Let's meet on Friday.
Agenda:
1. I'll discuss what I think would have worked for me, i.e. changes I made this year, in Mains 2022.
2. I'll do some live evaluation as always from the assignments that would be submitted before the meet.
3. Take doubts if any, based on the videos I'm posting or on elimination in general.
Let me know if you have any more queries based on your study sessions from last week.
To join the meeting on Google Meet, click this link:
https://meet.google.com/tru-yera-ouj
Or open Meet and enter this code: tru-yera-ouj
Time: 10PM
Date,Day: 9th December, Friday
Agenda:
1. I'll discuss what I think would have worked for me, i.e. changes I made this year, in Mains 2022.
2. I'll do some live evaluation as always from the assignments that would be submitted before the meet.
3. Take doubts if any, based on the videos I'm posting or on elimination in general.
Let me know if you have any more queries based on your study sessions from last week.
To join the meeting on Google Meet, click this link:
https://meet.google.com/tru-yera-ouj
Or open Meet and enter this code: tru-yera-ouj
Time: 10PM
Date,Day: 9th December, Friday
❤1👍1
Sherlocking - Analysing Prelims 2022 for Success Part 3/10
https://youtu.be/C0_ioBE5mKE
Third Part released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video as much as you can! Feedback is always appreciated.
https://youtu.be/C0_ioBE5mKE
Third Part released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video as much as you can! Feedback is always appreciated.
Minutes of the last online meeting:
Disclaimer:
This exam is a black box at the end of the day.
Nobody can be 100% certain of how the evaluation happens.
My experience comes from official UPSC notification, having written Mains thrice and seeing two marksheets from those attempts, talking to a lot of successful and unsuccessful aspirants while keeping in view their marksheets, and listening to numerous topper talks available on youtube.
1.Major Change I made-Stuck to the directives from notification
*Conventional essay type paper: Thus too shorthand points without logical sense won't bring dividends
*Overall intellectual traits: capacity to interlink
*Depth of understanding: conceptual clarity
*Rather than mere range of information and memory: Pointless and endless Value Addition won't bring dividends
*Well educated person will be able to answer without any specialised study: No point watching/reading elaborate content on any issue. Let the basics do the work for you
2.Discussed 2022 GS1 and GS3 attempt.
3.4 Frameworks- the Holy Grail to generating 'n' number of points
->GS syllabus
->Lifecycle
->Stakeholder
->Long term/Short term
4.General Tips on Mains
->Preparatory phase
*Basic content(250 word writeup on every syllabus head)
*Answer writing(Application of that knowledge in PYQs for relevance and in mock tests for time management)
*Framework to increase number of points
*Mnemonics to improve content retention
*Wall paint hypothesis- Doing a sufficing paint job over the entire wall is more rewarding than beautifying only certain sections of the wall. The wall is the syllabus. i.e. Finish the entire syllabus ASAP once, before doing value add/developing differentiated content for certain sections.
->Examination hall aptitude
*Impossible quaternity->1.Filling all pages, 2.Attempting all questions within time, 3.Legible Handwriting, 4.Relevance of answers; All four can't be achieved simultaneously across all papers. Prioritise 4>2>3>1.
*Mains hierarchy of needs: Basic content>Answer Writing> Value Add.
*Don't overcomplicate question directivesi.e. Analyse= Discuss= Examine= Comment= Critically ____= Pros,Cons,Way Forward; Justify= Substantiate= Only second the perspective given in the Qn, no need for the counter points.
5.Live answer evaluation session-Suggestions to fellow members
->Handwritten answers over typed
->Use similar UPSC like sheets/space to practice(2 pages for a 10 marker, 2.5 pages for a 12.5 marker and 3 pages for a 15 marker)
->Align heads in body based on what is exactly asked
->Vertical reading should enable the evaluator to know that you've hit the demand of the question
For people dropping into my DMs asking me about the group on telegram, it has been made Open Membership. You can join by searching on telegram- 'Reddit Study Group'.
Also, I've been busy with work so took some time uploading the next video.
Here's the link to the fourth video in the series.
https://youtu.be/PQ8LgAwoYoc
Until next time.
Disclaimer:
This exam is a black box at the end of the day.
Nobody can be 100% certain of how the evaluation happens.
My experience comes from official UPSC notification, having written Mains thrice and seeing two marksheets from those attempts, talking to a lot of successful and unsuccessful aspirants while keeping in view their marksheets, and listening to numerous topper talks available on youtube.
