Hello everyone!!
This is Dr.Diksha Joshi (AIR -19 CSE 2021). I will shortly come up with detailed strategy for both GS and medical science optional.
Feel free to ask your queries related to CSE preparation here😊
A brief introduction:
1.Was born and brought up in Pithoragarh,Uttarakhand.
2.Medical science graduate (passed out in 2019.)
3.Third attempt at UPSC-CSE
4.Got AIR-19 (finally😅)
5.Optional:Medical Science(marksheet already shared for both prelims and mains)
An honest description and analysis of my previous two attempts:
•1st attempt(2019): Not cleared prelims
Prepared while doing my internship and due to paucity of time and also a sudden shift from science to humanities subjects it took me longer than usual to understand and finish a subject.
As a result I couldn’t finish the syllabus for prelims(eg:had not read ancient,medieval and art n culture) did not revise thoroughly my current affairs and other GS subjects, took only 1-2 full length before actual prelims and never saw those mock papers after attempting them. I attempted only 72 questions in the final paper.Hence couldn’t clear prelims.
My prelims score in 2019 was 83-84(cannot remember the exact score).
*My lessons from 1st attempt:
1.You cannot ignore any subject in this exam some subjects are more important than others but none can be ignored.
2.Revision is a must else it becomes very difficult to recall in the exam hall.
3.Some amount of test papers need to be practiced before the actual exam.
•2nd attempt:2020:(Not cleared prelims again)
After my 1st failure I joined a foundation course at ForumIAS with the hope that I will be able to strengthen my preparation and clear in the same attempt.(A detailed analysis of whether coaching is needed or not in another post but a quick answer in my opinion is NO).In this attempt I worked extremely hard but probably used wrong resources eg: for ancient and medieval relied on coaching material rather than reading NCERTs(which is where question actually come from),solved almost 40 mock papers (full length) but never analysed what was going wrong in each test (my score used to be between90-97 marks and barely crossed 100),completely ignored CSAT, GS mains syllabus was not complete(topics like society,human geography,internal security and some portions of ethics too).In the final paper,I attempted around 82 questions that year and again couldn’t clear the prelims.To my surprise despite my efforts and taking classes my prelims score was only 72marks which was lower than that of my first attempt (cut off being around 92 marks) and this left me in complete disillusionment and I was extremely dejected (yet again will also write on how I overcame this phase and importance of mental health in UPSC prep)
*My lessons from 2nd attempt:
1.Standard sources have to followed for this exam like NCERTs(will post my book list and sources separately)
2.A thorough analysis of mock papers is a must,mindless solving of “n” papers will not help.
3.More than coaching in this exam you need a right mentor who can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and accordingly plan your strategy (more on the importance of a right mentor later).
4.Hard-work alone is not sufficient you have to be smart(especially in prelims as it is only qualifying and does not determine your rank).
5.An integrated preparation is needed for prelims and mains as the two are complementary; a robust mains preparation also helps to boost your prelims score.
6.Calmness in the exam hall is important.Panic,unnecessary anxiety and pressure will result in suboptimal performance and silly errors like wrong bubble marking in OMR.
I have tried to be as elaborate as possible about my previous attempts in this post with a hope that this will help the reader avoid similar mistakes in his/her preparation 😊.
Sources used for PRELIMS in my CSE attempt in 2021:
1.Polity:Laxmikant (Fifth Edition), did not refer to any NCERT here.
2.Modern History: Spectrum(2017 Edition),again did not refer to any NCERT here
3.Ancient India: RS Sharma (old NCERT)
4.Medieval India: Satish Chandra (old NCERT)
5.Art and culture: Nitin Singhania Book (2nd Edition).Personally I did not refer to fine arts NCERT as Nitin Singhania book chapter 1 and 2 served the purpose for me.You can choose to refer fine arts book also as per your convenience.
6.Also referred to THEMES (new NCERT) for ancient and medieval history as some information on travellers,scholars,Buddhism etc is given here and UPSC has asked questions from the same in the past.
