Approach for Current Affairs for Prelims 2020 + Classes by ForumIAS

Current Affairs forms a significant part of the Prelims. But more importantly, it forms a core part of our preparation in terms of attention and number of hours committed to it.

Dear Friends, In this article we are bringing up two things

• The approach needed for Current Affairs Preparation for Prelims 2020
• The design of Content of Prelims Classes by ForumIAS for CSE 2020

Also, we are writing to inform you that Current Affairs for Prelims 2020 classes have resumed in the Online mode.  The classes are being uploaded on a daily basis at 5PM, Monday to Friday/ Saturday.

We are providing an idea about how we are designing classroom content, so that those of you are planning to take up the classes make an informed choice. Also, those who do not plan to take up the classes, but are drowned in an ocean of current affairs, compromising their Static Preparation and Test paper Solving exercises, may re-orient their preparation for Current Affairs  in the mode given below.

What is the Objective and Rational behind the Program?

First, The single point objective of the program is to remove the clutter and do away with the plethora of Current Affairs material to focus on what is really important for the exam.

An experienced mind is applied to curate what is important for Prelims 2020, amidst the excess material that is available from various sources.

( Basically, this is no rocket science but merely a matter of experience. Over the years, you must have heard of how some people do Current Affairs only in 10 days or so and still get good marks in Prelims.

Technically, with experience, people are able to figure out what is important and what is not so important. However, it is not recommended to waste a few years doing this, when you have recourse to classes and study material that already imbibe that experience. )

Second, The coverage of Topics is such that past 2-3 years perspective is given in Topics, so that you are able to answer questions that seem to come from areas that have not been in news in the past 1 year.

Thirdly, The approach of the classes is kept on the lines of one single question

What is the question that can be asked from this text / topic?

This is the key to the program. Let us understand this through examples.

Example #1

We can expect a question on Indices / Reports nearly every year. Now we can have two approaches

• One, study ALL the indices and reports – hundreds of them
• Two, focus on the expected indices and reports.

This is because in trying to do everything, we are likely to forget a lot of things in the actual exam.

( In the end the pain point in Prelims is not that you did not know the questions, but you got questions you knew wrong because you could not recall well )

Consider the fact that while every index may look important, for example Global Social Mobility Index Report may be more important.

Why? Because it is the first time World Economic Forum is releasing this.

Take the case of Logistics Performance Index. It becomes important as Economic Survey specifically mentions it. And therefore, there must be a focussed approach to doing what you are doing for the Prelims.

( These are examples, to make you understand the point, since some of us may be already aware of these and will be able to relate )

Example #2 IR and International Relations

For instance, we can read bilateral and international relations, and we may end up reading things good enough to write a Mains answer. But from Prelims perspective, our focus has to be on questions that can be asked in Prelims.

Based on the trend of asking questions. 

( Sample Notes Image. PDF Files are shared below )

If you will notice, CSE Prelims will not have questions technically from India- Iran or India Nepal. The questions will be from perspective of “Conflict Zones” ( Map work , bordering countries etc) or “Regional Connectivity”

This orientation above is very important while you prepare for Current Affairs.

Example #3 Polity Related Current Affairs

Again, here if we see, we can read everything under the Sun OR we can focus on where questions come from – such as Rights Based Legislations ( such as Manual Scavenger’s Act, Maternity Benefit, Consumer Protection Act ), Articles and Fundamental Rights in News etc. ( such as Hadiya Case etc. ).

This approach is crucial for preparation of Current Affairs – at least in terms of focussing and remembering things for the actual exam.

We believe that continually asking ourselves what question can be asked from this topic / article in exam has to be your approach for while studying Current Affairs for Prelims.

Classes & Coverage

Please note:

• [*] Marked Class Videos are already uploaded. Economy + Economic Survey classes 7 classes are uploaded, and 5 more are pending.
• Map and Locations will be discussed across al topics – in IR as well as environment as and when areas are covered.
• A total of 25 classes are planned. The program is likely to finish by April 25th.
• Classes will help in understanding some concepts that will make it easy for transitioning to Mains Current Affairs after Prelims smooth.

Enrolment for Current Affairs Classes

Method 1 : Candidates can enrol for the Online Current Affairs Classes by making fee payment at the link below.

Enrol Now and Activate Course→

Method 2: Alternatively, they can visit https://academy.forumias.com search for “Current Affairs for Prelims 2020 | 16th March” and click on Subscribe Now to enrol.

If you have any queries about the program, you can whatsapp us on 9821711605 or email us at admissions@forumias.academy