1.Major Change I made-Stuck to the directives from notification
*Conventional essay type paper: Thus too shorthand points without logical sense won't bring dividends
*Overall intellectual traits: capacity to interlink
*Depth of understanding: conceptual clarity
*Rather than mere range of information and memory: Pointless and endless Value Addition won't bring dividends
*Well educated person will be able to answer without any specialised study: No point watching/reading elaborate content on any issue. Let the basics do the work for you
2.Discussed 2022 GS1 and GS3 attempt.
3.4 Frameworks- the Holy Grail to generating 'n' number of points
->GS syllabus
->Lifecycle
->Stakeholder
->Long term/Short term
4.General Tips on Mains
->Preparatory phase
*Basic content(250 word writeup on every syllabus head)
*Answer writing(Application of that knowledge in PYQs for relevance and in mock tests for time management)
*Framework to increase number of points
*Mnemonics to improve content retention
*Wall paint hypothesis- Doing a sufficing paint job over the entire wall is more rewarding than beautifying only certain sections of the wall. The wall is the syllabus. i.e. Finish the entire syllabus ASAP once, before doing value add/developing differentiated content for certain sections.
->Examination hall aptitude
*Impossible quaternity->1.Filling all pages, 2.Attempting all questions within time, 3.Legible Handwriting, 4.Relevance of answers; All four can't be achieved simultaneously across all papers. Prioritise 4>2>3>1.
*Mains hierarchy of needs: Basic content>Answer Writing> Value Add.
*Don't overcomplicate question directivesi.e. Analyse= Discuss= Examine= Comment= Critically ____= Pros,Cons,Way Forward; Justify= Substantiate= Only second the perspective given in the Qn, no need for the counter points.
5.Live answer evaluation session-Suggestions to fellow members
->Handwritten answers over typed
->Use similar UPSC like sheets/space to practice(2 pages for a 10 marker, 2.5 pages for a 12.5 marker and 3 pages for a 15 marker)
->Align heads in body based on what is exactly asked
->Vertical reading should enable the evaluator to know that you've hit the demand of the question
For people dropping into my DMs asking me about the group on telegram, it has been made Open Membership. You can join by searching on telegram- 'Reddit Study Group'.
Also, I've been busy with work so took some time uploading the next video.
Here's the link to the fourth video in the series.
https://youtu.be/PQ8LgAwoYoc
Until next time.
👍6💯4😇2
Answer Writing Orientation Post:
In my experience of having been in this cycle for 5+ long years, I've come to realise that there are two ways to prepare for this exam.
One is the elaborate way, which no doubt has good returns but is a time consuming process.
Another is the more efficient way, which relies on the Pareto principle.
Pareto is just a fancy way of saying that 80% of your output comes from 20% of your work, fancy as it sounds, it does work in this examination prep too.
But the principle comes with a caveat, that you should focus on the pivotal 20% and not just any 20% chunk to get the returns.
This post intends to highlight that pivotal 20%.
Below is a 5 step process that would give you the best possible chance of clearing Mains, in the most efficient manner.
1. Read the syllabus keywords for the subject you're preparing and internalise them.
2. Map those keywords with the Previous Year Questions to understand the width and the depth of knowledge you would need to handle them.
3. Refer one standard source, depending on the subject, it could be a book, coaching notes or some successful aspirant's material.
4. Analyse 10-15 topper's copies from the subject to train your mind on how they have been translating the basic knowledge on the answer script. This is an organic process and won't happen overnight. Thus, rather than going through those copies all at once, take out 15-20mins daily to analyse those copies and you would start feeling the difference within a week.
5. Start writing answers on the subject. It's an iterative process but when done in conjunction with the above steps, you would make quick and quality progress. While you're doing this, also start making crisp short flash notes that ideally should be made in your own handwriting and should contain only keywords, value add that with enough revision, would form a part of your muscle memory in months to come.
We're going to execute those principles together starting with Internal Security first. I would help you analyse the syllabus and provide my insights on the potential best resource/copies to refer. We would then begin writing answers once in two or three days and within 4-5 sessions, the subject will stand prepared.
As already discussed, you would have the option to opt for dedicated evaluation of your daily scripts at a per day nominal cost.
Two points of discussion about the Paywall:
-Paywall for dedicated evaluation became a necessity as it includes an element of contractual obligation to deliver quality and improves accountability of both parties to perform at their best.
-Paywall is non bundled in the sense that you 'pay as you play' so you would only come back for evaluation again if it adds value to your preparation, something I'm confident of delivering.
