Rahul Chavan IPS, GS-1 strategy

CSE Mains 2021 Experience explained by 

Rahul Chavan, IPS'20

UPSC CSE'19 AIR 109.

General studies paper 1 

How I attempted :- I started with 15 marker questions . Having a  geography optional , chronologically attempted geography ( total 3 ) then society ( total 4 ) and then history ( total 3) ..and then started with 10 markers ..from 1 to 10 serially ..( 110 minutes for 15 marker and  70 minutes for 10 markers ) 

Why : 15 markers need special attention and these are time consuming..so always better start with 15 marker ..even in these questions one should have clear way of attempting questions..I have geography optional so obviously I started with them , then even in geography we have some part of society syllabus ..so have a more command over these questions , so society was next and lastly History ..( If you start 11 to 20 questions..there will be difficulty in managing flow ..so better identify your strong areas ..this micromanagement will be important for covering paper in time and maintaining adequate quality ..Also mostly don't keep any 15 marker for last ..it will be difficult to complete 10 markers in time and then revisit that 15 marker again ..so even if you are short of matter attempt it ..and then move to 10 marker ..here one can attempt serially..or same way you attempted 15 markers ..you have less time for 10 markers..so it doesn't matter how you go ..just make sure you complete all questions..)

Analysis : - It was relatively easy as compared to last year..

History:-  easy ..Modern history:  Simple questions , no question on ancient India ..1 easy Q on medieval India..( Last year ancient and medieval section was difficult , so overdone preparation for these section but in the actual exam no cost benefit, so don't overdo any section or topic , need to have balanced study, UPSC will always surprise you with new pattern so don't run after predicting things.) 

Society:-Easy to moderate , Q on cryptocurrency though seems straightforward , less points to write so here answer writing skills will be important , telling the same thing but playing with the words 🙊.. even Q 20 , traditional social values .. difficult to write .( Society is always  neglected part but this year shows it need specific preparation, clear understanding of syllabus and more focus on answer writing .. I will say this section will be deciding in GS1 )

Geography: Easy ..6 out of 8 questions linked to current affairs , so CA is important and that will reflect into questions ..One must draw diagram ( maps) to get good marks ..

How to prepare :- Overall even if you study on the same lines as prelims you won't have any difficulty in mains too.

For society use any good coaching topicwise notes.