Has anyone here attempted SFG entrance test before? what is it like ? And is the course available online, because the post says that the candidates have to report everyday at 7 A.M
SFG-2021-Level-2-Entrance-Examination-QP.pdf
This is the question paper of the entrance test I attempted for SFG level 2 last year. I didn't enroll for level 1 so don't know how the entrance for that was.
The past couple of years, SFG is available online. That should continue this year also. However, whether offline or online, you have to strictly attempt the test between 7 - 8 am. That sense of strict discipline is the USP of SFG.
Can someone please recommend a good current affairs course for prelims 2022, I am confused between Dipin sir & Santosh sir(levelupIAS) but I am open to any other institute. So, people please give some insight.
Dipin sir classes are more useful for Mains. For Prelims, you'll have to supplement his classes with monthlies.
I haven't taken Santosh sir classes but I've generally heard good reviews of him. He covers the Prelims portion really well. However, it does get really intensive. So join only if you can spare the time.
Dipin sir classes are more useful for Mains. For Prelims, you'll have to supplement his classes with monthlies.
I haven't taken Santosh sir classes but I've generally heard good reviews of him. He covers the Prelims portion really well. However, it does get really intensive. So join only if you can spare the time.
Can you please tell me the approximate Schedule. I mean how many days per week and how many hours per day, classes are scheduled?
I checked the website but details are not available.
Are you asking about Dipin sir classes or Santosh sir? If Dipin sir, then@Steph_Curry has given all the necessary details. If it's Santosh sir then, according to the telegram channel, classes will be held thrice a week for 4 months. Duration of each class seems to be around 2-3 hours (based on YouTube lectures uploaded). Again I haven't attended classes. Better wait for the reply of someone who has.
Hi peeps! Hope you are all doing well.
I'll start posting here from today in the hopes of building some consistency.
Targets:
1) Newspaper
2) Other editorials
3) Mechanics 3 classes
4) Ethics answer writing
1, 2, 3 and 4 done. Yesterday was a good day.
Hoping to continue the momentum today.
Targets
1) Newspaper + other articles
2) Mechanics 3 classes
3) Ethics
Hi peeps! Hope you are all doing well.
I'll start posting here from today in the hopes of building some consistency.
Targets:
1) Newspaper
2) Other editorials
3) Mechanics 3 classes
4) Ethics answer writing
1, 2, 3 and 4 done. Yesterday was a good day.
Hoping to continue the momentum today.
Targets
1) Newspaper + other articles
2) Mechanics 3 classes
3) Ethics
Good morning people :)
Yesterday ->1 and 2 done. 3 - 50% done.
Today's targets:
1) Newspaper
2) CA class
3) Mechanics 3 classes
4) Ethics finish yesterday's pending
Hi peeps! Hope you are all doing well.
I'll start posting here from today in the hopes of building some consistency.
Targets:
1) Newspaper
2) Other editorials
3) Mechanics 3 classes
4) Ethics answer writing
1, 2, 3 and 4 done. Yesterday was a good day.
Hoping to continue the momentum today.
Targets
1) Newspaper + other articles
2) Mechanics 3 classes
3) Ethics
Good morning people :)
Yesterday ->1 and 2 done. 3 - 50% done.
Today's targets:
1) Newspaper
2) CA class
3) Mechanics 3 classes
4) Ethics finish yesterday's pending
1,2 and 4 done. In Mechanics, didn't do one class.
Came across a passage that resonated with me deeply and reminded me of this UPSC journey.
"Sometimes fate is like a small sandstorm that keeps changing directions. You change direction but the sandstorm chases you. You turn again, but the storm adjusts. Over and over you play this out, like some ominous dance with death just before dawn. Why? Because this storm isn’t something that blew in from far away, something that has nothing to do with you. This storm is you. Something inside of you. So all you can do is give in to it, step right inside the storm, closing your eyes and plugging up your ears so the sand doesn’t get in, and walk through it, step by step. There’s no sun there, no moon, no direction, no sense of time. Just fine white sand swirling up into the sky like pulverized bones. That’s the kind of sandstorm you need to imagine.
For those of you who have been looking for some good poems. Here are some of the well known poems with really deep and motivational feel. You can even cherry-pick lines from them to suit you in examination.