Even in case you don't opt for the dedicated evaluation, this initiative will certainly aid your mains preparation by giving you the right way to prepare, forum for peer review and my insights on the overarching approach for writing good answers.
I'm planning to start by 21st /22nd so people who want to write, should get started on internal security.
I will make a dedicated post on Internal Security prep soon.
In my experience of having been in this cycle for 5+ long years, I've come to realise that there are two ways to prepare for this exam.
One is the elaborate way, which no doubt has good returns but is a time consuming process.
Another is the more efficient way, which relies on the Pareto principle.
Pareto is just a fancy way of saying that 80% of your output comes from 20% of your work, fancy as it sounds, it does work in this examination prep too.
But the principle comes with a caveat, that you should focus on the pivotal 20% and not just any 20% chunk to get the returns.
This post intends to highlight that pivotal 20%.
Below is a 5 step process that would give you the best possible chance of clearing Mains, in the most efficient manner.
1. Read the syllabus keywords for the subject you're preparing and internalise them.
2. Map those keywords with the Previous Year Questions to understand the width and the depth of knowledge you would need to handle them.
3. Refer one standard source, depending on the subject, it could be a book, coaching notes or some successful aspirant's material.
4. Analyse 10-15 topper's copies from the subject to train your mind on how they have been translating the basic knowledge on the answer script. This is an organic process and won't happen overnight. Thus, rather than going through those copies all at once, take out 15-20mins daily to analyse those copies and you would start feeling the difference within a week.
5. Start writing answers on the subject. It's an iterative process but when done in conjunction with the above steps, you would make quick and quality progress. While you're doing this, also start making crisp short flash notes that ideally should be made in your own handwriting and should contain only keywords, value add that with enough revision, would form a part of your muscle memory in months to come.
We're going to execute those principles together starting with Internal Security first. I would help you analyse the syllabus and provide my insights on the potential best resource/copies to refer. We would then begin writing answers once in two or three days and within 4-5 sessions, the subject will stand prepared.
As already discussed, you would have the option to opt for dedicated evaluation of your daily scripts at a per day nominal cost.
Two points of discussion about the Paywall:
-Paywall for dedicated evaluation became a necessity as it includes an element of contractual obligation to deliver quality and improves accountability of both parties to perform at their best.
-Paywall is non bundled in the sense that you 'pay as you play' so you would only come back for evaluation again if it adds value to your preparation, something I'm confident of delivering.
Even in case you don't opt for the dedicated evaluation, this initiative will certainly aid your mains preparation by giving you the right way to prepare, forum for peer review and my insights on the overarching approach for writing good answers.
I'm planning to start by 21st /22nd so people who want to write, should get started on internal security.
I will make a dedicated post on Internal Security prep soon.
👍5🏆3🔥2
Master PYQ Docs that will help you in your journey. Save them!
🏆1
Let's meet Tonight!
Agenda:
1. Key to generating as many points as possible in Mains- Memorising syllabus through frameworks.
2. Efficient preparation of Mains exclusive topics, using PYQs as the lighthouse.
3. CSAT Strategy - how to secure 80+ with certainty!
4. I'll do some live evaluation as always.
5. Take doubts if any, based on the videos I'm posting or on elimination in general.
6. Queries on the answer writing initiative.
Let me know if you have any more queries based on your study sessions from last week.
To join the meeting on Google Meet, click this link:
https://meet.google.com/tru-yera-ouj
Or open Meet and enter this code: tru-yera-ouj
Time: 10PM
Date,Day: 18th December, Sunday
Agenda:
1. Key to generating as many points as possible in Mains- Memorising syllabus through frameworks.
2. Efficient preparation of Mains exclusive topics, using PYQs as the lighthouse.
3. CSAT Strategy - how to secure 80+ with certainty!
4. I'll do some live evaluation as always.
5. Take doubts if any, based on the videos I'm posting or on elimination in general.
6. Queries on the answer writing initiative.
Let me know if you have any more queries based on your study sessions from last week.
To join the meeting on Google Meet, click this link:
https://meet.google.com/tru-yera-ouj
Or open Meet and enter this code: tru-yera-ouj
Time: 10PM
Date,Day: 18th December, Sunday
Google
Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.
Minutes of the meeting:
1. Opened Polity syllabus with stakeholder analysis, Constitution syllabus with lifecycle based framework.
2. Repeated themes from PYQs, illustrated in IR.
3. CSAT startegy primer
-Comprehension using common sense
-Back substitution in Quant
-Low hanging fruits from LR- Venn diagrams etc.
