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"Tathastu ICS offers a unique BA + UPSC coaching program, combining undergraduate studies with specialized training for aspiring civil servants. Elevate your academic journey and UPSC exam preparedness with our integrated curriculum and expert guidance."

आगामी IAS Prelims 2024 परीक्षा के लिए हमारा "प्री-श्योर - IAS PRELIMS 2024" कोर्स एक विशेष योजना है जो आपको यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा में सफलता की ऊँचाइयों तक पहुंचाने का समर्थन करेगा।

आगामी IAS Prelims 2024 परीक्षा के लिए हमारा "प्री-श्योर - IAS PRELIMS 2024" कोर्स एक विशेष योजना है जो आपको यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा में सफलता की ऊँचाइयों तक पहुंचाने का समर्थन करेगा।

Tathastu ics - CSAT Foundation Course for UPSC, Paper II of the Prelims, or the CSAT Course, is often taken lightly by students due to its qualifying nature and Comprehensive Study Material.

CURRENT AFFAIRS STRATEGY:

                        IMPORTANCE OF CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC PREPARATION:

Current affairs play a crucial role in the UPSC examination cycle, for Prelims, Mains, and the interview. In Prelims, staying abreast of current events aids in navigating the dynamic General Studies paper. For Mains, it enriches essay and answer writing, showcasing a candidate's awareness of real-world issues. During the interview, a profound understanding of current affairs reflects analytical thinking and adaptability, crucial qualities for an administrative role.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR CURRENT AFFAIRS?

Newspaper Reading: Regularly read a national newspaper like The Hindu or Indian Express for in-depth coverage of national and international events.

Magazines and Journals: Follow monthly magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra for in-depth analysis.

Government Sources: Refer to PIB (Press Information Bureau), PRS, and government websites for official releases and policy updates.

Editorials: Read editorials and opinion pieces to understand diverse perspectives on important issues.

Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your understanding and retention of current affairs.

SOURCES:

Here are some of the recommended sources for current affairs preparation:

The Hindu Newspaper

The Indian Express Newspaper

Yojana magazine

Kurukshetra magazine

Online sources for current affairs:

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU: PIB functions as a comprehensive archive for government-related current events and activities.

WEBSITE of PRS LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH: For updates on bills passed in the Parliament.

RAJYA SABHA TV: Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) is a government-owned network airing Indian Parliament's upper house activities and diverse programs discussing national socio-political, cultural, and economic topics.

Website of Ministry of External Affairs for Foreign relations.

IDSA website for Defence and Foreign relations.

NOTES MAKING FOR CURRENT AFFAIRS:

Identify Relevance: Focus on topics relevant to the UPSC syllabus for Prelims and Mains.

Categorize Notes: Divide your notes into categories matching the UPSC syllabus, such as Polity, Economy, Environment, etc.

Headlines and Key Points: Summarize headlines and jot down key points to capture the essence of the news.

Create a TimeLine: Organize notes chronologically to understand the evolution of events and their impact.

Include Data and Statistics: Integrate relevant data and statistics to support your points, especially for Mains answer writing.

Include Perspectives: Note down different viewpoints from editorials and analyses to enrich your understanding.

Use charts, graphs, and mind maps to represent information visually, aiding memory.

Essay Notes: Compile impactful quotes and phrases, ensuring a variety of themes are covered.

Tathastu ICS daily current affairs makes sure to include all the important news from various sources. This way, you don't have to stress about missing any crucial information.

SOME TIPS FOR CURRENT AFFAIRS PREPARATION:

Keep your resources limited.

Refer to authentic sources like any official website.

Revision is the key.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Which is the best source to cover current affairs?

Answer: The most effective methods for preparing for current affairs include reading daily newspapers, watching analysis videos provided by reliable institutions, and referring to monthly publications such as Tathastu monthly magazine, Yojana Magazine, and Kurukshetra magazine.

Should I refer to all the newspapers available for current affairs?

Answer: Following a single standard newspaper alongside current affairs magazines from any reputed institutions is the preferred approach.

How to integrate static portions with current affairs?

Answer: Understand the syllabus well. Identify the forward and backward linkages and make note of important points from the relevant topic.

How to make digital notes for current affairs?

