Civil Services Mains 2020 Results: In or Out ? Way ahead, gratitude and Pain

NOLEisGOATsaid

what are you guys doing these days? i might sound childish but this whole corona induced uncertainty is driving me insane. was happily preparing for intv. now with dates postponed, dont know how to move ahead. losing all interest in this exam. wish i had a real job and contributed to my family's finances in these crunch times.

last year was horrified to hear stories of suffering. but was certain that with precaution things would pan out fine for me. and they did to an extent. cleared pre and mains. but this 2nd wave is a step into reality. a rude shock. am in delhi. in my very own flat of 8 families, 3 have tested positive this time. family members of friends have passed away. situation is grim. the thought that it could be our turn any moment haunts me every day. aging parents and a dependent son in a corona world. title of a horror movie. cant imagine going through this suffering.

in cities we are accustomed to the idea that value of human life is very insignificant. especially if you are from a working class family. but the pandemic has pushed this notion to different level. bodies being transported like trash. families begging to see the dead, one last time. overcrowded hospitals. its nothing short of an apocalypse. forgive me for painting a cynical and pessimistic picture. but truth must be understood to prepare ourselves for what may be inevitable for some unlucky souls in the coming days.

prep wise, study hours are approaching zero. anxiety at peak. insomnia. trying to reconcile mind to this new reality, a living nightmare,  with my aspiration and dream of civil service. havent stepped out in months. still trying to stay positive. lets keep our thoughts and prayers with those families that are losing their bread earners and loved ones. the pain is unimaginable. lets support warriors, civil society, media and all govt functionaries irrespective of ideology in this collective fight for survival. the constant bickering and blame game by parties and media is salt on the wound. we must rise above all this. may god help us all.

Aparigrahasaid

Panchayat elections results are coming tomorrow.Candidates in my locality are planning to throw a party to celebrate if they win.They are inviting everyone.I am extremely worried about the fallout of such gatherings.I asked one such candidate that why is he planning such thing amid such a pandemic.He said"karona farona kuch ni hai...sarkaar chutiya bana rahi hai..beta kal aao aapko murga khilate hai"

I was speechless.

Johnny_Distractedsaid

I somehow strongly feel that UPSC is not going to postpone if the epistemological model of cases getting to their peak by May (be it middle or end) stands true. And even if it does, delay would not be of more than a few weeks.

Reasons:

1. Oxygen shortage is a matter of just a  week or two to get sorted- both due to internal ramped up production and establishment of supply chain and foreign aids. Add to that all sorts of aids coming up from over 2-dozen countries.

2. Vaccination- is the key differentiator this time than last year cuz vaccines are working and is a formidable option this year.

3. Last year's experience and chutzpah - if UPSC could conduct the exam last year immediately after the peak, they have no incentive to postpone it this year. Do any of you remember what shady and outright false statements were given by UPSC in the SC last year a day before Prelims- just because they didn't want to disturb the overall calendar and this goddamn exam- and still have hope that they care for you, of your well being or your rights?

4. We being a nation of dead morality and UPSC being nothing but a reflection of the society- Last year, so many aspirants suffered unimaginable hardships just in order to reach their centres. Many died due to infections. Was there any empathy for any of them? Or accountability for the gross violation of their fundamental rights? Is there any accountability of any body/Govt for the thousands people today dying due to holding of elections/rallies or massive religious congregation? Do you think it ever will be? There's no value of human life in our underdeveloped country aspiring foolishly to be a world beater. 

Now on, I don't have mere goal to crack this exam just to serve the nation (hardly the miniscule good souls get to actually serve the nation but only the political masters and the sold-out institutions; and if anyone dares to do sth extraordinary out of serving spree, he's shunted out or suspended) but also, very importantly, to live a safer and a more secure life cuz in this nation of fuckin unequals, your position might decide whether your mother gets a bed in hospital or expires on the road gasping for oxygen by the time the next calamity strikes- becoming just another statistic (lucky for you if Govt counts it in!) or a mere spectacle for others.

So, the highly revered commission will have no hesitation to conduct the exam if the public transport is running everywhere a week before the exam date- yes that would be the only criteria, even if you have to parade through a line of burning pyres on pavements on the way to your respective exam centres.

SergioRamossaid

dragon_ridersaid

I'm sure many of you have already read this since it's in The Hindu, but I wanted to post this anyway. I believe a large majority of us here, if not all of us, are aiming to clear this exam to have such opportunities to help people in any way we can. So just remind yourself of the incredible change you could potentially make if you clear this exam whenever you are feeling demotivated or anxious or any sort of negative emotions. 

What a charming smile she has! :)

RYZENsaid

Guys, I want to share my story of failures. I will keep it short. I started preparation in 2014 and gave first attempt in 2015. I have given six attempts, cleared prelims every time, but couldn't clear mains once. In between I prepared for other exams such as RBI, NABARD, RAS, etc. But failed in them as well.

Being 29-year-old unemployed guy dependent on parent’s income, I always ask myself "what have I done to my life". I am being dejected, cursed and ridiculed by everyone in my family and friend circle. Only my parents have faith on me. But I have failed them as well.

I don't know whether you guys especially those with max attempts feel helplessness or not on yourself. Mujhe khud pe taras aata. I am exhausted by this exam. My shoulders feel heavy and weak. Every morning and night, I feel I cannot walk anymore. Sometimes, suicidal thoughts engulf me. I had even tried to commit suicide. But, the very thought of my parents stops me. I had understood that this exam is not only about knowledge, rather about your emotional intelligence as well. I genuinely feel, this is not an exam, rather a loop where majority of aspirants waste their productive year.

People say that you have prepared for upsc, you will excel in life even if you fail to clear. I rather doubt this same thought process. Nobody gives a damn, whether you prepared for UPSC or not. You are a failure, that’s it. You have to start the process for other exams from scratch. Even, if you go to private sector, they ask about age gap. You feel embarrassed when you report to your younger ones.

Some of you may not concede to above fact. But I know UPSC skills are relevant predominantly for coaching industry only.

I would sincerely urge the younger fellows that please don’t waste your productive age by exhausting all attempts. Discard the urge that “Abki baar to nikal jaayega”. If you have sincerely worked hard and still unable to clear. Mend your ways my dear friend. Probably, luck doesn’t favor you.

Currently, I am clueless and don’t know how to proceed. The constant failures have shattered my self-esteem and confidence. Pata nahi ab life kaha le jaayegi. I am with flow now…………………………

 

DeekshitaPsaid

Been a silent trawler of this thread since it started. Sorry to backtrack the discussion a bit here but I just watched the last episode of Aspirants (yes I live under a rock) and can I just say it was underwhelming at best. Don’t get me wrong the characters are quite well-written, albeit highly dramatised. But where are the female aspirants??? Dhairya and Guri’s ex are the only two women shown in the entire series and we get absolutely nothing from them. They’re just plot devices to give more depth to the male characters. It’s not even as if a bit of character backstory would deviate from the storyline, given that Sandeep Bhaiyya is clearly a crowd favourite. Not trying to rant, but as a woman I felt that beyond the usual Laxmikant-Yojana jokes I couldn’t really relate.