7.Did not use the Tamil Nadu text book for ancient medieval n art and culture.
8.Geography: NCERT for class 11th and 12th.The book on World physical geography and Indian geography are more important than Human Geography for prelims,so focus should be on doing them thoroughly and revising. From Human Geography do read chapters on agriculture and minerals from Indian geography NCERT book .
Some selective reading of chapter on agriculture etc can be done from class 8-10 Geography NCERT based on your basic knowledge on the topic and time at hand.
8.Economics: Class notes of Anupam Sir@Smart work Labs IAS Academy (very useful for economy and agriculture especially since no standard static source for economy is available in the market)
9.Environment:ShankarIAS book (entire book is not to be read only a few important chapters like climate change organisations ,international conventions and few chapters on ecology etc).Please refer to PYQs for topics that UPSC is asking questions from and then selectively read the book(if time permits I will post separately a list of chapters to be read from this book).
10.Did not refer to any static material for science and technology as coming from science background I believed that I would be able to manage the same.For non-science background students selective reading of class 11 and 12th NCERT Biology book can be done based on time available but current affairs should be primary source to prepare the science and technology section.
10.For all current affairs related topic from polity,economy,environment science and technology,IR and social issues I referred to the Vision IAS monthly current affairs magazine and PT365 before prelims for revision.It is advisable to follow one magazine of any institute of your choice and revise it multiple times rather than reading 2-3 CA magazines.
11.I did not follow any newspaper for prelims OR made any sort of notes (this strategy of relying on a magazine rather than reading newspapers is very different from many candidates but it was a personal choice and therefore you are advised to decide what would be an appropriate strategy for you).
All the sources that I have mentioned above I made sure that I revised them multiple times at least 5-7 times(depending on my weak areas) before the prelims exam and supplemented my preparation by solving test papers for the same.
Please note: The editions mentioned are the ones I used.You can refer to the latest edition available in the market.
Test series that I used for prelims 2021:
I followed an approach of following two test series for prelims one test was to be used as a practice and the other one as an exam i.e to test my understanding of the subject and find out my mistakes,weak areas etc to improve my performance.
1.For practice followed Vision IAS sectional test (did not enroll for it, purchased the same from the market and did it simultaneously while I was reading a subject eg: let’s say if I read modern history from 1st jan to 15th jan so would keep solving questions from the sectional test as an when I finish a topic like non-cooperation movement or civil disobedience etc).The purpose is to understand what kind of questions can be asked from a particular topic n to gauge if one is reading in the right direction.
2.For exam like simulation I followed the Prelims test series by Smartwork Labs IAS Academy.(I had enrolled for this test series course). Continuing with the above example so on 16th jan after a revision of whole modern history syllabus, I would write a test on 17th or 18th Jan in full exam like conditions with fixed time, filling the OMR sheet etc and follow it up by the test analysis.
3.For full length test I enrolled for Vision IAS -10 full length test plan and abhyaas and did that religiously.
4.For CSAT, I again enrolled in Vision IAS - 5 tests plan and followed that.( A detailed post on CSAT will follow soon)
Please note: I will write in detail on how to analyse mock test papers and also on the importance of PYQs for prelims preparation soon.
Strategy for CSAT (although my CSAT score isn’t very great but my preparation at least helped me to clear the paper despite committing some silly errors in the actual exam especially when at present many struggle with this paper too).
So here are the things that I did:(pick up suggestions based on your strength n weaknesses)
Sources I used:
1.Dr.RS Aggarwal book for quantitative Aptitude(not necessary to use this book you can pick any other source)
2.Past year papers (preferably from 2017 to present)
3.Vision IAS CSAT test series; a set of 5 test papers (I had enrolled for this course).
When to start CSAT preparation?
1.For anyone not comfortable with quant portions start early,somewhere at least 6 months before your prelims examination.
2.For those who are confident enough choose your preferred time but irrespective of your confidence level solve at least 2-3 CSAT papers preferably PYQs before going for the prelims paper in exam like condition so as to have an idea of how you would perform on the D-day.
