audience statistics Shubham Kumar: Strategy and Notes for UPSC(CSE)

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Best wishes for tomorrow’s Paper All the hard work of last one year and more will be put to test tomorrow. It is very common to feel little anxious and stressed out. Try to calm yourself, talk to yourself and to someone who can boost your confidence Confidence and Active mind can make lot of difference. Focus on those most important 2 hours. Avoid blunders as much as you can. Give importance to each and every question. Don’t rush to solve when it is easy and don’t panic when it is tough. At the end, 3-4 questions can make a lot of difference. Whatever your strategy is, don’t change it in last moment. Few things that everyone should keep it intact - number of iteration/rounds, number of questions to attempt, which areas/subjects to attempt/leave, time management etc Also remember that if the paper is tough than it is tough for everyone. Best Wishes, you will do well !!

https://upsconline.nic.in/FR-CSM-23-engl-160424.pdf

Kindly go through the EWS FAQs shared by DoPT. Also, I have updated few of my points kindly see and clarify your doubts !!

Lot of queries in EWS For EWS, few general points: 1) Family definition includes only your Parents and siblings below the age of 18 2) Land - if land is in the name of grand father- then Land will be distributed first among all the children of your grandfather (including bua (Father’s sister)) and then it will be divided among all the adult siblings (your brother and sisters)— after this see the limit provided for agricultural and residential plots. In most of the cases, it will be below the mentioned limit, means you would be eligible. Explanation: So even if your house has area more than what it is required for eligibility, first divide the area among your adult siblings and then see the limit 3) One general rule of thumb in case of EWS. If total income from your parents and you — is less than 8 lakhs, then generally the criteria of land for agricultural and residential is fulfilled once you divide the land among your father’s sisters and among your adult siblings. Remember the definition of family !!

I am posting this message again . Although it is very late since last date to registration for CSE 2024 is 5th March. There is lot of confusion with regards to OBC non creamy layer certificate. 8 lakh income criteria in 90% of times is NOT applicable and even if your family income is more than 8 lakh, you can be eligible. Also salary and income from agriculture is not included in 8 lakh test. Moreover your own income is not included for income test. Only income of your Parents (Mother and Father) OBC is given based upon your father’s and mother’s income and status. Some general guidelines: 1)Even if income is more than 8 lakhs, one is eligible for OBC non creamy certificate- for group B,C,D employees (except in case where both mother and father is in group B service) 2) Father/Mother promoted to group A after 40 yrs of age, children are eligible for OBC NCL 3) For PSUs/Banks/other government sector : If anyone’s parents are not involved at managerial post then you would be eligible for OBC NCL (even if salary is more than 8 lakh as income from salary is not included for income test) 4) For own business- here, if income is more than 8lakhs officially (income tax filed for more than 8lakhs)- from business/investments/gold etc- one is not eligible. (This is a very small percentage) 5) All teachers/professors/Government employees belong to B,C and D categories are eligible (salary can be 15 lakhs) 6) Bank employees and PSU employees below rank of manager or promoted to manager after the age of 40 are eligible 7) For pensioners: if someone is eligible just before the retirement, then he/she is eligible for OBC NCL Kindly watch this video. Also all the pdfs of acts/rules are attached in the description of the video https://youtu.be/JzQLXgDceb0

Finally the result of Mains 2023 is out. Like last year it came after much anticipation. First of all congratulations to those who have qualified for the personality test. Those who have given interview before would be well aware that this is not the time of celebration. Surely, a satisfaction comes and gives positive hope for the final stage. Like previous steps of the examination, the final stage also demands preparation but in different way !! To all those serious aspirants who had put lot of hard work and sweat to this examination, I would say- DON’T LOOSE HOPE. The only thing in our control is our ability to fight back, our ability to work hard and our ability to maximise our probability for selection. No one can ever say for sure that he/she will get selected - That’s the unpredictability of UPSC exam that everyone has to go through. After every stage of UPSC exam, some people have to decide and take a tough call- whether to stop the preparation, or continue the preparation. Discuss with your friends and family but this decision has to be yours, nobody knows you better than you. Also it should not be taken in haste but should be a well thought of decision. Those planning to appear next year, should analyse their mains mock test papers. Compare it with the toppers mock test papers. Evaluate your strategy and try to work upon the weak areas. Now (2 months max) is the time to improve upon the mains. Try to include daily answer writing, writing some 3 hours GS/Optional mock tests into your preparation strategy. Remember that you are not alone in this preparation. And many times, somethings happen for a reason !! Best wishes !!

