UPSC CSE is a mystery for many. Aspirants seek guidance from various sources on internet.
CS 2019 Batch has started an initiative to provide all their strategies, notes, tips etc at a single place and demystify this process for you.
You do not have to worry about scanning various websites to read different toppers’ strategies.
http://demystifycse.in is a one stop destination to access all the material relevant for you - be it booklist, answer sheet, motivation, optional strategy, notes and so on.
We will try to share as much information as possible.
Thank you!
CS 2019 Batch has started an initiative to provide all their strategies, notes, tips etc at a single place and demystify this process for you.
You do not have to worry about scanning various websites to read different toppers’ strategies.
http://demystifycse.in is a one stop destination to access all the material relevant for you - be it booklist, answer sheet, motivation, optional strategy, notes and so on.
We will try to share as much information as possible.
Thank you!
Hi everyone,
I have written two posts on Mathematics optional on demystifycse.in
I have tried to put in as many dimensions as possible. Hopefully they will be of some help to you.
These are the links:
Overview of Maths as an optional:
http://demystifycse.in/mathematics-as-an-optional-kanishak-kataria-rank-1/
Topicwise tips:
http://demystifycse.in/topic-wise-syllabus-coverage-in-maths-optional-kanishak-kataria-rank-1/
Thanks and best of luck!
👍🏻
I have written two posts on Mathematics optional on demystifycse.in
I have tried to put in as many dimensions as possible. Hopefully they will be of some help to you.
These are the links:
Overview of Maths as an optional:
http://demystifycse.in/mathematics-as-an-optional-kanishak-kataria-rank-1/
Topicwise tips:
http://demystifycse.in/topic-wise-syllabus-coverage-in-maths-optional-kanishak-kataria-rank-1/
Thanks and best of luck!
👍🏻
All my Mathematics revision notes have been uploaded on https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rgf66xv9cmsym0j/AACDCRR7UJ_e2dsmDULEr-9Qa?dl=0
They are reference from IMS notes and include theorems, tricks, important examples and anything which I felt was important from examination point of view.
All of these notes were written during my 2nd revision - 1 month duration just after Prelims (10th June 2018 to 20th July 2018). If you have done 1 revision before Prelims, this step is very easy to follow.
Unless you have paucity of time (like working professionals), I would not recommend you to read directly from my notes. Writing them by yourself is very important for better retention. I myself followed Yogesh Kumbhejkar Sir's notes. But wrote everything by myself. I just cross referenced his notes to see if there was something important I had missed out on.
They are reference from IMS notes and include theorems, tricks, important examples and anything which I felt was important from examination point of view.
All of these notes were written during my 2nd revision - 1 month duration just after Prelims (10th June 2018 to 20th July 2018). If you have done 1 revision before Prelims, this step is very easy to follow.
Unless you have paucity of time (like working professionals), I would not recommend you to read directly from my notes. Writing them by yourself is very important for better retention. I myself followed Yogesh Kumbhejkar Sir's notes. But wrote everything by myself. I just cross referenced his notes to see if there was something important I had missed out on.
Hello everyone,
I have uploaded my *evaluated* Mains and Essay test series copies on my dropbox folder.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/px298yystx0779x/AABqiBXgasa0P5UMYguKXJc7a?dl=0
It was the 1st time I was attempting any test or essay, thus there is a lot of scope for improving all the answers. You can get a fair understanding of the level of my answers, my general habits while writing plus the quality of evaluation done.
I benefitted a lot from last year toppers' copies. I analysed their styles and tried to adopt them as per my comfort level. I didn't believe in reinventing the wheel given the paucity of time I had. If some of you are in similar situation, you can look at my answer copies and learn from it. If you do not like anything, just discard it. Ultimately, you have to write as per your own style.
I will soon come up with a detailed post on "Utility of test series".
Best of luck!
I have uploaded my *evaluated* Mains and Essay test series copies on my dropbox folder.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/px298yystx0779x/AABqiBXgasa0P5UMYguKXJc7a?dl=0
It was the 1st time I was attempting any test or essay, thus there is a lot of scope for improving all the answers. You can get a fair understanding of the level of my answers, my general habits while writing plus the quality of evaluation done.