How to prepare?
1.Identify list of important topics from PYQs. (I will share a list of topics that I think are important.You do not need to master all of them but based on ur strength at least be confident about a few.)
2.Select a topic let’s say ‘averages’ and practice the questions from the same for 3-4 days. Practice question would include questions from PYQs and any reference book that are using. For practice dedicate 1-2 hours on the day you are preparing the topic( saying this because sometimes we think we have understood a topic let say in 30 min but it is important to consolidate it thoroughly and else once the recent memory fades away you might forget the same).Plan ur schedule in such a manner that u allocate some time for this too.
3.Once you have practiced questions from a topic attempt a few questions in a time bound manner to work on speed aspect also as solving questions within stipulated time is also important.
4.Follow this schedule of choosing a topic n practices questions and 2 months before prelims attempt a few (5-7 mock test) for CSAT in exam like environment. Here u can solve one paper a week.
5.For comprehension portion mostly rely on PYQs as answers is UPSC keys might be different from coaching institutes.Also do not be too dependent on comprehension even if your command in English language is good for the same reason stated above and make it a point to practice few topics of quant.(this is especially a warning for 1st timers).
Do you need classes for CSAT?
Frankly it has to be a personal choice. But we have ample free resource on YouTube so make best use of it. Type a PYQ on YouTube or Google and u will get the solutions with explanation for the same. It works for most people to clear the exam. Just in case u are unable to understand and need more help you can seek help of classes. I personally cannot recommend any institute for the same as I never attended any classes for CSAT. For free channels on YouTube again can’t name any you can choose any based on ur choice.
What should be an optimum score?
Whenever you are practicing make it a point that in full length paper you are able to score somewhere between 90-100 marks(asking you set high standards despite 67 marks needed to qualify because many a times under exam stress we tend to underperform and we wouldn’t want to lose out on CSAT or be in the border and worry whether we will clear or not and thus end up wasting time for mains preparation(saying this coz of my personal experience and I wasted almost 20 crucial days).
What is optimum number of questions to be attempted?
Somewhere between 55-60. This would further vary based on your accuracy level and target score u want to achieve.
Contd from above:
What to do between GS and CSAT paper?
1.You can either revise a few topics or just relax but do not speculate cut-off or check answers as it negatively impacts your CSAT paper.
2.Very important. Please do not carry burden of your GS performance in the CSAT paper. Both are equally important so give them the same focus they deserve.prelims is over at 4:30pm when paper2 ends and not at 12:30pm after paper1.(Know of many who thought they wouldn’t clear GS and messed up CSAT instead so be smart n learn from this).
👆🏻This is especially for someone who is reading this and writing the prelims tomorrow.😊
Exam hall strategy for CSAT:
1.Keep checking the time.
2.Do not get stuck at a question. If u cannot solve it irrespective of the fact that you had practiced it move to the next questions.Each question carries same positive and negative mark. So keep your ego for the question aside.
3.Also be careful with calculations especially in questions with variables. If value of x is asked before marking the answer make sure you have calculated x and not value of y as both Values of x and y would be given in the options.(hope my point is clear)
4.Lastly just like Paper 1 keep filling some bubbles in between and don’t leave it for the end.
5.Carry a lot of common sense. Sometimes a question that looks lengthy is the easiest so read it carefully and ponder a few seconds over it.
List of important topics for CSAT:(Reiterating that you do not need to master all. Pick some that u can understand easily so that u can score decently.)
1.Number System
2.Average
3.Problems on age
4.Percentage
5.Profit and loss
6.Ratio and proportion
7.Time and work
8.Time and Distance
9.Boats and streams
10.Problems on train
11.Alligation and mixture
12.calendars
13.clocks
14.Permutations n combinations
15.area,simple interest
This is all for CSAT from my side. I have not prepared any notes for formulas etc so nothing to share there.Hope it helps😊
Some common questions on coaching for UPSC-CSE prep:
Is coaching necessary for UPSC-CSE ?