DeekshitaPsaid

Jammusaid

DeekshitaPsaid

Been a silent trawler of this thread since it started. Sorry to backtrack the discussion a bit here but I just watched the last episode of Aspirants (yes I live under a rock) and can I just say it was underwhelming at best. Don’t get me wrong the characters are quite well-written, albeit highly dramatised. But where are the female aspirants??? Dhairya and Guri’s ex are the only two women shown in the entire series and we get absolutely nothing from them. They’re just plot devices to give more depth to the male characters. It’s not even as if a bit of character backstory would deviate from the storyline, given that Sandeep Bhaiyya is clearly a crowd favourite. Not trying to rant, but as a woman I felt that beyond the usual Laxmikant-Yojana jokes I couldn’t really relate.

Although, I agree with you on many fronts, but lets not bring the gender issue here.

Women are indeed give good roles.

Guri’s ex did make it to SPSC. Her confidence while confronting Abhilash’s negative approach is well appreciated.

Dhairya always had clarity of though. Unlike Abhilash, she read terms and conditions of fee back so well. She helped Abhilash get a new specs. She always had Plan B of going to rural areas and fight against drug abuse. She did it.

The landlady where Abhilash was staying, had more wisdom than her husband. She made him shift TV to next room.

Kusum kept waiting for Sandeep Bhaiya for years, honesty, loyalty, sacrifice is not just in everyone’s character.

Women are indeed shown in glorified manner. So what if not UPSC, their personaliy is shown way much better than Abhilash, Guri, Sandeep, SK combined. Sandeep, Abhilash were so much self centred. Men were the ones who realised their mistake at the end. 

The issue that I was bringing up isn’t just confined to whether or not women are portrayed in a good/negative light. I’m talking more about the depth of the characters as far as backstory or even an arc. Guri’s ex (Pragati if I’m not wrong?) is nothing more than Guri’s ex who serves the purpose of driving the plot point that ORN ke relationships are temporary. We know nothing about her beyond that. And frankly, this could be my personal bias she was pretty irritating as a character whose only personality trait was that she argued and helped Abhilash realise that he has a negative approach.

as far as Dhairya is considered, there is no insight or perspective about how she feels about the whole “weird barter”. There is absolutely no backstory or insight into her character. Besides the fact that she is a “serious aspirant” her character is hardly ever fleshed out or given depth. She just appears one day in the office with a smile and just like that she gets married with a smile, there is absolutely no nuance there. 

And its not really about the gender angle, but one of the massive pressures that most female aspirants face is that of marriage hanging like a Damocles sword above their heads. This could easily have been a small yet relatable issue to explore without much effort.

I personally felt that the female characters were just convenient tropes who help to move the plot forward rather than characters that are given thought and good writing. 

RonWeasleysaid

How did something so beautiful and emotional become a case study for gender and caste issues? I was so happy yesterday after watching the final episode and now...

12432TrivendrumRajdhanisaid

YouTube algorithms sometimes are so random. Just found this video lurking in my feed, and here I am peeling onions. Thought let me share this is here, shayad kisi ko nostalgia ke darshan ho jaaye. 

Now when everything is locked up, watching some youngsters care free enjoying on a cricket match seems like a luxury of the bygone era. Was feeling bit low this evening, but this really cheerd me up. 

So, where were you when this happened?

NOLEisGOATsaid

Would be really interested in your comments on this guys.  
(Larger context- Indias global image: how the world sees india should define how india sees the world)

SergioRamossaid

A question always comes to mind and today I would like to ask.

@NOLEisGOAT  and@AzadHindFauz, since you guys prepared for JEE as well, does the prior experience of preparing for a competitive exam helps in UPSC. If yes, to what extent?

Or, since you guys already had hustled so much for 1-2 years in isolation, does going back to a similar experience is harder due to mental fatigue?

Others who also prepared for any competitive exam earlier, please share your experiences as well. :)

NOLEisGOATsaid

Jammusaid

NOLEisGOATsaid

Would be really interested in your comments on this guys.  
(Larger context- Indias global image: how the world sees india should define how india sees the world)

I believe it is only on account of cultural differences.

I like curry, I do like roaming around without t shirt while in farms back in village

This is not something that we should hide or feel ashamed. There are bigger things to worry when dealing with Japanesse, the foremost among them is not being punctual and I have personally felt humiliation many a times on this account, they often show watch as a gesture : )

cultural differences yes. but i just felt the vlogger made some relevant points and raised genuine concerns. especially considering he would have to face direct brunt of the stereotyping unlike us. personally i felt it was in poor taste. but honestly im not surprised. as much as we admire the japanese or other great powers, i feel we should be cautious about how they, as a nation, view us. nobody is our 'friend'. especially not if they look down upon us in this way. i may be overthinking but i feel east asians dont see india/indians in good light. thats what i have gathered from several hours of youtube vlogs :P

thelastcoyotesaid

Even more important than JEE preparation years is how you spend the next 4 or 5 years. If you do not study and barely manage to pass the courses in your college, CSE is bad news. It will take years before you realise the kind of bad habits you picked up there and it will affect your CSE preparation.

NOLEisGOATsaid

Jammusaid

NOLEisGOATsaid

Jammusaid

NOLEisGOATsaid

Would be really interested in your comments on this guys.  
(Larger context- Indias global image: how the world sees india should define how india sees the world)

I believe it is only on account of cultural differences.

I like curry, I do like roaming around without t shirt while in farms back in village

This is not something that we should hide or feel ashamed. There are bigger things to worry when dealing with Japanesse, the foremost among them is not being punctual and I have personally felt humiliation many a times on this account, they often show watch as a gesture : )

cultural differences yes. but i just felt the vlogger made some relevant points and raised genuine concerns. especially considering he would have to face direct brunt of the stereotyping unlike us. personally i felt it was in poor taste. but honestly im not surprised. as much as we admire the japanese or other great powers, i feel we should be cautious about how they, as a nation, view us. nobody is our 'friend'. especially not if they look down upon us in this way. i may be overthinking but i feel east asians dont see india/indians in good light. thats what i have gathered from several hours of youtube vlogs :P

Yes stereotyping is bad, I am so much sorry for Japanesse :D

I found the video more of clickbait kind of, and accordingly content was prepared.

Indians there could help them realise the true spirit of India through their deeds

This fellow in video forgot the doctrine of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam and speaking stuffs like his tax money is gift to old age pensioners. That was bad aspect. 

East Asians, I am not sure how they look us, but there are so many other big nations playing a role out there, that India’s contribution is definitely marginalised

Spoken like the true shoulder angel. Thats a real positive and constructive way of looking at it. I agree. But i would still give the benefit of doubt to the vlogger because he has skin in the game. I was not commenting on his presentation of facts. He was being diarespectful and paranoid. Im just interested in the worst case scenario. How does India deal with a negative image? We have problems at home no doubt. But mockery in the guise of freedom of expression will have more harm in the long run. We must be prepared is all im saying.

Villanellesaid

I think Israel and Palestine is one issue, where I'll always struggle with to take sides. I largely disagree with people try to paint this as a religious issue, when the history of the conflict tells us that its a deeply political issue. Calling it a religious issue, would assume that the Arab League and other Muslim states support the cause of Palestine, but actually when there was time to realise the Palestinian state, Arab League along with the Western powers backed out. With the recent development, we further see the waning away of the smoke screen of championing the Palestinian cause which the Arab states used.