- Invictus by William Henley
- O Captain, My Captain by Walt Whitman
- Do Not Go Gentle into That Goodnight by Dylan Thomas
- Defeat by Kahlil Gibran
- Excelsior by Longfellow
Some of the feel good poems:
- BlueBird by Charles Bukowski
- Ozymandias by P.B. Shelly
- What Will You Do by Rainer Maria Rilke
- Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
Some of the gems from Hindi Literature. Honestly, it should be very long list. Hindi Literature has so many great works that one has to beeither biased or well versedto pick a few over the others. Still my two cents:
- रश्मिरथी
- मधुशाला
- वह आदमी नहीं मुकम्मल बयान है - Dushyant Kumar
- कौरव कौन पांडव कौन - अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी
- जब नाव जल में छोड़ दी
Beautiful! ❤️
Targets for the day:
1) Mechanics - 2 lectures
2) Real Analysis and Calculus (1/10)
3) CA class revision
4) May CA (1/3)
5) Newspaper
6) Strategy@75 - 4 chapters
7) Ethics mind maps
8) Interview Prep
1, 2, 3, 5 - done
4, 7, 8 - 50% done
6 - not done
I realised my targets were a bit too ambitious yesterday. Still putting them up forced me to work harder. So will continue the same today. Targets:
1) Mechanics 2 classes
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) May CA 2/3
4) Ethics mind maps
5) Strategy@75 - 4 chapters
6) Newspaper
7) Interview Prep
1, 2, 3, 5 - done
4, 7, 8 - 50% done
6 - not done
I realised my targets were a bit too ambitious yesterday. Still putting them up forced me to work harder. So will continue the same today. Targets:
1) Mechanics 2 classes
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) May CA 2/3
4) Ethics mind maps
5) Strategy@75 - 4 chapters
6) Newspaper
7) Interview Prep
1, 6, 7 - done; 2, 4 - 75% done; 3, 5 - not done
I realised I've been unnecessarily a bit too ambitious. So reducing the targets now.
1) Mechanics 2 classes
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) Ethics case studies
4) Newspaper
5) Interview Prep
1, 2, 3, 5 - done
4, 7, 8 - 50% done
6 - not done
I realised my targets were a bit too ambitious yesterday. Still putting them up forced me to work harder. So will continue the same today. Targets:
1) Mechanics 2 classes
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) May CA 2/3
4) Ethics mind maps
5) Strategy@75 - 4 chapters
6) Newspaper
7) Interview Prep
1, 6, 7 - done; 2, 4 - 75% done; 3, 5 - not done
I realised I've been unnecessarily a bit too ambitious. So reducing the targets now.
1) Mechanics 2 classes
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) Ethics case studies
4) Newspaper
5) Interview Prep
All done.
Today's targets:
1) Mechanics 2 classes
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) CA class revision
4) Ethics Case studies
5) Newspaper
6) Interview Prep
Hi guys! Anyone who gave Mains and now preparing for prelims? How are you doing it? Ivejust given up, my brain is just incapable of studying anymore. It’s been 3 years…. I have just lost all the motivation to study for prelims again. The break keeps on extending. I know where to start, I have Laxmikant open in front of me… but it’s just there…I’m not actually studying. I am reading the newspaper daily though + economic survey. Also, I should be giving prelims mocks again, right? Like with all seriousness and a decent no of them?
any tips are welcome.
Prelims for me is the most boring and nauseating part of the prep. I don't have the guts to start with it now. Will do so only in March.
Also, post Mains fatigue is a real thing. Particularly this year, when there's hardly any gap between mains and prelims; with no time to rejuvenate ourselves.
Right now just do the things that bring you a spark of joy along with being a teeny bit productive. This can be mains related; watching some classes/videos of areas you're weak in (Pre or Mains) etc. If even these sound undoable, read some books or watch documentaries of stuff tangentially related to the prep. You're already doing newspaper + economic survey which is good enough in itself. The whole goal is to keep doing something or the other to avoid the guilt and build up momentum. Once March hits, you can shift to a more intense prep.
If you are concerned about Prelims (understandable given its randomness), you can work on areas where you are weak at and pick up some additional sources/videos. If no particular area strikes you, mocks are the way to go. In fact most senior aspirants shift to doing multiple mocks instead of revising basic books again and again precisely for this reason (that they lose the desire to revise).
All the best!
Yesterday finished all targets. Thought I'd reward myself with Barca vs Napoli. Sadly, the players had other plans. Glorious chances wasted. :(
Targets for today:
1) Real Analysis and Calculus (80Q)
2) Economic Survey (1/7)
3) Newspaper
Have a great day peeps!!
1) only 40% done. 2 and 3 done
Setting up too ambitious targets proved to be disastrous. Had anxiety issues towards the end. So going to tread lightly for the time being. At this moment, consistency over intensity.
Targets for today:
1) Real Analysis and Calculus (30Q)
2) Interview Prep
3) Newspaper
Yesterday didn't achieve my targets.
Today:
1) SFG entrance
2) Pending articles
3) Plan for next week
@Thunderstorm These are amazing! Keep them coming :)
Yesterday I didn't complete any of my targets. All were half done. This was due to a poor second half of the day.
Before things slide down further, I need to pull myself up.
Targets:
1) Spectrum (Chap 3 & 4)
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) CA class revision
4) Economic Survey (2/7)
5) Newspaper
6) Interview Prep
Yesterday I didn't complete any of my targets. All were half done. This was due to a poor second half of the day.
Before things slide down further, I need to pull myself up.
Targets:
1) Spectrum (Chap 3 & 4)
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) CA class revision
4) Economic Survey (2/7)
5) Newspaper
6) Interview Prep
1, 2, 5, 6 done. 3, 4 - 50% done
Aaj ke targets:
1) Spectrum chap 5
2) Maths questions practice
3) CA class revision pending
4) Economic Survey 2/7 pending
5) Newspaper
6) Interview Prep
Since the calendar was messed up last year with prelims in October, what would be a reasonable time period for current affairs to prepare for coming prelims? I know they ask questions for a 2-3 year old news as well but I’m asking generally, as in MUST do time period ? June to May?
