Four core subjects of UPSC
Economics > Polity > History > Geography.
Importance of Environment, Art & Culture and Current Affairs are increasing. But, these subjects are dynamic. Difficult to complete them.
So, first focus on core subjects. Then move to other subjects.
#UPSC
Subject importance in Prelims.
Economics > Environment > Polity > Science and Technology > Modern History > Geography > Ancient and Medieval History > International Relations > Art and Culture.
#Prelims2023
Polity for UPSC Prelims;
PYQs (10 years)
+
Class 11 NCERT - Our constitution at work
+
Laxmikanth
+
Mock tests on polity
+
Vision IAS monthly magazines polity section (12 months prior to Prelims).
Do it 4 times before Prelims.
Polity is done and dusted.
#UPSC
Aspirants giving prelims 2023, try to complete following things by January 2023.
1. Optional.
2. Two readings of all the standard books.
3. Ethics.
4. Try to make own notes on each topic mentioned in mains syllabus, very helpful for mains.
Five months from now.
#UPSC
Prelims 2023;
You must try to have atleast one standard book for every subject.
Polity
Economics
Environment
Geography
Ancient and Medieval history
Art & Culture
Modern History
If you don't have one. Comment below(the subject). I will suggest you One book for that subject.
If you are reading PT 365 for Prelims 2023, follow this sequence in reading PT 365's;
Science and technology > Environment > Economics > International Relations > Polity > Culture > Security > Social Issues > Schemes.
#UPSC
'Deep work' in UPSC Prep
Study for an hour, take a 10min break. Study for an hour, take a 10min break. Study for an hour, take a 30min break. In 4hours you do 3hours of high concentration study. No phone, no interaction with anyone, no distractions in these 4hours of deep work.
Prelims subjects breakdown;
• Polity
• Economics
• Environment
• Geography
• Ancient & Medieval History
• Art & Culture
• Modern History
• Science & Tech
• Current Affairs
Give seperate time to each subject. Have atleast one standard source for each subject.
#UPSC
It takes 4 months to do optional. Coaching, reading of standard books, notes making, answer writing etc. Aiming for 2023, try to complete your optional in the next 4 months.
#UPSC
This book, Tamilnadu ncert 11th class is very good book to study ancient and mediaeval history. It covers all important aspects in very simple and easy language. Previous Year Questions are mostly covered in this book. This is my to go book for Ancient and Mediaeval History.
Go to UPSC website, download past 10 years Prelims question papers and keep them on the study table.
Force yourself to look at the PYQs everyday. To do wonders in Prelims.
#UPSC
Many stories of students who are good in Maths, who have Mathematics as optional in UPSC are not able to clear CSAT paper this year.
Imagine the stories of Non Maths background students. It is unjust to call this CSAT paper as difficult. It is scary to most of the aspirants.
Economics is the 'most important' subject of UPSC Preparation.
Just look at the no. of questions asked from the subject in Prelims.
2018-22Q
2019-20Q
2020-15Q
2021-18Q
2022-20Q
In mains, more than 50% of GS paper-3 is economics.
#UPSC
Serious UPSC Aspirants, who already appeared in atleast 1 Prelims, but couldn't clear Prelims. Aiming for 2023 Prelims, can DM me. I would like to help you in your Preparation.
Would like to talk to you.
#UPSC
Prelims notes making ? Focus on these;
1. International organisations.
2. Map pointing.
3. Reports.
4. Science and Technology, new technologies, Space missions, etc.
5. Important Wetlands, National Parks, Wildlife sanctuaries etc.
6. Important Acts, Schemes of govt.
What else?
9 months for Prelims 2023.
Next 4 months has to be mains centric preparation. Try to complete your optional, mains notes making, Ethics and essay.
#UPSCCSE
Ancient and Medieval Indian History for UPSC Prelims.
Tamilnadu class 11 book
+
New NCERT Class 12 book i.e Themes in Indian History part II
+
Prelims Mock tests on Ancient and Medieval History
+
PYQs.
Ancient and Medieval History is done and dusted.
#UPSC
Ancient and medieval history for UPSC CSE.
1. PYQs.
2. Tamilnadu ncert class 11 book.
3. Class 12 history new ncert book, Themes in Indian History part II. Medieval History important topics covered.
4. Mock tests based on subject.
5. Current affairs, Vision monthly magazines.
Phone is one of the biggest distractor in UPSC Preperation.
1. Switch off the phone during study sessions.
2. Don't keep your phone in your study room.
3. Disable all notifications.
4. No phone to library.
5. Use laptop or tablets to consume digital content for UPSC.
#UPSC
Science and technology questions in Prelims.