Apart from the immediate cause of the revolt (the land rights issues surrounding the Haram-e-Sharif area), we have to keep in mind why it has to be this way. Israeli politics comes into play here. Its such an electorally and politically divided country that no party ever commands a complete majority. Likud party of Netanyahu is barely holding it together right now in a complicated coalition. As a result a lot of vote bank politics and coalition politics comes into play. Now, Netanyahu to resolve this problem, has begun openly courting the far right extremists in Israel (which by the way are in minority, though increasing). Pandering to the orthodox right involves costs. They want complete exclusion of the Palestinians from East Jerusalem which Israel has come to occupy. This is why we keep reading about the forced Jewish settlements in Palestinian areas of Jerusalem. This also explains why in 2018, Israel passed the Basic Law, declaring itself as Jewish nation state. Contrary to popular belief Israel was not formed as Jewish nation. It continues to have substantial Arab population (excluding the Palestinians). It would be also be a mistake here to generalize the entire Israeli population as ethno-nationalist, the well off cities, especially Tel Aviv, do not identify with such goals at all.

Coming to Hamas, its origin is equally troublesome. Hamas which originally formed as a sister group of Egypt based terrorist organisation Muslim Brotherhood, was actually propelled to power by support of Mossad (Israel's intel). And yes though its dubbed a terrorist organization, which practically it is, it is also a democratically elected govt. Now why would Israel support Hamas? Well, at that time the Palestinian cause was led by PLO. PLO was a secular organization, which relied on largely peaceful means of negotiation. Israel made a cold politically calculated call, and it supported the Islamic fundamentalists as a way to divide support for the PLO and to delegitimize and discredit the the Palestinian Liberation Movement in general (by painting them as extremists). That short sighted political move is now costing Israel big time, now that Hamas is a full blown militant group.

So, is Israel to be blamed for the mess that its in? Yes and no. This can be seen as a parallel to US and Taliban in Afghanistan. US supported the Mujahedeens in Afghan for it was way to get rid of the Communist control of Afghan under the Soviet, this was in the backdrop of Cold War. They supplied weapons, trained them to fight the Soviets. What followed that was the Taliban grew out of control, and eventually led to 9/11. Its kind of a similar case here. To blame US for the formation of Taliban is true, but to consider the whole 9/11 as an inside affair is a conspiracy theory. Similar is the case with Israel, this protracted asymmetric warfare will continue to stretch as long as it serves a political purpose, be it for the Palestinians, or Israel.

This morning, I came across a comment on Reddit, where some guy quoted his political science teacher on this conflict. He said (paraphrased): "If you read up on this issue for an hour, you'll be convinced the Israeli's are right. If you read for 10 hours, you'll be convinced the Palestinians are right. And if you read anymore, you won't be sure about who is right." This is the best way to put how deeply complex this issue is. If its painted as a yes or no, or simple religion against religion answer then, most often than not, we have chosen which side to defend (not saying that it is bad).

whatonlysaid

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Villanellesaid

I think Israel and Palestine is one issue, where I'll always struggle with to take sides. I largely disagree with people try to paint this as a religious issue, when the history of the conflict tells us that its a deeply political issue. Calling it a religious issue, would assume that the Arab League and other Muslim states support the cause of Palestine, but actually when there was time to realise the Palestinian state, Arab League along with the Western powers backed out. With the recent development, we further see the waning away of the smoke screen of championing the Palestinian cause which the Arab states used.

Apart from the immediate cause of the revolt (the land rights issues surrounding the Haram-e-Sharif area), we have to keep in mind why it has to be this way. Israeli politics comes into play here. Its such an electorally and politically divided country that no party ever commands a complete majority. Likud party of Netanyahu is barely holding it together right now in a complicated coalition. As a result a lot of vote bank politics and coalition politics comes into play. Now, Netanyahu to resolve this problem, has begun openly courting the far right extremists in Israel (which by the way are in minority, though increasing). Pandering to the orthodox right involves costs. They want complete exclusion of the Palestinians from East Jerusalem which Israel has come to occupy. This is why we keep reading about the forced Jewish settlements in Palestinian areas of Jerusalem. This also explains why in 2018, Israel passed the Basic Law, declaring itself as Jewish nation state. Contrary to popular belief Israel was not formed as Jewish nation. It continues to have substantial Arab population (excluding the Palestinians). It would be also be a mistake here to generalize the entire Israeli population as ethno-nationalist, the well off cities, especially Tel Aviv, do not identify with such goals at all.

Coming to Hamas, its origin is equally troublesome. Hamas which originally formed as a sister group of Egypt based terrorist organisation Muslim Brotherhood, was actually propelled to power by support of Mossad (Israel's intel). And yes though its dubbed a terrorist organization, which practically it is, it is also a democratically elected govt. Now why would Israel support Hamas? Well, at that time the Palestinian cause was led by PLO. PLO was a secular organization, which relied on largely peaceful means of negotiation. Israel made a cold politically calculated call, and it supported the Islamic fundamentalists as a way to divide support for the PLO and to delegitimize and discredit the the Palestinian Liberation Movement in general (by painting them as extremists). That short sighted political move is now costing Israel big time, now that Hamas is a full blown militant group.

So, is Israel to be blamed for the mess that its in? Yes and no. This can be seen as a parallel to US and Taliban in Afghanistan. US supported the Mujahedeens in Afghan for it was way to get rid of the Communist control of Afghan under the Soviet, this was in the backdrop of Cold War. They supplied weapons, trained them to fight the Soviets. What followed that was the Taliban grew out of control, and eventually led to 9/11. Its kind of a similar case here. To blame US for the formation of Taliban is true, but to consider the whole 9/11 as an inside affair is a conspiracy theory. Similar is the case with Israel, this protracted asymmetric warfare will continue to stretch as long as it serves a political purpose, be it for the Palestinians, or Israel.

This morning, I came across a comment on Reddit, where some guy quoted his political science teacher on this conflict. He said (paraphrased): "If you read up on this issue for an hour, you'll be convinced the Israeli's are right. If you read for 10 hours, you'll be convinced the Palestinians are right. And if you read anymore, you won't be sure about who is right." This is the best way to put how deeply complex this issue is. If its painted as a yes or no, or simple religion against religion answer then, most often than not, we have chosen which side to defend (not saying that it is bad).

Thank you for writing such a good summary. :)

The religious conflict and/or political conflict dichotomy is very complex to say the least. It obviously serves some interests of both sides to paint it as a religious conflict. 

What do you guys think about the fact that in the West, especially in the US, any attempt by a public figure to take a pro-Palestine stand or criticize the Israeli government (political) is immediately painted as anti-Semitic (religious)?

Now obviously if it were in in Germany, for example, the matter is justifiably sensitive and such a conclusion might even be fair - given the rise of neo Nazis, it is understandable for the Jewish community to be wary. 

But otherwise in most cases, it looks like a political opinion is deliberately forced into religious garb, because anti-Semitism is an allegation that can scare anyone into dropping the stance. Often the outrage is louder from the Jewish diaspora than it is from Israel itself. So it looks like the threat of branding as an anti-Semite is being utilized effectively to serve the political purpose of suppressing support for Palestine. 

Does anyone have a different view on this? 

Buddhijeevi Parsadsaid

@whatonly 

Regarding American thing you might like to read Mearsheimer's Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy.

He also underlines how often pertinent criticisms are thwarted imputing them to be arising out of  antisemitism. 

 

Narratives matter and the dominance of pro Israeli perceptions/sentiments in US preclude major politicians there to take the defiant path.

Truman once said that arabs are not going to vote here and was advised against the Israeli state by his sec of state.

Additionally , the trend of shutting down political criticism by emphasizing religious fault lines runs both the ways . For instance the issue surrounding Islamophobia 

RAGNAROKsaid

Vaccine in India 

Its like a girlfriend/boyfriend whom everyone want to have 

those who are eligible tend to compare post having one with the other

those ineligible wants to have one desperately

meanwhile after a hurdle if one gets to have , they realize 

that they should have waited for the third one which is a russian :)

peterparkersaid

Spectrum1said

peterparkersaid

@Spectrum1 This year's Ethics paper stunned me. Any tips for prep? I read "Red book" for Ethics prepared by ForumIAS. And took some reference from D Subba Rao. But struggled in writing this year's paper. 