The ultimate decision has to be one’s own.
My opinion: After an arduous three year journey in the CSE (thankfully it ended well 🥹) and having personally attended coaching I have come to the following conclusion:
1.You actually do not need coaching(classroom programme) for CSE preparation reason being that there is adequate free resource available in the market eg:previous year topper videos, blogs, telegram channels on how to prepare and strategise so the strategy making part on how one should start, what and what not to read,sources and other DOs and DON’Ts are easily accessible. For absolute beginners irrespective of your background visit a few of these sources (watch or read at least 4-5 of them before you plan ur own one) and especially of people who have a similar background and similar strong and weak areas and this will easily help to plan and start.Once you have decided a plan stick to it with relevant changes only if needed.
2.Even for those who have failed in previous attempts revisit these sources to see what did u miss and what and how rank holders did things differently.Again pick and choose what suits you the best.Do not follow any one blindly.(Including me☺️)
3.For beginners most of the standard books are available in the market.Once you have finalised your resources start reading them on your own.( I have already listed the ones I followed for prelims).It is very natural and normal to not understand a few things in the beginning,for that type the name of the topic and add upsc to that and make a quick google or YouTube search.(eg: search non-cooperation movement upsc or What is CRR and SLR upsc).Read more from there and watch a few videos and you are good to go. From my personal experience I can say it is not possible that you will not understand anything the problem lies only in some topics depending on your strong and weak areas and this will help there.
4.Make a time-table and follow that.keep reading your subjects and in a span on 3-4 months(for beginners) u will realise that u r progressing and one way to assess progress in upsc prep is test series(I have already mentioned my prelims test)
So why do these coachings exist and how do they help?
1.To provide you with a right mentor(because like me many of you might not know any one personally who has already cleared the exam before) who can help you with personalised guidance eg: help identify your strengths and weaknesses,analyse your mock test papers for prelims,improve your answer writing skills by extensive feedback on where to add flowcharts,where to make diagrams or how to improve overall answers and for interview with regard to
mannerism,probable questions etc.
How to use coaching institute?
1.For test series in prelims for All India test that helps you know your relative performance.(prelims one can still do without enrolling in any coaching if u have real financial crunch provided u analyse your mock papers well)
2.For mains wherein you actually need someone to check papers and provide you with a feedback and like prelims also for assessing the relative competition.
3.For at least 1-2 mock interviews to practice mannerism etc.
What to look for before joining any institute?
1.Whether they provide mentorship or not.This means that is there a mentor who is available with them who can take one to one sessions with you to analyse your papers for prelims or mains and help realign strategy if needed.As there is no one size fits all approach so a personalised feedback is a must. eg: Some suggestion that probably works for me might not work for some other person even if we have same background,optional etc.So be mindful of this fact before joining any institute.
2.If u are enrolling in a classroom programme let’s say current affairs or some specific subject(as many run exclusive programmes for economy, sci n tech and environment,prelims crash course etc).Please see what faculty is present there.
If any previous topper has also recommended some institute check whether the faculty who taught a particular subject is still a part.Don’t go just by name.Be very clear on what you want and ask them if they will provide u with the same before joining.
Institutes that I used for my CSE 2021:
1.PRELIMS:Smartwork Labs IAS academy prelims diagnostic test series and Vision IAS only full length and CSAT test.
2.MAINS: Smartwork Labs IAS academy one to one mentorship programme and Vision IAS mains test series(12 tests).Will talk about optional later.
3.Interview is mostly free will vary every year depending on what kind of panel members are they providing you with.
Any other institute using my name was mostly interview guidance.
Answering a query:What to do if already joined an institute?
