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.
[Mains GS1 coverage]:
------------------------
Post Independence History:
------------------------
1. Booklist
- Vajiram class notes - Jindal Sir
- NCERT XIIth - Politics in India Since Independence
2. Approach
- Mapping of previously asked questions to various keywords
- Covered it Era wise - Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Coalition era, etc. - Social, Political, Economic developments, Foreign Affairs, etc
- Cover important movements during the period.
- Link with society / social issues
3. My notes:
Self handwritten notes after prelims:
You can use it for broader topics which you need to cover.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/22g9fwl1u8g8850/Post%20Independence%20History.pdf?dl=0
Vajiram class notes:
Lectures are yet to be added. It will be done after a while. From Mains perspective, I only relied on self-written notes as they are derived from class notes
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fy2bmdew49hfnu0/AAD7EHBfSariMpQKKbmL3tqDa?dl=0
Some of you might get overwhelmed by the volume of notes I am sharing.
Just remember that Class Notes were written in classes itself, whereas Self Notes were written “after the prelims”. Class notes can be ignored for those writing Mains this year unless they want specific notes on topics like Ethics.
I would like to emphasise more on “Self Notes” (SN) in order to tell you that there is a lot to gain if you are willing to grind after prelims.
These SN, I started writing AFTER 21st July and the Mains was on 28th September.
As you can see, I did A LOT of writing in 1.5 months, which ultimately helped me improve my GS performance. Many people focus on online notes (even I did it before prelims), but since Mains is all about writing, I deliberately shifted to handwritten notes. If someone wants to do this online, you can do this as well. But type everything instead of copy pasting and do it in your own words.
As far as the source is concerned, I want to clarify that I did not read any new resource after prelims except Mains 365 (selected reading) and Test series model answers. Only a couple of topics like DM and Internal security had to be read from scratch.
I consolidated all my knowledge (class notes, NCERTs, std books, important points from model answers) using A4 size loose sheets and wrote everything keeping Mains in mind. It became my source of revision and also a way of practising Mains answer writing. Also as I wrote everything BY MYSELF I was able to retain a lot of information (also multiple revisions - 4/5 - helped).
These notes might have or might not have been useful for next attempt, but why think like a pessimist?! I went all out for this one attempt. My notes kept on getting spoiled in each successive revision. You can see different colour highlighters showing which keywords I focused more during revision.
Prelims result will be out soon. It is never too late to start working hard. You just have to put your head down and work your a** off! Start picking up your rhythm and hit top gear within next 10 days and aim for the glory!
Best of luck! 👍🏻
Will share other notes soon. Those having trouble in topics like Society, Security, DM and Ethics can refer to them. Some of them are quite understandable. You can use them as a guidance but remember - MAKE YOUR OWN NOTES! 😄
Just remember that Class Notes were written in classes itself, whereas Self Notes were written “after the prelims”. Class notes can be ignored for those writing Mains this year unless they want specific notes on topics like Ethics.
I would like to emphasise more on “Self Notes” (SN) in order to tell you that there is a lot to gain if you are willing to grind after prelims.
These SN, I started writing AFTER 21st July and the Mains was on 28th September.
As you can see, I did A LOT of writing in 1.5 months, which ultimately helped me improve my GS performance. Many people focus on online notes (even I did it before prelims), but since Mains is all about writing, I deliberately shifted to handwritten notes. If someone wants to do this online, you can do this as well. But type everything instead of copy pasting and do it in your own words.
As far as the source is concerned, I want to clarify that I did not read any new resource after prelims except Mains 365 (selected reading) and Test series model answers. Only a couple of topics like DM and Internal security had to be read from scratch.
I consolidated all my knowledge (class notes, NCERTs, std books, important points from model answers) using A4 size loose sheets and wrote everything keeping Mains in mind. It became my source of revision and also a way of practising Mains answer writing. Also as I wrote everything BY MYSELF I was able to retain a lot of information (also multiple revisions - 4/5 - helped).
These notes might have or might not have been useful for next attempt, but why think like a pessimist?! I went all out for this one attempt. My notes kept on getting spoiled in each successive revision. You can see different colour highlighters showing which keywords I focused more during revision.
