made. However a general observation can be made that the cumulative marks in GS have increased for me relatively. A marginal improvement in Optional is there. I would be now taking you with my Prelims, Mains and Personality Test preparation methodology, changes in successive attempts and my thoughts on what works and what doesn’t in this examination cycle.

The Basic textbooks and reference books remain the same for almost everyone. These books provide the basis of one’s preparation. The exam is so dynamic that one needs to append the knowledge with youtube videos, articles available online and professors and guides in different subjects. Each and every resource should be taken help from, but in a measured manner, taking time into consideration, always.

Tentative / Recommendatory Booklist:

GS1:

Ancient and medieval history: Old NCERTs, Class XII All Themes, Unacademy Videos by Abhishek Srivastava, OnlyIAS Videos etc.

Modern history: Spectrum and NCERT class 12, Youtube videos (watch 1/2 videos multiple times).

Art and culture: CCRT notes, Current affairs, few Observations from travelling

Geography: Class 11 and 12 NCERT plus Rajtanil Solanki mam’s videos on Youtube, pmfias write-ups on internet, Samjhao Learning free videos, and other random topic wise videos for a better understanding of concepts, EPG Pathshala courses & Study Material on Geography

World history: short videos on Youtube, Coaching notes, World Wars movies to develop interest in the subject

Society: CA only. Watched Smriti Mam’s structuring video on Vision IAS Youtube channel.

Join Decode Civils Telegram Group For Free UPSC CSE Guidance From Mudit Jain, IRS CSE 2017 (Ex-IPS CSE 2014 & 2015), Author of Decode Ethics and Decode History Books

GS2:

Polity: Laxmikanth

Governance: Any decent pdf on govt schemes plus CA based study, 2nd ARC Reports

IR: Mostly CA based, Organize notes according to neighborhood relations, International organisations, etc, Vision, Raus IAS booklets can help

GS3:

Economy: I watched Swayam videos by Either Mrunal sirs video/pdf or Sriram Eco book. Add with CA

Agriculture, Food Processing: Vision Value Add material, plus CA

Environment: Shankar IAS plus CA (CA Intensive subject), Just before prelims, watched Videos on TargetUPSC Websites, BYJUs, envis websites for government data on Protected Areas.

Science and tech: Rajya Sabha TV Videos, Current Affairs, NCERTs of Class XI, XII, if not a Science student

Disaster Management and Internal Security: Any coaching notes, downloaded toppers notes as well and referred them to make self notes, Used NDMA Policy

GS4:     

Good books- either Decode Ethics by Mudit Jain sir or Balaji sir ethics.

Coaching notes/videos- Ansari sir from lukmaan ias, Forum IAS booklet (I referred this time), Examples from Current affairs (eg. Padma Awards, Public Services Excellence awards, TheBetterIndia for good IAS Officers),

SleepyClasses Ethics Playlist made basic notes from it.

Michel Sandel’s Justice series on Youtube by Harvard University is a good resource for developing an ethical mindframe.

Essay:  

Anudeep Sir’s notes and website.

Many Topper copies, Own extra reading to evolve literary style of writing, Vision IAS Youtube channel Smriti Mams discussion.

Mudit Jain Sirs discussions on structuring Essay.

Crash Course Channel on Youtube can be used to study and understand about various topics and take an intelligent interest and take on the topics.

CA:       

1 newspaper (either Hindu or IE).

I referred OnlyIAS Current Affairs News Discussion and Prelim Booster discussion diligently for almost 2.5 years.

Superfood for Content:             

Vikaspedia, Drishti ias (for solved PYQs), Vision IAS PYQ discussions, Mudit Jain Sirs website for Topic wise content, Sansad TV, Topper copies (Saumya Shamra, Anudeep, Neha Bhosle, Jagriti Awasthi, Pratyush Pandey etc etc)

My PRELIMS Strategy:

1st, 2nd Attempt: Read the basic books and textbooks from cover to cover. Supplemented each topic with youtube videos and mentors if any fro in depth understanding of the topic. I subscribed to a Test series consisting of almost 35 tests of GS (which had sectional and comprehensive tests both) and 5 tests of CSAT. I attempted each and every test in a competitive environment, in a time tested manner each week. This helped me in developing a disciplined approach in the preparation. I used to calculate my score after every test, check for the explanation of the answers and looked up facts and figues around the topic. This made the activity interesting and engaging. It took an entire day, usually Sundays, but it paid huge dividends at the end. I saw my rank within the class of 400 students improving with every successive week. This gave a positive boost to my confidence.

Apart from this regular test series, I brought in Sectional and Comprehensive tests of Vision IAS, Forum IAS which were available and solved them completely, sometimes, 2 papers in a day.

In all solving a total of 50-60 tests, gave a sense of completeness and enriched by knowledge base. It developed an instinct to take risks and intelligent guesses. It took away my fear of attempting around 95 questions each time. It increased my reading speed and ensured that I cover 2 rounds in 2 hours. I practiced marking bubbles each time. I simulated the actual exam day one week before, on Sunday.

CSAT should never be taken with a casual demeanor. I can be improved and worked upon by taking help from a good mentor, viewing and practicing using short youtube videos on various topics like time-work, boat-speed, syllogisms etc.