You can share the questions where you faced difficulty and also mention the type of difficulty you faced while answering those questions (like content, writing speed or structuring etc), i'll be able to share my views effectively. 

Regards.

6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?

(а) “Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand

(I understood the quote. But it was difficult to write anything about it with respect to the paper. I mean how would you attempt this quote?)

Jammusaid

peterparkersaid

Spectrum1said

peterparkersaid

@Spectrum1 This year's Ethics paper stunned me. Any tips for prep? I read "Red book" for Ethics prepared by ForumIAS. And took some reference from D Subba Rao. But struggled in writing this year's paper. 

You can share the questions where you faced difficulty and also mention the type of difficulty you faced while answering those questions (like content, writing speed or structuring etc), i'll be able to share my views effectively. 

Regards.

6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?

(а) “Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand

(I understood the quote. But it was difficult to write anything about it with respect to the paper. I mean how would you attempt this quote?)

Hi dost, these philosophical quotes used to tease me once as well. 

Then I started breaking the quote into sub parts. Like

- Condemn none - now I’d explain WHAT? WHY? Example?

- Stretch out a helping hand - again I’d explain WHY? HOW? Example?

- Can’t stretch out a helping hand - WHY? Example?

- Let them go away - WHY? HOW? - now here is the twist, here I would also question the rationale of quote. As in under what circumstances “I’d not let them go away even if I can’t help”. I would substantiate this with examples like when it is a case of public emergency or criminal conspiracy, etc. I would further bring noble ideas bringing terms like persuassion, mentoring, etc

In conclusion, I’d appreciate the ‘larger context’ of quote rather than literal meaning.

10 marks mein 150 words easily ho jayenge : )

Let others come with more noble ideas.

peterparkersaid

Jammusaid

» show previous quotes

Jammusaid

peterparkersaid

Spectrum1said

peterparkersaid

@Spectrum1 This year's Ethics paper stunned me. Any tips for prep? I read "Red book" for Ethics prepared by ForumIAS. And took some reference from D Subba Rao. But struggled in writing this year's paper. 

You can share the questions where you faced difficulty and also mention the type of difficulty you faced while answering those questions (like content, writing speed or structuring etc), i'll be able to share my views effectively. 

Regards.

6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?

(а) “Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand

(I understood the quote. But it was difficult to write anything about it with respect to the paper. I mean how would you attempt this quote?)

Hi dost, these philosophical quotes used to tease me once as well. 

Then I started breaking the quote into sub parts. Like

- Condemn none - now I’d explain WHAT? WHY? Example?

- Stretch out a helping hand - again I’d explain WHY? HOW? Example?

- Can’t stretch out a helping hand - WHY? Example?

- Let them go away - WHY? HOW? - now here is the twist, here I would also question the rationale of quote. As in under what circumstances “I’d not let them go away even if I can’t help”. I would substantiate this with examples like when it is a case of public emergency or criminal conspiracy, etc. I would further bring noble ideas bringing terms like persuassion, mentoring, etc

In conclusion, I’d appreciate the ‘larger context’ of quote rather than literal meaning.

10 marks mein 150 words easily ho jayenge : )

Let others come with more noble ideas.

While I could easily wrote the blue sketch here, it was difficult to think on January 10 this year.

GS IV is the 5th consecutive exam. Then, case studies this year were themselves not ethical, not kind enough, they drained most of our positive calories. Then after case studies, we generally start from question 1 to give good impression in the beginning. 

And then these quotation based questions were at last Q 5 or Q 6. So many people either couldn’t attempt this question or while they were attempting, their answer sheets slipped into examiner’s bundle : )

Yeah.. Exactly.. This is what happened.

Anybody who has covered basics , should he just practise more questions or go for some more resources? Like I did Forum's Red book and took some reference from D Suba Rao. Anything else that I should cover to improve my answers? 

RAGNAROKsaid

Jammusaid

peterparkersaid

Jammusaid

» show previous quotes

Jammusaid

peterparkersaid

Spectrum1said

peterparkersaid

@Spectrum1 This year's Ethics paper stunned me. Any tips for prep? I read "Red book" for Ethics prepared by ForumIAS. And took some reference from D Subba Rao. But struggled in writing this year's paper. 

You can share the questions where you faced difficulty and also mention the type of difficulty you faced while answering those questions (like content, writing speed or structuring etc), i'll be able to share my views effectively. 

Regards.

6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?

(а) “Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand

(I understood the quote. But it was difficult to write anything about it with respect to the paper. I mean how would you attempt this quote?)

Hi dost, these philosophical quotes used to tease me once as well. 

Then I started breaking the quote into sub parts. Like

- Condemn none - now I’d explain WHAT? WHY? Example?

- Stretch out a helping hand - again I’d explain WHY? HOW? Example?

- Can’t stretch out a helping hand - WHY? Example?

- Let them go away - WHY? HOW? - now here is the twist, here I would also question the rationale of quote. As in under what circumstances “I’d not let them go away even if I can’t help”. I would substantiate this with examples like when it is a case of public emergency or criminal conspiracy, etc. I would further bring noble ideas bringing terms like persuassion, mentoring, etc

In conclusion, I’d appreciate the ‘larger context’ of quote rather than literal meaning.

10 marks mein 150 words easily ho jayenge : )

Let others come with more noble ideas.

While I could easily wrote the blue sketch here, it was difficult to think on January 10 this year.

GS IV is the 5th consecutive exam. Then, case studies this year were themselves not ethical, not kind enough, they drained most of our positive calories. Then after case studies, we generally start from question 1 to give good impression in the beginning. 

And then these quotation based questions were at last Q 5 or Q 6. So many people either couldn’t attempt this question or while they were attempting, their answer sheets slipped into examiner’s bundle : )

Yeah.. Exactly.. This is what happened.

Anybody who has covered basics , should he just practise more questions or go for some more resources? Like I did Forum's Red book and took some reference from D Suba Rao. Anything else that I should cover to improve my answers? 

I also did forum red book and believe it is sufficient. Dont go for more resources, but go for deeper understanding. This can be done by THINKING over questions that have come. After this, writing in format : )

I wouldn't suggest RED book rather since you have time go for atul garg sir's notes and lecture ( available in telegram) . What i feel the Red book could help get notes rather as we encountered in this mains , questions required deeper interlinking with limited notes. I feel the lectures prepare you for such interlinking. 

I believe that yes individual need to think and put their effort , but Atul sir's video would surely be beneficial . You may view first three lectures to gain the insight. 

farzicodersaid

@Jammu 

I will respectfully disagree with you on following aspects.

1. It is a good approach to vaccinate elderly first. Their death rate is highest. It might be that elderly won't go out but the virus can come inside home via working people in family. Elderly being most vulnerable had to be vaccinated first. There was no second choice.

2. Big cities are already getting lion share of vaccines. The number of people vaccinated in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru is more that tier-2 cities. But, it just does not seem right to divert most of vaccines to them. The tier2 and tier3 cities need more vaccines as their health infra is nothing compared to tier1 cities.