I personally won't be investing too much time on current affairs. I've found that it's usually not worth the time and effort for me. So thinking of doing June '21 to March' 22 monthlies.
If the FOMO gets high, I might read through last year's CA notes. But won't spend more than a day on that.
Baaki I'll keep reading newspaper throughout (as long as I can). And will supplement with CA questions from whatever tests I'll give.
Hopefully this will prove enough.
Yesterday I didn't complete any of my targets. All were half done. This was due to a poor second half of the day.
Before things slide down further, I need to pull myself up.
Targets:
1) Spectrum (Chap 3 & 4)
2) Real Analysis and Calculus
3) CA class revision
4) Economic Survey (2/7)
5) Newspaper
6) Interview Prep
1, 2, 5, 6 done. 3, 4 - 50% done
Aaj ke targets:
1) Spectrum chap 5
2) Maths questions practice
3) CA class revision pending
4) Economic Survey 2/7 pending
5) Newspaper
6) Interview Prep
All done.
Had set aside time for Barca vs Napoli. What a match!! Hence woke up with so much joy today :D
Aaj ke targets:
1) Spectrum Chap 6 and 7
2) Maths questions practice
3) Economic Survey 3/7
4) Newspaper
5) Interview Prep
Hi guys! Didn't post here for a couple of days as I had other plans.
Targets for today:
1) Spectrum Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13
2) Maths questions practice (1 hour)
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
5) Interview Prep (1 hour)
6) CA magazine May 2021 (10 pages)
1,2,3,4,6 done. 5 - 50% done.
Yesterday was a good day. Today will try to keep up the momentum.
Targets
1) Spectrum chapters 14, 15, 16
2) Maths questions practice (1 hour)
3) Economic (5/7)
4) Newspaper
5) Interview Prep (1 hour)
6) CA magazine May 2021 (10 pages)
Have a wonderful day guys!
Hi guys! Didn't post here for a couple of days as I had other plans.
Targets for today:
1) Spectrum Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13
2) Maths questions practice (1 hour)
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
5) Interview Prep (1 hour)
6) CA magazine May 2021 (10 pages)
1,2,3,4,6 done. 5 - 50% done.
Yesterday was a good day. Today will try to keep up the momentum.
Targets
1) Spectrum chapters 14, 15, 16
2) Maths questions practice (1 hour)
3) Economic (5/7)
4) Newspaper
5) Interview Prep (1 hour)
6) CA magazine May 2021 (10 pages)
Have a wonderful day guys!
1, 4, 6 - done. 2,3 - 50% done. 5 - not done
Today's targets:
1) Spectrum - Chapters 17, 18
2) Maths questions practice (1 hour)
3) Economic Survey (5/7) - leftover portion
4) Newspaper
5)Interview Prep (1 hour)
6) CA magazine May 2021 (10 pages)
Had a bad day yesterday (in terms of productivity). Today will try to bounce back (have atleast 7 hours of meaningful study).
Also, my interview prep has been lagging so devoting the entire day to that.
Targets:
1) Interview Prep - prepare answers to PYQs (Personal/Background Info, Hobbies, Optional)
2) Newspaper
3) May CA (10 pages)
Have a good day!
Had a half day yesterday since I needed that break. My stamina has reduced a lot. Finding it harder and harder to sit for longer hours. Persistence is the only way ahead I guess.
Targets for today:
1) Spectrum 50 pages
2) TN textbook 50 pages
3) Fine Arts NCERT 25 pages
4) Economic Survey 6/7
5) May monthly 10 pages
6) Newspaper
Completed yesterdays targets.
Today:
1) Spectrum 50 pages
2) TN textbook 50 pages
3) Economic Survey (7/7)
4) CA June 10 pages
5) Newspaper
6) Interview Prep (1.5 hours)
Yesterday was a pretty good day. Completed all targets except the first one (30 pages instead of 50).
Today's targets remain the same:
1) Spectrum 50 pages
2) TN textbook 50 pages
3) Newspaper
4) CA June 10 pages
5) Interview Prep (1.5 hours)
Have a great day!
As SFG starts, I'd spent the last few days covering up leftover miscellaneous stuff + meeting up with friends.
Now today onwards, I need to rectify my sleep schedule. That means 2-3 days of lesser study hours
Mandatory targets:
1) SFG test + analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Interview Prep
Do if time permits
5) Spectrum 20 pages
6) CA July 10 pages
7) Maths questions practice
8) TLP
Have a great day! :)
As SFG starts, I'd spent the last few days covering up leftover miscellaneous stuff + meeting up with friends.
Now today onwards, I need to rectify my sleep schedule. That means 2-3 days of lesser study hours
Mandatory targets:
1) SFG test + analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Interview Prep
Do if time permits
5) Spectrum 20 pages
6) CA July 10 pages
7) Maths questions practice
8) TLP
Have a great day! :)
Yesterday was a good day. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 done. 5, 7 not done.
Will build the momentum today. Targets are:
1) SFG test + Analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Spectrum 20 pages
5) Maths questions practice
6) CA July 10 pages
7) Answer writing
Have a wonderful day!
As SFG starts, I'd spent the last few days covering up leftover miscellaneous stuff + meeting up with friends.
