Kanika Goyal AIR-9 UPSC CSE 2022
Strategy and Notes (CSE):
Hello all, finally starting beyond the marksheets shared above, I would like to utilise this democratic platform to share the strategy and notes, the trials bundled with tribulations and the idea of smart work embedded in hard work dedication and perseverance including my all-time favourite cost-benefit analysis with you all.
My formulas for understanding the examination are:
1.Deconstruct the syllabus
2. Make notes (4 rules)
i. 10% rule : not more than 10% of the source
ii. Note down : Headings -subheading and basic structure of the source text and develop interlinkages
iii.Facts ,Figures, data, Names : For value addition which is LiT but easy to forget
iv.Continue to shorten them further as you revise them
3. Understand and match the demand utilizing the Previous year papers (both prelims and mains)
4. Start with a selective specific booklist and a clear-cut timeline to complete the subjects and also a clear-cut ratio cost-benefit ratio of sources being picked up
5. As you complete the topics along-with the subject test yourself through mock tests (prelims), answer writing and the very basic yet essential habit of recalling
6. Reflect through the topper’s copies to gauge what is to be added or subtracted
7. Create a written map on how you would be addressing the questions from each sub-part of the syllabus and the essential elements to be added to the answers
Deconstructing GS-2 along with the booklist
(UPSC : Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.)
Constitution
▪️Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
▪️Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Booklist
1. M. Laxmikanth : Chapter 1 to 11 (go selectively only for things which can be asked in prelims as it has nice underlining political theory concepts and focus on pointers be written in mains ) and the Amendment Annexure in Laxmikanth only
2. Class 11 NCERT: India Constitution At Work ( read it in 3rd year, didn’t make any notes but instilled the concepts)
3. PSIR Paper 2 Part 1B Shubhra ma’am notes (I just interlinked the sources I had , not needed otherwise)
4. For comparison : Normal Google search and noted the pointers mostly from BYJU’s website
5. Shashwat Chopra Sir’s lectures : Target UPSC : Samkalp Targeted mains batch GS-2
Polity
Structure of Polity : Horizontal and Vertical divisions
▪️ Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States
▪️ issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
▪️devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
▪️Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
▪️Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
▪️Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government
Democratic and autonomous nature of Polity
▪️Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
▪️ Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Sources :
1. M Laxmikanth
2. Shashwat Chopra sir’s notes for mains
3. Current affairs: PT-365 + value addition from this only for mains
4. Next IAS Mains Advanced Course and Vision IAS mains 365 summary notes
Governance and Social Justice
Development processes and the development industry
▪️ Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
▪️Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
▪️pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Sources
1. Shashwat Chopra sir’s notes for mains : LiT
2. Integrated associations and institutional stakeholder portions with the institutions and infrastructure portion in economy (GS-3)
3. PT-365, Mains advanced course summary, Newspaper editorials, SDG goals VNR report, Budget and economic survey were extensively utilized for value addition
Social Justice
▪️Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
i. mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
ii. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
iii. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Sources
1. PIB summary of schemes e.g. https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1546948
2. Integrated with concepts in Society (GS-1) thus used :
i. PT-365 social issues
ii. Social Development and Change (Class 12th NCERT)
3. NITI Aayog : https://www.niti.gov.in/documents/reports?page=1 : Mostly to take out examples and key pointers of reports e.g. https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-04/Stories_of_Change_2022_1.pdf : one of the best documents I picked up a lot of examples from
4. Shashwat Chopra Sir’s Notes
Role of Civil services
▪️Important aspects of governance and Role of civil services in a democracy.
▪️transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Sources
1. Shashwat Chopra Sir’s notes
2. Anudeep Durishetty Sir’s 2nd ARC notes
3. Integrated with GS-4 : utilized collected examples
International Relations
Indian Foreign Policy
▪️India and its neighborhood- relations.
▪️Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Structure and action of other’s having impact on Indian Foreign Policy
▪️ Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
▪️Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Sources
1. Shubhra Ranjan Ma’am PSIR Notes
2. Newspapers editorials
3. Only IAS IR editorial compilation videos (Sumit Rewri Sir’s Daily analysis )
4. PT-365 International relations, Mains 365 lecture summary
To emphasise in the end the above list and detail reflect how I understood the syllabus and sources I connected with, stuck to, found interlinkages or just stumbled upon to prepare for the paper, thus nothing is to be taken as to be written in concrete, each person has his/her own strengths, weaknesses and method of understanding which formulates their booklist or list of sources, what matters at the base is sticking to the syllabus, matching the demand of papers and picking things smartly keeping time and clarity in mind.
Stay happy, Give your best
And always carry smiles bundled with confidence :) ✨