I benefitted a lot from last year toppers' copies. I analysed their styles and tried to adopt them as per my comfort level. I didn't believe in reinventing the wheel given the paucity of time I had. If some of you are in similar situation, you can look at my answer copies and learn from it. If you do not like anything, just discard it. Ultimately, you have to write as per your own style.
I will soon come up with a detailed post on "Utility of test series".
Best of luck!
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/poverty-social-development-per-capita-income-narendra-modi-gdp-5609326/
An old article from Indian Express. Quite good from Mains perspective.
An old article from Indian Express. Quite good from Mains perspective.
The Indian Express
Poverty to vulnerability: Rethinking social protection
India is no longer largely chronically poor; it is now more unequal and vulnerable with pockets of deep poverty. Its future shared prosperity will depend to a large extent on how its social protection system evolves and catches up with its diversity and demography.…
Forwarded from Shreyans Kumat Notes and Strategy UPSC
Essay
----------
Strategy by Nivedita S B (AIR 303). She scored one of the highest in Essay this year. (Score: 148)
http://demystifycse.in/essay-strategy-nivedita-s-balaraddiyavar-air-303-cse-2018/#more-788
----------
Strategy by Nivedita S B (AIR 303). She scored one of the highest in Essay this year. (Score: 148)
http://demystifycse.in/essay-strategy-nivedita-s-balaraddiyavar-air-303-cse-2018/#more-788
UPSC Mathematics Resource Material:
IMS 2015 Test Series:https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B02P0b7U7zOhaThteUx6VmdtYjg
IMS 2016 Test Series:https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B02P0b7U7zOhN2M0OWd4Ynp0RVE
IMS 2017 Test Series:https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B02P0b7U7zOhUjlyeXU2T3h2bDg
IMS 2018 Test Series:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/njorjy9f3s6w4uv/AADpeKoCxTzeFi_9whPWmJi3a?dl=0
Previous Year Solutions:https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1iU2g_mJKROlX0pPx_VHJlIhVnzDyUsny
Hi,
I have shared my thoughts on Utility of Test Series, specially from the perspective of first attempt.
Many of you will be thinking about joining test series right now. It is imperative that you utilise it in the right manner otherwise it is a wastage of both time and money.
My key takeaways are - do not get carried away by the evaluations. Maintain a stable head and keep calm and confidence.
I hope it will be beneficial for you.
http://demystifycse.in/utility-of-mains-test-series-a-first-attempter-perspective-by-kanishak-kataria-rank-1/
I have shared my thoughts on Utility of Test Series, specially from the perspective of first attempt.
Many of you will be thinking about joining test series right now. It is imperative that you utilise it in the right manner otherwise it is a wastage of both time and money.
My key takeaways are - do not get carried away by the evaluations. Maintain a stable head and keep calm and confidence.
I hope it will be beneficial for you.
http://demystifycse.in/utility-of-mains-test-series-a-first-attempter-perspective-by-kanishak-kataria-rank-1/
http://demystifycse.in/link-for-some-useful-toppers-copies/
A compilation of various topper copies. Might be helpful to get an insight into answer writing and how it needs to be approached.
A compilation of various topper copies. Might be helpful to get an insight into answer writing and how it needs to be approached.
Sharing few answer writing tips here:
1. Writing full 150/250 words is a recipe for disaster. It is impossible to attempt all the questions if you try to adhere to these limits religiously.
Finish your answer in 135 words for 10 pointers and 220-225 words for 15 pointers.
👆 tip by Varun Reddy
2. Introduction shouldn’t be more than 10% of your answer. Write 1/2 lines at the maximum. Some possible approaches are
• using some quote
• defining the concept being discussed (pretty useful in GS4)
• quoting stats and figures (easy way in any answer for GS2 and GS3)
3. Conclusion can be just a single line. But don’t leave it. It provides a sense of closure to your answer. Also be optimistic and forward looking in the conclusion
4. Use data smartly. Don’t fret over using it in answers excessively. Excess of anything looks bad. It is difficult to remember stats , specially for first timers. With revision and practice you will automatically start remembering and recalling them as and when needed.
In my test series copies I was asked to quote stats but I didn’t remember them at that time. It was only as the Mains approached that I was able to do it.
The reason why people use data is to provide a rationale basis to their arguments.
For example: suppose in an answer on Digital India you write
A) “digital penetration in India has increased”
B) “digital penetration in India has increased (200mn Whatsapp users - XYZ report)”
Clearly statement B looks better than A.