Now today onwards, I need to rectify my sleep schedule. That means 2-3 days of lesser study hours
Mandatory targets:
1) SFG test + analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Interview Prep
Do if time permits
5) Spectrum 20 pages
6) CA July 10 pages
7) Maths questions practice
8) TLP
Have a great day! :)
Yesterday was a good day. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 done. 5, 7 not done.
Will build the momentum today. Targets are:
1) SFG test + Analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Spectrum 20 pages
5) Maths questions practice
6) CA July 10 pages
7) Answer writing
Have a wonderful day!
1, 2, 3 done. Rest not done
The upsc notice threw me off. Had a bad second half of the day but recovered a bit towards the end.
Today's targets:
1) SFG test + analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Interview Prep
5) Spectrum 20 pages
6) CA July 10 pages
As SFG starts, I'd spent the last few days covering up leftover miscellaneous stuff + meeting up with friends.
Now today onwards, I need to rectify my sleep schedule. That means 2-3 days of lesser study hours
Mandatory targets:
1) SFG test + analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Interview Prep
Do if time permits
5) Spectrum 20 pages
6) CA July 10 pages
7) Maths questions practice
8) TLP
Have a great day! :)
Yesterday was a good day. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 done. 5, 7 not done.
Will build the momentum today. Targets are:
1) SFG test + Analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Spectrum 20 pages
5) Maths questions practice
6) CA July 10 pages
7) Answer writing
Have a wonderful day!
1, 2, 3 done. Rest not done
The upsc notice threw me off. Had a bad second half of the day but recovered a bit towards the end.
Today's targets:
1) SFG test + analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Interview Prep
5) Spectrum 20 pages
6) CA July 10 pages
Completed all targets.
Today I'm not setting any targets. I'll study if I can; just want to get over with the wait for the results. Let's see how everything turns out.
Hi guys!
The results came. Out again.
This was my 3rd attempt. 3rd Mains. And 3rd straight setback at this stage. This one hurt the hardest though.
Yesterday was spent in processing the pain and trying to introspect on the mistakes I made. There are a lot of things I need to work on. Some changes I need to make in my approach. Changes I'm confident of implementing because of the support system I'm lucky to have, especially here.
I want to thank this community. This thread (and particularly the 2021 daily routine thread) are my favorite threads. I've made some great friends here, learned a lot from everyone and found motivation every day to work better. And now I hope this thread will help in keeping the desired level of discipline, consistency and intensity.
It's time to get back to the grind now. This still hurts; but the only way to heal the pain is to be better and ensure a positive result next time. The next 6 months is do-or-die.
Targets for today:
1) Polity
2) Newspaper
3) CA August 10 pages
4) Maths PYQs
5) TLP
Have a great day!
@Celeborn & @KingSlayer23 You people inspire!
Couldn't write mains but still reading all the experiences of pain made me sad. But you guys made my morning:)
Also@Celeborn can you please throw some light on what helped you clear prelims all three times?
Thank you for your kind words! It helps :)
About prelims, I'm usually hesitant to share any overarching strategy, since there's some amount of luck always involved. Among the controllable factors, what worked for me is (a) strong command over static (except history) (b) good mcq solving skills/elimination skills/guesswork (c) ability to remain calm and think clearly in the exam hall. Beyond this, I'm sceptical about giving any generic advice, since a lot varies from person to person.
Baaki if there are any specific doubts, I'm always free to help out.
Guys TELL ME THE BEST PYQP compilations with solutions for CSE PRELIMS?
Depends on your needs.
If you are looking for micro topic wise segregated questions, La Ex compilations are good. They're freely available online/on telegram. Only problem is accuracy of the key in some questions.
For practice, ALS Wizard is good (as@DM mentioned). I only have the hard copy though, there's no pdf available afaik.
Baaki Disha compilation is also good. You can find their pdf online as well.
Thank you@Lawstice and@ThePhenom :)
Previous targets were all completed.
Today's targets:
1) SFG test and analysis
2) Polity (SFG portion)
3) Maths PYQs
4) Newspaper
5) TLP
6) CA August 10 pages
7) TN textbook 30 pages
Let's go!
Thank you@Lawstice and@ThePhenom :)
Previous targets were all completed.
Today's targets:
1) SFG test and analysis
2) Polity (SFG portion)
3) Maths PYQs
4) Newspaper
5) TLP
6) CA August 10 pages
7) TN textbook 30 pages
Let's go!
1, 2, 4 done. 3, 6, 7 - 50% done. 5 not done. Yesterday I had a workout after many days. This tired me out completely and so I couldn't have an effective evening session. But I need to continue exercising till I get fit.
Today I'll take a half day.
Targets:
1) SFG test and analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Pending stuff from yesterday
Have a great day!
Yesterday took a half day break. Went out, met friends, overall a good day.
Targets for today:
1) SFG test and analysis
2) Polity
3) Newspaper
4) Maths PYQs
5) TLP
6) CA August 10 pages
7) TN textbook 30 pages
1,2,3,4,6 done. 5,7 - 50% done.
