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DM,UK01and13 otherslike this
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Guys, I am really confused about all the different courses available here for mains and need your help. I did my foundation course from Vision (online mode) in 2021-22. This was my second attempt, and I may not be able to clear prelims this year (82 and 85 in Paper1 and Paper2 respectively). So as Ayush Sir said in 5 June session, I wish to enroll for mains courses. However, there are so many courses, each with a confusing name - GSAP, MGP, MGP+, AWFG etc. I have understood what AWFG is and will surely enroll in it. However, what about MGP and GSAP? MGP has tests. GSAP has both lectures and tests. Is it necessary to join both MGP and GSAP? If I have done my foundation course once (in Vision), won't attending lectures in GSAP be a duplication of efforts? I was told on phone that if you join GSAP, there is no need to join MGP. However, Sir emphasized on joining GSAP in his 5 June interaction. Was this advise (of joining GSAP) for beginners who are just starting their preparation or also for those who might need to sit for prelims again? The info is available on the website but it is overwhelming to continuously switch b/w tabs and compare it. Can someone please help me out here? Please. I also have a small suggestion for ForumIAS faculties - the intentions behind all your courses are noble but they have become too much clumsy and cluttered. Please just make a table comparing similar courses for mains/prelims - what they would and would not cover, duration, start and end date, fee etc etc, and pin it everywhere. Currently it is like iPhone 10, iPhone 10X, iPhone 10S, iPhone 10 Max, iPhone 10Max Pro, iPhone 10 lite, iPhone 10 ultra, iPhone XR, iPhone XS. (Have never owned an iPhone kyonki main gareeb hoon so please don't mind if I named models which don't exist.

Fair enough to be confused. Summarizing for you because at one point or another, I have experienced almost all programs of Forum, except CGP.

1. CGP - Foundation - You don't need

2. SFG - Prelims tests everyday - 2 levels - for discipline and value add - not relevant at this time

3. AWFG - Static Mains revision - You kindof know what will be asked next day due to WYSK tabs in excel (What You Should Know - check AWFG excel closer to date, I don't think I am allowed to share excel from last year) - Just show up and write and trust that your static is sorted. Must be done at least once in prep, irrespective of clearing prelims or not. This is time bound - 7 questions in one hour - good to get machinery running in the morning.

4. MGP - Mains Test series - Close to actual Mains exam - includes mix of static and current - appear in a strict time bound manner as if it is an actual exam. You get "Good copies" and "Mentor discussion" - use them as much as you can to compare with peers. Use synopsis to add value to your Vision Foundation Notes - as they may have told you to keep margins in notes - fill those margins :)

5. MGP+ - same as above with Essay - valuable upgrade

6. MGP++ - same as 4 with concept classes on topics usually ignored - since you have taken a good foundation - can avoid as upgrade cost is high

7. MGP++ with Essay - 6 with essay

8. EGP - Essay Guidance Program - pretty good - includes sessions and discussions on Essay tests - take if you are under confident in essay otherwise MGP+ also should do with some mentor sessions

9. Ethics module -@Neyawn sir takes this usually - anything I say will be coating gold with bronze - watch demo classes when this starts - usually 3 classes are offered- and take your call. 

10. GSAP - Mains value addition course - consider this a full time course (4 hours of classes per day) in an intense fashion where you will be taught mains topics only. More importantly it makes you think in a mains oriented framework. Includes a custom MGP plan for you. This is sort of foundation without Prelims.

11. Current Affairs with Dipin Sir - Gold standard for CA prep - Offered with GSAP as addon and separately as well. Some may say this is on the expensive side, so make the most of it.

Now personalized advice - You have done foundation and have a fair chance of clearing prelims - stick with MGP+ and CA combo - add on with Ethics and EGP if needed at all. If your optional is sorted and you have the time, AWFG is also a good way to cover GS topics - you need 3 hours to half day to cover WYSK plus 1 hour on Mon-Wed-Fri to write.

Good luck!!

Joeyisthebest,dalphaand10 otherslike this
3.6k views

Tk17said

What's with all these abbreviations for program name , I mean SFG ,MGP and Now AWFG

Why can't we have simple names like graded evaluation, complete evaluation or something like that

All those big abbreviations makes it look like some New Rice/Wheat varieties by ICAR


That's how mba people earn their bread and butter - by inventing and coining meaningless terms to create hype for a product by giving the impression of it being something new and creating fomo. Ruling govt's scheme names are a perfect example of it


Omen,Pam123and7 otherslike this
28.7k views

Neyawnsaid

GSAP includes MGP, so you don't need to join MGP separately.

@Neyawn  I joined GSAP before prelims but have no access to MGP FLTs now. The management is telling me to purchase MGP separately, please explain....