Also, look at how the data is mentioned along with the source in a couple of words. No need to write full sentences like “As the XYZ report recently mentioned there are 200 million whatsapp users in India”. These are just filler words which eat your time and word limit without adding too much value.
Prepare a cheat sheet of stats ready for quick revision. You can keep updating it. I am also sharing my Evernote statistics note for reference. For better retention do this exercise yourself and use latest figures.
5. Similarly for reports and committees. Just write a recommendation and in bracket mention the committee name (like ARC).
6. Although not necessary, diagrams, flow charts etc do help to some extent. If creativity is not your forte, don’t do it. If you can think and present using them, it can certainly provide you some edge. They also help you write more in less words.
Diagrams are specially needed for geography answers.
7. Ensure neat presentation. It makes the examiner’s task of evaluating the answer much easy.
8. Underline keywords. It helps catch the eye.
9. Bullet vs paragraph; blue vs black; ball point vs gel pen is again person specific. Do what you like!
10. In questions with “critically analyse” directive, first criticise and then give the positives. It ends your answer on a good note.
11. Always split the questions in multiple sub parts and write on them sequentially. It will streamline both your thoughts and your answer.
12. In 250 word limit questions without subparts, please judge by yourself and add one or two aspects to provide closure to the answer (and also fill up the words!)
Writing 250 word answer for a topic you don’t know is very challenging for sure!
For eg. if the question says “what has been the impact of green revolution in India? (250 words)”
Here you can’t just go on writing on the impact for 250 words! Provide some sort of structure by also mentioning briefly what is green revolution and why it was undertaken. But 75-80% of the answer should talk about it’s impact.
13. As mentioned in test series post, quality in individual answers and quantity of questions attempted overall is important.
Will add more as and when I remember.
1. Writing full 150/250 words is a recipe for disaster. It is impossible to attempt all the questions if you try to adhere to these limits religiously.
Finish your answer in 135 words for 10 pointers and 220-225 words for 15 pointers.
👆 tip by Varun Reddy
2. Introduction shouldn’t be more than 10% of your answer. Write 1/2 lines at the maximum. Some possible approaches are
• using some quote
• defining the concept being discussed (pretty useful in GS4)
• quoting stats and figures (easy way in any answer for GS2 and GS3)
3. Conclusion can be just a single line. But don’t leave it. It provides a sense of closure to your answer. Also be optimistic and forward looking in the conclusion
4. Use data smartly. Don’t fret over using it in answers excessively. Excess of anything looks bad. It is difficult to remember stats , specially for first timers. With revision and practice you will automatically start remembering and recalling them as and when needed.
In my test series copies I was asked to quote stats but I didn’t remember them at that time. It was only as the Mains approached that I was able to do it.
The reason why people use data is to provide a rationale basis to their arguments.
For example: suppose in an answer on Digital India you write
A) “digital penetration in India has increased”
B) “digital penetration in India has increased (200mn Whatsapp users - XYZ report)”
Clearly statement B looks better than A.
Also, look at how the data is mentioned along with the source in a couple of words. No need to write full sentences like “As the XYZ report recently mentioned there are 200 million whatsapp users in India”. These are just filler words which eat your time and word limit without adding too much value.
Prepare a cheat sheet of stats ready for quick revision. You can keep updating it. I am also sharing my Evernote statistics note for reference. For better retention do this exercise yourself and use latest figures.
5. Similarly for reports and committees. Just write a recommendation and in bracket mention the committee name (like ARC).
6. Although not necessary, diagrams, flow charts etc do help to some extent. If creativity is not your forte, don’t do it. If you can think and present using them, it can certainly provide you some edge. They also help you write more in less words.
Diagrams are specially needed for geography answers.
7. Ensure neat presentation. It makes the examiner’s task of evaluating the answer much easy.
8. Underline keywords. It helps catch the eye.
9. Bullet vs paragraph; blue vs black; ball point vs gel pen is again person specific. Do what you like!
10. In questions with “critically analyse” directive, first criticise and then give the positives. It ends your answer on a good note.
11. Always split the questions in multiple sub parts and write on them sequentially. It will streamline both your thoughts and your answer.
12. In 250 word limit questions without subparts, please judge by yourself and add one or two aspects to provide closure to the answer (and also fill up the words!)
Writing 250 word answer for a topic you don’t know is very challenging for sure!