Answer: Various apps like google docs, Evernotes are accessible for note-taking when preparing for exams. Remember to keep these notes concise and organized for quick reference during exam preparation.

Are the current affairs of one year enough for qualifying the exam?

Answer: Ideally, it is recommended to focus on current affairs from the past one year.

HOW CAN WORKING PROFESSIONALS EFFECTIVELY BALANCE UPSC PREPARATION WITH THEIR WORK COMMITMENTS?

Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a significant achievement, given its reputation as one of the toughest and lengthiest exams globally. Stretching over a year and demanding a minimum of two years of dedicated preparation, it poses a considerable challenge for working professionals striving to balance their time effectively and cover the extensive syllabus.

Complicating matters, many aspirants shoulder family responsibilities and may be the sole financial support.

However, is it an impossible task to juggle UPSC CSE preparation alongside work pressures?

Absolutely not.

While undeniably challenging, it remains an achievable goal.

All aspirants are allocated the same 24 hours in a day, and their success hinges on how they utilize these hours.

The key lies in fostering the discipline to study daily, regardless of the challenges at work or in personal life.

 It's about taking control of your day, steering it towards productivity, and not allowing the day to dictate your course.

Imagine this scenario: You might be the primary earner, juggling numerous roles and responsibilities. Navigating the extensive UPSC syllabus while excelling in your job may seem overwhelming, but the commitment to daily study, irrespective of the day's ups and downs, is the crucial factor.

Yes, it's an arduous journey, but the dream of conquering the UPSC is worth every sacrifice. By strategically managing your time and approaching each day with determination, success becomes an attainable reality.

Top achievers like Anudeep Durishetty have shown that balancing UPSC preparation with a job demands not just hard work, but a passion for the goal and a knack for solving the puzzle of time. It's like being a time wizard—an essential skill for anyone dreaming of donning the hat of a civil servant.

After all, success in UPSC isn't just about what you know, but how well you master the art of time! The message is straightforward: disciplined effort can overcome the challenges posed by work and responsibilities on the path to achieving this ambitious goal.

Let's explore the approaches that accomplished candidates and experienced candidates have utilized to tackle the difficulties of managing UPSC CSE while maintaining a balance.

CHOOSE A JOB WITH FIXED HOURS:

Opt for a job with a consistent schedule, ideally five days a week for eight to nine hours.

This way, you can dedicate six hours each day from Monday to Friday and around ten hours on weekends to your UPSC studies.

Stick to this routine for a year, and you'll cover the extensive UPSC syllabus.

ESTABLISH CLEAR GOALS:

For working professionals in UPSC preparation, identifying clear goals is crucial. It ensures efficient use of limited time, helping you stay focused and motivated.

Regularly achieving these goals becomes a source of energy and confidence, propelling you forward.

TIME MANAGEMENT:

Learn from achievers like Pujya Priyadarshini IFS, who wisely divide their study hours into pre-work and post-work slots.

Create a study schedule that fits around your work, personal responsibilities, and free time.

Arrange your tasks in order of importance and set aside specific times for studying, reviewing, and doing practice tests.

If you're an early riser, allocate 2-3 hours in the morning instead of trying to study for a full six hours after a tiring workday.

Some successful candidates also recommend utilizing travel time to stay updated on current affairs and save valuable study time.

STUDY SMART TO MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME EFFICIENTLY:

Take advantage of technology by using online resources, video lectures, and government websites for UPSC preparation.

You can efficiently stay updated on daily current affairs using complimentary video resources on YouTube provided by the Tathastu ICS institute.

These tools offer insights, save time, and provide flexibility in your study routine.

Contemplate crafting a customized study timetable that aligns with your strengths, weaknesses, and the time you have available.

DON’T HESITATE TO TAKE GUIDANCE AND MENTORSHIP:

Get the right guidance to handle UPSC CSE preparation and your job effectively.

Explore mentorship programs tailored for working professionals preparing for UPSC.  

These programs usually offer support from seasoned mentors, providing valuable advice, study plans, and personalized strategies to balance your job and preparation effectively.

The NCERT courses offered by Tathastu ICS is highly recommended as it provides a strong foundation, covering essential portions of the syllabus.

 Meanwhile, the Mains Success Launch Vehicle (MSLV) courses act as a strategic tool, intelligently condensing key topics in the limited time.