HD,youcandoand6 otherslike this
5.1k views
» show previous quotes

Fair enough to be confused. Summarizing for you because at one point or another, I have experienced almost all programs of Forum, except CGP.

1. CGP - Foundation - You don't need

2. SFG - Prelims tests everyday - 2 levels - for discipline and value add - not relevant at this time

3. AWFG - Static Mains revision - You kindof know what will be asked next day due to WYSK tabs in excel (What You Should Know - check AWFG excel closer to date, I don't think I am allowed to share excel from last year) - Just show up and write and trust that your static is sorted. Must be done at least once in prep, irrespective of clearing prelims or not. This is time bound - 7 questions in one hour - good to get machinery running in the morning.

4. MGP - Mains Test series - Close to actual Mains exam - includes mix of static and current - appear in a strict time bound manner as if it is an actual exam. You get "Good copies" and "Mentor discussion" - use them as much as you can to compare with peers. Use synopsis to add value to your Vision Foundation Notes - as they may have told you to keep margins in notes - fill those margins :)

5. MGP+ - same as above with Essay - valuable upgrade

6. MGP++ - same as 4 with concept classes on topics usually ignored - since you have taken a good foundation - can avoid as upgrade cost is high

7. MGP++ with Essay - 6 with essay

8. EGP - Essay Guidance Program - pretty good - includes sessions and discussions on Essay tests - take if you are under confident in essay otherwise MGP+ also should do with some mentor sessions

9. Ethics module -@Neyawn sir takes this usually - anything I say will be coating gold with bronze - watch demo classes when this starts - usually 3 classes are offered- and take your call. 

10. GSAP - Mains value addition course - consider this a full time course (4 hours of classes per day) in an intense fashion where you will be taught mains topics only. More importantly it makes you think in a mains oriented framework. Includes a custom MGP plan for you. This is sort of foundation without Prelims.

11. Current Affairs with Dipin Sir - Gold standard for CA prep - Offered with GSAP as addon and separately as well. Some may say this is on the expensive side, so make the most of it.

Now personalized advice - You have done foundation and have a fair chance of clearing prelims - stick with MGP+ and CA combo - add on with Ethics and EGP if needed at all. If your optional is sorted and you have the time, AWFG is also a good way to cover GS topics - you need 3 hours to half day to cover WYSK plus 1 hour on Mon-Wed-Fri to write.

Good luck!!

Forum should literally pay you for unpacking their programs in such a detailed manner for freshers/newbies ( if they have not already :p )


Neyawn,dalphaand4 otherslike this
5.9k views
Majority don't know whether they will be able to make through or not. Launching such course before result and taking fees is just so unethical, you are milking the uncertain cut off.very bad.
Dionysus,Saint_1and4 otherslike this
28.5k views

@farejul @Neyawn @forumiasacademy  Sir, Kindly align the test plan of AWFG as per MGP tests. MGP tests are planned as GS1,2,3,4 in sequential manner. While AWFG has been planned as GS2->4->3->1. So, an alignment in both will make it more practical to follow.

NishkamKarma,UK01and4 otherslike this
28.1k views

GSAP was for those people who have done 

1) no foundation but are good at prelims ( not clearing but in 10-15 marks margin

2) done weak foundation from mkn, tier 2 towns 

3) done foundation before, but did not have sincereity at that time.


It won't help those who have no background or are getting 10-20 marks in prelims or complete freshers. It is a classroom based program for Mains.


If you have just done foundation properly  from next or vision, you don't need it, you can go ahead with MGP+CA . For daily answer writing practice, awfg is very good.


I am no knight. Do not call me Sir|Philosophy behind ForumIAS

dalpha,UK01and3 otherslike this
3.9k views
Awfg is for anyone EVER hoping to write Mains.

I am no knight. Do not call me Sir|Philosophy behind ForumIAS

dalpha,AB12and3 otherslike this
3.9k views
GSAP includes MGP, so you don't need to join MGP separately.

I am no knight. Do not call me Sir|Philosophy behind ForumIAS

HD,LuckyKattand3 otherslike this
3.9k views

@Neyawn I am very inexperienced in answer writing, but want to improve through AWFG. I'll be taking the entrance test online, and I don't have enough confidence to say whether I'll make it to the program if there is a limited number of seats (and no SFG/RLG type gradation at the start). What do you advise ?

arey hojaoge awfg mai select. there's rlg type for it as well. Forum ko pese nahi Kamane kya ? Just make sure end tak consistency rahe, peer review ho and answers mai value addition hojaye. Baki tumara nahi hoga toh kiska hoga ?

GaneshGaitonde,Saint_1and3 otherslike this
28.2k views

@farejul @Neyawn I was part of GSAP. 

1. Does it include MGP FLt's? If yes then what's the schedule? 

2. Is there any concession for GSAP students who'll join AWFG?

1. I have checked your course, It didn't include MGP Full-length test. If you want to avail MGP FLT, You have to purchase it separately.