https://upsc.gov.in/WR-CSM-2023-081223-ENG.pdf

All the very best for tomorrow’s optional paper. Some suggestions (Humanities/Anthropology optional) 1) 80% Rule: Even if you are able to recall 80%, you will perform well. Due to vastness of any optional, it is difficult to remember each and every aspect in detail. 2) Select the questions wisely: Give 5-7 minutes at the start of each paper. Never select questions thinking that these questions would be attempted less by other aspirants. One should select based on what he/she knows. Calculate roughly the combined marks that you can get out of 50 in that question. 3) Good time management is highly rewarding in optional 4) First focus on addressing the demand of the question and then linking it with Thinkers/Case Studies/Examples. By adding theories/thinkers/case studies- your answer will become like optional (Non-GS type) 5) Linking Paper 1 and Paper 2 Indian examples in Paper 1 and Global in Paper 2. Also link the questions with different part of syllabus 6) 10% Rule: If you are able to incorporate maximum 10% unique content, it is sufficient to score very good marks. Don’t take stress that everyone would be writing same. (Everyone may have read the same content, but very few would be able to actually write that in exam that to according to demand of the question) 7) Explain the points/concept: Can write in points as well as in small small paragraphs. In optional paper, it is important to explain as in contrast to GS, where we pour down many points. 8) Break the question into different parts: Contemporary Relevance/Way Forward can be added towards the ended- but it should be according to demand of the question Believe that you will do well !! Best Wishes !!

Kartik Jivani (AIR 8, CSE 2020 ) and I, both alumni of IIT Bombay and batchmates (IAS 2021), have come together to bring this resource to you. Leveraging our knowledge of Coding, Artificial Intelligence and UPSC CSE, we aim to benefit all aspirants. We present the Model Answers for UPSC CSE 2023 Mains GS Papers. Our goal is to deliver curated answers using Artificial Intelligence, trained on the UPSC syllabus, with minimal human intervention. It’s not just the chatGPT; it is more than that. We hope you find this resource helpful in your journey to success !! Best Wishes !!

For those preparing for CSE 2024 and not writing mains this year: Now is the right time to get into the mains preparation. Till December, one can focus more on Mains- GS and Optional papers Download all the CSE Mains 2023 Papers. Right now, one can do the following exercise to improve one’s answer writing: 1) Link it with the Syllabus: Analyse the questions of GS1, 2,3,4 asked in Mains 2023 and link with syllabus. Analyse whether it is factual or analytical, static or current etc. Identify areas where questions are being asked more 2) Brainstorming: Try to first write some points (scribble) 3) Current Affairs: Linking the question with Current Affairs 4) Think of apt Introduction and conclusion 5) Answer Writing: Write a full 2 page/3 page answer with subheading and points/small paragraphs 6) Look for Topper’s mock answers: Before writing answers, one can look for mock test papers of Toppers for that particular GS. Idea is, to know structuring, number of words, sub heading etc After writing answers also, one can compare and contrast it with topper’s copies and do peer review with friends Best Wishes !!

For all those preparing for optional: Many people would be wasting their time analysing GS papers. Generally we cannot perform 100% to our potential, so we will always have this feeling that we could have performed better. So, to beat the competition, it is important to study for next 2 days efficiently. From 3rd day, everyone will start revising their optional. Keep your efficiency high during these 5days. While revising: 1) Do scribble and write some valuable points 2) Topics like Archeology (for Anthro optional)- select the most important questions and focus revision on these. It is difficult to remember each and every facts. Focus on broader aspects 3) Time should be allocated according to degree of importance of each topics. For example give enough time to Physical Anthropology as it is rewarding also 4) Revise your mock test papers also 5) Revision should also be focused on gaining confidence. And you should touch almost all topics to get the feeling of sense of completion Best Wishes !!