Today the day has been good so far. Targets:
1) SFG test and analysis
2) Economics
3) Newspaper
4) Maths PYQs
5) CA August finish
6) TN textbook 45 pages
7) TLP
Urban Local Body in union territories is applied by President then why the amendments are done by Parliament for Delhi municipal Corporation
There are two Acts here - the 74th AA and the MCD Act, 1957.
The 74th AA laid down certain conditions on how to form Urban Local Bodies. For instance, atleast 1/3rd reservation for women. The president could alter these conditions for UTs. So s/he can say that UTs should have atleast 50% reservation for women.
Within the 74th AA, it was understood that Municipal Corporations have to be statutory bodies (made by SLAs for states and by Parliament for UTs). MCD already existed via the 1957 Act. After the 74th AA was passed, the 1957 Act was amended in 1993. Many changes were brought here; for instance 1/3rd reservation for women. Now if the President wanted, he could have changed the condition to 50%. Then Parliament would have had to necessarily include the 50% condition instead of the 1/3rd. That's the difference between President's power of what should be applied to ULBs, and Parliament's power to create the ULB.
Hence for the merger, the MCD Act is again being amended.
Targets for today:
1) Geography (1/5)
2) October + November CA
3) Newspaper
Have a great day :)
Had a bad day yesterday. Didn't complete targets. Aiming to do better today.
Targets:
1) Geography (2/5)
2) Newspaper
3) CA October
Completed targets yesterday. Had a better day.
Targets for today:
1) Geography (3/5)
2) Mapping
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
5) CA November
Hello guys , how you all analyse a mock test ??
https://blog.upscprep.com/p/analyse-prelims-tests?s=r
I found this to be a useful guide
In addition to this, some things that have helped (for FLTs mostly)
1) I attempt tests in 3 rounds, with 3rd round being where i make max guesses. After the test, I count the marks per round. If I'm scoring a net positive in the 3rd round, it means I'm gaining by making guesses so I can safely attempt more questions. If I'm losing more marks than expected in the 2nd round, it means there were stuff I thought I knew but I got wrong; signalling that I lack revision. This helps identify problem areas.
2) For static portion, if I got a question wrong, I try to go back to my notes and figure out if the answer was there directly or indirectly. This helps in better recollection of my notes + improves application skills as most times questions can be solved by using info already available but presented in a different manner.
Previous targets completed.
Today:
1) SFG pending analysis (3 tests)
2) Ancient and Medieval remaining portion
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
2,3 done. Tried doing SFG analysis but it felt pointless. Gave time to history but it's too vast. Need one more day.
Targets for today:
1) Do ancient (Gupta + misc) and Medieval (DS + Mughals)
2) Newspaper (yesterday + today)
3) CA class
Previous targets completed.
Today:
1) SFG pending analysis (3 tests)
2) Ancient and Medieval remaining portion
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
2,3 done. Tried doing SFG analysis but it felt pointless. Gave time to history but it's too vast. Need one more day.
Targets for today:
1) Do ancient (Gupta + misc) and Medieval (DS + Mughals)
2) Newspaper (yesterday + today)
3) CA class
All done.
Targets:
1) AnC (Architecture, sculpture, painting)
2) Newspaper
I couldn't study much yesterday. My health wasn't that great. So after a rest day, hoping to bounce back quickly.
Targets for today:
1) Biology NCERTs
2) Newspaper
3) CA class
2,3 done. In class 12 ncert, 4 chapters are left.
Targets for next three days:
1) Complete S&T + PYQs
2) Pending bio NCERTs
3) 2 CA classes
4) Newspapers
If borrowing is determined by state legislature then why centre places limit like 4%gdsp??
While Art 293(1) says that state legislature determines state borrowing, Art 293 clauses (3) and (4) say that States also need to obtain the consent of the Centre to get fresh loans if it is indebted to the latter.
14th Finance Commission had recommended that Centre should enforce the fiscal roadmap laid out by FC and FRBM by using these powers (under 293 (3) & (4)) to impose limits on state borrowing. Thus Centre places the 4% or 5% gsdp limits.
Targets for today:
1) Polity revise (static + CA)
2) PYQs + other MCQs solve
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
Need to buckle up now. This is the time to go all in.
All done.
Today:
1) Polity static + CA (2/2). This might be the last time I'm revising polity before prelims so need to make it absolutely strong.
2) PYQs + half test (50q)
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
Yesterday wasn't a good day. Anxiety was at its peak. It always feels like there's so much more left to do. Perhaps I'm overburdening myself and need to stop doing what's non-essential. Today will spend some time rethinking my plan.
While I couldn't complete my targets, I did however spend that time solving PYQs. It's lovely. The best remedy at these times.
Targets for today:
1) Science and Tech (CA notes + NCERTs)
2) CA class
3) Newspaper
4) PYQs whenever bored
Have a great day!
1. High concentration of DDT may lead to decline in bird population.
2.DDT is banned in India for all the purposes except agriculture since 1985.
Which is/are correct statement?
1 only?
DDT's presence in a bird's body leads to thinning of eggshells which in turn leads to death of chicks before they hatch.
Also, In India, a partial ban on DDT use in agriculture was placed in 2008. It is however still used in fumigation against mosquitoes and all.