For eg. if the question says “what has been the impact of green revolution in India? (250 words)”
Here you can’t just go on writing on the impact for 250 words! Provide some sort of structure by also mentioning briefly what is green revolution and why it was undertaken. But 75-80% of the answer should talk about it’s impact.
13. As mentioned in test series post, quality in individual answers and quantity of questions attempted overall is important.
Will add more as and when I remember.
Kanishak: Strategy and Notes for UPSC
Committees, Cases and Statistics.pdf
I started making this pdf just 1.5 months before Mains (when I started GS2 and GS3 revision).
Mentioning it so that you do not get overwhelmed by it! 😅
It is never late to do any thing.
Just focus and do the hard work 💪🏻
Mentioning it so that you do not get overwhelmed by it! 😅
It is never late to do any thing.
Just focus and do the hard work 💪🏻
Continuing on my Answer writing tips:
14. Elaborating a little on my first point about Word Limit. I would not want you to alter your natural way of approaching an answer. If you are able to write full 150/250 words, it’s good but don’t dilute the quality of the answer.
With 130/225 words, you will be able to save some time to think clearly and come up with better points. Also, you will try to write the best points instead of generalistic ones.
With use of flow charts and diagrams having keywords, some words are saved as well.
15. Continuing my emphasis on quality of points. It is important to prioritise points and write your best ones at the start. Generalist points should come later. Don’t just write them in any random order.
For example, if the question talks about unstable coalition government in parliamentary system and asks for some reforms. Consider two points:
A) Constructive No confidence motion in which along with no confidence, opposition needs to show confidence as well.
B) Healthy coalition culture should be promoted in India.
Now A should be written before B which is just a generalist point.
You will be able to master it over a period of time. But do keep it in mind.
16. Addressing all the subparts and Highlighting them is important if the question itself has subparts. Provide adequate heading, make a box around it or write it in block letter or underline it. But do not forget to highlight and address them.
17. Adequate weightage needs to be given to all the subparts in the question with respect to content allocation in the main body.
18. Another way to write introduction is to talk about the context in which the question is asked.
For example: If a question talks about fire safety guidelines, you can mention the recent case in Surat coaching centre.
Will keep on adding more.
14. Elaborating a little on my first point about Word Limit. I would not want you to alter your natural way of approaching an answer. If you are able to write full 150/250 words, it’s good but don’t dilute the quality of the answer.
With 130/225 words, you will be able to save some time to think clearly and come up with better points. Also, you will try to write the best points instead of generalistic ones.
With use of flow charts and diagrams having keywords, some words are saved as well.
15. Continuing my emphasis on quality of points. It is important to prioritise points and write your best ones at the start. Generalist points should come later. Don’t just write them in any random order.
For example, if the question talks about unstable coalition government in parliamentary system and asks for some reforms. Consider two points:
A) Constructive No confidence motion in which along with no confidence, opposition needs to show confidence as well.
B) Healthy coalition culture should be promoted in India.
Now A should be written before B which is just a generalist point.
You will be able to master it over a period of time. But do keep it in mind.
16. Addressing all the subparts and Highlighting them is important if the question itself has subparts. Provide adequate heading, make a box around it or write it in block letter or underline it. But do not forget to highlight and address them.
17. Adequate weightage needs to be given to all the subparts in the question with respect to content allocation in the main body.
18. Another way to write introduction is to talk about the context in which the question is asked.
For example: If a question talks about fire safety guidelines, you can mention the recent case in Surat coaching centre.
Will keep on adding more.
[Mains GS1 Coverage]:--------------------------------
Ancient History + Art and Culture:
--------------------------------
1. Booklist:
Few chapters from NCERTs -
- Ancient India - RS Sharma
- Medieval India - selected reading of chapters on culture (Chapters 9,11,17)
- Vajiram Class notes - Jain Sir + Reverse learning from test series
- Nitin Singhania - didn't have time to read
2. Approach:
- I focused on minimal coverage.
- Mapped last 5 year questions to themes like Architecture, Literature, Painting, Music to analyse the trend. (Similar exercise was done for all the topics in all GS papers)
- Wrote keywords and important names from various culture themes in chronological order to prepare a synopsis in my mind.
- Went into theme wise study:-
-- Rock-cut cave architecture -> development across ages.