My MAINS Strategy:

With every successive attempt, the strategy changes. Basically every strategy is a trial and error.

1st, 2nd Attempt: Prepared for these attempts independently. This was advantageous as well had some difficulties. I could develop a good foundation of knowledge, however could not get past the plateau of marks, motivation and upgraded content. I prepared from mains perspective from the very first day. Read current affairs and made short notes, topic wise as per the GS Syllabus, 3 months before prelims, focused more on Prelims. Solved around 60 Mock test papers, more than 20 comprehensive test papers. For Mains, extracted content from Prelims data bits like environment case studies, Governance related schemes, etc.

Post Prelims, subscribed to a good test series, got it evaluated and tried to work on the comments in the next test. Read topper copies and saw how they write, how do they interpret the tail words liked comment, analyze, how they change paras, how they use point format in writing, how they imbibe flow charts and diagrams in between answers, how they introduce and conclude. This inquisitive mindset and self-work helped me in long term and the skill of structuring my answer stayed with me all through my attempts.

3rd Attempt: So, I went to the Residential Coaching Academy in Jamia Millia Islamia, with the recommendation of one of my friends. It turned out to be a blessing. Finding a small group of dedicated sincere students, gave the much needed fillip to the preparation. We wrote 7-8 questions in 1 hour and completed all GS topics like this. On weekends, we worked on Essays in similar manner by taking up topics from coaching institutes available. Discussion post writing was crucial. We exchanged our answer structures, examples, case studies, and saw each other’s answers, which helped in rectifying individual errors and gave all of us enriched perspectives. This exercise was continued for Optional subject as well. So every day between Prelims and Mains, 3 hours were dedicated to writing, 2 hours almost for discussion and answer evaluation. Rest of the time for reading current affairs and basic notes and books. Mains Test Series was also subscribed and wrote tests in a competitive environment which keeps us on track of our performance. The marks however, were not taken emotionally and personally, just an indicator to do better next time, and learn from out performers.

In this attempt too, could not clear CSE Mains and was deeply dejected. However kept the momentum as I also had Forest Mains to appear for. And by God’s grace, I got through Indian Forest Services exam 2020. This was a crucial juncture as it brought in a shift in Mindset, my mental state and fundamental changes in preparation.

4th Attempt: The 3 years of preparation acted as a good foundation for this attempt. I had 40 days of time to prepare. We made a group of 3 people, who trusted each other and were good friends. Your group takes you forward. I brought in ForumIAS MGP printed material and read aech test, brainstromed on it, highlighted important content and made jottings on the margins, and then explained the answers to each other in other to read, revise and re revise the content. This covered the entire syllabus holistically and gave a sense of completion. Simultaneously we enrolled for an 8-test Test Series, and just before all tests, we revised from the MGP highlighted content, so that we are able to use what we read. During tea and coffee breaks, we used to tell each other examples of civil servants, change makers, made mnemonics and basically revised thins in a fun way.

We revised handmade notes of NCERTs to again brush up the basics. A week before the Mains, we collated the Model answer content and revised it. Used a Test Booklet to read current affairs of last 2 months.

We had made 2 small A5 sized notebooks, one for GS and other for Optional. We noted examples, Case studies, Constitutional Articles, maps etc in this so as to be referred at the last moment.

I watched Youtube videos that I had bookmarked, for quick revision, like modern Indian History, Probable topics discussions to fill in the gaps if any.

Join Decode Civils Telegram Group For Free UPSC CSE Guidance From Mudit Jain, IRS CSE 2017 (Ex-IPS CSE 2014 & 2015), Author of Decode Ethics and Decode History Books

My Personality Test / Interview Strategy:

This was my 1st Civil Services Interview, however I had faced the board earlier in my Forest Services interview. This time I was more confident of myself. Although I didn’t get much time to prepare for Interview, I snatched time in between my training schedule and managed to pull my socks on the weekends.

The strategy that I followed was a simple one. Making use of my peer group for discussing entries in DAF and probably, opinion based question on DAF.

We prepared the current affairs from Indian Express, and watch many good youtube videos to supplement our way of delivering answers politely. We watched mock interviews to take an estimate of where to pause, how to make the eye contact, and hand movements, and the manners of entry and exiting the interview room. I took a total of 3 offline and 1 online mock interview. All of them suggested common points like enriching the content, brushing current affairs. All the mock boards appreciated the way of answering, take on the opinions, and the basic mannerisms. Hence mocks have a good utility as far as a guiding mechanisms is considered.

However, mocks should not be taken with a rigid mindset. The opinions of mock panels could be sometimes harsh and demotivating. They should be only taken as a source of multiple questions, to check one self’s responding manner and how one faces impromptu, and creative- imaginative questions. Once this exercise is done, facing the actual interview panel becomes little comforting.

Few takeaways from my interview:

1. Always have a positive outlook towards problems and challenges.

2. Show a decisive personality. Take a pause before answering. Once you have taken a stand, stick to it by giving valid arguments, by being polite.

