Some learnings from experience of 4 interviews that i attended:

1) Treat it as normal conversation that you are going to have with 5 random strangers. Give simple application based answers and NOT the ones you write in Mains that are keyword or jargon or facts centric. (I used to give technical answers and then they ask 4-5 linez of counter questions to check depth and applocation).

2) Read profile of all 9-10 chairs so that you know their ideology and area of interest or policy that they have worked on so that you dont end up criticizing a policy that they worked on. (I did this!) This will also help you in saying what the person wants to listen. More they are able to resonate with you, more marks you may get.

3) Do not go in that room with mindset that you are weak in language of communication else you will end up being nervous and overspeak in attempt to prove ypur point. Starting this very moment, you will talk to each and every person in language of interview.

4) Be confident while saying "Sorry sir/ma'am, idk". Your facial expressions should not change, whether you know the question or not. Dont get excited or nervous. They have already checked your knowledge in prelims and mains and this is not a knowledge test.

5) At times, they will ask you a question and then pretend to do something else like having tea or samosa or chit chat among themselves while you are answering. Do not let it affect you now that you know that even this happens.

6) LISTEN question carefully. Take PAUSE. FRAME 4-5 crisp to the point apllication based lines in your mind and then SPEAK. This process ensures that you know what you are talking about and dont blabber random crap. In 2017 (4th interview), in beginning of interview, board told me "We have tested your knowledge enough. This is just a conversation that we are going to have. Listen to the question. Take pause. Then answer".

7) DAF point number 7 is part of summary sheet from which most of the questions are asked. Be very specific, and NOT GENERIC, in terms of details that you mention for prizes etc so that you can catch eyeballs and drive interview. But, dont try to do it mechanically during the interview. They are expereinced smart people and have worked enough to catch it in a second.

8) If you are faking anything in DAF, particularly a hobby, then internalize it in remaining days so that you answer anything related to it with conviction. For example, "Why IAS" is the most common question we prepare. But, they wont ask it just directly by serving it on the platter. They will ask you xyz random question(s) and then cross questions and then from your answer(s) they will then shoot this question to you. It is common to go blank in that situation about this basic question. Hence, you need to internalize your answer so that you can answer it in any context.

9) It may vary but they never asked me anything wrt my cadre choices.

10) Be forthcoming if they ask you to draw say a world map or to perform your hobby then and there. Dont start with any sort of excuse that you may not be able to do well etc.

@decodecivilsgroup

In 4th live session of essay module we will discuss the easiest and most applicable approach of essay writing i.e. sectoral approach. We have discussed 7-8 introduction types, historical para, overview para, 15 conclusion themes and 3 approaches i.e. PESTEL, Chronological & SDG in first 3 sessions.

Topics for tomorrow:

✅ CSM 2019 - Wisdom finds truth

✅ CSM 2021 - Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera

✅ CSM 2024 - All ideas having large consequences are always simple

Agriculture November Current Affairs Minamap
@decodecivilsgroup

Day-200!!

UPSC Questions Are Not Random – They Are Strategic

The UPSC exam is not just any test. Nothing in the question paper is without logic. Every question is crafted with purpose.

General Studies, for instance - the questions are designed to test your grasp of topics that are as general as they are relevant. The key is to know what to study and why - and that’s where Current Affairs becomes your guiding structure.

In my Current Affairs Course for Prelims, I help you break down exactly what you need to focus on, cutting through the noise and teaching what’s truly important.

Forget bulky compilations. I’ve got you covered with crisp 1-pagers for your final revision.

See you there.

Watch Complete Details Here!

Less than 160 Days left for Prelims 2025. If prepared well, 5 months are enough to crack Prelims.

However, one should avoid following 5 mistakes to ensure success in Prelims:

https://youtu.be/rHxbsaBODBY?si=cDKtSD7akyZURKq9

🚨 Bold Prediction for UPSC Prelims 2025

The Paper Will Be Dominated by Current Affairs & Contemporary Issues

Here’s the track record:
✅ In 2023 , I predicted a contemporary-focused paper—and it happened. (P.S. above post hasn't been edited!)
✅ In 2024 , I predicted Static-heavy questions, especially from History—and it repeated. (P.S. above post hasn't been edited!)

With this credibility, I’m calling it: UPSC Prelims 2025 will see a surge in Current Affairs questions.

But here’s the real question:
👉 How do you master Current Affairs in a way that’s laser-focused and effective for Prelims 2025?

Don’t leave it to chance. Watch now to decode the strategy:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg4aDv-39m4

The difference between clearing and missing Prelims 2025 could be this one decision.

Connect with me here - https://www.sarrthiias.com/course/current-affairs-revision-program-2025

Environment November Current Affairs Mindmap
@decodecivilsgroup

On January 12, 2007, a world renowned violinist played incognito in the New York subway for 45mins earning 30USD in tips. In the subway he played one of the most complex works ever written in a 3.5 million USD violin.

This happened 2 days before he sold out 2000 tickets in a theatre in Boston and seats averaged about 100USD. He was paid 1000USD per minute by the organizers for the performance. Joshua Bell is the violinist in the story, one of the greatest violist ever. This social experiment proved that value of anything is determined by its placement.

A bottle of water can be 50cent in the super market, 2USD in a gym, 3USD in a theatre and 10USD in an airport. The only thing that changed the bottle’s value is the place. So next time you feel your worth is nothing, you are in the wrong place. Go to where you are appreciated and go to a place that understands your value. @decodecivilsgroup

24-12-24

https://chatgpt.com/share/676abd3a-3074-8009-b30a-97df50be7c1f

Value addition at your fingertips!

@decodecivilsgroup

P.S. I had suggested all students of mine to do so wrt their optional subjects as well. Many who have cleared Mains were happy to share that they followed this approach for GS as well as for optional!

COP-29 in 1 mindmap!

Year End Sale Live on all courses including Current Affairs wherein you get holisitc view of current affairs for Prelims & Mains

Here is my prediction for UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 (based on Trends and Patterns of last 5 years i.e. Prelims 2020 to 2024). I have analyzed & predicted subject-wise focus areas.

P.S. In 2023 , I was able to predict a contemporary-focused paper. In 2024 , I was able to predict Static-heavy questions, especially from History. Also, I was able to predict Applied nature of Ethics 2024 Paper. (P.S. The prediction post msgs aren't edited!).

Watch this Detailed Explanation of the Prediction & Focus Areas so that you are able to plan your preparation better (May let me know in the comment section about what sort of analysis is required for CSAT):
https://youtu.be/g5YwjVFImHc

More At: https://t.me/decodecivilsgroup

#UPSC #CSE #Prelims #Mains #CSAT #UPSCExam #UPSCAspirants #IAS #IPS #IRS #IFS #CurrentAffairs

Guess where the path leads to! Hope you guys get there soon.

Current Affair Based Real Life Essay Anecdote:

Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old Indian, has redefined the limits of possibility by becoming the youngest girl to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mt. Vinson in Antarctica and Mt. Everest. Her journey embodies courage, determination, and the belief that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary dreams. Kaamya's remarkable feat is not just her personal triumph but inspires countless others to dream big and persist against all odds. With resilience and an unyielding spirit, even the loftiest summits can be reached. Truly, no dream is too high!

Happy new year everyone. May 2025 be the year wherein your dreams come true. Tc.