MOTIVATION AND PERSISTENCE:

A common experience shared by both working and non-working aspirants is the occasional loss of motivation during the preparation journey.

While advice like "stay motivated" is often given, ultimately, it's up to you to grasp the seriousness of the situation and pull yourself out of the rut. There's no one else to fuel your determination.

In the realm of Civil Services preparation, perseverance is the litmus test. The prolonged period of preparation can wear down the mind and dampen enthusiasm.

It's crucial to persistently achieve those small goals to ultimately fulfill your significant dream.

This journey demands perseverance and periodic motivation, emphasizing the importance of self-driven determination. Navigating through the extensive UPSC syllabus while excelling in a job requires disciplined effort.

With the right guidance and a steadfast attitude, the dream of conquering the UPSC becomes an attainable reality.

"Learn from the Past, succeed in the Future”: Why UPSC CSE Aspirants Should Prioritize Previous Year Questions!

As the saying goes, "Success leaves clues," in the realm of UPSC CSE preparation, those clues are embedded in the PYQs.

Amidst the sea of strategies, there exists a golden rule that every serious aspirant must adhere to – solving Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers.

Practicing PYQs is not just a recommendation; it's a fundamental necessity for every aspirant.

Why is this super important? It's like getting an early glimpse into the thoughts of the UPSC examiner.

Ask yourself:

What patterns do I notice in these questions?

How does the examiner approach different topics?

Why are certain topics consistently highlighted every year?

Let’s explore why solving PYQs is so important. It's not just about looking back; it's about learning things that can help you succeed in the future.

Because it as a special pass to see what happens behind the scenes of the UPSC exam – understanding what examiners want and adjusting your preparation accordingly.

"How do insights from Previous Year Questions elevate your UPSC CSE preparation?"

Understand the Trends in UPSC Exams:

PRELIMS:

Take note of key topics in the economy, such as Inflation, Monetary Policy, and Exchange Rate.

 Ensure a comprehensive understanding of these three main topics and their associated sub-topics, as they are frequently asked in the exam.

The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?

(a) Increase in the cash reserve ratio

(b) Increase in the banking habit of the population

(c) Increase in the statutory liquidity ratio

d) Increase in the population of the country

The same question appeared in the prelims both in 2019 and then again in 2021.

While most of the times, repetition of various themes and their subtopics is a common phenomenon.

The Chairman of public sector banks are selected by the

(a) Banks Board Bureau

(b) Reserve Bank of India

(c) Union Ministry of Finance

(d) Management of concerned bank

This question was asked in the prelims of UPSC CSE 2019.

With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements are correct?

The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB.

BBB recommends for the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.

BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in developing strategies and capital raising plans.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Similar question has been asked again in UPSC CSE Prelims of 2022.

MAINS:

In mains, its commonly seen that major theme from the syllabus for General studies and Optional, have been asked repeatedly.

For example, Separation of powers as a theme has been asked multiple times in the exam.

Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (2020)

Do you think that constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (2019)

Certain topics consistently appear in the Essay section every year. Aspirants should focus on preparing for these subjects as they present an accessible route to scoring well in the Mains Exam. Some of these themes include:

Democracy, Education, Women, Science and Technology.

HOW TO ANALYZE THE PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS?

We've acknowledged the importance of analyzing previous year questions. Now, let's explore how to do it effectively:

Follow these straightforward steps for UPSC Previous Year Questions analysis:

Choose the topic for study from the relevant Prelims and Mains paper. (For instance: Parliament and Legislature)

Note the number of questions on the topic "Parliament " in UPSC Prelims and Mains from 2013 to 2023.

Scrutinize question patterns, paying attention to details.

Assess the annual weightage given to the topic.

Opt for study sources, focusing on NCERTs and reference books.

 Minimize sources for topics with lower marks and emphasize thorough coverage for high-weightage topics.

Evaluate the topic's importance in both Prelims and Mains, and compile notes accordingly.

Enhance your notes with valuable insights from reputable sources like The Hindu and Indian Express and institutes like Tathastu ICS current affairs.

Regularly revise and practice previous year questions, seeking feedback for improvement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

From where can I download the previous year questions of UPSC CSE?

All the previous year questions can be downloaded from the official website of the UPSC, from the following link https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/previous-question-papers.