Prelims result will be out soon. It is never too late to start working hard. You just have to put your head down and work your a** off! Start picking up your rhythm and hit top gear within next 10 days and aim for the glory!
Best of luck! 👍🏻
Will share other notes soon. Those having trouble in topics like Society, Security, DM and Ethics can refer to them. Some of them are quite understandable. You can use them as a guidance but remember - MAKE YOUR OWN NOTES! 😄
Not reading new sources after prelims in its essence means being ready for mains even before prelims.
That’s why it’s important to complete optional before prelims. Then you can focus on smaller topics in Mains and do syllabus completion + note making + test series simultaneously.
If you put in a little extra effort in first 4 months of your preparation, then the 4 months between prelims and mains become much easier. [Add the marathon vs sprint cliche statement about UPSC here 😛]
This tip is primarily targeted towards new aspirants who are aiming for 2020.
That’s why it’s important to complete optional before prelims. Then you can focus on smaller topics in Mains and do syllabus completion + note making + test series simultaneously.
If you put in a little extra effort in first 4 months of your preparation, then the 4 months between prelims and mains become much easier. [Add the marathon vs sprint cliche statement about UPSC here 😛]
This tip is primarily targeted towards new aspirants who are aiming for 2020.
[Mains GS4 Coverage]:
------
Ethics:
------
1. Booklist
- Vajiram class notes - Pub Ad section by Brijendra Sir, Psychology section by Pathak Sir and Philosophy section by Manikant Sir
- Filling gaps from Vajiram Yellow Book
- Random internet searches for conceptual clarity
- Free Lukmaan video on Neostencil
- Lukmaan IAS evaluated copies of students from test series (Available online) to understand how to write good answers in case studies.
2. Approach
- Keep things simple instead of complicating your answers. Also, back your gut feeling, in this paper especially!
- Have a basic understanding of all keywords mentioned in the GS4 syllabus. Preferably prepare a small note on each of them.
- Keep examples ready and revise them for themes like the right end but using wrong means, Utilitarianism, etc
- Always note important examples and terms from case studies - have shared a PDF of the same.
- Practice all the Previous Year Case Studies
- If you are comfortable try to use philosophical or psychological approaches while justifying your arguments in case studies. Many times students tend to stick to the governance/PubAd-ish answers.
3. My notes:
Self handwritten notes after prelims:
Folder link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gvu1vd6p2z285kq/AABeaiQMWXsUZr5dfkv7cOvIa?dl=0
Particular pdfs:
1. Pointers from Case Studies: https://www.dropbox.com/s/x4qouup31rjnc59/Ethics%20-%20Case%20Studies.pdf?dl=0
2. Psychology (has only keywords + little incomplete; for better understanding and definitions refer to class notes):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c66t25r40vhd6a7/Ethics%20-%20Psychology.pdf?dl=0
3. Pub Ad (for exact definitions refer to class notes):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mh4pz6xjapy9e88/Ethics%20-%20PubAd.pdf?dl=0
4. Philosophy (Better than class notes):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/z5yz34w48ptntya/Ethics%20-%20Philosophy.pdf?dl=0
Vajiram class notes folder:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rrpuugtf86bqval/AABTdW6UBMcA4adJXsTjDsh5a?dl=0
Few additional notes:
Keywords with Examples: https://www.dropbox.com/s/8o9bm9qow92wlr3/Ethics%20-%20Keywords%20With%20Examples.pdf?dl=0
Some other examples:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pzkfd2908tuzq2k/Ethics%20Examples%20for%20examination.pdf?dl=0
I would recommend that for the Philosophy section refer to self notes (class notes are all haphazard), and for the other two sections, class notes have better definitions and dictations given by the teacher. Their self-written notes are only keywords for quick revision.
In addition to tests and Answer Writing practice, I took 10-12 days to cover the whole GS4 syllabus after prelims and make all the self notes for last minute revision.
Sharing some important maps from World History - NCERT Maps were Black and White and harder to read.