2018-10Q
2019-13Q
2020-15Q
2021-12Q
2022-14Q
Numbers are huge. In 2023 also, you can expect 12-15Qs from Science and Technology.
Advice: Make notes on all the important topics frequently asked from the subject.
Mains 2022 GS papers, few observations:
1. Command over basic concepts is important.
2. Focus on syllabus.
3. Notes making on topics given in syllabus helps a lot.
4. Focus on PYQs, look at ethics paper, GS Paper 3. Questions, topics repeated.
5. Newspaper is important.
#UPSC
In UPSC Preparation, it is important to celebrate small wins.
1. Completed daily Target, feel proud of yourself.
2. Gave a mock test, treat it as a success.
3. Wrote answers, feel happy.
4. Understood a concept, celebrate.
Small wins everyday = Big success one day.
Tamilnadu board class 11 book is my go to book for Ancient and Medieval History. It covers all the important aspects of Ancient and Medieval History in a simple and lucid language.
Highly, recommend you to read this book for Ancient and Medieval History.
Class 12 History NCERT, Themes in Indian History part II, is a must read for UPSC Aspirants. It covers very important topics, not found in any other history book. It is written in simple and lucid language. I highly recommend this book. You will enjoy reading it.
#UPSC
This 11th class ncert geography book is a must read book for UPSC CSE. It covers various aspects of Indian geography in a simple way. It is my go to book for Indian geography. I highly recommend it. You will enjoy reading it.
#UPSC
Modern India : Spectrum or Bipin Chandra.
Answer : Spectrum.
Anytime. Prelims, Mains, other UPSC exams, State PCS etc. For modern history nothing better than Spectrum.
#UPSC
Study for an hour, take a 10 minute break. Again study for an hour, take a 10 minute break. Again study for an hour, take an hour break.
You can't just keep on studying. Breaks in between are necessary.
#UPSC
Still 9 months left for 2023 Prelims. Many aspirants are already thinking of skipping this attempt. Most started preparation only 3 months back.
It is too early, to give up.
9 months is a lot of time. You can do wonders in 9 months. Be disciplined. Prepare for 2023 attempt.
Sources to study Science and Technology for UPSC Prelims.
1. Vision IAS current affairs monthly magazines, S&T section.
2. Prelims Mock tests on S&T.
3. Make notes on topics from which UPSC has asked questions in Prelims. Revise it.
One topic = One page notes.
There is no place for complacency in UPSC Preperation. Some of the best minds of the country are studying day in and day out for this exam. Many of them are doing it for years.
Be consistent and disciplined with your preparation.
#UPSC
Polity for Prelims;
1. Just go through PYQs for 3-4 hrs.
2. Read class 11 Ncert, Our constitution at work.
3. Read Laxmikant.
4. Give a polity mock test. Read explanation/solutions. Make notes on 10 questions which you feel are important but not covered in Laxmikanth.
#UPSC
Shankar IAS is not sufficient for Environment.
• Read Shankar IAS to cover basics.
• Then, read PT 365 of past 2 years selectively.
• Solve Vision IAS Prelims mock tests on environment. Read explanations.
UPSC is evolving, we need to catch up with new strategies.
Every aspirant study 2-3 months before prelims and mains.
It is those who study in these times, with discipline and consistency, who have greater chances of cracking this exam. Hard truth.
#UPSC
How to read newspaper in less than one hour:
1. One newspaper.
2. Avoid notes making.
3. Follow skimming technique of reading.
4. Read only UPSC relevant news, PYQs, syllabus helps in this aspect.
5. Ignore political, business, local crimes, etc news not relevant to UPSC.
Ethics is one of the easiest subjects of UPSC CSE Preparation.
However, aspirants complicate it and end up scoring less marks.
• 1 book, multiple revisions.
• Read toppers answers.
• Write as many answers and case studies as possible.
Ethics is done and dusted.
#UPSC
If not science (6-12) ncerts for science and technology, then how to cover?
1. Vision IAS current affairs monthly magazines, S&T section.
2. Mock test questions on S&T. Make notes from these.
3. Mains 365 of S&T, past 3 years.
4. Make notes on topics frequently asked in Prelims.
Many aspirants started for 2023, but now they have shifted the goal to 2024.
It is still 10 months left for 2023. If you keep on shifting the goal to year by year, it is not a good sign.
You started with an aim of attempting UPSC in 2023. Go for it. 10 months is a good time.
If you can't read a book for 3-4 times, then there is no point in reading that book.
I mean, reading a book once and thinking that you can remember it, is a fools paradise.