3. We have to make our political leaders accountable. Can't go on blaming bureaucracy forever. It is the leadership which extracts work from bureaucrats. This was the same bureaucracy which built 10 Crore toilets during SBM in 5 years and opened crores of Jan Dhan Accounts in rural areas. If leadership at top has willpower , the bureaucracy will deliver. Same is the case with anticipating 2nd wave and vaccine policy. Both centre and state govt leaders and bureaucrats simply failed to anticipate the scale of devastation of 2nd wave which was compounded with careless attitude of common citizens.

I do agree with your points regarding CSR, Right to vaccination and centre funding the vaccine cost.

SergioRamossaid

What are the probable roadblocks to door to door vaccination other than the supply crunch we are witnessing right now?

SergioRamossaid

Jammusaid

SergioRamossaid

What are the probable roadblocks to door to door vaccination other than the supply crunch we are witnessing right now?

">

It reminds me about this episode, somewhere around this time, last year.

I don't think the situation will be this dire. People have now seen the true power of the virus. Fear will drive acceptance.

Sherkhan1428said

Hamra ek thooo sawaal tha !

So broadly, Ethics paper has two kinds of questions.

1. Questions which need thinking from an administrator's perspective and hence examples should have an element of service to public and overall public good.

2. Questions that ask you to narrate incidents from personal life/recount examples that showcase a particular value.

Now consider this question from 2014 !

"All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you Agree ? What does happiness mean to you ? Narrate with examples."

Now lets skip directly to the last 2 sub parts of the question.

The question specifically asks, "what is your idea of happiness" ?

Now here are two possible answers to this question. 

1. Although selflessly helping someone whenever the opportunity presents itself gives me a sense of immense satisfaction and happiness, what keeps me really happy in the long term is my ability to find joy in the small mundane day to day activities.

    Simple things like waking up early, exercising on a regular basis, feeding the dozen stray dogs near my home and sharing a meal with my parents help me stay happy. They help me keep my world shielded from any sudden or unfortunate events that might have the potential to throw me off balance.

2. Happiness for me means possession of moral values like honesty, integrity, spirit of sacrifice etc. which give me a sense of satisfaction. For example feeding a person asking for alms on the street or giving an anonymous donation towards a NGO that works for rehabilitation and de-addiction of children (DHAIRYA gives a smile :D)  make me happy. On Sundays, teaching underprivileged children in my locality also give me an immense sense of joy.

Ok, I hope you saw what i wanted you to see in those answers. The tone of the answer, the examples quoted and the imageries used to impress the examiner.

My question to the wonderful people of this platform. Am I allowed to write simplistic/honest answer of the 1st kind. Like straight from the heart ? 
Or do I have to create a list 10-15 examples (even fabricated ones) which showcase mysympatheticandempatheticside and use these examples based on the demand of the questions. As a reader/ examiner, which answer was more impactful ? and Why ?

😄

sjerngalsaid

Any source for preparing philosphical essays or just getting some hang of it?

sjerngalsaid

I have a question, if everyone is using MAins 365, then how are we supposed to stand out from the crowd?

I know presentation and all matters. But content will largely be the same.

TwoFacesaid

Bepopsaid

@calvinhobbes first rule of investing, invest only that which you are willing to lose. Especially after Wall street bets, everyone thinks, YOLO, we just like the stocks.

I have a deep investor since 2014. Only did Mutual funds. I have so far invested 6.7 lakhs from my savings at job. Current value is 11 lakhs. I am fairly satisfied. I remember one of my friends asking me to invest in crypto 2 years back. I refused but gave him 2 lakhs on loan with fixed interest. He bought crypto and promised me fixed returns. 

Then crypto crashes. He panicked sold and made heavy loss. Returned me my money somehow but couldn’t pay interest. I said okay. 

Last week I was in call with him. He was excited about crypto because of the high. He bought worth 2 lakhs again . Today he is not taking my call.

TwoFacesaid

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Bepopsaid

@calvinhobbes first rule of investing, invest only that which you are willing to lose. Especially after Wall street bets, everyone thinks, YOLO, we just like the stocks.

I have a deep investor since 2014. Only did Mutual funds. I have so far invested 6.7 lakhs from my savings at job. Current value is 11 lakhs. I am fairly satisfied. I remember one of my friends asking me to invest in crypto 2 years back. I refused but gave him 2 lakhs on loan with fixed interest. He bought crypto and promised me fixed returns. 

Then crypto crashes. He panicked sold and made heavy loss. Returned me my money somehow but couldn’t pay interest. I said okay. 

Last week I was in call with him. He was excited about crypto because of the high. He bought worth 2 lakhs again . Today he is not taking my call.

TwoFacesaid

Jammusaid

TwoFacesaid

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Bepopsaid

@calvinhobbes first rule of investing, invest only that which you are willing to lose. Especially after Wall street bets, everyone thinks, YOLO, we just like the stocks.

I have a deep investor since 2014. Only did Mutual funds. I have so far invested 6.7 lakhs from my savings at job. Current value is 11 lakhs. I am fairly satisfied. I remember one of my friends asking me to invest in crypto 2 years back. I refused but gave him 2 lakhs on loan with fixed interest. He bought crypto and promised me fixed returns. 

Then crypto crashes. He panicked sold and made heavy loss. Returned me my money somehow but couldn’t pay interest. I said okay. 

Last week I was in call with him. He was excited about crypto because of the high. He bought worth 2 lakhs again . Today he is not taking my call.

Also, just curious to know, what was the market price of your investment, just an year ago (time when cyclone Tauktae hit the sensex) :D

😹

I do not track the Sensex much. In fact what I do is that whenever I hear the Sensex is booming or bombing, I go and buy some or sell some . Usually buy some . Also i never sell all my units. It helps because I can see the history of every single transaction I have made. So I know if a fund is doing Rs. 212 right now, and it’s lifetime best has been 390 I can buy more if it. These all are shown in the transaction history.

I am a passive investor, past the phase where you suddenly discover that you can make money from stock market ( or other places ) - only to realise later that you better acquire some skill and that may pay you more.

I do not remember my exact portfolio value , but for some reason my portfolio value has been between 7.2 to 12 in the past two three years.

Sandeep Kasanasaid

I was also fond of investment in cryptos but I invest a little money, when the cryptos fell down so couldn't make a profit from this. Then in 2017 August I took an SIP just 5000 per month and it's giving returns at 12 to 15% per annum. In long run it will be a nice decision. However a new unregulated crypto stopelonmusk has come in market these days. And my colleague got very much profit beyond our limits. Only this scenerio of profit will prevail for some more days. However it is one' s risk to invest in this. SIP is really a better investment for anyone.

thesleepyheadsaid

Any gentle person from PSIR? :P

Villanellesaid

What is with the sudden use of adjectives on this thread?

Wise person..gentle person.. :P

Usain_boltsaid

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sjerngalsaid

Can anyone suggest some good ethics copies, so that i can practise some questions and judge my answers, keeping the good ethics copies as a standard? 

1. Vishakha vision IAS website.

2. Pradeep Singh(Rank 1) from his telegram channel.He got 153 I guess

3. Saumya Sharma (2017 AIR 9) from her blog. She got 145+

Anindyasaid

@Jammu Bro please send me.

farzicodersaid

Jammusaid

I’m not sure in case it is allowed to be posted here, but then personally sending on forum messenger is more laborious. Posting for everyone around. Forgive the innocent act of posting ethics videos unethically.

Test 7 

https://vimeo.com/396234409

Test 6

https://vimeo.com/381748989

Test 2

https://vimeo.com/377540060

P/w for all - LUKMAANIAS@ONLINE321

babu_bislerisaid

Which topper to be followed for Essays ?