2. There is no discount for GSAP Students

I raised this doubt months back fearing the same. Hope you discuss this with your team and resolve this issue.

HD,HeNeArKrand2 otherslike this
5k views
@D503 Haha! Glad I could help! Just paying off my debts to the community for helping me in dark (post-result) times. :D
Dionysus,dalphaand2 otherslike this
5.9k views
What's with all these abbreviations for program name , I mean SFG ,MGP and Now AWFG

Why can't we have simple names like graded evaluation, complete evaluation or something like that

All those big abbreviations makes it look like some New Rice/Wheat varieties by ICAR


Dionysus,Pam123and2 otherslike this
29.7k views
Majority don't know whether they will be able to make through or not. Launching such course before result and taking fees is just so unethical, you are milking the uncertain cut off.very bad.

This toh is for sure. 


last year they kept community meet soo late,  Ayush sir ko beg kar kar ke thak gaya tha. And yeh saal fatak se ek dum. Im sure other variables and factors come into play, but itna random reh ke forum upsc ke liye hi prepare kara raha hai lol ( plz get the sarcasm han)

Saint_1,AB12and2 otherslike this
28.3k views

@farejul @Neyawn I was part of GSAP. 

1. Does it include MGP FLt's? If yes then what's the schedule? 

2. Is there any concession for GSAP students who'll join AWFG?

HD,TomiokaGiyuand1 otherslike this
27.7k views

@farejul @Neyawn I was part of GSAP. 

1. Does it include MGP FLt's? If yes then what's the schedule? 

2. Is there any concession for GSAP students who'll join AWFG?

1. I have checked your course, It didn't include MGP Full-length test. If you want to avail MGP FLT, You have to purchase it separately.

2. There is no discount for GSAP Students

I remember vividly that GSAP course had 8 MGP FLTs after prelims included in it...

HD,DancingMasterand1 otherslike this
4.5k views

Neyawnsaid

On the basis of your copy, your grade is B.

Grading Categories were A,B,C ? 

Sir Please extend fees portal till tomorrow evening instead of morning.

@farejul 

A+ as well

There is D also. But they are not selected for the program. It will be a troublesome both for us and them to write so many tests. AWFG is an advanced program for someone who has either the basic knowledge base or skills or the capacity for sit for an hour and do writing. In case all 3 are missing, it is wiser not to select as it will be missold and will not be good for forum nor the students.


I am no knight. Do not call me Sir|Philosophy behind ForumIAS

Haryana,MichaelScarnand1 otherslike this
4k views
Guys, I am really confused about all the different courses available here for mains and need your help. I did my foundation course from Vision (online mode) in 2021-22. This was my second attempt, and I may not be able to clear prelims this year (82 and 85 in Paper1 and Paper2 respectively). So as Ayush Sir said in 5 June session, I wish to enroll for mains courses. However, there are so many courses, each with a confusing name - GSAP, MGP, MGP+, AWFG etc. I have understood what AWFG is and will surely enroll in it. However, what about MGP and GSAP? MGP has tests. GSAP has both lectures and tests. Is it necessary to join both MGP and GSAP? If I have done my foundation course once (in Vision), won't attending lectures in GSAP be a duplication of efforts? I was told on phone that if you join GSAP, there is no need to join MGP. However, Sir emphasized on joining GSAP in his 5 June interaction. Was this advise (of joining GSAP) for beginners who are just starting their preparation or also for those who might need to sit for prelims again? The info is available on the website but it is overwhelming to continuously switch b/w tabs and compare it. Can someone please help me out here? Please. I also have a small suggestion for ForumIAS faculties - the intentions behind all your courses are noble but they have become too much clumsy and cluttered. Please just make a table comparing similar courses for mains/prelims - what they would and would not cover, duration, start and end date, fee etc etc, and pin it everywhere. Currently it is like iPhone 10, iPhone 10X, iPhone 10S, iPhone 10 Max, iPhone 10Max Pro, iPhone 10 lite, iPhone 10 ultra, iPhone XR, iPhone XS. (Have never owned an iPhone kyonki main gareeb hoon so please don't mind if I named models which don't exist.

82 and 85. You have a pretty good chance of clearing pre this year. 80+ people are speculating for GS1. And u r clearing CSAT with a margin.



AB12,MichaelScarnand1 otherslike this
4.1k views
@D503  At company level ,I know unique program names are necessary to track progress and for project completion etc

But it would be good if simple sounding names are used to communicate with consumers


Dionysus,AB12and1 otherslike this
28.9k views

@farejul Sir

Portal is not showing upload answer option, Please resolve the same.


Dauntless,Celsius441and1 otherslike this
3.3k views
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