I don’t know what to say about this as you can’t really do anything about it if it is bad one☹️Probably look for some mentor who is available there who has some right strategy to offer and focus on self-study and choosing right resources.If needed join a different one for test series at least that will help with some direction.Hope this helps😊
A lot of people have been asking me about various programmes being run by different coaching institutes and whether they should join it or not. I have already described in detail what in my opinion should be a role of coaching in your preparation.It is not possible for me advice you where and in which coaching programme should you enroll or whether u should enroll at all or not.Upholding the spirit of transparency I have already described the sources/places I have used in my preparation.I leave it to your wisdom to decide what would be an appropriate place for you based on your needs,strengths and weaknesses as there cannot be a one size fit all policy.
Current affairs strategy for UPSC-CSE (PRELIMS):
MY SOURCES:
1.I referred to Vision IAS monthly magazine from April 2020 to April 2021 and then used the PT 365 of Vision IAS and selective portions of updated PT365 by Vision IAS.
2.Use government schemes PT 365 very selectively as that material sometimes becomes bulky so,here focus on recent schemes.
3.Did not read or make any notes from newspaper (this was a personal choice as after my 2nd attempt I had double minds of whether or not to appear for UPSC,so didn’t follow any newspaper and relied only on magazines).This does not mean that newspaper should not be read because as is evident from prelims 2022 newspapers are important part of preparation however, making notes out of a newspaper again has to be a personal choice.
4.Since I did not make any notes I cannot share any notes and also cannot advice on how to make notes out of newspaper.
MY SUGGESTIONS FOR CA FOR PRELIMS :
1.Read at least one newspaper the Hindu or Indian Express.This is important for beginners because they will get more holistic view by doing this and will also help to pick what news is to be read carefully from the magazines when u refer them.
2.Refer to a monthly magazine by any institute of your choice but do not read multiple magazines.You have to read one magazine multiple times.Due to their FOMO some aspirants keep referring to multiple sources to expand coverage, you have to understand that UPSC asks question from most important topics and any standard institute will have those topics in their magazine.
3.Do not get lured when some institute claims that some fringe topic came from their magazine.Trust me those 2-3 questions were/will not be the ones that will hinder ur selection.
4.Refer to current affairs of at least 1.5 years before your exam date. UPSC is asking contemporary affairs NOT current affairs eg: ques on vaccines ,miyawaki, biorock,T and B cells in prelims 2022 have been in news in last 1.5 years (and given in all the standard places) not just few months before exam.(I hope my point is communicated)
5.Do not ignore your static portion by focussing too much on CA.
6.Any beginner who does not understand can make use of videos on newspaper analysis or some websites like vision and insights that upload daily CA. However,keep in mind that in the course of preparation u are understanding things (especially after 3-4 months into prep).I can’t name any video source as I didn’t use any.
7.MULTIPLE REVISIONS (5-6 in number) and CONCEPTUAL CLARITY is very important for CA prep as well.
8.Solve CA tests also after u are done with CA of one month(I have already mentioned my sources).Choose what is convenient to you.
9.Whenever u see a question of CA in a test and u don’t know the answer simple technique is to type the topic followed by the Hindu or Indian express eg: ‘Miyawaki the Hindu’ and if that topic was in news within 1.5 years approx then it is important and u should read it carefully. For other new CA topics in a test read them once n if u think they enhance ur understanding on a topic or are important then note them in ur CA notebook/magazine else can be ignored.
10.Any topic that is in news,its static portion also has to read very carefully from the book eg: contempt of court if in news read that topic from Laxmikant as well
PREPARATION APPROACH FOR MAINS (ESSAY):
Sources I used:
1.A PDF uploaded by Anudeep Durishetty Sir (AIR 1) in one of his blog(you can find that by a quick google search).This PDF contains list of topics important for essay and is based on the topics asked by UPSC in the past.
2.Use the above topics and prepare quotes, anecdotes,some data points and dimensions on the same.
3.Prepare max1-2 pages notes on these topics.You have to only write keywords that will help in revising a day before the exam or in the morning of the exam day.
How to find quotes on topics?
1.Simply google the topic eg:quotes on health or quotes on women empowerment and go to images section of google (advantage is u don’t have to read articles and images are easy to read as 1 quote per image).
