Strategy – UPSC CSE Demystified!

Taming the beast – Answer Writing approach for Mains by Kanishak Kataria (Rank 1)

Hello everyone,
In this article, I will be delving upon the importance of UPSC CSE Mains and share few tips which might help you perform (score) well in the examination.

Unless you dream big and are willing to work hard for it, do not expect to achieve big..
I averaged almost one refill per day after prelims result till I appeared in the Mains!

The Holy Trinity of UPSC CSE: and other links- by Vikram Grewal (AIR 51)

Greetings, dear friend!

Drake would say ‘If you’re reading this, it’s too late,’ but Kurt would say Nevermind, we’ll go by the age old saying we were taught in school- ‘better late than never.’

You must have already made up your mind regarding what the UPSC Civil Services Exam is all about. You must be thinking it’s an exam for the bookworms or perhaps an exam for the alien nerds who just happen to know ‘everything.’ Some think it’s an epitome of Indian Parents’ aspirations imposed on their wards. Your friends might think it’s an exam which can be cracked by just the ‘good/bright/topper students from topnotch schools/colleges.’ Continue reading “The Holy Trinity of UPSC CSE: and other links- by Vikram Grewal (AIR 51)”

Utility of Mains Test Series – A first attempter perspective by Kanishak Kataria (Rank 1)

Hello everyone!

Before I deep dive into this article, I would just like to clarify that it is neither a rant against any particular test series nor an attempt to undermine the feedback I had received through them. I have benefitted a lot from them. Here, I am just trying to document my experience with test series and the ebbs and flows of emotions I had during my Mains preparation.

Since it was my 1st attempt and I was doing self-study in Jaipur, there was a lack of sustained guidance and I did feel a little lost sometimes in between. My rank and GS marks do not reveal the uncertainties and fears I had. I feel aspirants, especially first-timers, need to be a little cautious in their evaluations and dependency on test series. Too much attachment to their feedbacks might affect their self-belief and confidence which I feel is very critical to excel in this examination – as UPSC does test your emotions along with your skills and intelligence.

PSIR strategy + notes (journey from 211 to 297 marks)- Vibhor Aggarwal (AIR-71)

Hello everyone !! In this post, I will be talking about my PSIR strategy. I scored very poorly in my first attempt in 2017 (211 marks). I gradually came to realize several of my mistakes and worked to improve upon them. Though, 297 is also not an extra-ordinary score, I am sure my experience will be of some help.