As aspirants, we often forget to focus on the fundamental things we need to know about UPSC.

I am not going to give you any strategies or steps in this short write-up, but simple advice on why you need to get back to the basics if you want to excel in UPSC.

1. First, you should master the basic concepts.
   • That’s why NCERT is advised by so many toppers! Master the static subject. Without the basics, you can’t expect to know the more nuanced and detailed content.
   • You can’t be expected to answer prelims questions and write well in mains unless you understand the pure basics of that topic.
   • For example, if you want to solve a bond related Economics questions of UPSC in prelims, you should understand how inflation could move with change in interest rates by the central banks
   • In last few years, UPSC has majorly shifted its focus on questions that check your fundamental knowledge consistently for years.
   • So, if you think that pattern is changing and all, that’s just on the surface. If you know the basics, master them, you can write exam any year and do well (with some practice of course)
2. Second, you need to stop philosophizing this exam.
   • You need to get it done! Start today. Don’t think too much about where and how. Where ever you feel comfortable is okay.
   • For instance, if you are good at polity, start there.
   • Don’t over-strategize or wait for a perfect plan.
   • Instead of thinking about strategies, sit down and study. Strategies are hundreds, but execution is far less. So sit down and study!
3. Third, after you have mastered the fundamentals, practice, practice, practice.
   • Practice becomes the key after your static part is set. The battle afterwards really boils down to how broadly you have covered the syllabus, how many papers you have practiced, how fast and well can you write (crisp and well-rounded answers) etc. that I keep discussing in my video classes.
   • Remember, if Sachin Tendulkar was good at cricket, interested in it, made a lot of plans, but never actually went out to practice day and night, would he be so successful? Nope!
   • Same applies to you. Practice is the last walls you need to break for success in UPSC.

Reading well is the key to success in any exam. Even in general if you are a good reader, it helps! 📚

As an aspirant, I used to give a lot of time to developing little ways to enhance my learning techniques.

Hopefully, these will help you to become a better learned as well!

These are the things that you can try to follow and improve your reading and learning style:

1. First, you should read and understand the Table of Contents broadly. This helps you to know what’s to come and what’s the overall story
2. Second, look and compare the table of contents with the syllabus and topics given for your exam. This helps you highlight main topics, associate and remember through mental mapping
3. Google the chapter heading and quickly skim through the main highlights on search results. Look at the Google images to get a rough Visual idea — creates visual references in mind and makes recalling easier
4. Read the headings and sub-headings of the chapter. This helps you understand what dimensions you need to know about the topic.
5. Read the exercises given at the back of the chapter before reading the chapter. It will help you to know the important topics of the chapter.
6. Look at the chapter maps, images, tables etc. given. This will help you to further create mental maps and images and remember the important ones
7. Now, go ahead and read the chapter!
8. Finally, when you do Previous Year Questions practice, try to remember which chapter the question might be from. This enhances your memory and recalling and connects the dots!

@manujjindalias

Great question for UPSC CSE aspirants! No one can ever for sure know what the examiner is looking for. However, it can be understood to some extent from many topper copies available out there, and the known fact that UPSC invites top professors to evaluate answer sheets. I got over 460 marks in GS and almost 160 in Essay. I feel I had figured out answer writing (both long format — essay and short format — GS) to some extent. Here are my two cents on what UPSC examiner is looking for:

• First, Depth & breadth of Content
  • Content of the answer must address the main points that have been asked in the question. The content must touch upon all the broader aspects as well as go deep enough so as to satisfy the examiner that you are well aware and have presented that awareness on the paper.
  • For example, as you can see in the below answer, substantial points of the Section 124 have been covered, with keywords such as ‘self-censorship’, Article 19, Kedarnath Case etc. to provide significant substance to the answer. Don’t present your personal views!

