All the very best for tomorrow’s preliminary examination. More than anything, one requires common sense and confidence.

Last year, I shared few last minute tips, one can go through it.

https://www.tg-me.com/shubhamkr_ias/16

Try to calm yourself and take proper sleep. Remind yourself that whatever you could have studied in limited time, you have studied. Now it all depends upon how you are going to approach the questions tomorrow.

All the best !! 😇

CSE PRE 2022 PAPER

UPSC CSE 2022 prelims paper ( हिंदी)

Toppers' Answer Key for CSE 2022 GS-1 Prelims Paper :

Made by Selected Candidates of 2021 and 2022 Batch together. If any corrections needed, will be updated separately. As of now it's the final key. Best wishes. 😊👍🙏

#Sharing_is_Caring

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/jun/07/maharashtra-civil-service-aspirant-commits-suicide-after-failing-to-clear-upsc-exam-2462853.html


One more beautiful soul lost to overglorified exam. Selected/ senior candidates need to speak out on these issues in each of their seminars/interviews etc. #Sharing_is_Caring 😐😔

https://youtu.be/6rICVWtLm_k


I used to watch this video whenever dimag m kuchh ulta pulta shuru hone lagta tha. Do watch and share if you like 👆👆👆

#mains

I hope that those who have cleared prelims, their mains preparation is going in full swing. With 35 days to go, here are my few suggestions-


1) Writing Tests

If you have not written tests till now, leave everything else and write 2 iteration of GS Full Length Tests. Write 2 essays (3hrs) and 2 Full length optional tests (one for each paper).

First iteration of GS and Essay tests should be completed asap (15-17th Aug) and 2nd iteration by end of month. (Minimum you should be writing one iteration of tests)

Believe me on this, if you think that you will gain more by reading and not writing any tests, you are almost out of race. Even by reminding again and again to many who are in preparation, they have done this mistake and they continue to be in preparation.

Right now, the cost benefit of writing tests is highest for the one who have not written any tests. Kindly don’t be in a situation where you are writing for the first time in the real exam.
(Can help you to increase 20-30 marks just by having prior experience of writing mock tests)

2) Making Short Notes (QRM)

Make short notes from different sources that you have referred till now. This will help in consolidation, will also give confidence and will act as Quick Revision Material.

This is also very helpful to revise everything quickly in the 2hrs break between the papers. We tend to forget many things due to examination pressure and less time for revision before the real exam.

So having these shorts notes actually help a lot and even if you are able to recall 30-40% from here, your quality of answer will improve a lot. I had shared my short notes before. (Can help in increasing 20-30 marks in GS overall). More on making short notes later.


3) Maintaining the Momentum

In last 30-35 days, the overall improvement is maximum (including answer writing) specially for those who are writing mains for the first time.

In 2019 mains, I actually mugged up maximum of anthropology in last one month only.
All value addition material for GSs like data, facts, committees etc were consolidated and mugged up in last 30-35 days.

So don’t loose hope in last one month. Have confidence in yourself. I almost broke down 15 days prior to mains in 2020 (24th and 25th Dec) because at that time, I felt that I’m not able to write answers as per my expectation. Have some good, supportive and positive people around yourself.

Thus maintaining the same momentum in last one month is crucial and greatly impacts your actual Mains performance. Your peak performance should come on the exam day and not before the D-day !!

Best Wishes !!

Making short notes

Kind of short notes which I had made:

1. Facts/data/Rankings: useful everywhere (from model answers, Mains 365 etc)

2. Graphs and Maps- graphs are useful in Economy, maps for DM/Geo/IR. (Can refer Geo NCERTs)

3. Constitutional Articles
4. Important Judgements
5. Niti Aayog Recommendations
6. ARC 2 recommendation
7. Important Committees- around 20-25 committees

8. Examples- to be quoted in Ethics and Essays (from newspapers, Mann ki Baat, Google)
9. Essay: Introduction, Conclusion, Quotes etc (from Yojna, Toppers mock test copies, Topper notes)

10. Make short notes of S&T, Internal Security and IR - from test series model answers (20 questions for each) and Mains 365 (for IR)

In addition, if you are reading from bulky material like Economics Mains 365, Society Mains 365 or any other sources- make short notes

I used to make short notes usually in last 30-40 days only. For reference, one can go through my short notes which I had uploaded earlier.

While it may seem that making short notes would eat up your important time, but it is actually not so. Input output is one of the highest, it greatly improve your recall memory.

Refer toppers short notes and one can also directly use them and add into it. (But it is important to write it again on paper in your own handwriting)

Be very selective while making short notes, include only those things which are very important, directly linked to syllabus and which can be used broadly.

Best wishes !!