Some insights and suggestions 1) Forget about what has happened in GS and Essay. It will unnecessarily impact your performance in optional. Always remember that your relative performance matters and not the absolute 2) From here, If you are able to score 270+ in optional and 180+ in interview, there is enough probability that you will get into the list. So entire focus of yours should shift towards optional 3) Utilise these 5 days well. After a certain point, performance in optional depends upon how well you are able to reproduce concept/facts/data/thinkers in exam. This depends upon how well you have revised and revision requires time Optional Strategy I’m sharing what I followed in these 5 days after GS papers 1) Studying for 10-12 hours 2) Revising Optional thrice - 1st revision in 3 days, 2nd revision next 2 days, 3rd revision after language paper 3) Writing some questions: can write 3hours test also, after revising for 2-3days I wrote 2018 PYQ paper (during 2020 attempt) of Anthropology paper 1 on 3rd day. Till this time I was able to revise whole paper 1 and half paper 2 (1st revision). It serves 2 purpose- a) Generally we get out of touch with optional due to minimum 12-15 days of only GS studies. Writing tests boost confidence and prepare us well for real exam b) Increases your efficiency of revision - generally we become complacent and revise optional in very relax way for first 2 days 4) Avoid studying anything new Even if you study now, you won’t be able to write in exam. Have some basic knowledge in every topic so that you can handle compulsory questions Best wishes for remaining mains papers !!

GS3-2023

How to attempt GS 4 Time division: 1 hr 35 minutes (max 1:40) for case studies and 1:25 minutes for section A Section A 1) Write 3-4 dimensions and give examples. Don’t forget to mention administrative dimension where ever possible. Write Ethical angle also as far as possible 2) Other important dimensions- global, environmental, historical, personality based, corporate, current affairs 3) Administrative dimension: Can frame examples- few best scenarios where many qualities are covered are riot control, disaster management, handling election (these departments directly come under DM) 4) Values mapping: Use words from syllabus like integrity, emotional intelligence etc 5) Link with GS 2 (governance): write Constitutional articles, DPSPs, FRs, Acts/Rules (Eg- Civil Services Conduct Rules), NITI, ARC2, Institutions (true for case studies also) 6) Writing appropriate quotes in section A is rewarding 7) Make flow charts Section B (Case studies) 1) Write good intro: come out of case study and give a broader perspective- (like the above case study pertains to classic debate between env vs development…) 2) Space management: give more focus on ‘what will you do/be your approach’ - (eg - in questions where it is asked what all options available and what you will do- write 2 extreme steps and then your own) 3) Write long and short term solutions- not in all but where ever possible- write some specific and concrete steps 4) Explain ethical dilemmas/issues well - with help of short short paragraphs (don’t only mention it rather explain it) 5) Try to address smaller problems apart from main problem: Underline and mark on (1,2,3,4) the question paper (not answer booklet) and keep it in front of you while writing answers so that you don’t miss anything. 6) Think from all stakeholders: No need to mention, if it has not been asked exclusively, but thinking in lines with all stakeholders- makes answers comprehensive (Eg if question came related to drug trafficking in state which share boundary with other nation……- answer should reflect not only control at drug, but other solutions related to problem arising out of being border state) All the Best for tomorrow !!

GS-2, 2023

GSM-1 2023

Last year, I posted a message on how to attempt GS papers. I’m posting it again with slight modifications. How to Attempt (GS1-3) General Instructions: While reading question paper (before start of examination, papers are distributed 2-5 minutes before)- try to link questions with your short notes of value addition. If you are able to remember committee name/articles/case studies- try to mark it on question paper itself. It is better to start answering the questions as soon as exam starts (9am/2pm) and not to waste time in complete the reading of question paper No need to complete sentences while in writing points- if it conveys the meaning Hello Specific institutions: GS1 1) History/World History/Art and Culture- enough scope to make maps, diagrams like Ashokan pillar, Stupa, Temples 2) Geography- make diagrams in most of the questions. Micro (Small) diagrams also 3) Society- important to define key terms (like poverty, caste), mention Policy, life cycle approach (eg women- child, adolescent, old age) GS2 1) Analytical- use of small small paragraphs in some questions. Properly explaining the statements becomes important with examples and analysis 2) Show ethical dimension if possible in governance 3) International Relations- political diagram must, historical dimension, use of key words (like track 2 diplomacy), G20 4) Use of ARC2/Articles/SC Judgments/Budget, NCRWC, LCI, Commission (Sarkaria/Punchhi) 5) Linking Static with Current Affairs (for GS3 also) GS3 1) Use of Graphs/pie charts(which I had prepared beforehand) and statistics: economist love stats/data 2) Disaster Management- Use of diagrams and maps, best practices 3)Security- use of bodies/Acts/Institutions 4a) Value addition- Budget/Economic Survey/NITI Aayog/ SDGs 4b) Env and Security: Summits and agreements 5) Time management is utmost important- generally you will be knowing all questions. At the same time you have to be accurate in answering and not beating around the bush as far possible Best Wishes !! P.S- No matter how well you have prepared and managed time, for maximum people including me there used to be few questions where I had to rush to finish it !!