• • Second, UPSC asks two types of questions: (1) simple straight forward ones where you need to provide points directly (2) convoluted ones with long statements that are often just misleading you in some other direction.
    • Your job is to identify the main keywords and what is actually been asked in the question to answer it comprehensively.
    • I will provide examples of both type of questions here: First is a simple question with straight forward info required (MAINS 2018 question).. Second is a convoluted one.

• This is a more complex question. Note here that the statement provided by UPSC has nothing to do with the actual question. The actual question is simply asking the role of SHGs and measures taken by government to promote SHGs. Just answer these two points! Ignore the rest!

• Third, Presentation of Content
  • Presentation must be done in such a way so as to improve the overall ‘readability of the answer’. As you can see below, I have used a table to answer the question asked in MAINS 2017 question.

• Like the above, use Relevant diagrams/charts etc. to answer the question.
• Fourth, Relevant keywords and data points to support your points
  • These include constitutional articles, points from Economic survey and other reports, data such as GDP/employment/share of various sectors etc., remember name of reports and quote them where necessary, commission report.
• Fifth, Don’t provide personal opinion. Build your argument on solid data points and reports and provide well-accepted views only. You will stand out not because you have written something different but because you have written WHAT IS EXPECTED.
• What gets you those extra 1–3 marks in a question
  • Clarity of language and precision. If you dilly dally around a question, the examiner will understand you don’t know the answer or you don’t know how to express. Therefore, get straight to the point and answer the MAIN QUESTION/questions asked. Note the points provided by me above.
  • You DON’T NEED TO WRITE CATCHY INTROs and CONCLUSIONS. They don’t get marks. What get marks is if it is relevant, to the point and simple. See the above answers for introductions. Again, keep it to the point and what is being asked. My book 110+ in GS 2 also has 2017 and 2018 GS 2 paper solved where you can refer to some questions.
    • Many questions don’t even need an intro and conclusion. For example, a question such as (Mains 2018 question): “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as in the range of powers he can exercise. (10)
    • Here, you don’t need to provide an introduction if you can’t come up with one. Just provide points of his term and appointment method and range of powers. You will get good marks.
• Finally, Re-read the question and make sure you understand it. Read it again while answering the question so that you don’t miss vital parts. Also, use keywords from the question as headings or sub-headings to make it easier for examiner to follow your answer.

Hope this helps!

Deciding what to read keeps most aspirants (even when I was preparing) pretty confused about this exam. A prudent selection of sources for prelims, mains and interview is a must right from the beginning. Here is what I mostly referred to during the process:

Prelims:

1. Polity: Laxmikanth (this is a must and you must know the entire book cover to cover pretty well). In a good year when polity portion is big in prelims, at least 15 questions might come straight from this book!
2. History: Spectrum History of Modern India, Bipan Chandra India’s Freedom Struggle (blue-yellow book), NCERT Fine Arts Book from class 12th, GK Today Culture Notes, NCERT New Books on History – Themes in Indian History Part I and II, NCERT Old History books from Class VI – XII. These are a must. If you can, refer to Visiton notes on history as well. (This is for prelims). Remember that the weightage of ancient culture and history and freedom struggle has been relatively more than medieval history. So devote your time accordingly.
3. Economy Micro: NCERT books from class XI and XII (not all details to be read, refer to Mrunal for this as he explains economy really well – and Mrunal VIDEOS are essential) + Sanjiv Verma can be used if even Mrunal is not helping you, however this is quite a heavy book and I didn’t like it much. Please remember that from economics micro, UPSC asks questions based on fundamentals and some on basic current affairs. Nothing too deep is needed.
4. Economy Macro: NCERT books from class XI and XII and current affairs such as survey, budget and important policy news.
5. Social Science: NCERT books class VI-XII (Geography, Polity etc.)
6. Science: NCERT Class VI to X science books for non-science students and Class XII Biology book last 5 chapters
7. Geography: NCERT Physical Geography and as told above + Oxford Atlas Maps + Mrunal Videos. Understanding maps is a must as 2–4 questions will come directly from maps and locations of various important features.
8. India Year Book selected chapters or pick up notes on IYB made available by coaching centres.
9. Environment: Shankar IAS Green Book. If you want, you can refer to my notes.
10. Current Affairs: Selective newspaper reading. Learn how to read a newspaper in a smart way. I will doing a video of it soon on youtube. Also, use current affairs magazines. I personally prefer GK Today as it is comprehensive for prelims.
11. Practice Questions
    1. Use old UPSC papers of at least last 12-15 years for prelims
    2. India Polity Question Bank by TMH
    3. Geography Question bank by TMH
    4. Social and Economic Development Question Bank TMH
    5. Arihant 14000+ questions general studies