Do the questions get repeated for prelims and mains from the previous year questions?

While the exact questions are not repeated for prelims and mains, there might be similarities in the pattern, type of questions, or themes.

Do the questions get repeated for optional subject from the previous year questions?

Yes, some questions are repeated in optional subject papers.

Does practicing previous year questions alone suffice for UPSC CSE preparation?   

Practicing previous year exam papers can give you insights into crucial aspects of the exam. However, UPSC CSE is one of the toughest exams and requires a ton of practice and commitment. One can elevate their UPSC preparation by enrolling in the Tathastu ICS test series – a reputable institute offering rigorous practice tailored to the exam's demands.

                    CSAT PRELIMS STRATEGY

In the vast realm of UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), one component silently holds the power to reshape destinies - the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT). Unlike its counterparts, CSAT often remains underestimated, becoming a stumbling block for aspirants who triumphed in General Studies.

WHAT IS THE CSAT EXAM?

The CSAT, or Civil Service Aptitude Test, is a part of the UPSC prelims exam. Unlike other papers, aspirants just need to get passing marks in CSAT. To clear it, they should aim for at least 33 percent.

 CSAT mainly assesses logical reasoning, decision-making, interpersonal skills, general mental ability, and reading comprehension.

Pattern of the CSAT Exam:

CSAT (General Studies Paper-II) is conducted in the afternoon after the General studies paper of UPSC CSE Prelims.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE CSAT EXAM?

Step 1: EVALUATE YOUR CSAT READINESS BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR PREPARATION.

Step 2: UNDERSTANDING CSAT THROUGH PREVIOUS YEAR PAPERS:

Step 3: UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPTS

Step 4: ALLOCATE ADEQUATE TIME FOR COMPREHENSION

       Step 5: PRACTICE MOCK QUESTIONS

Tathastu ICS's CSAT course is valuable for UPSC CSE aspirants, ensuring thorough coverage of the syllabus, emphasizing each section's importance.

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CSAT PREPARATION:

.

The CSAT course from Tathastu ICS is crafted by IITians and experts, providing a straightforward solution for CSAT preparation.

 Tailored for those unsure about self-study, the course offers guidance to avoid setbacks.

 It's especially useful for aspirants without a math background, ensuring a thorough and successful learning journey.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

You only need to dedicate one to two hours each day depending on your prior knowledge for your preparation to successfully pass this exam.

Begin CSAT preparation around 3-4 months before the prelims to ensure ample time for a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and focused study.

Coaching for CSAT is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial. It depends on individual learning styles and needs.

"STARTING RIGHT: WHY NCERT TEXTBOOKS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR UPSC CSE"

Remember the good old school days when you thought you had said goodbye to those NCERT textbooks for good?

 Well, think again! It's like a reunion with an old friend you never expected.

Often overlooked after school, these unassuming books have a remarkable significance in your journey towards UPSC success.

However, in the pursuit of preparation, (NCERT) textbooks emerge as unassuming yet indispensable companions for every aspirant for many reasons.

NCERTs offer the following advantages for UPSC CSE Preparation:

AUTHENTIC INFORMATION: These textbooks are the result of extensive research and meticulously designed by

Academic experts like Manjul Bhargava

Policy makers like Bibek Debroy, Sanjeev Sanyal

Educationists

UPSC Examiners

National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), an autonomous institution established by the Indian government in May 1979, collaborates closely with key national organizations like UGC and NCERT. It plays a crucial role in training educational planners and conducting research in the field of educational planning and administration.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: NCERT textbooks introduce students to the official languages of the UPSC CSE examination.

STEP-BY-STEP LEARNING: NCERT textbooks introduce topics gradually, from basic concepts to more advanced ones, promoting better understanding.

SIMPLICITY OF THE LANGUAGE: One of the notable features of NCERT books is their clear and simple language.

TERMONOLOGY: NCERT textbooks include glossaries or lists of key terms and their definitions at the end of chapters or sections. They are important for citing in answers or even questions have been asked from them.

DATA BASE: Maps, infographics, and case studies provided in the NCERTS are effective tools for candidates preparing for the Prelims and Mains exams.

PAN INDIA AVAILABILITY: These books are widely available and distributed across the country. They are the recommended textbooks for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, which is one of the most widely followed educational boards in India.