4. Live evaluation
-Utility of directives
-Vertical evaluation
-Clear heads
5. Discussion on how to get started up with Internal Security.
1. Opened Polity syllabus with stakeholder analysis, Constitution syllabus with lifecycle based framework.
2. Repeated themes from PYQs, illustrated in IR.
3. CSAT startegy primer
-Comprehension using common sense
-Back substitution in Quant
-Low hanging fruits from LR- Venn diagrams etc.
4. Live evaluation
-Utility of directives
-Vertical evaluation
-Clear heads
5. Discussion on how to get started up with Internal Security.
The next assignment intends to make you practice effective structuring for Mains answer writing.
Assignment #n- Aim to finish it before the new year arrives.
1.Identify the sub parts of all the questions from GS1, GS2 and GS3 from 2022 Mains paper.
On a sheet of paper, mention the prelude if any, and the subheads you would make in the answer sheet.
This is an exercise in structuring, so I don't want you to write the answers or fill in content just now under those heads.
2.Download UPSC Mains 2022 essay paper and brainstorm over 1 essay topic from each section. Need not write the entire essay, just structure it and open themes that you would have expanded on, if you were to write it in the examination hall.
Just make that skeleton for those 60 questions & 2 essays, and I'm sure if you do that right, you would fill the flesh well in months to come.
You can submit the assignment in the comment box or at https://t.me/redditstudygroup
Assignment #n- Aim to finish it before the new year arrives.
1.Identify the sub parts of all the questions from GS1, GS2 and GS3 from 2022 Mains paper.
On a sheet of paper, mention the prelude if any, and the subheads you would make in the answer sheet.
This is an exercise in structuring, so I don't want you to write the answers or fill in content just now under those heads.
2.Download UPSC Mains 2022 essay paper and brainstorm over 1 essay topic from each section. Need not write the entire essay, just structure it and open themes that you would have expanded on, if you were to write it in the examination hall.
Just make that skeleton for those 60 questions & 2 essays, and I'm sure if you do that right, you would fill the flesh well in months to come.
You can submit the assignment in the comment box or at https://t.me/redditstudygroup
👍1
Getting started with Internal Security:
As discussed in the meeting as well as in the last post, I've recorded the video on Internal Security.
Checkout if you want to know more about my methodology.
https://youtu.be/RVzUUKHl_pA
Until next time.
As discussed in the meeting as well as in the last post, I've recorded the video on Internal Security.
Checkout if you want to know more about my methodology.
https://youtu.be/RVzUUKHl_pA
Until next time.
YouTube
Sherlocking | Getting started with Internal Security | UPSC & You
This video intends to give the viewers a Primer on getting started with Internal Security Preparation for UPSC CSE Mains.
This video series is a culmination of exhaustive Mains Previous Year Question Analysis.
The video talks about a five point methodology…
This video series is a culmination of exhaustive Mains Previous Year Question Analysis.
The video talks about a five point methodology…
👍2
Sherlocking - Analysing Prelims 2022 for Success Part 5/10
https://youtu.be/v5-q_2D2cVo
Fifth Part released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video as much as you can! Feedback is always appreciated.
https://youtu.be/v5-q_2D2cVo
Fifth Part released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video as much as you can! Feedback is always appreciated.
YouTube
Sherlocking | Prelims 2022 Analysis for Success Part 5/10 | UPSC & You
This video analyses the solution from Qn 41 to Qn 50 of Prelims 2022 Set A(downloadable from UPSC's website).
This video series is a culmination of exhaustive Prelims Previous Year Question Analysis using authentic UPSC released answer keys.
There are…
This video series is a culmination of exhaustive Prelims Previous Year Question Analysis using authentic UPSC released answer keys.
There are…
👍1
Sherlocking | CSAT 2021 Analysis for Success | UPSC & You
https://youtu.be/D6k_ZiIPnec
First Part of the CSAT 2021 Analysis series released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video! Feedback is always appreciated.
https://youtu.be/D6k_ZiIPnec
First Part of the CSAT 2021 Analysis series released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video! Feedback is always appreciated.
YouTube
Sherlocking | CSAT 2021 Analysis for Success Part 1/n | UPSC & You
This video analyses the solution to first 8 comprehension questions of CSAT 2021 Set A(downloadable from UPSC’s website).