Mains (same sources as above — for prelims plus these below):

1. GS 1: India Since Independence – Bipan Chandra; World history — NCERT Arjun Dev and you can use youtube videos as well as vision notes for this. For society part I referred to vision notes on society. These are decent. Read the syllabus and prepare each topic separately. Trends in Indian Culture and Heritage Dr. Ausaf Sayeed.
2. GS 2: Indian Constitution at Work — NCERT. Laxmikanth is not that important, just read the basics here. Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy – Rajiv Sikri — classic book. You can again refer to my notes[2]
3. GS 3:
   1. Economic Survey – you can look at online videos and read summaries only and main chapters
   2. Yojana and Kurukshetra are a must here as well as NITI Aayog important reports. (very important for GS 3)
4. GS 4: Lexicon for Ethics
5. Other books to be read in free time (will help in interview):
   1. India Unbound – Gurcharan Das
   2. Pax Indica – Shashi Tharoor
   3. An Uncertain Glory — Sen
   4. The Wonder that Was India – Basham (very thick)

There is a misconception that IAS exam cannot be cracked in one attempt and takes years to do so. It is doable in one year, given your prep is systematic, dedicated, focused and smart. Of course, for all this you have to work hard.

I will share my personal strategy to do so.

The prelims exam is conducted in June. So if you start one year earlier this is how I would personally approach it (I actually did):