#UPSC
You don't master a subject by continuous reading.
You master a subject by continuous practicing.
So, practice MCQs, do mock tests, write answers to master a subject.
#UPSC
Few don'ts in UPSC Preperation w.r.t notes making.
1. Don't make notes from Newspaper.
2. Don't make notes of must read ncerts.
3. Don't make notes of standard books like Lakshmikant, Spectrum etc.
4. Don't make notes of Vision IAS monthly current affairs magazines.
#UPSC
UPSC EPFO Exam is a good option for UPSC CSE Aspirants. Especially, to those who are unfortunate with prelims 2023. Prepare for this exam now.
It can be prepared in 20 days. Prepare all the topics. Use YouTube videos to your advantage. Secure a job.
Few habits that will improve your productivity in UPSC preparation.
1. Get enough sleep.
2. Eat healthy.
3. Stay organised.
4. Don't overthink.
5. Say 'NO' more often.
#UPSC
Till December 2023, you must allocate 50 percent of your time for optional, ethics and essay preparation. Other 50 percent of your time for GS prelims and mains preperation.
#UPSC
Understand syllabus
Make PYQs your best friends
Have study targets
Be disciplined
Keep your sources limited
Revise more often
Read toppers answers
Give mock tests
Practice answer writing
Don't neglect CSAT
Want to add anything? Add in the comments.
#UPSC
Pickup a subject and study for a week. Then move on to next subject. So on.
Don't try to study 3-4 subjects in a day or in a week.
UPSC is a tough exam, don't make it tougher. Don't complicate things.
#UPSC
Economics is the most important subject in UPSC Prelims.
If, it is taking more time, give the time. Understand the basic concepts properly. Solve PYQs. Give mock tests on economics.
Every year 15-20 questions are asked from economics in Prelims.
#Prelims2023
GS Mains Paper 1, Subject wise questions given. Past 3 years paper analysis:
Geography - 7Qs for 85 Marks.
Society - 6Qs for 75 Marks.
Art & Culture - 3Qs for 40 Marks.
Modern History - 3Qs for 35 Marks.
World History - 1Q or 0Q.
Post independence - 1Q or 0Q
#UPSC
I don't recommend making notes from books like Lakshmikant, Spectrum. You need to read these books multiple times. Underline and highlight important points. Read, revise, repeat. You get command over the book and subject.
#UPSC
Books to read for Ancient and Medieval History:
1. Tamilnadu class 11 book - 2007 edition.
2. New NCERT class 12 book - Themes in Indian History part 2.
3. Vision IAS monthly magazines - Ancient and Medieval History topics.
Note: I don't recommend class 11 old ncerts.
#UPSC
Environment for UPSC Prelims;
PYQs (past 10 years)
+
PMF IAS/Shankar IAS Book
+
Mock tests based on Environment
+
Current affairs (Vision IAS monthly magazines environment section, 12 months prior to Prelims)
Environment is done and dusted for Prelims.
#UPSC
Sources to make notes for mains, apart from standard books ?
1. Vision IAS mains 365, past 3 years.
2. Mains mock test solutions of Vision IAS, past 5 years.
#UPSC
Get your basics strong.
I have seen many toppers, one common thing among them is, they are pretty good with basics.
They do it by;
1. Reading the same book multiple times.
2. PYQs centred preparation.
3. Understanding the concepts.
4. Practicing mock tests.
#UPSC
Once you clear Prelims, your confidence increase. Many of your self doubts would disappear. So, next 3 months focus on Prelims. Make sure you give mains in 2023.
#UPSC
Economy is undoubtedly the most important subject of UPSC CSE.
Just count the number of questions asked from this subject in Prelims. Year after year, nearly 20 questions are asked from economics in Prelims.
#UPSC
In CSAT Paper, Reading Comprehension is the least prepared.
27-30 questions are asked from Reading Comprehension in CSAT Paper. If prepared well, you can easily get 20-21 questions right from this section.
Watch these 5 classes, grab the low hanging fruits well in CSAT paper.
Few practical tips for UPSC aspirants:
1. Have proper study timetable. Stick to it.
2. Have study targets. Daily, weekly and monthly.
3. Maintain proper sleep cycle.
4. Switch off the phone before you sit to study. Switch it on only after 3-4 hours of study session.
#UPSC
Aspirant: I am studying but can't remember what i study.
Me: How many times have you read the book ?
Aspirant: Only once.
Me: Then you can't say, I can't remember.
No one can remember a book by reading it once or twice. You need to read it atleast 4-5 times.
