2023 prelims.pdf

This marks a great shift in the way UPSC is asking questions and may ask questions in future.

Clearly from paper it shows how aware UPSC is wrt all the ‘gyan’ available from every sources.

But it also means that it was same for everyone. It is better to forget what happened in paper 1 and focus on CSAT and give your best !!

Best wishes !!

Hello everyone.

My friend Sandeep Kumar has secured AIR 24 in CSE 2022. His optional is mathematics in which he has scored 320 marks.

Currently he is undergoing training as IPS probationer in NPA Hyderabad (AIR 184 in CSE 2020).

He has created this channel to guide aspirants regarding UPSC CSE preparation. He will also guide those aspirants who have taken mathematics optional.

Here is the link to join his channel:

https://www.tgoop.com/sandeepkumarAIR24

With Prelims result out almost 10 days ago, I hope that those who cleared are into full fledged mains preparation.

Those who didn’t clear, remember this is not the end.

Few pointers for those who are freshers and those who didn’t clear this time:

1) By looking at the recent years toppers one can easily conclude that even many toppers have failed in their 1st/2nd prelims.

2) There is always risk factor involved when you are facing such a competitive exam. Through only two ways one can minimise the risk- good preparation and more attempts (one should also know when to stop)

3) UPSC has changed the way it used to ask questions. Many such surprises might come in future too. So what is the solution?

Prepare all the topics and practice tests— so almost no change the way we prepare?

A little:

Don’t think that whatever you prepare would be asked in the exam. Rather gain maximum knowledge according to syllabus and attempt large number of tests to make yourself ready for any kind of paper— helps in minimising blunders

And also, be ready for the worst. UPSC knows how to not ask questions from the materials popular in the market. Never miss core concepts— helps in any kind of paper


4) UPSC wants you to consider CSAT as important as Paper 1. This has become so important that those who cleared CSAT this year- most of them have cleared Prelims also !!

— there are many free videos available on YouTube. One can also join some guidance/coaching separately for CSAT.

5) Use this time to make mains preparation robust, so that once you clear prelims you clear mains also.

Enrich your GS- 1,2,3,4 and also optional. Watch recent toppers videos and do value addition in each topics. Also, write GS and Optional tests by December

Also now is the time to improve your answer writing and cover PYQs of mains (still mains PYQs are relevant) !!

Mains PYQs

Unfortunately there is no single good source for PYQs. One should cover last 10 years of PYQs.

Few pointers:

1) Google the entire question- one can easily find 3-4 model answers by some coaching. Glance through it and copy and paste important portion into your own document.

2) Use ChatGPT: One may not find a very value added answers but for some subjects- flow and context wise answers are decent, but don’t over-depend

3) There are few toppers who have shared their notes on PYQs and GS notes.

I would suggest to make your own PYQs notes. Use google and discuss within your peer group to come up with answers. Start with last 5 years questions

The focus should not be to rote learn PYQs model answers.

The process of referencing to PYQs- discussion with your peer groups- trying to write PYQs as your Daily Answer writing practice- using google to add value to your answers—— all this process helps you to improve your content, your analytical skill and your approach to the Mains examination

Best Wishes !!

Compilation of all toppers channel (CSE 2022)

Credit: Himanshu Mangal (AIR 288)

There are many genuine telegram channels by some toppers who takes lot of efforts to share their genuine strategy and their sources. Join their channel according to your needs.


https://www.tgoop.com/Gaurav_Budania_IAS_AIR_13

Content enhancement in GS

Post prelims generally the time doesn’t allow to read new books.

To increase your content, here are few pointers:

1) Subject wise Mains material/ Mains 365: By some reputed coaching can be used to supplement your already notes on that topic. Value addition in subjects like society, geography, economy and polity can be done

2) Reverse learning from sectional tests for topics like IR, History (including Art and Culture, Post Independence, World History). Last 2 years of Model answers of some reputed coaching can be covered.

3) Toppers mock tests papers: a very good source to learn how to write in paper and also to enhance your content (value addition)

4) Through video lectures: Now many people do join Mains enrichment courses. This option can also be looked. It also helps to cover CAs

5) Googling keywords from Mains syllabus and making short notes of examples/case studies/facts etc

Mains question still has significant static portion. One can use CAs to supplement and not replace the original content.

Best wishes !!

Someone asked me, what constitute a good answer. According to me any answer should address what is being asked in the question.

The difference in checking between any coaching evaluators and UPSC evaluators is that they don’t focused much on facts, figures, committees, intro, conclusion or whether you have written a particular value addition point or not. Rather they focus more on whether you have addressed the demand of the question or not. Whether it presents a complete picture to the question being asked or not.

After analysing many answers, a good answer should have:

1) Time Management and Space allocation based upon the degree of importance to the different part of the question. Some part of question has more weightage than other parts. Space should be allocated accordingly

2) Presentation and format: the handwriting should be legible and good. Underline, Making Boxes, Flow charts and diagrams enhances this.

3) Context: Hitting the nail directly- answer the question directly and address the demand. Initial one may get the feeling that if one answers the question directly then he/she may not write the entire page. But with practice, one can fill the space at the same time write contextually.