1. Syllabus
   1. The most important point to start UPSC preparation is the syllabus. Read the syllabus of prelims and mains inside out. Get a nice feel of it and re-read it multiple time, let’s say every 2–3 days. I have noticed that many first timers don’t even know what UPSC exam is all about. They just join a coaching and start studying whatever is taught there instead of first understanding the demands of the exam.
   2. The syllabus is the easiest way to know what UPSC is looking for. So, after reading the syllabus once, just re-read portions of it every 3–4 days and you will become familiar with what UPSC wants you to study. Then, you preparation will become much easier and systematic.
   3. How to read the Syllabus:
      1. Read the syllabus and internalise various topics given. For example, in mains, GS 3, first sub topic is: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. What is this and how to approach this topic? And how to make sure that you will be able to answer any question from this?
      2. To do so: focus on key words: Indian economy — planning, resources mobilization, growth/development and employment. Planning: latest 5 year plan and areas of focus there. Since 5 year plans are no more, read NITI Aayog and Yojana reports that underline all the planning activities going in the government. Resource mobilization: This refers to use of resources so it will encompass things like human capital, land reforms, investments etc. Similarly, employment: will cover things like jobless growth.
      3. All topics in syllabus are big over-arching topics and their sub=-parts are often discussed in what’s happening at the policy level. You should be able to correlate this.
      4. It seems difficult to start off, but trust me, as you do this for 15–20 days, you will get used to it and your studies will become highly systematic.
2. Sources of Study
   1. There are plenty of blogs such as insightsonindia where you can find a good list of books/notes for various subjects/topics in the syllabus.
   2. Please choose your sources of study according to the syllabus, specially for mains.
   3. Eg: History has three components, ancient, medieval and modern. For ancient I read NCERT ancient and also Spectrum guide on culture (which covers a large portion of ancient history as well). For medieval, GK Today notes were sufficient, and for modern, Bipan Chandra Freedom Struggle and India post freedom is more than sufficient. I would stick to these sources and not read a lot more. I just re-read these books and become thorough in them.
   4. A list you can find on my blog miles to go.. or insights has a great list as well
3. How much to study per day
   1. According to me 8–9 hours is more than enough. Sleep at least 8–10 hours and work out for 1 hour.
   2. Use your 8–9 hours well.
   3. I used to wake up at 6 am and study from 6–10,11 am non-stop with just water in my stomach. This was the most productive part of my day and I always ended up covering everything I needed to that day in this time period. Then the rest of the day became really easy. I never woke at at 6 am and roamed around doing this and than or looking for breakfast. Just woke up, work work for the next 3–4 hours with full focus.
   4. This I believe was my Brahmastra 🙂
4. Making notes
   1. Make or not, depends on your. I used to make many notes and also write on the corner of the booklets. For instance, I made notes of Environment and studied from them. But I also bought GK Today environment notes but just studied them and wrote on the side margins to learn, but didn’t re-make the notes of notes!
   2. Please be careful that you don’t end up making only notes throughout the studying time. Leave plenty of time for revision.
5. Time Table — a must
   1. A daily, weekly, monthly time table is a must. It should clearly lay out goals you need to achieve. You find my sample time table attached here. It is one of the many I used for the preparation (this is the one after prelims if I believe) Link: My functional timetable after mains
   2. Make one for 3 months at a time for one complete year including a revision plan
6. Choosing an Optional
   1. Choose an Optional that you are confident of mastering
   2. Optional is a game changer and can truly transform your performance and get you a high rank. However, don’t put all your eggs in one basket and depend only on it. UPSC rewards those who have a good command in their optional so try to get your basics right and build a good command in it .
7. Prelims
   1. Current Affairs is almost 20–50% (depending on the year) and hence very scoring. The best approach here is to go thoroughly thru the materials such as Insights, GK Today monthly current affairs or Vision, whichever suits your needs. Revise this at least 2–3 times to get a full hold on this.
   2. Polity an ever green topic for UPSC and this has one ramban or key source: Laxmikanth book. Nothing beats this. You should know this book inside out for getting 80–90% of questions right in this portion, which is totally possible.
   3. Geography, History: Refer to the traditional texts such as NCERTs and Bipan Chandra. Those are more than enough. Don’t just mug up here like polity, get a clear understanding and it will be much easier.
   4. Environment: Shankar IAS material is good. I have made notes which are fairly good and you can use if you wish. They are here: My Environmental Science / Ecology Notes
   5. CSAT: Practice, practice, practice here. It’s qualifying in nature (only 33% needed) so it’s relatively easy to crack if you practice enough.
8. GS Preparation + Essay (Mains)
   1. GS 1 is extremely factual in nature and takes the most amount of time. It is also almost 90% based on theoretical concepts that come straight from the books and only 5–10% from current affairs.
      1. Focus on good presentation skills here. For example, using diagrams and maps in Geography (a must), using flow charts in sociology portion and using key words in History portion.
      2. Make diagrams wherever possible
   2. GS 2 is technical in nature and has approx. 40–50% here comes from current affairs and rest from current affairs. It can change from time to time. Remember, Laxmikant book is bible of prelims polity however pretty much not relevant for mains except foundational understanding and some chapters on Rights and larger constitutional issues and Supreme court cases.
      1. Refer to my GS 2 notes which I believe are really good for building a foundation in this area: GS 2 Notes with tips on how to study and write answers.
   3. GS 3 is almost 90% current affairs based so focus on NITI Aayog reports, debates in development sector in India, Yojana and Kurukshetra here. Those are bibles for GS 3.
   4. GS 4 is almost entirely theoretical ethics in the section A and for case studies, they are all applied and practical in nature. For this, one month of studies is enough.
   5. Essay is 250 marks just by itself. That’s massive for one single module and it is extremely highly scoring as compared to optional and GS. Don’t take it lightly and study hard for it. You can do so by practicing a lot.
   6. You can download my complete approach to essay from (I have put in a tremendous effort into this, hopefully it can help you out): How to Write an Essay for UPSC: A Technical Approach
   7. Writing Practice
      1. This is key for mains. I practiced a lot of this. The idea here is to start on writing practice as soon as possible as it may take almost 6–7 months to get used to writing.
      2. Try to improve hand writing and also the quality of the output. The answers should be presentable both in aesthetics and in the richness of the content. The examiner should feel that you have a good understanding of the question being asked.
      3. Be to-the-point in answers, quote studies, keywords and also references from reports from the government.
      4. The idea is to write like a bureaucrat, like a policy report in current affairs questions and like an academic in theoretical questions. — if you get this write, I believe the likelihood of getting higher marks increases.