Anudeep 

Saumya 

Chandra Mohan Garg

Any other ?

Recent ones ?

THE_MECHANICsaid

Guys , alert need help: can you suggest me source for economy complete pre and mains with contemporary and current affairs ( iam a beginner ) apart from ramesh singh ??? Thanks in advance@SergioRamos @AzadHindFauz @whatonly @Villanelle @Patootie @nerdfighter @peterparker 

babu_bislerisaid

Jammusaid

babu_bislerisaid

Which topper to be followed for Essays ?

Anudeep 

Saumya 

Chandra Mohan Garg

Any other ?

Recent ones ?

Hi, in Telegram, there is Vikash Ranjan / Triumph IAS Group. There you can find evaluated essay copies of many ‘silent’ candidates who have done very well and scored 150+. Copies are self evaluated by Vikash Ranjan. Very useful insights : )

How would I know if that particular copy is of 150+ one. All are 150+ ?

---

whatonlysaid

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babu_bislerisaid

babu_bislerisaid

Which topper to be followed for Essays ?

Anudeep 

Saumya 

Chandra Mohan Garg

Any other ?

Recent ones ?

Anyone ?

Check out Apurva Pandey :) one of the best I saw 

Apurva Pandey.pdf

DeekshitaPsaid

babu_bislerisaid

babu_bislerisaid

Which topper to be followed for Essays ?

Anudeep 

Saumya 

Chandra Mohan Garg

Any other ?

Recent ones ?

Anyone ?

Vikram grewal’s essay are good. I also googled some topper’s copies by vision (I don’t remember which ones) but they gave me a rough framework to work with. I also used the insights weekly essay initiative quite religiously and would trawl through the comments sections to get some idea of where I stand, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously because some of those essays are pathetic at best, though you might find some hidden gems.

Aquamansaid

DeekshitaPsaid

babu_bislerisaid

babu_bislerisaid

Which topper to be followed for Essays ?

Anudeep 

Saumya 

Chandra Mohan Garg

Any other ?

Recent ones ?

Anyone ?

Vikram grewal’s essay are good. I also googled some topper’s copies by vision (I don’t remember which ones) but they gave me a rough framework to work with. I also used the insights weekly essay initiative quite religiously and would trawl through the comments sections to get some idea of where I stand, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously because some of those essays are pathetic at best, though you might find some hidden gems.

@babu_bisleri I also read somewhere that Vikram Grewal was a published author even before civils prep. So what I think is just have a look at these topper's essays and pick up one whose writing style matches to your's and just follow him this can be different for different people. I personally thought that anudeep sir's essays were quite relatable in terms of my writing style.

whatonlysaid

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Jammusaid

whatonlysaid

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babu_bislerisaid

babu_bislerisaid

Which topper to be followed for Essays ?

Anudeep 

Saumya 

Chandra Mohan Garg

Any other ?

Recent ones ?

Anyone ?

Check out Apurva Pandey :) one of the best I saw 

Apurva Pandey.pdf

This is amazing. I could never find out her Essay copy on many portals that I deliberately explored. Priceless !

https://blog.forumias.com/apurva-pandey-ias-rank-39/

Bohot hi kareeb chhipa tha :p

Hououin_Kyoumasaid

Jammusaid

DeekshitaPsaid

babu_bislerisaid

babu_bislerisaid

Which topper to be followed for Essays ?

Anudeep 

Saumya 

Chandra Mohan Garg

Any other ?

Recent ones ?

Anyone ?

Vikram grewal’s essay are good. I also googled some topper’s copies by vision (I don’t remember which ones) but they gave me a rough framework to work with. I also used the insights weekly essay initiative quite religiously and would trawl through the comments sections to get some idea of where I stand, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously because some of those essays are pathetic at best, though you might find some hidden gems.

Did you personally like Vikram Grewal’s essay copies ?

Because personally I could never understand them and always wondered why everyone is crazy for his essays ?

I read some of his essays, he (atleast whatever I saw) has plethora of quotes, theories and use nearly a new one in every next para. May be due to vast reading (he is a writer or may be due to optional- I don't know what it is) he can such things. But for general audience they are hard to understand. Sometimes I can't relate things, he has written, to the topic of the essay (possibly due to my ignorance or lack of knowledge).

I personally followed Anudeep's + looked various other copies. Then came out with own style, which is very basic one. 

Got 131 in 2019 (though not very good), but sticking to the topic and using simple language helped me. 

+ realizing limitations is important, everyone can't write like any topper

+ try to figure out what different thing you can provide, for me-  it is making a simple story for most of the topics and utilising my optional (Hindi literature) 

whatonlysaid

There was a thread where we exchanged essays and reviewed them: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Essay-for-Mains-2020-tips-thoughts-and-interesting-things-1602501086?page=6#comment_49434

Sharing it just in case it helps even though it contains my own shitty initial essays :p

dalphasaid

I know this might not be correct thread to post this but, not getting reply on relevant thread. So please if anyone can help me regarding this ? if you people can't reply here then please pm me. But i'm really stressed about this.

Need some help regarding psir preparation. I have read basic material once but facing difficulties in grasping everything properly. going to write exam in 2021. i was thinking of joining any classroom course. so can anyone suggest what to do ? because shubhra mam's course will run for 6 months starting this july so i don't think that's a viable option. should i join some other classroom course ? also i found some audios of mam's 2018 batch on telegram so would those be reliable ? another option i have heard of is chaubey sir and some other free youtube series. so please anyone who has taken any classroom course before please help me out. 

Thank You

nerdfightersaid

dalphasaid

I know this might not be correct thread to post this but, not getting reply on relevant thread. So please if anyone can help me regarding this ? if you people can't reply here then please pm me. But i'm really stressed about this.

Need some help regarding psir preparation. I have read basic material once but facing difficulties in grasping everything properly. going to write exam in 2021. i was thinking of joining any classroom course. so can anyone suggest what to do ? because shubhra mam's course will run for 6 months starting this july so i don't think that's a viable option. should i join some other classroom course ? also i found some audios of mam's 2018 batch on telegram so would those be reliable ? another option i have heard of is chaubey sir and some other free youtube series. so please anyone who has taken any classroom course before please help me out. 

Thank You

Just one thing I would like to point out. I joined Shubhra Ranjan PSIR course this year. It began in July and ended in April. She took about 25 lectures only on Plato. 

dalphasaid

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DeekshitaPsaid

dalphasaid

I know this might not be correct thread to post this but, not getting reply on relevant thread. So please if anyone can help me regarding this ? if you people can't reply here then please pm me. But i'm really stressed about this.

Need some help regarding psir preparation. I have read basic material once but facing difficulties in grasping everything properly. going to write exam in 2021. i was thinking of joining any classroom course. so can anyone suggest what to do ? because shubhra mam's course will run for 6 months starting this july so i don't think that's a viable option. should i join some other classroom course ? also i found some audios of mam's 2018 batch on telegram so would those be reliable ? another option i have heard of is chaubey sir and some other free youtube series. so please anyone who has taken any classroom course before please help me out. 

Thank You

I sorry I saw your post on the PSIR thread but it completely slipped my mind to reply. I wouldn’t suggest joining a classroom course at this point of time for the 2021 attempt. You simply do not have the time or energy to invest unfortunately. I would suggest really sitting down and figuring out the concepts as best as you can. You have the time to devote almost a month per theory section right. So take your time and read your material as many times as is required to drill the concepts into your head. The whole game of PSIR is to know the ins and outs of your theory which I realised in the exam hall (it was too late by then, but oh well). The rest after prelims, if you are more or less sure of clearing, SR comes out with a crash course (which has its own merits and de-merits) which will hep you cover lost ground.