This is what I could find online
Targets:
1) Physical + Indian Geography
2) Agriculture
3) Newspaper
4) 2011 PYQ
Not a good day. Had very less efficiency. 3,4 done. 1,2 only 50% done.
Targets for today:
1) Geography + Mapping
2) Agriculture
3) IR + Indices
4) 2012 PYQ
Yesterday was a much better day. Had a great start. Towards evening though, I drifted off. Couldn't complete everything.
3,4 done. Mapping done. Rest not done. Time to move on.
Targets for today:
1) Environment (1/2)
2) 2013 PYQ
3) Newspaper + Misc CA
Let's go!
What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter current ? (2015)
(a) The Earth's rotation on its axis
(b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents
(c) Difference in salinity of water
(d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator
UPSC has given answer as b. But how can resultant of Convergence of the two equatorial currents be exactly opposite to both.
This is something that is better understood via pictures rather than words.
Normally the equatorial current flows westward because that's the direction of the trade winds.
Once it reaches the continental margins on the western side, most of the water diverts towards the pole eventually to form the normal ocean currents.
However some of the water piles up due to convergence of equatorial currents at the western margins. It is then ''pushed back''. It comes back through the middle of the two westward currents, forming the equatorial countercurrent (drawn in green below)
It's called the counter current because it flows counter to the normal currents.
Hence the Eastward flow is due to the convergence of the two equatorial currents
Targets:
1) Physical + Indian Geography
2) Agriculture
3) Newspaper
4) 2011 PYQ
Not a good day. Had very less efficiency. 3,4 done. 1,2 only 50% done.
Targets for today:
1) Geography + Mapping
2) Agriculture
3) IR + Indices
4) 2012 PYQ
Yesterday was a much better day. Had a great start. Towards evening though, I drifted off. Couldn't complete everything.
3,4 done. Mapping done. Rest not done. Time to move on.
Targets for today:
1) Environment (1/2)
2) 2013 PYQ
3) Newspaper + Misc CA
Let's go!
2,3 done. 1 - 80% done.
While yesterday was overall better, had a bit of a slump in the afternoon. Need to avoid that today
Targets:
1) Environment (2/2)
2) 2014 PYQs
3) Misc
Targets:
1) Physical + Indian Geography
2) Agriculture
3) Newspaper
4) 2011 PYQ
Not a good day. Had very less efficiency. 3,4 done. 1,2 only 50% done.
Targets for today:
1) Geography + Mapping
2) Agriculture
3) IR + Indices
4) 2012 PYQ
Yesterday was a much better day. Had a great start. Towards evening though, I drifted off. Couldn't complete everything.
3,4 done. Mapping done. Rest not done. Time to move on.
Targets for today:
1) Environment (1/2)
2) 2013 PYQ
3) Newspaper + Misc CA
Let's go!
2,3 done. 1 - 80% done.
While yesterday was overall better, had a bit of a slump in the afternoon. Need to avoid that today
Targets:
1) Environment (2/2)
2) 2014 PYQs
3) Misc
1 - 90% done. 2,3 - done.
Today's targets:
1) Modern History (1/2)
2) 2015 PYQs
3) Misc
Targets:
1) Physical + Indian Geography
2) Agriculture
3) Newspaper
4) 2011 PYQ
Not a good day. Had very less efficiency. 3,4 done. 1,2 only 50% done.
Targets for today:
1) Geography + Mapping
2) Agriculture
3) IR + Indices
4) 2012 PYQ
Yesterday was a much better day. Had a great start. Towards evening though, I drifted off. Couldn't complete everything.
3,4 done. Mapping done. Rest not done. Time to move on.
Targets for today:
1) Environment (1/2)
2) 2013 PYQ
3) Newspaper + Misc CA
Let's go!
2,3 done. 1 - 80% done.
While yesterday was overall better, had a bit of a slump in the afternoon. Need to avoid that today
Targets:
1) Environment (2/2)
2) 2014 PYQs
3) Misc
1 - 90% done. 2,3 - done.
Today's targets:
1) Modern History (1/2)
2) 2015 PYQs
3) Misc
80% done of what was planned. My sleep schedule got a bit mixed up. Need to correct it by tomorrow.
Targets for today:
1) Modern History (2/2)
2) 2016 PYQs
3) Misc
All the best@Pantheon and@Jurgen_klopp
Rooting for you guys! Will be cheering on :D
Sincerely,
A Barca fan
Yesterday was a good day. Finished my pending portions (except parts of Geo). After that took some hours of rest. Now only subject left is AMAC and some CA. Hoping to finish this in 2-3 days and then spend 2-3 days on random revision.
Targets for today:
1) Ancient and Medieval History
2) 2011, 2015, 2016 pending PYQs
3) Misc CA
@Jammu @Pantheon @Celeborn @Ghostwalker Do post your targets guys, if any.
Let's keep this moving.
Will start bhai soon. Abhi in the process of planning :)
Hi guys! Starting with Mains prep full throttle. Last week could only study half heartedly.
Targets for today:
1) 3D - Generating lines + 2nd degree general equation
2) Vector Analysis
3) Revise GS Data
4) Newspaper
5) Topper copies
1 not done. Will do it tomorrow.
Rest all done.