Few last minute tips: 1) Scope for Maps- in Geography and History, A&C. But it should be relevant 2) In 10 marker ques- it is advisable to draw small maps on side of the paper (takes less space rather than in centre) 3) GS2- is more analytical. In big questions- one can write in small small paragraphs initially to cover many dimensions of the question and then shift to point wise format for the core part of the question 4) GS2- Remember to write Articles, DPSPs, FRs, FDs, ARC2 etc 5) Some good case studies/examples/ Schemes in governance questions 6) SDGs in Society and Social Justice ques. Flow charts can also be drawn 7) Incorporation of G20 and other big news related content in the answers Best Wishes !!

For all those who are writing mains tomorrow — All the very Best for small small battles that you will have to fight in every paper to conquer mains. There will be many questions where you won’t be that confident. But remember that you can score well in GS by attempting 10-12 questions well and then writing average answers for 8 questions. Few last minutes tips 1) Never JUDGE your performance in the examination hall itself- you might score better in paper where you feel that it didn’t went well 2) Scoring in GS/Optional is RELATIVE. So you have to outperform other people rather than writing best answers for every questions. If the paper is tough than it is tough for everyone 3) Don’t discuss anything between the break. Utilise the break to cool and relax yourself and REVISE your short notes. Remind yourself what to write and how you are going to attempt the paper 4) It is advisable to complete the paper somehow. It is always good to devote equal time (11min for 15marker and 7min for 10 marker). 5) Eat light but energy rich food. Can drink tea/coffee- rejuvenate yourself- can take 10min Power Nap !! Those things which are not under your control, leave it to almighty All the best once again !! You WILL do well

All the very best for tomorrow’s paper. No matter how hard you have studied for mains, it always feel like less. The point is, with better preparation, our expectation also increases. Also the fear of failure makes us under confident. With more than one year of preparation, now is the time to deliver. It is but obvious to feel little stressed. Always remember that all the battle are first won or lost in the mind and not on battlefield !! Every year, many aspirants turn into toppers by just scoring average marks in all the papers. The idea is to perform decently in every paper. Have faith in your preparation. The only thing which is now in your control is to perform according to your potential, whatever you have prepared, you write that well in exam. Also, remember the knowledge level of serious aspirants are generally at same level. The difference comes in delivery. So it is important to be calm and composed before the examination Either conquer you fear or develop a habit to live with it. In morning, always think that this is your day and only you should have control over it. Make it count !! Best wishes !!

Someone asked me, what constitute a good answer. According to me any answer should address what is being asked in the question. The difference in checking between any coaching evaluators and UPSC evaluators is that they don’t focused much on facts, figures, committees, intro, conclusion or whether you have written a particular value addition point or not. Rather they focus more on whether you have addressed the demand of the question or not. Whether it presents a complete picture to the question being asked or not. After analysing many answers, a good answer should have: 1) Time Management and Space allocation based upon the degree of importance to the different part of the question. Some part of question has more weightage than other parts. Space should be allocated accordingly 2) Presentation and format: the handwriting should be legible and good. Underline, Making Boxes, Flow charts and diagrams enhances this. 3) Context: Hitting the nail directly- answer the question directly and address the demand. Initial one may get the feeling that if one answers the question directly then he/she may not write the entire page. But with practice, one can fill the space at the same time write contextually. Putting forward valid argument first and then substantiating with facts is very important 4) Coherency: the answer should have the logical flow. Sub heading should be made from the question itself. If the question has been asked about the challenges then after writing all the challenges, the answer should contain some way forward. Example of Logical flow format is Prospects-Issues/Challenges-Way forward (+-+). Ending should be in optimistic/positive direction. Generally question is asked in a logical flow. 5) Value addition: Now facts/figures/committees/diagrams/flow charts should be added in support of the arguments put forward and shouldn’t replace it. Finally a good conclusion helps in giving a sense of completion. Apart from broad aspects, it is important to include the language of question in concluding your answer !! Best Wishes !!