With 2 more days to for Mains 2022, I hope everyone’s preparation is going well. Try to give yourself a sense of completion, by revising more whatever you have studied till now.

To showcase the journey of a civil servant, the IAS batch of 2021 has prepared a video titled ‘JOURNEY’. It is by our own band named ‘AAROH’ and has been officially released by LBSNAA

https://youtu.be/BhmshRrdgas

Enjoy the Journey !!

In continuation of this we are now working on a video song titled ‘Ummeed’ by our band AAROH.

This song will be dedicated to entire Aspirant community by IAS 2021 batch and LBSNAA. For this we have decided to crowd fund videos and photos from the community itself.

Kindly reply to this message with your photos and videos showing the struggle faced by aspirant/you or can mail me on shubhamkrias@gmail.com by tomorrow !! (Share the footage preferably in landscape mode)

Checklist for Mains 2022

1) Copy of admit card ( take atleast 2copies- keep them separately- bag/pockets/carry pouch)

2) Original ID card and one print out copy

3) Mask, sanitizer (small transparent bottle)- mask should be most comfortable like cloth mask or surgical mask

4) Passport size photos (take 2)

5) Black ball point pen (2 atleast)- to fill attendance sheet

6) Pens with which u are going to write the exam (take atleast 4-6)- I used to mark pens for each exam.

For every paper I used to keep 2 pens- one main and one reserve. To ensure the flow of the pen is good, I used to use pen which I have used 10-15% and sometimes in between of exam whenever I used to feel that the flow from pen is not good, I used to change pen

7) Watch- used to keep two, just in case

8) Print out of instruction sheet- to show the rules to sometimes dumb invigilators who try to take away the watch. It has happened with me in Prelims of 2019

9) Transparent carry pouch and water bottle

10) Sneakers/Energy bars/Bananas- used to eat chocolates just before entering examination centre

11) Lunch- Also, I used to keep hot water in Thermo Flasks and used to make black coffee during the break. In lunch try to have something light but full of energy like dry fruits, eggs etc. Those having pain in fingers should keep medicines and can use Luke warm water to comfort the fingers

12) Short revision notes and How to attempt- some instructions for each paper, to remind myself what to do in those 3 hrs (will share)

13) Scientific Calculator (physics and other optionals)

Best Wishes !!

PS- used to keep piece of cloth to spread it and sit and sometimes relax in break !!

Credit- @teamkjs

How to Attempt each paper

Some general instructions (which I followed might be different for each individual)

1) Attempting paper:

For GS1,2,3- This is how I used to attempt

Start with 15 marker. Complete it in 1hr 50min. (Sometime it used to take me 2hrs).

Attempt Q1 to Q4 in 30 minutes (7.5 minutes).

Select 2 questions between Q5 to Q10, where I have less knowledge for last 8-10 minutes.

Attempt the remaining 4 questions in 24 minutes. I used to be left with 8-10 minutes, where I used to attempt those 2 questions

For GS4: start with case studies (1hrs 40-45 minutes and then section A)

For Essay: 5-7 minutes to decide the topic. 15-20 minutes each for brainstorming each essay. 1 hr to 1 hr 10 minutes to write the essay. (Generally I used to write 11-12 pages essay)

2) Read questions when the examination paper is distributed around 1-2 minutes before. Start writing as soon as the examination starts. (Don’t waste time in completing the reading of remaining question paper). Also check the marks distribution for each question- UPSC might change the pattern like it did earlier from each question having 12.5 marks weightage to 10 marker and 15 marker questions

3) Write Small Intro and Try to write Context - in what context the question has been asked (just after
Intro). (Intro should be 3-5 lines)

4) Read Questions Twice- if possible underline key words. While writing subheading in answers, read the question again. UPSC rewards if you write answers according to demand of the question and not according to your knowledge

5) Value Addition- Think about facts/data/figures/graphs/committees/constitution/SC Judgements/ARC2/Niti Aayog etc for each question

Best Wishes !!

https://www.tg-me.com/shubhamkr_ias/87

This I posted last year- for specific instructions for each paper !!

How to Attempt

Specific institutions, used to read before entering exam hall

Essay

1) Write short sentences. To improve coherency- read previous sentence before writing next sentence- the concepts should flow logically and sequentially (similarly while writing new para)

2) One concept one para

3) Intro: 1.5-2 page- write anecdotes and relate it with topic. Explain key words in topic, through definition and what you feel. Try to open up topic and write as broadly as possible

4a) Body 1 (5-6 pages) Dimentionalization: 7-10 most imp dimensions. Don’t forget administrative dimension. Connect with topic after writing each dimension- sign posting

4b) Body 2 (3 pages): Analysis of the topic by posing questions. (Essay is not only about writing examples, so analysis becomes important)

5) Way forward and conclusion. Also connect with anecdote written at start. Futuristic and reflection of positive mindset. Use of Quotes

PS- Stick to the topic. If you feel deviated try to link that thing with the topic itself.

