Mains 2020 – Answer Writing + Suggestions for The Last Week

We have reached the part of our Mains preparation where we just want to write the exam any moment now. The last week before the Mains is particularly jittery – if you are writing your first Mains. And if it is your third Mains or more, and you have set in “this too shall pass”… Continue reading Mains 2020 – Answer Writing + Suggestions for The Last Week

A month to Prelims – Making the most of last 40 days

We have reached the point in our Prelims preparation which we call the “last leg.” This part of your life is called sustaining the hard work. This is also the point that a lot of people feel like giving up. Just like that. Putting the hard work of a year down the drain. We are… Continue reading A month to Prelims – Making the most of last 40 days

60 Days – Prelims Preparation in times of Corona

Picture (c) Osnat Tzadok We are living at a pivotal point in human history. Times like these are testing times. It reminds me of a close friend, a senior, mentor and a guide to me.  About a decade ago. She always wanted to be an Indian Foreign Service Officer. It was her childhood dream. That… Continue reading 60 Days – Prelims Preparation in times of Corona

The Secret Ingredient to Last 30 days of Prelims + Winning the ENDGAME

Charles Dickens famously wrote – It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The run-up to the Prelims perhaps can be best described as above.[1] Being 30 days away from Prelims is like being at the edge of the cliff. You are afraid of the fall, and yet you have to… Continue reading The Secret Ingredient to Last 30 days of Prelims + Winning the ENDGAME

The Last Miles to Mains – Making the most of your time

Darius, the Persian Emperor, fallen to the Greeks, and in his death bed, tells his son Xerxes. “Only the Gods can defeat the Greeks.” For days Xerxes mourned until one day, Artmesia[1]  tells Xerxes Your fathers words were not a warning, but a challenge.If only the Gods can defeat the Greeks, you could be God… Continue reading The Last Miles to Mains – Making the most of your time

Fighting Depression in times of the Heatwave+ Prelims Examination

 The Prelims examination is about 2 weeks away. Not only do we have a delayed prelims, but the extra time has given some of us less time for Mains, and more time to worry for the prelims. Especially when the Prelims 2023 was a lot different from what we used to write in the past… Continue reading Fighting Depression in times of the Heatwave+ Prelims Examination

In Defense of Common Sense : Preparing for Prelims & Mistakes not to make

A wise man once told me – Remember failure is a great teacher. But if you don’t learn the lesson, life will repeat the lesson for you. We are about 2 months from the Prelims Examination. The screening exam that is supposed to separate the chaff from the grain. This is only partly true. For… Continue reading In Defense of Common Sense : Preparing for Prelims & Mistakes not to make

IAS Interview : Honesty and Simplicity is the key. Here is why.

“What will be your priorities as a District Collector of Central Delhi ?” I asked  “Sir, as District Collector, my priorities will be to focus on skill development, women empowerment, and bringing in transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. I will also ensure that law and order is maintained to inspire confidence of women… Continue reading IAS Interview : Honesty and Simplicity is the key. Here is why.

The Post Mains Guide to Interview Preparation and further preparation

I once met a farmer, It was the end of Harvest. And the sowing season was far away. “So now”, I said, “you will take a looong break, and make merry?” “No Saheb”, if we take any rest now, our hands and legs will rust. We need to prepare ourselves for the sowing season. For… Continue reading The Post Mains Guide to Interview Preparation and further preparation

The Last Minute Plan to Ace Mains ( And Motivate Yourself )

It is one of those 2 AM emails you badly want to write. For friends. Who are slogging each night. To ace the Civil Services Mains Examination with such a margin in the Mains score, that cracking the interview is a child’s play. As we walk into the exam zone, a territory which may not… Continue reading The Last Minute Plan to Ace Mains ( And Motivate Yourself )

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