^ My Ethics Notes. Have Theory and Diagrams and Quotes in it.

Apart from these I had referred to https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwxNMb28XmpeypJMHfNbJ4RAFkRtmAN3P&si=3Tc7WNexXtxwQ6zJ

where the ideologies of various western philosophers are explained in 4-5 minutes and I used to quote them at relevant places.

Most importantly, referred to Jayant Nahata Sir's (Telegram link attached in above messages) notes where he had a table mentioning Values and corresponding Examples, Quotes and Definition.

^ These are my Polity and Governance notes.
I loved quoting Court Judgements everywhere, so you might find an overuse of the same.

In Polity and Governance, ensure using Articles, Court Judgements, Amendments, Committee Recommendations, Data and Case studies/Examples extensively at relevant places.

Few unique things I picked up during last month of Mains:
For Value Addition you can use quotes too in Polity (Ex questions on Federalism, Separation of Power, Pressure Groups etc.), Use Constitutional Principles and doctrines (Laxmikant Book has mentioned few) and you can use best cases from international examples (Ex: Anti defection implementation in other countries, Shadow Cabinet, Local Governance structure etc.) in conclusion.

^ IR Notes.
IR has a fixed template while coming to Notes:

Be as diverse and extensive in terms of areas of discussion, go beyond usual PESTEL approach and also mention things like Space, Defence, Humanitarian Aid, Strategic Alliances.

Secondly, in IR use diagrams and maps.

Thirdly, value addition material in terms of quotes can be catchy. You can quote Honourable PM, Honourable Minister of External Affairs, C Raja Mohan (Columns in Indian Express) etc. I had noted 3/4 quotes from each area in IR (India-US, Foreign Policy, Neighbourhood Policy, Importance of Sea etc).

Fourthly, if you have time, this I did at very last - I used various concepts of IR that's very common in PSIR like Mandala Theory of foreign policy etc to make my answers bit more unique (had used ChatGPT for this).

^ My Geography Notes.
I found it difficult to write Geography Mains Answer, so I prepared notes in Q. And Answer format (Page 2-76).

After that the notes cater to Prelims and some Map works.

I didn't have maps pasted on my walls unlike every UPSC aspirant (my landlord didn't allow :P), so I used to make maps on my own, which in my opinion is more effective.

For Geography, after you are done with revisions, have a compilation of all diagrams, using them becomes essential in Mains.

^ Modern History Notes.

The theme wise notes are from Mains perspective. Rest cater to Prelims, which isn't very organised.

In Modern History/Art and Culture answers, draw diagrams (A&C answers).

The minute details you read for Prelims can help you enrich the answers like dates, names, places, books etc.

Use Model Answers of Test Series to cover the gaps for History from Mains perspective.

I will share my Art and Culture Notes (Mains oriented) separately.

Good Morning!
People appearing for Prelims '24, please refrain from watching any topper talks for strategy now. And don't engage with any new material being circulated now.

You will make through. You will. 💪

Hope everyone's having a great start to the week. Here's a video with Delhi Knowledge Track team where I have shared my UPSC Journey not from academic/strategy point of view but about the areas that's hardly addressed.

I am extremely grateful that I was able to make it through in my first attempt with a full time job, but was insanely difficult because of personal setbacks.

Sharing the video here, maybe someone might need that push today:

https://youtu.be/z90OOxnpIwI?si=-sAOrj_P7Coiyy7U

Hello Everyone!

For people appearing for Prelims '24, stop picking up any new material strictly and stick to your revision plan.

With respect to giving tests now, there's no fixed rule except for the fact that do everything that gives you confidence. Restrain from doing anything that makes your confidence dwindle.

'Control the Controllables' - Revision, stay hydrated, eat good food and sleep well. You are feeling anxious, not feeling anxious - everything is okay. Prelims Ho Jayega. You got this. 💪

If you are giving Prelims '24, please skip this.

https://youtu.be/x-aUvRGqLmE?si=8k1VQAwKT1yRJ-O4

I was amazed to see the efforts to make this but CivilsDaily Team had made a very practical and useful video that explains how I made notes and how I tried replicating my notes in Mains Tests I wrote with CivilsDaily and at Abhyas by Vision IAS. Felt sharing this as the video gives a clear picture how notes should be made that would help you to replicate the content in the test, and I did the same, the proof being my own notes and own tests.

Keep the Josh high!!

Hello Everyone!

This isn't (atleast that's the intention) a promotional message.

I wanted to do something substantial and contribute to the community. Enough of topper talks and more than enough gyans! To make the best utilisation of my time before I shift to LBSNAA, I have teamed up with CivilsDaily for their Smash Mains 2024 Program.

What would I do?
I have an overall supervision over the content that would be delivered. I would review the test answers of the aspirants and point out the missing X factor. And I would make content on topics that are very analytical and needs interdisciplinary approaches. I shall be diligently working with the team to ensure we do wonders in Mains.

Why CivilsDaily?
I was a student at CD enrolled in their Ultimate Assessment Program which had Smash Mains as a component. I didn't write GS Mains Tests elsewhere apart from CivilsDaily and Vision's Abhyaas. I personally can vouch for the quality of content and the feedback. Hence, I wanted to team up with the team I can totally trust on.

We have started working on the content and they are better than even what I got.

Here is a link with the details: https://youtu.be/b89S-vrEfPs?si=4IrH-989HO-OJlO2

For Enrollment:
https://rzp.io/l/tQkmGsU

Abhi Prelims ke liye Padho, Prelims Clear Hone Wala Hai, then let's Smash Mains '24.

And I plan to undertake some Pro bono initiatives too and would be coming up with that. And incase you are enrolling in anything that has got my name in it and have any criticism/complaint/feedback on that course, please mail me at animeshpradhanupsc@gmail.com I will ensure your resources don't go in vain.

Good Morning Everyone!

For people appearing for Prelims '24, accept all kinds of emotions you are going through. Every emotion is valid at this point.

Please keep yourself hydrated and eat good and nutritious food. Most of us stay away from home, but try to eat basic Dal Chawal Roti kind of dishes and not rely on any junk at this point.

Keep your sleep cycle streamlined so that you don't feel drowsy during actual exams. Don't take Afternoon naps now.

KEEP THE CONFIDENCE HIGH. CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES.

You will make through this year. You will qualify Prelims. You are anxious and nervous and everyone is. First timer, last timer everyone has the same feelings.

Carry your admit card, water bottle, verification ID, lots of blessings, huge amount of confidence and constant smile. You got this, my friend. Aap hi ho AIR 1. All the best for Prelims '24! 💪

Few of my batchmates (UPSC CSE and IFS '23 rankholders) have made this answer key for Prelims '24 GS (Paper 1).