I’m not sure of Chaubey sir’s classes since I haven’t attended them, so I cannot comment on their quality

not an issue. you're right joining classes might overwhelm me. i'll try reading material again and again and focus on understanding theories properly. but in mam's postal notes sometimes i find some points are missing and some disconnect is there. so what should be done for that ? any reference book or anything else. which you might've referred to? thank you :)

thesleepyheadsaid

About essays, how do we use a quote other than English? I mean, English essay mei Devnagari ya Urdu script toh use nai kar sakte? I am still to come across an answer sheet having quotes other than English though. Any inputs, gentle fellas? :p

sjerngalsaid

Jammusaid

thesleepyheadsaid

About essays, how do we use a quote other than English? I mean, English essay mei Devnagari ya Urdu script toh use nai kar sakte? I am still to come across an answer sheet having quotes other than English though. Any inputs, gentle fellas? :p

Use kar lo Ghalib ko, no issue : )

Bracket mein English translation likh do, meaning explain kar do, it would look wonderful, I have seen in many : )

Even I have the similar doubt, for example if I want to write Kabir doha, do i write it in English alphabets or devnagari script? I know we are supposed to write the english translation in bracket. 
But can we write the specific doha in devnagri script. ?

Omensaid

any review of qep my mk yadav sir ?

whatonlysaid

Jammusaid

sjerngalsaid

Jammusaid

thesleepyheadsaid

About essays, how do we use a quote other than English? I mean, English essay mei Devnagari ya Urdu script toh use nai kar sakte? I am still to come across an answer sheet having quotes other than English though. Any inputs, gentle fellas? :p

Use kar lo Ghalib ko, no issue : )

Bracket mein English translation likh do, meaning explain kar do, it would look wonderful, I have seen in many : )

Even I have the similar doubt, for example if I want to write Kabir doha, do i write it in English alphabets or devnagari script? I know we are supposed to write the english translation in bracket. 
But can we write the specific doha in devnagri script. ?

Yes, I’ve seen it very often in Mock Essays, GS IV. Like Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina (in Devanagri) is favourite conclusion for many in many. 

But I have never seen Doha, etc written in English script, I feel that would look very bad to read.

But there is still a chance that the examiner may not be able to read Devanagari na? There’s no way to rule that possibility out since it’s English medium. If it’s written in English it will be better in that case. Why take the risk.

RfAd2021said

@Jammu Could you please throw some light as to how these keywords are meant to be utilised to enrich GS preparation/answer writing. 

lawlietsaid

Do you Guys think that a bad phase has started for psir and anthro as in 2019 results the highest marks in psir wasn't even 300 and in 2020 anthro had a comparatively difficult paper ?

Also feel free to add your analysis based upon the selection in mains 2020 .

whatonlysaid

12432TrivendrumRajdhanisaid

whatonlysaid

Hello gentle friends of forum, can anyone recommend a good book on Indian agriculture? Its history, economy, problems etc. Looking for helpful analysis and suggestions related to the sector.

Have heard good reviews about this one. (Can't certify personally. Have not read it. But isspey bohot din se nazar hai meri)

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9353333091/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_3FNN37T6M9S87KBS4M6N

Wow! Very interesting. Didn’t know Varun Gandhi wrote too! Will check out.

thelastcoyotesaid

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sstarrrsaid

Inselbergsaid

sstarrrsaid

Inselbergsaid

calvinhobbessaid

Inselbergsaid

SunnyParasharsaid

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DeekshitaPsaid

SunnyParasharsaid

farzicodersaid

nerdfightersaid

peterparkersaid

Can a group be made for weekly essay practice and reviewing?

I know there are lot of issues involved while forming such groups. But, if there is any such group or you people are interested in forming such a group, do add me. Or should I join a test series to improve my essay writing ? 

Your reviews on any essay test series that you people joined..?

Yes. We should. Count me in me if you decide to start something.

Hey, I am also interested. If others who are interested agree, we can start today itself from 3:00-4:30 (1 essay per week). Submit by 5. Read others answers by 6 and discussions/peer reviews for 1~1.5 hrs after that.

What do you say ? Also, I think it will be feasible to keep size of group slightly small (<=7~8)

Follow my strategy.

Don't write any essay.Just see topper copies.In this way you will be original in the exam and originality is rewarded.

Go in exam with a blank mind as if you have'nt studied anything.

When you make frameworks,write essays beforehand trust me you lose out(I lost out last year due to this).

This year I went with a blank mind.0 essays written.

And in exam in ships essay I could start with macauly real life story,quoted recent corona examples,gandhi sins,namaste london film and could conclude with another poem made on the spot in exam.

In patriarchy essay,again could invent a poem on the spot in the exam about patriarchy being not visible still being present,could quote gargi,razia sultana.Write about deepika padukone and indira gandhi and other usual stuff like data,policies and could divide essay using subheadings like Lighting Candles of equality.Concluded with a nehru quote.

All of this could be done as mind was'nt occupied by advises or frameworks.

Wrote whatever I felt and in whatever way I felt was right.

Although marks are still not out,I am hopeful of atleast scoring above average if not the topmost marks.

Thanks.

I honestly don’t have the confidence to do something like this. Personally, I work best when I have some pre-meditated idea of what I intend to write and basically reproduce a version of that in the exam hall. This sort of spontaneity is quite unnerving

Not only in essay.I did this this in all gs papers and even optional.0 answers written.

Even in pre I wrote 0 pre tests.

I had decided f**k all coachings,all toppers advises as they led to my downfall in last attempt.

I decided I would write whatever I feel in whatever way I feel in the exam in all the 7 papers and even in pre.

Thanks to rishab pant and his coach.

Dekho kya hota hai.

Bhai, for all the good suggestions that you have given, I feel compelled to point out some problematic ones as well. I do this not to discredit your hard work or even your strategy, as you said, we don't know yet. You might end up with a single digit rank or even outside the merit list. Although, probability is in favor of the latter for each interview appearing candidate :) But I really wish that you achieve the former :) Your hard work of making hand written notes, mugging them and going through these long committee reports must've helped in scoring big in mains. 

I am doing this for other aspirants who are reading this thread. 2k views and hardly 30 contributors, so in the interest of this silent audience. The claim is not really accurate of writing 0 test, 0 essays, 0 answers. I understand that perhaps you are referring to not writing any test series. But, but, we have to be very careful with our words. You already have experience of one mains. Mains 2019. Which I am sure you must have analyzed and learnt from your past mistakes. This is important to highlight. 

So, for others who are reading this, guys, it is not advisable to venture unprepared into mains examination. You don't compulsorily need to write any xyz coaching test series ofcourse :) But one must be well versed with UPSC PYQs and better get your answers verified by someone experienced. Just to know that you are on the right track.

Also, I want to highlight what Rishabh Pant said recently in a post match - "With experience I have learnt that there is nothing called as play your natural game. One needs to play according to the situation." 

Practice is important to know how to react in different situations. Also Sunny might have done his struggles to reach the right sources, but following a test series can help a beginner in course correction in terms of targeting one's energy especially when there is abundance of coaching material, toppers, their strategies, their material, their notes, every year. 

Nevertheless, his advices are really valuable. Originality is rewarded big time (experienced this myself) ; revision should be one's utmost priority ; some things you have to mug up, no alternative to this exists ; Intro and conclusion if prepared in advance for broader topics will help in saving crucial appox 15 mins in each paper. 