That’s all for now. Hope this helps. 🙂

This is one of the time tables I used after prelims. I also did this planning on paper. This is the digital portion.

Link: UPSC Goals

The legislature should not be enticed to put its hand in the cookie jar of the executive; after all, this behavior can only become addictive, and potentially hazardous to the health of our democracy.

The separation of powers doctrine is held sacred across modern democracies of USA, France, and many others in Western Europe. This doctrine ensures clear demarcation of powers bestowed to the executive, legislature and the judiciary. Its proper implementation enables checks and balances across different wings of the government, and avoids tyrannical behavior of any single branch. In this context, Article 74(1) presents serious breach of this system. It enables legislature’s control over the executive, and threatens the spirit of democracy with overwhelming powers in the hands of the legislature (acting as the executive).

Article 74(1) of the Constitution reads, “There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who shall, in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advise.”

This clause was introduced in the constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government. Before this date, no such provision bounding the actions of the President in accordance with advice of the Council of Ministers existed. While many new provisions introduced by the 42nd amendment were repealed by the succeeding VP Singh’s Janata government, this was left without any changes. Article 74(1) makes it mandatory for the President to act on Council of Ministers’ advice. This applies to all the matters concerned with the President. This provision, therefore, has deep impact on our democracy. It effectively renders the President powerless in most executive functions left to his disposal. These include: appointment of individuals for various constitutional posts, appointment of the State Governors, exercising judicial powers such as pardon, reprieves, etc. The President is bound to make all these decisions on the advice of the Council of Ministers, which also has legislative powers in the Parliament. This is in violation of the separation of powers doctrine that ensures accountability in executive and legislative functions of the government.

Many argue that Article 74(1) is justified because the Council of Ministers represent the people, hence their decisions reflect interest of the people. This argument fails to consider historical precedence and the basic principles of democratic framework and design, and also tenets of reason that guide such structure of the government. Historically, executive has not necessarily acted in interests of the people when endowed with sweeping powers. The proclamation of emergency in 1975 is a living proof of such behavior. Additionally, the democratic function of separating the legislative from the executive (and the judiciary) has worked very well in the USA and France. In fact, even our constitution makers took notice and did not have any such provision in the original constitution to begin with. Lastly, good reason commands that these functions of the government should be strictly separate. The legislature should not be enticed to put its hand in the cookie jar of the executive, after all, this behavior can only become addictive, and potentially hazardous to the health of our democracy.

Given that we have a Parliamentary form of government (as opposed to Presidential form), such arrangement might have been justified if there was an in-built fail mechanism against misuse of powers by the Council of Ministers. The rampant misuse of ordinance making power by Indian governments showcase one such misuse and overuse of this power. Unfortunately (or should I say, fortunately), the only fail safe against such action is the judiciary. However, judiciary can only react ex-post and it has been grossly overburdened for many years now. The Law Commission and prominent legal experts should take a deep look at Article 74(1). They must build a reasonable fail-safe mechanism against roller-coaster of an executive mischief that this article is, and ensure that law is held and practices in spirit of our democratic system.

I used the attached notes for my prelims Env. Science/ Ecology preparation. Additionally I used Shakar IAS notes as well. Hope these help 🙂

Ecology Notes Manuj