Some common queries raised by aspirants

1) Stopwatch allowed or not? Some people find it easy to see time if it is shown digitally

Rules 9 says

9. Possession (even in switch off mode) / use of Mobile Phones and other Electronics / Communication devices are banned at the examination premises. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examinations under the rules of the examination.

Reading this, it all depends whether one considers stopwatch as electronic device or not- I think the stopwatch that we use is generally digital stopwatch and not electronic stopwatch. So, I think stopwatch can be allowed as there is no Bluetooth and no communication system and also not programmable.

Some invigilators don’t allow in that case showing them rules might help. For better security if you are carrying stopwatch then carry a analog watch as well. I have seen some people using stopwatch.

2) Is it necessary to carry 2 photographs?

Rule says -

10.Candidates who do not have clear photographs on the e-admit card will have to bring passport size photograph, one for each session, for appearing in the examination with an Undertaking.

(Not necessary but it is better to keep it. Don’t panic if you don’t have now)

3) Can we underline the terms in question section of answer sheet or only underline in that detachable question sheet?

Rule says -

12. Candidates must note that they should strictly answer all parts and sub-parts of a question in the Question Cum Answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided under each question / part in the QCA booklet. Read the Instructions for Candidates printed on the QCA booklet carefully. Any infringement of the instructions in the QCA booklet might entail penalty in the form of deduction of marks scored by the candidate and disciplinary action including cancellation & debarment from future examinations under the rules of the examination.

My interpretation: UPSC guidelines says not to mark anything which can reveal your identity (or may be used to give signal). I underlined on question paper of answer sheet in real exam. As I thought simply underlining won’t reveal my identity- I took that risk. No marks were detected in Mains 2019 and 2020

Some other important rules-

13. Candidates are advised to ensure that spaces / pages remaining blank are clearly crossed out before the QCA booklets are handed over to the Invigilator.

Also never write beyond the two lines which are there on sides of the page. It can lead to negative marking.

Best wishes for tomorrow !!

Essay 2022

#mains
How to Attempt (GS1-3)

General Instructions:

While reading question paper (before start of examination, papers are distributed 2-5 minutes before)- try to link questions with your short notes of value addition. If you are able to remember committee name/articles/case studies- try to mark it on question paper itself.

It is better to start answering the questions as soon as exam starts (9am/2pm) and not to waste time in complete the reading of question paper

1) Writing Intro and conclusion are must (conclusion gives a sense of completion and it is here after which marks are given)

2) No need to complete sentences while in writing points- if it conveys the meaning

3) Use of Sub Headings from question itself.

4) Paper completion and good time management is highly rewarding

5) Value addition where ever possible with examples/facts/committees/Case studies/graphs/diagrams etc

6) Presentation- Underline and make Boxes. Use of diagrams (to fill space also) and flow charts (help in conveying more in less words)


Specific institutions:

GS1

1) History/World History/Art and Culture- enough scope to make maps, diagrams like Ashokan pillar, Stupa, Temples

2) Geography- make diagrams compulsorily. Small diagrams also

3) Society- important to define key terms (like poverty, caste), mention Policy, life cycle approach (eg women- child, adolescent, old age)

GS2

1) Analytical- use of small small paragraphs in some questions. Properly explaining the statements becomes important with examples and analysis

2) Show ethical dimension if possible in governance

3) International Relations- political diagram must, historical dimension, use of key words (like track 2 diplomacy)

4) Use of ARC2/Articles/SC Judgments/Budget, NCRWC, LCI, Commission (Sarkaria/Punchhi)

5) Linking Static with Current Affairs (for GS3 also)

GS3

1) Use of Graphs/pie charts(which I had prepared beforehand)

2) Disaster Management- Use of diagrams and maps, best practices

3)Security- use of bodies/Acts/Institutions

4a) Value addition- Budget/Economic Survey/NITI Aayog/ SDGs

4b) Env and Security: Summits and agreements

5) Time management is utmost important- generally you will be knowing all questions. At the same time you have to be accurate in answering and not beating around the bush as far possible

Best Wishes for tomorrow !!

P.S- No matter how well you have prepared and managed time, for maximum people including me there used to be few questions where I had to rush to finish it !!

PPS- The goal is to give your best and deliver your best performance in the exam. Many people face difficulty in replicating well in exam- so making short notes, last minute revision and reminding oneself on how to attempt the paper helps !!

—Views are personal, you can follow any strategy which suits you well

GS -1