Putting forward valid argument first and then substantiating with facts is very important

4) Coherency: the answer should have the logical flow. Sub heading should be made from the question itself. If the question has been asked about the challenges then after writing all the challenges, the answer should contain some way forward.

Example of Logical flow format is Prospects-Issues/Challenges-Way forward (+-+). Ending should be in optimistic/positive direction. Generally question is asked in a logical flow.

5) Value addition: Now facts/figures/committees/diagrams/flow charts should be added in support of the arguments put forward and shouldn’t replace it.

Finally a good conclusion helps in giving a sense of completion. Apart from broad aspects, it is important to include the language of question in concluding your answer !!

Best Wishes !!

All the very best for tomorrow’s paper. No matter how hard you have studied for mains, it always feel like less.

The point is, with better preparation, our expectation also increases. Also the fear of failure makes us under confident. With more than one year of preparation, now is the time to deliver.

It is but obvious to feel little stressed. Always remember that all the battle are first won or lost in the mind and not on battlefield !!

Every year, many aspirants turn into toppers by just scoring average marks in all the papers. The idea is to perform decently in every paper.

Have faith in your preparation. The only thing which is now in your control is to perform according to your potential, whatever you have prepared, you write that well in exam.

Also, remember the knowledge level of serious aspirants are generally at same level. The difference comes in delivery. So it is important to be calm and composed before the examination

Either conquer you fear or develop a habit to live with it. In morning, always think that this is your day and only you should have control over it. Make it count !!

Best wishes !!

For all those who are writing mains tomorrow —

All the very Best for small small battles that you will have to fight in every paper to conquer mains.

There will be many questions where you won’t be that confident. But remember that you can score well in GS by attempting 10-12 questions well and then writing average answers for 8 questions.

Few last minutes tips

1) Never JUDGE your performance in the examination hall itself- you might score better in paper where you feel that it didn’t went well

2) Scoring in GS/Optional is RELATIVE.
So you have to outperform other people rather than writing best answers for every questions. If the paper is tough than it is tough for everyone

3) Don’t discuss anything between the break. Utilise the break to cool and relax yourself and REVISE your short notes.
Remind yourself what to write and how you are going to attempt the paper

4) It is advisable to complete the paper somehow. It is always good to devote equal time (11min for 15marker and 7min for 10 marker).

5) Eat light but energy rich food. Can drink tea/coffee- rejuvenate yourself- can take 10min Power Nap !!

Those things which are not under your control, leave it to almighty

All the best once again !!
You WILL do well

Few last minute tips:

1) Scope for Maps- in Geography and History, A&C. But it should be relevant

2) In 10 marker ques- it is advisable to draw small maps on side of the paper (takes less space rather than in centre)

3) GS2- is more analytical. In big questions- one can write in small small paragraphs initially to cover many dimensions of the question and then shift to point wise format for the core part of the question

4) GS2- Remember to write Articles, DPSPs, FRs, FDs, ARC2, Niti Aayog etc

5) Some good case studies/examples/ Schemes in governance questions

6) SDGs in Society and Social Justice ques. Flow charts can also be drawn

7) Incorporation of G20 and other big news related content in the answers

Best Wishes !!

Last year, I posted a message on how to attempt GS papers. I’m posting it again with slight modifications.

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

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

Hello 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 in most of the questions. Micro (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), G20

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) and statistics: economist love stats/data

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 !!

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 !!

GSM-1 2023

GS-2, 2023

How to attempt GS 4

Time division: 1 hr 35 minutes (max 1:40) for case studies and 1:25 minutes for section A

Section A

1) Write 3-4 dimensions and give examples. Don’t forget to mention administrative dimension where ever possible. Write Ethical angle also as far as possible

2) Other important dimensions- global, environmental, historical, personality based, corporate, current affairs

3) Administrative dimension: Can frame examples- few best scenarios where many qualities are covered are riot control, disaster management, handling election (these departments directly come under DM)

4) Values mapping: Use words from syllabus like integrity, emotional intelligence etc

5) Link with GS 2 (governance): write Constitutional articles, DPSPs, FRs, Acts/Rules (Eg- Civil Services Conduct Rules), NITI, ARC2, Institutions
(true for case studies also)

6) Writing appropriate quotes in section A is rewarding

7) Make flow charts

Section B (Case studies)

1) Write good intro: come out of case study and give a broader perspective- (like the above case study pertains to classic debate between env vs development…)

2) Space management: give more focus on ‘what will you do/be your approach’ - (eg - in questions where it is asked what all options available and what you will do- write 2 extreme steps and then your own)

3) Write long and short term solutions (no need to mention as subheading though): not in all but where ever possible- write some specific and concrete steps

4) Explain ethical dilemmas/issues well - with help of short short paragraphs (don’t only mention it rather explain it)

5) Try to address smaller problems apart from main problem: Underline and mark on (1,2,3,4) the question paper (not answer booklet) and keep it in front of you while writing answers so that you don’t miss anything.

6) Think from all stakeholders: No need to mention, if it has not been asked exclusively, but thinking in lines with all stakeholders- makes answers comprehensive

(Eg if question came related to drug trafficking in state which share boundary with other nation……- answer should reflect not only control at drug, but other solutions related to problem arising out of being border state)

All the Best for tomorrow !!

GS3-2023