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Topper's Strategy
Here I am sharing some of strategies for upsc preparation and also find attached booklists for prelims and mains for your reference.
#Strategy for UPSC prelims 1#
There is no fix strategy for clearing the exam. Every topper has his/her own strategy.That's why try to find out your own method/strategy. But I want to share the basic strategy.
Approach for prelims shouldn't be just gaining the knowledge but it's exam of '#Application of your Knowledge'.
I failed in 2015 prelims . It was the first big failure in my life.But after that I cleared the prelims for three consecutive years 2016,2017,2018. That's why I am sharing whatever I learned about the exam.
1)First follow the proper booklist because '#What to study and What not to study' is important factor in clearing the prelims.( Booklist: Manoj Mahajan's answer to Can you share your UPSC CSE full booklist NCERT plus standard book and other material-like vision material and all books and material? )
2) Manage the your timetable such that whole the syllabus can be revised at least 3-4 times. For candidate with first attempt, it will take 4-5 months. For other candidates, it may be like 40 days.
3)Try to read word by word and line by line in '#First Reading. This instruction is specially for candidates who are going for second (or more than that ) attempt.
4) Then in #Second Reading, try to read important points or underlined portion.
5)After that go for #Sectional Tests. It means after reading the any subject , solve the test papers of that subjects. Try to develop '#the Elimination Method'(soon,I will share it )
6) Analyse your #mistakes. Generally mistakes of four types:
a) silly mistakes
b) wrongly reading the questions
c) grey areas( lot of confusion)
d) black spots( no knowledge)
So here try to work more on first three types of mistakes. And for '#d type' , do proper cost benefit analysis then work on it.
7) Try to read about your wrong answers after giving the sectional test. Also maintain #the separate notebook to write down short notes about important questions from test series. Revise that notes regularly. Because we learn rapidly from our mistakes/wrong answers.
8)Then go for #Third reading (faster than the second reading)of the complete syllabus.
9)Now try to solve comprehensive tests and again do the analysis thoroughly. Repeat here again point number 6) and 7).
10)Try to give #at least 6-7 comprehensive tests with proper UPSC prelims timing(9am to 11am) to make your brain to work efficiently in that time period.
11) Then do #forth reading. Now you will be in position to picturize all the concepts and data.
12)The #day before the final exam day try to go through all the subjects if you have the micronotes. Soon I will share my notes.
13) In the #last week try to focus on volatile subjects(for me ,they are History and Polity). Just read them,3-4 days before the exam.
14) I personally feel that 'The #Group Study' is important for revising current affairs and miscalenous topics. But do choose your partners consciously who are focused and sincere about studies.
15) While solving the classes test series. Do solve all 'the #previous year UPSC prelims papers(both GS and CSAT) since 2013'(Download from https://upsc.gov.in/
And Ultimately UPSC is '#Unpredictable Public Service Commission'.So do '#Self Study' i.e study of yourself and study by yourself and constant improvisation.
Best wishes and regards,
Manoj Mahajan
AIR 125 in UPSC CSE 2018
#Strategy 2#
Hey guys last 7 days are remaining for Prelims so some tips from my side
1) Make solid timetable for last 7 days.
D day Prelims
D-1 day to D-6 day
2) Let's first discuss for D day
U have nearly about 1.5 hr for study.
So study
*FR FD DPSP of Polity*
*See diagrams of landforms of geography.*
*See world maps*. It will help to fetch 10 marks directly/indirectly.
While solving the paper evolve the strategy means if paper is easy like 2016 then read paper carefully and don't get excited because there are alot of chances of silly mistakes.
And if paper is like 2018 unconventional and difficult then don't loose your temper be calm and steady & take appropriate risk. Ultimately believe your intuitions without over thinking.
While solving CSAT have minimum attempt of 50 questions. If you find your CSAT is not upto that mark then practice it on D-7 day and D-1 day by solving Previous Year UPSC Papers.
3) D-1 day - Saturday should be planned such that all the subject can be revised.
On this day just go through your Micro-notes. This is strategy for psychological satisfaction and building confidence.
If you don't have micro-notes then revise 3-4 important subjects(must see environment and current affairs... don't read thoroughly)
And Plz keep sometime for relaxing like after 7 pm I won't read.
4)D-2(Friday) , D-3(Thursday), D-4( Wednesday)
Do read volatile subjects and in which you can fetch more marks.
For me, it was History including A&C and Polity.
And do selective reading.
5)D-5 ( Tuesday)
Do read some conceptual subjects which can be covered in the half day. I used to give read Economy and Geography concepts.
Do read glossary of these subjects.
6)D-6 (Monday)
Do scan Environment (Basic Definitions, Conventions, Treaty, Protocols, Conferences, Animals , NP, WS, Biosphere, Pollutants, Indices and See website of UNFCCC, UNEP and MOEF).
7)Do read previous year UPSC questions and answers (since 2013) of a particular subject while reading that subject.
8) For Polity and Art and Culture, see PYQ UPSC since 2000.Because questions are repeated.
9) It is not just exam of your IQ , EQ plays important role.
Be confident and positive in rhe last week.
Your all efforts of the year or years are going to be tested in 2 hours.
So do believe yourself. And if you are feeling low in these last days talk with your parents, friends, partner who can boost your confidence.
"Just be patient. Let the game come to you. Don't rush. Be quick, but don't hurry."- Earl Monroe
Best wishes,
Manoj Mahajan
AIR 125
UPSC CSE 2018
#Strategy 3#
All the very best to all the aspirants for UPSC prelims
Some basic tips for D-Day :
1) Take proper sleep
2) Don't get tense believe yourself
3) Be confident and calm
4) Don't worry too much about future just be in the Present.
5) Try to attempt 85+ questions
6) Don't make silly mistakes in hurry
7) Don't get demoralised if paper is difficult .Try to find easy questions by jumping on 1st , 26th, 51st, 76th.
8) Believe me at this moment you are not able to remind all the data but (due to efforts for the years ) you will get the answers after reading the options.
9) Have some tablets for headache , acidity or vomiting ; painkiller etc.
10) Do keep some chocolates or fruits with you.
11) Take sincere efforts for solving CSAT paper.
12) Reach the centre before time.
Perform like you've never lost !!!
Strategy for History Optional:
Basically, I didn't read anything different. Only my answers were different.
1. Gave some thought to each and every syllabus point and came up with a unique thing about that point which I can use or introduction or conclusion.
2. Highlighting parallels in history wherever possible. E.g. question was akabar's religious policy finds no parallel in medieval India. In conclusion I would draw a parallel with ashoka.
3. Dont limit yourself to scope of questions. E.g. question: Gandhi is political heir to both moderates and extremists.
I would not limit my discussion to ideological similarities only. I would also include the organization. I.e. the home rule league.
4. Highlight as many aspects of the issue in question as you can. Used to write at least 6-7 points. However, precaution must be taken to avoid repeatation of points.
5. Had mugged up famous quotes. Very useful for opinion based questions.
6. Include as many terms as u can in ancient and medieval.
7. Give reference to sources and researches of historians at as many instances as you can. Answer mustn't be naive.
Mains Paper and Interview Material:
https://drive.google.com/
Find the booklist attached.
Best wishes,
Manoj Mahajan
IAS 2019 Batch
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