Targets for today:
1) Dynamics (notes + PYQs)
2) Newspaper
3) Revise GS Data (6 pages)
4) Topper Copy
Hi guys! Starting with Mains prep full throttle. Last week could only study half heartedly.
Targets for today:
1) 3D - Generating lines + 2nd degree general equation
2) Vector Analysis
3) Revise GS Data
4) Newspaper
5) Topper copies
1 not done. Will do it tomorrow.
Rest all done.
Targets for today:
1) Dynamics (notes + PYQs)
2) Newspaper
3) Revise GS Data (6 pages)
4) Topper Copy
This took longer than expected. Took me 2 days to complete Dynamics. Still about 5 years PYQs left. Also daily GS Data review is not going well. I'd rather spend 3-4 hours dedicatedly on that someday. For now will concentrate on Topper Copies and Newspaper.
Already feeling like I'm lagging behind my plans :P
Today's targets:
1) Pending PYQs, revision of 3D, Vectors, Dynamics
2) Newspaper
3) Topper copies
Have a great day people!
Sorry to barge in, did anyone here prepare current affairs here from Raus IAS ca magazine? If yes, how did it fare? Anything missing wrt to vision IAS? Having Current affairs FOMO.
I had done so for my first attempt. Found it sufficient. Stopped using it as the hard copy was difficult to find. :P
If you're worried wrt prelims, try going through past 2-3 years papers. Vision brings out a detailed analysis where for each question they'll mention the sources, including whether the info was available in their material. You'll get an idea ki which questions could be solved directly from their monthlies. Compare those to Rau's (you'll have to manually check if the topic was covered) . You'll get to know whether there's a significant difference in both. Then you can act accordingly.
Also in general, role of monthlies is decreasing (not done 2022 ka analysis - but 2021 tak yahi trend tha). Not many questions are being asked - it's not worth the huge effort required.
18/6/21
Targets:
1) Optional Test analysis (solve unattempted questions)
2) Newspaper (yesterday and today)
3) CA class
1 done. 2 not done. 3 half done (to save time, have decided to split classes into 2 and watch them on different days).
Had taken half day off yesterday.
Targets for today:
1) Calculus (single variable)
2) Modern History
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
5) Answer Writing Practice
6) Toppers Copy GS1
Hi guys!
A bit late to the thread. Cleared CSE prelims, didn't clear Forest.
Have seen some good friends, including many with whom I began this journey, not clear despite their best efforts. Just feel sad hearing their stories. Same with everyone who's shared their pain here. Wishing the future turns out good for all of you.
Mains has always been the biggest hurdle for me. So I'm equal parts excited and terrified. Hoping this time's the one. 🤞
Targets for today:
1) Revise Calculus, ODE
2) Optional Test
3) CA class 2 (half remaining + revision)
4) Newspaper
Have a great day :)
Yesterday all targets completed, except CA revision.
Today would be keeping things light.
1) Test analysis + Discussion
2) CA revision
3) Weekly review + plan for next week
Didn't do 2
Targets for today:
1) Ethics theory
2) Toppers copies ethics
3) Newspaper
4) CA class + revision
5) Daily Answer Writing
Feeling overwhelmed already by the sheer amount of work left 😅
Yesterday all targets completed, except CA revision.
Today would be keeping things light.
1) Test analysis + Discussion
2) CA revision
3) Weekly review + plan for next week
Didn't do 2
Targets for today:
1) Ethics theory
2) Toppers copies ethics
3) Newspaper
4) CA class + revision
5) Daily Answer Writing
Feeling overwhelmed already by the sheer amount of work left 😅
1 - reduced my target midday due to the realisation that it was too much. Even then got only about 60% of revised target done.
2 - did a little. Didn't complete the set.
3,4,5 done
Targets for today:
1) Revise Statics theory full
2) CA class 4
3) Answer Writing
4) Newspaper
Yesterday all targets completed, except CA revision.
Today would be keeping things light.
1) Test analysis + Discussion
2) CA revision
3) Weekly review + plan for next week
Didn't do 2
Targets for today:
1) Ethics theory
2) Toppers copies ethics
3) Newspaper
4) CA class + revision
5) Daily Answer Writing
Feeling overwhelmed already by the sheer amount of work left 😅
1 - reduced my target midday due to the realisation that it was too much. Even then got only about 60% of revised target done.
2 - did a little. Didn't complete the set.
3,4,5 done
Targets for today:
1) Revise Statics theory full
2) CA class 4
3) Answer Writing
4) Newspaper
2,3,4 done. 1 - need 3-4 hours more to complete.
Targets for today:
1) Ethics case studies
2) CA class revision
3) Newspaper
4) Answer Writing
Please suggest some good topper copies for ethics except vishaka yadav one as i have seen that.
Divya Mishra, Arth Jain, Shruti Sharma, Saksham Goel, Arpit Sangal, Ria Dabi, Rachit Gupta, Anshu Priya
They all have different styles, ways of structuring etc. They've all scored really well so you can choose to follow anyone based on which style suits you best.
@Celeborn Can you please tell how you analyse toppers ethics copies? What things should one look for and how much time should we give to them?
Depends on how much time you have and what are your needs.