3. Do not make an impression of the interview panel. Infact one should not discuss too much before entering the interview room. Go in with a fresh and open mind. It will help in being very comfortable in listening and answering all the questions.

4. Listening is a big skill, which is highly underrated. Listen, listen very carefully. Even if you don’t know the answer in the beginning of the question, listen. Attempt if possible answering to it in your best capacity. If you do not know anything on that topic, say ‘I am unable to recall at this moment, I am not in a position to make a comprehensive judgment on this sir, I am not aware of the current happening sir, I could not go though it sir’. There are multiple ways to politely say it. Practice. Adopt what suits you.

Tips to beginners and strugglers:

1. Having a Positive mindset is extremely important in this preparation. I have had many friends who have got much more knowledge than me, but they somewhere lack in self-belief and have a shaky self-esteem. Inner confidence is a must in this exam. The sense of self confidence can come from multiple sources. A strong family support, dependable peer group, an encouraging friend circle beyond UPSC and a rich educational background and work experience will give you a sense of confidence.

2. With each Mains attempt, we tend to think that what else can we do to improve, we have done all that we could. This mindset plateaus our scores and keeps us from getting our selection. Always approach each attempt with a beginner’s mindset. A beginner’s mindset will help in learning better, humbly accepting the mistakes that we are committing, and bring vigor to the preparation.

3. Keeping in touch with ones hobbies becomes difficult as time is a t a premium in the preparation. However 1-2 hours can be scheduled for the things we like doing. I practiced Yoga, meditation throughout my preparation. I went for weekly engagements to my NGO organization. I read fiction, non- fiction books whenever I got time in between. These activities, if done in a time bound manner bring happiness and contentment in heart and give a fillip to the prep. This will also reflect in your essays and personality at the time of interview.

4. Finding and sticking to a progressive peer group is essential. You gain a lot from your peers. Exchanging knowledge with each other gives an opportunity to improvise.

A few of my videos that can be viewed:

I wish you all a happy preparation. Have faith in yourself and your preparation.

God speed!

Regards!

You can contact Vikalpa at her Instagram Profile.

Toppers strategy  

PUBAD CIVIL SERVICE EXAM

 Your Optional Strategy- Sources and Approach

Public administration – 150+162

Strategy –

1) Paper 1 and Paper 2 should be seen in an integrated form .

2) Go through previous year papers and write as many answers as possible.

3)Draw diagrams 

4) Try to make notes of about 50 pages in short points. Your whole syllabus shall be covered in this . It will help you in revising whole subject in one day .

5) Write examples from current affairs . This reflects your understanding of subject.

6) There is nothing like ‘hidden syllabus’ so I request please don’t waste time in that .

I am attaching my sheet . Possibly that may give you more clarity.

 

PAPER – I

Administrative Theory 

1. Introduction:

Mohanty sir’s notes and Mohit Bhattacharya

This chapter is very important mainly because the concepts of this chapter can be used in other parts. This should be prepared with chapter 2.

2. Administrative Thought:

Prasad & Prasad and Mohanty sir notes . Use the concepts across the syllabus .

Eg.- District administration needs to move towards system 4(Likert)

3. Administrative Behaviour:

Mohit Bhattacharya and notes

4. Organisations:

Mohanty notes , Rajni Goyal and Arora 

Regulatory bodies – a question is asked almost every year . 2nd ARC has 10-12 pages on this . Please go through that.

5. Accountability and control:

Notes and current affairs like take cases of civil societies etc

6. Administrative Law:

Notes and Fadia & Fadia and 2nd arc (10th report)

7. Comparative Public Administration:

Notes , Mohit Bhattacharya and Prasad

8. Development Dynamics:

Notes and Mohit Bhattacharya 

9. Personnel Administration:

Notes and Mohit Bhattacharya

10. Public Policy:

IGNOU notes , Mohit Bhattacharya and use as many examples from current as possible.

Eg.- Criticism of rational model – Bihar prohibition law that was misused at ground level .

11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement:

Read from internet

12. Financial Administration:

This chapter should be read with Financial Management

2nd ARC , Fadia

PAPER – II

In this paper one thing to remember is that your answer should not look like GS answer . So the solution to this is to use concepts of paper 1 in this paper so that it seems that the answer is written by student of Public Administration.

2nd ARC ,Mohanty notes and Rajini Goyal are sufficient for this paper .

1. Evolution of Indian Administration:

Notes and Rajini Goyal

2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government:

Notes and Rajini Goyal

3. Public Sector Undertakings:

Various reports and NITI aayog measures .

4. Union Government and Administration:

Notes and Rajini Goyal

5. Plans and Priorities:

Chapter is now almost obsolete. Prepare niti aayog nicely for this part.

6. State Government and Administration:

Notes and Rajini Goyal

7. District Administration since Independence:

Notes and Rajini Goyal

8. Civil services:

Notes and Rajini Goyal

9. Financial Management:

Paper 1 – Chapter 12

10. Administrative Reforms since Independence:

2nd arc is major focus

11. Rural Development:

notes and rajni goyal for remaining topics .

Exams

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"IF YOU FAIL IN EXAMS DON'T CRY BRO, IT IS JUST PART OF LIFE NOT WHOLE LIFE"