#UPSC
You must be reading standard books like Laxmikant, Spectrum, Nitin Singhania etc for Prelims.
Watch these video, before reading these books. Discussed how to read these books, important chapters of these books etc in these videos.
A thread 🧵
If Spectrum for Modern History, then which book for Ancient & Medieval History?
Tamilnadu Class 11 book for History.
Yes, it is Tamilnadu Board book for class 11. It is good book. Written in simple and lucid language. Covers all the important topics. Very relevant for UPSC.
Modern History for UPSC Prelims.
PYQs
+
Spectrum
+
Mock tests on Modern History
+
Current Affairs related to modern history from Vision IAS monthly magazines.
Modern History is done and dusted.
#UPSC
'Will study from tomorrow' is the biggest enemy of UPSC aspirant.
Aspirants keep on saying it to themselves everyday 'Kal se padhunga'.
By postponing days, many aspirants postpone their life by years.
#Hardtruth
#UPSC
In the first Prelims mock test I gave i got 55 marks. In the third mock, i got 37 marks.
I gave these mocks after 2-3 months into my Preparation.
But, i got a wise advice from a senior. "Test dete reh, marks apne aap badh jayega. Jitne tests de sakte ho utne tests dho".
#UPSC
Sir you keep on saying, not to make notes from Ncerts, standard books, current affairs monthly magazines, newspapers etc for UPSC Prelims.
Notes banana kis cheezo ka hai, for Prelims, yeah batao ?
A thread on Prelims notes making🧵 🧵
What amazes me is, while preparing for GS Mains we focus more on Polity, economy, History etc.
But, don't focus much on mains specific topics like Society, internal security, Governance, etc.
UPSC doesn't neglect these topics.
#UPSC
Society is very important part of GS Paper 1 of Mains. Look at no.of questions asked from the subject.
2019 - 6Qs (75 Marks)
2020 - 6Qs (80 Marks)
2021 - 6Qs (75 Marks)
2022 - 6Qs (75 Marks)
Numbers are huge. 30% of GS Paper 1 is society.
Follow these rules in your UPSC Preparation:
1. Be loyal to your goal.
2. Stay away from negative people.
3. Learn from your mistakes.
4. Be positive.
5. Respect your time.
#UPSC
Smart study for Prelims 2023;
• 1 book for each subject & Multiple revisions.
• Mock tests - Give, evaluate performance & read solutions.
• PYQs - Get command over PYQs.
• Current Affairs - One source, multiple revisions.
#UPSC
Just reading class 11 NCERT of Art and Culture is not sufficient for UPSC. This book misses many important aspects related to Art and Culture.
You must read Nitin Singhania book for Art and Culture.
Next 10 months plan for 2023 aspirants.
1. First 3-4 months focus more on mains. Along with command over all the standard books of UPSC.
2. Next 2 months, give equal importance to Prelims and Mains.
3. Next 4 months, exclusive and intense Prelims preparation.
#UPSC
Modern History, no.of questions asked in Prelims in past 5 years;
2018- 12Q
2019- 6Q
2020- 9Q
2021- 7Q
2022- 4Q
Observation: Till 2018, 10-15 questions are asked from Modern History. However, since 2019 it's a different story.
There is no Ancient and Medieval History in UPSC Mains.
In mains we have Art & Culture. All the questions UPSC asks from Ancient and Medieval History in mains are related to Art and Culture.
#UPSC
No need to read Science (6-10) NCERTS for Science & Technology in UPSC.
UPSC is focussing on Science and Technology, not on pure science i.e Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
Focus more on current affairs, latest technologies, PYQs, etc. for UPSC S&T portion.
Ethics for UPSC
1. Pickup a book, Lexicon or DK Balaji. Read and revise it multiple times.
2. Read 'ethics toppers' mock test answer copies. Analyse how they are writing. Eg:- Sarthak Agarwal (2020) rank 17.
3. Write answers and case studies.
Repeat the process. 🔁
#UPSC
GS Mains paper 2, marks break out as per subject.
1. Polity: 125 Marks.
2. Social Justice & Governance: 75 Marks.
3. International Relations: 50 Marks.
Conclusion: GS paper 2 is not just polity or Lakshmikant.
To ace prelims you must have strong command over Polity and economics.
Year after year 30-35 questions are asked in Prelims, from these two subjects. It's huge number right. You must prioritise these two subjects in your preparation.
#UPSC
Plan your tomorrow today. Before going to bed, just write down your tomorrow's plan. Write what you study, how many hours you study etc.
Just see how helpful it is. It reduces anxiety, improves productivity, brings discipline and consistency to your preparation.
#UPSC