1) If you're not giving Mains and otherwise have enough time, one of the best things you can do is to either write or mentally frame answers to questions and then compare them to toppers answers. I did this in Feb last year for one week and it did help improve my understanding and confidence a lot.
2) If you are giving Mains this year or are lacking time, just read through copies and try to analyse how answers are being written. This includes stuff like
(a) What are being written as intros/conclusions?
(b) How the answer is being structured. Are subheadings separately mentioned?
(c) If it's in point format, how is maximum content being conveyed in minimal words
(d) How the spacing is between lines and subparts
(e) How the page looks at a glance
(f) How examples are being written (how many words typically used per example, how many examples in an answer, what kinds of examples etc)
(g) How diagrams are being used (how much space it takes, where exactly it's placed)
(h) How specific types of questions (for eg. Quote based questions) are being answered
(i) Specifically for case studies, what are mentioned in intros conclusions? Is stakeholders mentioned every time? What all are being answered? What keywords are being used etc
(j) Presentation styles across both sections - how are words highlighted (underlining?/boxes or circles?); how options, merits, demerits are being written in case studies; how subparts/subheadings are shown etc
This isn't an exhaustive list. You can always learn lots from these copies. In particular, always try to notice if any innovation has been used (no matter how trivial). Even small things if implemented well make a difference.
3) Topper Copies can also act as repositories of examples, diagrams, quotes. In particular, they're extremely useful because they were written in exam condition thus the content is most suitable for replication in the exam hall. For instance you may learn lots of quotes. But some may be confusing or difficult to recall. Others may not be relevant and useful everywhere. Quotes contained in topper copies are quotes that they used in exam setting so it indicates it's possible to recollect them clearly + it's relevant to the kind of questions being asked in ethics papers. Same goes with examples and diagrams.
Again, if you're giving Mains, don't spend too much time on this. Completion of syllabus and revision is much more important. I personally went through 2 copies in detail and just glanced through a few others last year before Mains.
Keep it in your to do list. But do it when you're otherwise tired and don't feel like studying.
Targets for today:
1) Statics (remaining theory + PYQs)
2) CA class revision
3) Newspaper
4) Answer Writing
Have a great day :)
Had a bad day study wise yesterday. Very low speed/efficiency. Couldn't concentrate for long also.
Mostly it was because I haven't really taken a proper rest for some time now. So took some time off in the evening.
Targets for today:
1) Statics (stability of equilibrium) + all PYQs
2) Maths test
3) Answer Writing
4) Newspaper
Hi guys!
Friday and Saturday was not good. Anxiety was at its peak.
Last 2 days, gave tests + planned out in detail till Mains. Just the act of planning out has calmed me down and motivated me a lot. I've changed my approach too a bit.
Now the goal is to stick to the daily targets till September 15th.
Targets for today:
1) Real Analysis (1/3)
2) Pending Answer Writing (8 questions)
3) CA class revision (classes 3,4,5,6)
4) Newspaper
Have a nice day :)
Hi guys!
Friday and Saturday was not good. Anxiety was at its peak.
Last 2 days, gave tests + planned out in detail till Mains. Just the act of planning out has calmed me down and motivated me a lot. I've changed my approach too a bit.
Now the goal is to stick to the daily targets till September 15th.
Targets for today:
1) Real Analysis (1/3)
2) Pending Answer Writing (8 questions)
3) CA class revision (classes 3,4,5,6)
4) Newspaper
Have a nice day :)
1,4 done. 2,3 half done. Yesterday was a good day but got tired easily. Need to keep improving stamina.
Targets for today:
1) Finish Ethics
2) Essay Prep
3) CA revision
4) Answer Writing
5) Newspaper
13/7/21
Past few days haven't gone well. I fully believed that this being 4th Mains, I had figured out how to handle this exam. But new challenges keep rising again and again. Anxieties increasing. Confidence decreasing.
Lesson learned. This exam never gets easy as attempts increase.
To be honest I haven't been able to put my best efforts. I'd consciously tried to reduce the strain a bit (in hopes of reducing anxiety). But it still isn't working. So going back to the full-effort mode.
Targets for today:
1) Fluid Dynamics (try to finish)
2) CA class
3) Newspaper
4) Answer Writing
Last week's targets completed. Took one day extra.
Targets for today:
1) Complex Analysis (1/2)
2) Social Justice (1/2)
3) CA class
4) Newspaper
5) Answer Writing
Have a great day!
After two days, complex almost done. Social Justice majority left.
Today's targets:
1) Finish complex
2) Finish Social Justice + pending portions of Governance
3) Answer Writing practice (not done for 3 days now; must compulsorily do today)
Does anyone know till when Dipin sir CA classes would get completed (Mains 2022) ?
Last year, classes began on 22nd October and the final class was on 22nd Dec (Mains started from 7th Jan). In early December, classes were cancelled for one week due to some issues (probably sir wasn't well, don't remember exactly). So in theory, they were supposed to have been completed by 14th or 15th Dec.
This year they began on 18th June. So you can take 18th August plus minus one week as approx date.
All the best you guys@Celeborn@Villanelle@sstarrrand everybody else appearing for the Mains showdown
Thank you bhai!
All the best everyone! Hoping all the effort and hard work bears fruit. Make yourself proud :)