2.Note the quote in your notes.
3.DO NOT have too many quotes on one topic,5-6 are sufficient.
4.Choose ones that are easy to remember.(preferably short ones)
How to use these quotes?
1.Can use them for introduction or conclusion of your essay.
2.If u don’t remember the exact quote u can still use the keywords in the body of your essay eg:Corruption is like a cancer …..(search this one in google u will see it is long but u can just use this word or line in ur essay).
3.Understand the essence of quote and use it if not verbatim.
4.Try to use a quote at multiple places if possible.eg:If a topic is on health you can use still use a quote on women empowerment saying good health will lead to women empowerment ….However,make sure that you are not forcing a quote somewhere.It should look natural and should not break the flow of your thoughts.
Do you need to remember who said the quote?
It is best if u can but even if u can’t best thing is to remember some keyword there and use it wisely(as explained earlier)
To be continued….☺️
Continuation of essay strategy :
How to prepare anecdotes?
1.For people having creative bent of mind or ones who read extensively use ur imagination to create a story that aligns with the topic.
2.For others we read so many inspiring stories, news etc in the newspapers, hear it from friends n family so use that information to create a story.eg:”life is a long journey between being human and being humane”(PYQ) so here u can write something like person x on day of Mumbai terror attack was a terrorist and person y was one who was saving others risking his own life …..while both are humans …..but not humane.something on the lines could be an anecdote here.(PS: I got this idea by watching MUMBAI DIARIES ON AMAZON PRIME meaning that any thing u see/hear etc can be converted into an anecdote).SO for this ur general awareness n practice will help.
3.Use the knowledge of GS subjects eg:topic is “winter of discontent will be made glorious summer”start with British colonialism….jalliawalah Bagh incident….quit India followed by independence yet not satisfied…..finally green revolution….self-sufficiency etc (this is just to give u an idea how u can use ur knowledge)
How to prepare points/dimensions?
1.Pick points from society, history, polity articles, constitutional provisions, economy data points, any committees, ethics notes about thinkers, examples that u use in ethics etc.
2.For those writing exam next year they can develop a habit of reading a few books to improve their knowledge, writing style etc.
What to do after data collection?
1.Practice,Practice and Practice.
2.Write at least 10 essays b4 going for the exam.it will take only 15 hours (2 essays in 3 hours)
3.For those writing mains this year u have 100 days.so don’t ignore this part.
4.Practice a few philosophical essays as well (at least 5/10)because UPSC now is focusing way too much on that aspect.
How to write an essay in a test/exam?
Brainstorm for at least 15-20 minutes(at least) before you start writing.While brainstorming increase ur horizons/dimensions and think from social, political, economic, cultural, environmemtal angle about a particular topic.Use the space rough work ….it is given for this purpose.
LASTLY practice is the most important aspect.Do not go the exam with a false sense of confidence.Always remember any sincere candidate who is going to be a probable rank holder would have practiced a few essays beforehand.
I am sharing a few essay papers I have written (these are only for reference).You can choose your own writing style)
Again saying these are only reference essays written between prelims n mains and certain changes in writing style would have been incorporated based on the feedback so do not try to copy everything ( especially saying this for beginners).This is just to help u understand how to write an essay😊
This message is for those who are hopeful of clearing the prelims cutoff and write their mains with medical science optional this time (2022) that I do not have any handwritten or self-made notes on the subject to share.I mostly read from the books I referred to in college.Since their isn’t much time now before mains my advice would be that u too should focus on reading from the book without wasting much time in making notes (if u haven’t already) and finding someone else’s.Read ur books for the topics given in the syllabus( as u have read them in college it will be much faster) and keep checking the PYQs too for optional (2015 onwards) this will be of immense help.For all others I will post a detailed strategy for medical science optional in a few days.
Some of you have been asking about the pen I used to write my mains papers so it is the one in the picture.No particular reason for choosing this one except that someone very randomly told me that it is smoother than the others.You can choose any pen with which u can write comfortably 😊
A post on optional subject:
What is a good optional ?
