I've evaluated numerous GS answers and essays in the past three days, and a significant issue keeps reappearing: language skills. This seems especially prevalent among students from vernacular mediums.

Common problems I'm seeing include:

- Overly long sentences
- Grammar mistakes
- Spelling errors

These issues create a very poor impression on evaluators. Make language a priority!

Short Solutions:
- Read actively: Pay attention to sentence structure, grammar, and spelling in quality newspapers and editorials.
- Practice daily writing: Write short paragraphs on current affairs topics.
- Get feedback: Ask a mentor or peer to review your writing specifically for language.

Considering Your Future:
A Thought for UPSC Aspirants

For those who have dedicated three or more years to UPSC preparation without achieving their desired outcome, it's a good time to start thinking strategically about a Plan B. The unpredictable nature of this exam means that having alternative paths is a pragmatic step, not a sign of giving up.

Financial Stability:
A Core Component of Your Plan B

While a Plan B will look different for everyone, financial stability should be a central consideration. This doesn't mean abandoning your aspirations, but rather building a secure foundation for your future.

If you possess a technical aptitude, consider exploring fields like digital marketing, copywriting, search engine optimization (SEO), or artificial intelligence (AI). These areas are experiencing significant growth and offer promising career prospects, provided you focus on developing relevant skills.

Starting Your Plan B Journey

It's never too late to begin preparing for a Plan B. In fact, starting now allows you to explore new possibilities and develop valuable skills alongside your ongoing UPSC preparation. This dual approach can reduce pressure and open up new avenues for success.

Your future life is more important than our coaching profits.

UPSC Agri PYQ on Millets Explained - https://youtu.be/bBWGGOzTBRg

Don't wait for the result. Keep studying.

Ethics keyword = Key to success in ethics paper

If you are feeling stuck after prelims, start with Mains Specific Topics 👉
1) Ethics
2) GS 1 - World History, Society
3) GS 2 - Social Justice, Governance, IR
3) GS 3 - Disaster Management, Internal Security, etc

Each topic in the second edition of How to master UPSC mains features ready-to-use introductions, designed to save you time.

Ethics Example:
Once Lal Bahadur Shastri was imprisoned but was granted a 15 day parol to visit his ailing daughter. His daughter died in the next 3 days, he performed her last rites and returned back to jail even though he had more than 10 days of parole left.

Application: Honesty, Integrity.

Creative note-making isn't just an art, it's a science of memory: the more imaginative your notes, the longer you'll retain what you learn.

For the English version -https://amzn.to/43QSQ78

Landslide Monitoring and Early Warning System by IIT Mandi

You can add this case study in landslide related answers. In 2nd edition, I have added few ready to use case studies like this.

Stats for Arctic Resources

Check on Amazon - https://amzn.to/43QSQ78

Ever wonder why it's so hard to catch corrupt bureaucrats? Chanakya's fish and water analogy explains it perfectly: Like a fish drinking water, they steal government funds without a trace.

Two important IR topics for UPSC CSE Mains 2025 -

1) Indus Water Treaty
2) Shimla Agreement