INCLUSION: SCERT materials may draw upon some of the foundational concepts and principles found in NCERT books.

Extensive access to NCERT books and their integration into state-specific SCERT materials fosters inclusivity, offering a universal educational base and aiding exam preparation, especially for rural students.

  "HOW TO APPROACH NCERTS FOR UPSC CSE PREPARATION?”

BY SUBJECT: The first method entails reading NCERT books subject-wise. Under this approach, you select a specific subject and read all the books from Class 6 to 12 pertaining to that subject.

BY CLASS: The second approach involves reading the books class-wise, starting from Standard 6. This method is particularly useful when time is limited, such as during exam preparation.

It is recommended to read NCERTs textbooks by subject, as this approach helps in achieving a deeper understanding of the concepts and ensures better retention of the information over a more extended period.

UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

a) Andhra

b) Gandhara

c) Kalinga

d) Magadha

ANSWER:

 Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh, formerly known as Dhanyakataka, was a significant Deccan town and the capital of the later Satavahanas. Numerous inscriptions mention its history, with a notable Buddhist presence from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd/3rd century CE, spanning six distinct periods.

*This question has been directly taken from the maps provided in the history textbook.

* It is recommended to carefully consider the answer choices in the questions, as they can serve as valuable content for future exam questions.

SUGGESTED NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC PREPARATION:

Paper I (General Studies)

INDIAN SOCIETY BOOKS (SOCIOLOGY and SOCIAL STUDIES)

Indian Society: NCERT Class XII – Indian Society

Indian Society: NCERT Class XII – Social Change and Development in India

HISTORY BOOKS

History: NCERT Class VI – Our Past - I

History: NCERT Class VII – Our Past - II

History: NCERT Class VIII – Our Past III

History: NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – I

History: NCERT Class X – India and the Contemporary World – II

History: NCERT Class XI – Themes in World History

History: NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – I

History: NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – II

History: NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – III

Old NCERT History books (RS Sharma, Satish Chandra, Bipan Chandra & Arjun Dev)

GEOGRAPHY BOOKS

Geography: NCERT Class VI – The Earth Our Habitat

Geography: NCERT Class VII – Our Environment

Geography: NCERT Class VIII – Resource and Development

Geography: NCERT Class IX – Contemporary India – I

Geography: NCERT Class X – Contemporary India – II

Geography: NCERT Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography

Geography: NCERT Class XI – India – Physical Environment

Geography: NCERT Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography

Geography: NCERT Class XII – India – People and Economy

ART AND CULTURE BOOKS

Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art

Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI – Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10)

Paper-II (General Studies)

POLITY

NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work

NCERT Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence

Paper III (General Studies)

ECONOMICS BOOKS

NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development

NCERT Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY BOOKS

Science: Class XII – Biology: last four Chapters (13 to 16)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1.Which NCERTs are to be followed old or new ones?

Answer: New NCERTs are better. For example, old NCERT geography has many outdated facts and data.

2. Can UPSC CSE preparation be solely based on NCERTs?

Answer: While NCERT books provide a strong foundation, they do not encompass the entire civil service syllabus, yet they do include a substantial portion of the fundamental concepts. Aspirants should complement their preparation by referring to more advanced texts and staying updated with current affairs sources.

3.What's the time required for completing all NCERT books?

Answer: With proper planning, one can complete NCERTS according to their study plan theme wise, to cover the syllabus in a structured manner.

4.Does UPSC ask questions directly from the NCERTS?

Answer: Analyzing previous years' exam papers underscores the importance of NCERTs for the UPSC. It becomes clear that questions are frequently drawn from NCERT textbooks, either directly or indirectly.

For example, have a look at the question from 2019 Prelims,

Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

A) Chalukya

B) Chandela

C) Rashtrakuta

D) Vijayanagara

This question has been directly asked from the NCERT.

5.Should I make notes from the NCERTS for UPSC preparation?

Answer: Creating concise UPSC NCERT notes saves time and energy.

           "BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO UPSC ANSWER WRITING: WHEN AND HOW TO BEGIN"

This journey of UPSC CSE preparation especially mains, is a bit like setting off on an exciting road trip. You've got your destination, which is acing the UPSC CSE, but the path to get there might seem a little unclear. Don't worry; this post is trusty GPS for this adventure.