-- Temples -> development + designs like Nagara, Vesara, Dravida
-- Other architectures like sculptures from IVC, Buddhist Stupas, Pottery, etc.
-- Gandhara, Mathura, Amravati Schools
-- Then covered Sultanate and Mughal periods - paintings, architecture, music, literature, etc.
- Doing this exercise will help you develop linkages. With this, you can answer - trend based, comparative (UPSC favourite) or a period-specific question.
- Do not go for cramming names - you are bound to forget.
- Tip: For those who have zero exposure, I would advise you to see my Evernote note "Ancient History Overview", especially topics like Buddhism, Jainism, Bhakti-Sufi movements, Hindustani-Carnatic Music, etc.
3. My notes:
Evernote Notebook: https://www.evernote.com/pub/kanishak_ias/history
Self handwritten notes after prelims:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/amdis1qnv8u4olf/Ancient%20%2B%20Art%20and%20Culture.pdf?dl=0
Vajiram classnotes:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/o7fqq8dk1mhiy7f/AAAiVp9sDeeDlhRPyTswRA3ra?dl=0
2018 UPSC asked quite a few questions from Ancient but I was able to write something in all of them and did not leave them blank.
👆 edited and added link to my Vajiram class notes from Ancient History lectures
[Mains GS1 coverage]:
-------------------------------------
Modern Indian History + Freedom Struggle:
-------------------------------------
1. Booklist:
- Old NCERT - Modern India - Bipan Chandra
- Spectrum
- Vajiram Class notes - Parmar Sir
2. Approach:
- Map previous year questions to various keywords.
- Learn the basic timeline from 1757 onwards till 1947 and then add information on top of it. In history, events need to be studied in a single link. They are all connected. Preceding event becomes the reason and the succeeding event is the effect. Multiple readings from NCERT are enough to build this timeline.
- Also, study trends like developments in education, civil services, decentralization/centralization of power, etc. You can see my notes for a better understanding.
- Comparative analysis of important events and personalities becomes important and you should put specific focus on them.
- As the topic is static, UPSC is kind of running out of new questions. So expect some broader level questions instead of specific ones.
- Don't cram years and dates. All the important ones automatically get registered with multiple revisions. Focus on developing the understanding behind the cause of any particular event or action taken by any personality.
- Link events in India with the developments in the world like the Impact of Russian Revolution or WW-II, etc
- Study impact of British policies on Economy, Society, Culture, Polity of India.
3. My notes:
Evernote and self notes are little scattered, as I was pretty confident in this subject and relied more on conceptual clarity.
Evernote Notebook: https://www.evernote.com/pub/kanishak_ias/history
Self handwritten notes after prelims:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rrclwj18gkc5o37/Modern%20Indian%20History.pdf?dl=0
Vajiram classnotes:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xocfkafpy14if5c/AACUtkhAHf360DvR3S9gcbqda?dl=0
[Mains GS1 coverage]:
------------
World History:
------------
1. Booklist
- Vajiram class notes - Ojha Sir
- NCERT by Arjun Dev - 9th (Chapter 7-8), 10th (Chapter 9-13)
- Vision Supplementary Module (selective reading)
I liked the subject so spent more than required time. Wouldn't advise it to other people!
2. Approach
- Questions being asked has reduced but it doesn't imply you leave it completely
- Cover important revolutions - Industrial, American, French, Russian - - cause and impact --> Social, Economic, Political
- WW-1, WW-2 are important, especially their causes and effects
- Prepare different theatres during Cold War like Iran, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc. - they have been asked recently (Suez Crisis)
- Maps are handy to revise and also write answers. Look at my notes on Napoleon, Bismarck, etc.
- Do chronological event wise study - can write answers like that as well! See my WW-I and WW-II notes.
3. My notes:
Self handwritten notes after prelims:
They are quite useful in my opinion for quick revision, though only from GS perspective. If you do not have time, then refer to them. Else prepare by yourself, it will be much more beneficial.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ar87b0db32jglym/World%20History.pdf?dl=0
Vajiram class notes:
Lectures are yet to be added. Will be done over a period of time. From Mains perspective, I only relied on self-written notes as they are derived from class notes
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vnx6mlelweqf2xt/AAAmrGUHocZ33XLZyKkTEqKla?dl=0
An example of using Self drawn Maps to revise events in World History. Here is a screenshot of my notes - Phases in Unification of Italy.