This video series is a culmination of exhaustive Prelims CSAT Previous Year Question Analysis using authentic UPSC released answer…
This video series is a culmination of exhaustive Prelims CSAT Previous Year Question Analysis using authentic UPSC released answer…
🏆1
Let's meet Tonight!
Agenda:
1. Memorising syllabus through frameworks-History+A&C Edition.
2. Efficient preparation of Mains exclusive topics, using PYQs as the lighthouse-Geography edition.
3. I'll do some live evaluation as always.
4. Take doubts if any, based on the videos I'm posting on Prelims/CSAT/Mains exclusive topics or general queries.
Let me know if you have any more queries based on your study sessions from last week.
To join the meeting on Google Meet, click this link:
https://meet.google.com/tru-yera-ouj
Or open Meet and enter this code: tru-yera-ouj
Time: 10PM
Date,Day: 23rd December, Friday
Agenda:
1. Memorising syllabus through frameworks-History+A&C Edition.
2. Efficient preparation of Mains exclusive topics, using PYQs as the lighthouse-Geography edition.
3. I'll do some live evaluation as always.
4. Take doubts if any, based on the videos I'm posting on Prelims/CSAT/Mains exclusive topics or general queries.
Let me know if you have any more queries based on your study sessions from last week.
To join the meeting on Google Meet, click this link:
https://meet.google.com/tru-yera-ouj
Or open Meet and enter this code: tru-yera-ouj
Time: 10PM
Date,Day: 23rd December, Friday
👍5
I have made another group exclusively for answer writing.
Here's the link.
https://t.me/answerwritingneil
Read pinned messages as usual.
Here's the link.
https://t.me/answerwritingneil
Read pinned messages as usual.
Telegram
UnlockIAS AWG
Answer Writing Group
Neil, HCS 2021(Rank 93)
Founder UnlockIAS, devised the Art of ‘Sherlocking’.
Coached students successfully in UPSC, HCS, BPSC, OPSC, TNPSC & other state PCS exams, IFoS, ICAS, LEO, CAPF.
Neil, HCS 2021(Rank 93)
Founder UnlockIAS, devised the Art of ‘Sherlocking’.
Coached students successfully in UPSC, HCS, BPSC, OPSC, TNPSC & other state PCS exams, IFoS, ICAS, LEO, CAPF.
🏆1
Minutes of the meeting:
1. Opened History syllabus spatially and temporally.
2. Discussed History Mains PYQs using logical flow, contextual syllabus based information and the four cardinal frameworks.
3. Evaluated own Internal Security answers from 2020, discussion of broad strategy to project relevance of answers to the evaluator.
4. Queries from participants on answer writing, role of Lucent and other general points of discussion.
1. Opened History syllabus spatially and temporally.
2. Discussed History Mains PYQs using logical flow, contextual syllabus based information and the four cardinal frameworks.
3. Evaluated own Internal Security answers from 2020, discussion of broad strategy to project relevance of answers to the evaluator.
4. Queries from participants on answer writing, role of Lucent and other general points of discussion.
👍1
Sherlocking | CSAT 2021 Analysis for Success | UPSC & You
https://youtu.be/043NngbhHNI
Second Part of the CSAT 2021 Analysis series released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video! Feedback is always appreciated.
https://youtu.be/043NngbhHNI
Second Part of the CSAT 2021 Analysis series released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video! Feedback is always appreciated.
YouTube
Sherlocking | CSAT 2021 Analysis for Success Part 2/n | UPSC & You
This video analyses the solution to the next 8 comprehension questions of CSAT 2021 Set A(downloadable from UPSC’s website).
This video series is a culmination of exhaustive Prelims CSAT Previous Year Question Analysis using authentic UPSC released answer…
This video series is a culmination of exhaustive Prelims CSAT Previous Year Question Analysis using authentic UPSC released answer…
Sherlocking | CSAT 2021 Analysis for Success | UPSC & You
https://youtu.be/daS_Nt2v6Ak
Third Part of the CSAT 2021 Analysis series released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video! Feedback is always appreciated.
https://youtu.be/daS_Nt2v6Ak
Third Part of the CSAT 2021 Analysis series released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video! Feedback is always appreciated.
Sherlocking - Analysing Prelims 2022 for Success Part 6/10
https://youtu.be/Bb2Kv8QfJS0
Sixth Part released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video! Feedback is always appreciated.
https://youtu.be/Bb2Kv8QfJS0
Sixth Part released. Have a look and feel free to engage with the video! Feedback is always appreciated.