"Answer Writing: The UPSC Art You Can't Afford to Ignore!"

E. M. Forster, the maestro of storytelling, once shared a thought that beautifully resonates with the journey of UPSC Mains preparation: "Life is easy to chronicle, but bewildering to practice." In the world of UPSC, your journey begins with a well-documented roadmap – the syllabus, books, and resources, making it all seem straightforward. However, just as Forster suggests, the practice is where the true challenge emerges. The real test lies in the practical application of your knowledge, and in UPSC terms, it's all about how you put pen to paper.

The UPSC Mains is worth a substantial 1750 marks. While papers A and B act as qualifiers, the significance of the next 7 papers, each valued at 250 marks, underscores the vital role of answer writing in your success.

After all, knowing the importance is just the beginning; Answer writing practice for the UPSC Mains can be quite puzzling and overwhelming, especially for those who are just starting their journey. Here are some common questions that UPSC aspirants often ask about answer writing:

When should I start practicing writing answers?

How should I start practicing writing answers?

How often should I write answers?

How many practice questions should I attempt in a day?

How can I be sure I'm writing correctly?

How can I get feedback on my answers to improve?

Remember, every successful UPSC candidate began with these same questions. Let's decode each one of these questions step by step.

WHEN SHOULD I START PRACTICING WRITING ANSWERS?

Have adequate understanding of the syllabus and the previous year questions.

Start with the fundamentals like NCERTs.

Build a strong foundation by referring to various standard resources.

Don't make the error of starting to write answers right from the very beginning, without following the above steps.

HOW SHOULD I START PRACTICING WRITING ANSWERS?

Understanding the demand of the question is a fundamental step before you begin your answer writing practice.

Going through past UPSC Mains questions regularly exposes you to question patterns and types.

This practice helps you spot common themes and understand how questions are asked and what the exam demands.

Initially one can start with practicing the previous year questions or refer to any questions available online.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WRITE ANSWERS?

Start with one answer per day.

Consistency is your best friend. It's like building your endurance for the UPSC race.

Quality trumps quantity. Choose questions that align with the theme or subject you're currently studying.

HOW MANY PRACTICE QUESTIONS SHOULD I ATTEMPT IN A DAY?

After having practiced questions for some time, dedicate one day a week to a full-length mock test.

Evaluate your progress and set new targets for the following week.

Imagine preparing for a rigorous sport without a coach. It's possible, but the chances of success are significantly lower.

 Similarly, mentorship and guidance are the coaches in your UPSC Mains journey who can help in dealing with such seemingly small but unavoidable doubts.

HOW CAN I BE SURE I'M WRITING CORRECTLY AND GET FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE?

If you're attending a coaching institute, don't hesitate to ask your teachers there to review and assess your answers.

Team up with fellow aspirants for group answer writing sessions.

Join study groups or online forums to share your answers and receive feedback.

In the vast world of UPSC exam preparation, having a mentor is like having a guiding light that helps you navigate even in the most challenging times.

When you have the right mentor, your journey becomes easier, more targeted, and less overwhelming.

So, don't hesitate to look for mentorship and guidance; it can make a significant difference in your UPSC Mains preparation.

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS:

WORD AND TIME LIMITS: It's essential to be mindful of word limits. Set a timer while practicing questions.

KEY WORDS: Keywords like Enumerate, critically discuss, comment are to be kept in mind while framing the answers.

PRACTICING IN STANDARD FORMAT: UPSC has provided a specimen of the answer booklet. It is advised that aspirants must make use of the same format while practicing.

ANSWER BOOKLETS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES: They demonstrate how successful candidates structure their responses and present their ideas.

IMPORTANCE OF CURRENT AFFAIRS: When you integrate current affairs, you can critically analyze and evaluate various aspects of an issue in depth, showcasing your ability to think beyond textbook knowledge.

Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience. -Hyman Rickover

The above quote gives us the wisdom that good ideas don't just happen on their own; they require diligent practice and unwavering patience to become a reality. It's much like preparing for a cricket match, where success is built over time through consistent practice.

Just as cricketers don't wait until the last moment to refine their skills, UPSC aspirants should kickstart their answer-writing practice early. Building a strong foundation and honing your writing abilities take time, and it's the daily practice that moulds you into a successful aspirant.