A good optional subject for anyone is the one which keeps the aspirant engaged that is it matches with your interests or background (eg:a graduation subject) else one might not feel like reading it for long which will lead to underprepared optional and thus, poor marks and the other parameter is that sufficient guidance is available in form of test series, mentor support,material, coaching classes (if needed) etc.
Also I believe an optional subject should be your strength as unlike GS papers which u have to do whether u like it or not but for optional UPSC gives u an opportunity to choose so be wise and pick one that gives u an edge over others.
Is medical science a good optional for doctors?
YES, the reason being :
1.You have read the subject for 5.5 years (including internship) so you have sufficient knowledge base of the subject.
2.Syllabus is a little less than MBBS PROF. Exam so if u could pass that u can do well here too.
3.No new material is needed, whatever books resources etc that u used in your college days can be easily used here.
4.Being a technical subject if the preparation is done well and smartly there are high chances of scoring good marks and thus better chances of selection in the final list.
5.Because of the previous background/knowledge even if an unconventional question comes up in the paper u can easily solve it to get some marks rather than leaving it (eg: choledochal cyst in 2021 med science paper) however, in a new subject it might not be the case.
Issues/ Challenges with medical science optional paper ?
1.Time management can be challenge as whatever one reads for optional part cannot be used in GS papers unlike some other optional subjects.
2.Less guidance for UPSC( unlike the support available for PG prep)so majority of it has to be done by self-study.
3.Not many test series programme are available.(in my opinion they are not really needed but due to FOMO we all want them and ultimately end up joining some that are available).
4.Some factual portions eg:anatomy need repeated revisions (but that problem is there with every optional).
PS: I cannot comment on whether medicos should pick medical science or some other optional (eg:anthropology which is a common query).I have listed the pros and cons that I feel with Medical science optional and leave the ultimate decision to you😊
My approach to GS Paper IV (Ethics) :
Sources:
1.Atul Garg Sir’s class notes for ethics (covers both section A and case studies part)
2.Google
3.Previous year topper copies uploaded on Vision IAS portal
4.Good copies of the test that I was writing.(for those unfamiliar when u write a particular mock test any institute would upload 2-3 good copies of that particular test so that others can learn)
How did I use the above resources?
1.For class notes I read them multiple times, literally till the time most of the definitions and examples were in my muscle memory.(Maximum reading was done between prelims n mains).
2.Googled some examples of the topics that I wanted to change or for some definition that I wanted further clarification on .
3.Topper copies n good copies to understand the writing pattern for ethics answers and examples.
How much of my ethics preparation was done before prelims?(answering based on a common query)
1.It was done to the extent that I had the notes ready from Atul sir’s classes(that I mentioned earlier)and I read them 2-3 times to know what is there in my notes and where is it written by which I mean that topics like aptitude and attitude are in the beginning and corruption and RTI in the end.
2.But this wasn’t of much help as when I began writing ethics paper after prelims I was completely blank and almost in tears thinking that in such a short span I will not be able to cover it. But with repeated revisions,right feedback and one to one guidance on how to write ethics answers (all thanks to one to one mentorship programme at Smartwork Labs IAS Academy) I saw a drastic change in my ethics performance and in mock that I was writing at Vision IAS my score improved from (95 approx to 126 which was the highest score in that All India test.)
Why did I mention POINT 2 above ?
NO intention of boasting my skills or how I did some wonders but for the following two reasons :
1.Those writing mains this time and worried about ethics, do not get disheartened just focus on revising ur notes and take feedback on the test u are writing, analyse a few topper copies and u will see visible changes.Ethics is actually not that difficult as it seems just adopt a right strategy.(So don’t panic and start doing)
2.For those preparing for next year write a few ethics answers before prelims(at least PYQs) so that u have some confidence and do not feel confused right after prelims.(it is always good to learn from the mistakes of others,mine in this case)
To be contd…