Cheers@SunnyParashar just wanted to give a clearer picture of what I understood that you wanted to convey.  

Can you please elaborate upon Originality part? 

TLDR : My little experience of 2019 mains tells me this. 

Originality in thoughts is appreciated. This practically means:  

1)In Content- Showing your own thought. Drawing your own "reasoned" conclusions. Making sense of this world. Having that clarity in your head about issues of national and universal importance. One gets scope to do this more in Essay, ethics and optional, but also in GS papers sometimes. 

    How to do this? Read, think, understand more. Become a critical thinker. Not for every topic one can be so thorough. But choose your areas. BTW, this is no brainer right? Optional is our area. Develop expertise in it. It certainly helps if UPSC provides a topic from your domain. Philosophical topics closely resemble ethics, so ethics imho has become the most rewarding subject in UPSC CSE exam. 250+125 (one essay)+Interview( a big percentage of 275) marks at stake. 

2)In Structure- Choosing a way in which one is best able to present their thoughts in the limited space. Diagram, flowchart, map, bullets, para, black, blue, italics, brackets, underline all are merely tools to be used in achieving the above said objective. Once this is realized, one becomes automatically original. We need to address the question. In doing so, do it in the best way possible under the given time and space constraints.

    Well, this does not mean one shouldn't practice some innovative ideas of course.

    Invoking Rishabh Pant again, one does not simply hit Jimmy Anderson for a six above Wicketkeeper's head in a test match without having done it in the nets. 

    The larger point is, don't copy AIR-x. Know the rules of the game, take cues from successful people, DIY and find your sweet spot. 

Anecdote :

2019 Mains.

Essay paper. My optional is PSIR. Luckily, found a topic close to my area - biased media a real threat to Indian democracy. Wrote my heart out why is this so true. Originality in content and structure.

Talked about what do I understand by democracy. One of the meaning - A life of dignity to each individual. Then how biased media is a threat? Look at what they did to people by labelling as "Tukde-tukde gang". Wrote names. Kanhaiya then fought 2019 LS elections by taking an oath on Indian Constitution and media already declared their verdict as traitors, seditious etc.

Another example, 2019 LS elections held as if it is presidential form of democracy (Taking a dig at our PM | People suggested me to refrain from doing anything of this sort, there is a conspiracy theory going around that UPSC has been infiltrated :P However in that moment I just did it). We are a parliamentary form of democracy. Biased media is a real threat imho. But took more than 1hr 45min.                        

Now, is the catch, 0 prior experience of writing a philosophical essay. Completely fumbled. The topic did not make sense to me. Wisdom finds truth. The piece was largely a desperate attempt to fill the pages. However, could not even do it. 2 pages left, sheet got snatched. No conclusion. just ended the essay by scribbling that ultimate wisdom and ultimate truth is human dignity.

Score : 131. What does this mean? Originality of the 2nd essay was rewarded. This is the only plausible explanation I can draw out of it. Originality here does not refer to not practicing essays before but in my thoughts regarding the section-B topic. 

Optional - IR Paper.

Could not recall content from SR Mam's notes in the exam hall. So started pouring down my own thoughts (IFS as 1st choice ; IR is my area). Repeatedly used 2 names (for the sake of doing it) in almost every question who must have been used by many to substantiate. HV Pant and CR Mohan. Could not answer 1 factual question ; 17th NAM summit. Was confused was the recent one 17th one or..? 

Score to my surprise : 143. The only reason - originality in thoughts :) 

GS Papers.

GS2 left 1 10-marker blank. 2 15-markers were filled namesake with some rhetorical content (Attorney-G), even wrong article number (not to be done ever). Score 97.

GS3 attempted 19.5 questions ; in the format prescribed by toppers, proper sub-headings, writing 5 points under each. Score 70. 

Reason? - Lacked clarity in understanding. Copied topper's advice without substance. Artificial partitioning and points. But GS2 contains IR. Here, I was able to reflect my own understanding, displayed them in a logical flow. 

A question here, as you talked about biased media, my frustation level goes to its peak. As you said you mentioned tukde tukde gang and all examples( many more can be given), can we write such things in the essay? I always feared going into these topics considering they are somewhere sensitive and not pro-government. Would you suggest 'writing our mind' in essay? 

Well, I am experiencing an ethical dilemma - a case for moral hazard. I do not really know how it might turn out for you.

Hence, I am unable to suggest you a binary answer.  

I did it in 2019.

Have done it again in 2020. Gave criticism this time where I felt it was due - EIA, RTI. Not really sure, what will happen. 

But I for one believe, UPSC respectsreasoned opinion. So, no problem in dissenting. But, the grounds on which one does it, should be valid.  Also, criticism should be followed by suggestions to solve the problem at hand.

Max Weber ke shadbo mein kahein toh... "ek bureaucrat wo hota hai jo RATIONAL hota hai. Reason ke saath baat kehta ho" (German translation pending).  

This is actually an issue. I am one of those who believe pro-govt people have infiltrated each and every organisation and how muchandar seyou are critical of govt , just never show it on paper. 

But I do believe what you said about reasoned criticism , but I always play safe and criticism is never extreme(I can't even think of mentioning tukde-tukde gang in my answers) . I fear doing it. 

Others who have written mains do tell, how many of you would be willing to write to such an extent? 

I wrote that biased media essay arguing for more stringent editorial control and accountability from media organisations to protect democracy. Talked about how defence deals take years to reach completion, how differences between ideas and people are widened instead of being bridged, how media can be used as a tool of psychological warfare by enemy nations, fake/incorrect news spread for the sake of breaking news etc. At the end of the essay I wondered if I was being too harsh on media. Even I got 131. My philosophical essay did not go too well. So I am also of the opinion that as long as you justify what you are writing you won't be penalised.

babu_bislerisaid

Anyone here got Vision IAS 2021 mains tests ? I have 1490 to 1500 ie 11 tests. Need test 1487,88,89 and 1500 onwards. Thanks

Rashmirathisaid

What do you all think of Sushil Kumar case?( After being the most decorated sportsperson in the country ,having fame ,money ,respect ,govt job everything )

Sabhi se anurodh h ki is pr apni rai jarur de( I request you all to give your views on this)

Villanellesaid

Jammusaid

Rashmirathisaid

What do you all think of Sushil Kumar case?( After being the most decorated sportsperson in the country ,having fame ,money ,respect ,govt job everything )

Sabhi se anurodh h ki is pr apni rai jarur de( I request you all to give your views on this)

I feel it would be wrong to conclude, until objective facts comes out.

Kabhi kabhi crime ho jaata hai, we should wait for the context that made a sportsperson lose his temper.

Kabhi kabhi crime ho jaata hai?

calvinhobbessaid

Jammusaid

Villanellesaid

Jammusaid

Rashmirathisaid

What do you all think of Sushil Kumar case?( After being the most decorated sportsperson in the country ,having fame ,money ,respect ,govt job everything )

Sabhi se anurodh h ki is pr apni rai jarur de( I request you all to give your views on this)

I feel it would be wrong to conclude, until objective facts comes out.

Kabhi kabhi crime ho jaata hai, we should wait for the context that made a sportsperson lose his temper.

Kabhi kabhi crime ho jaata hai?

Haan jaise self defence, i just meant something strong and provoking must have been there that made him loose his temper. Let’s wait for evidences. Like it happens with many, Salman Khan was not deliberately driving his car on foothpath. 

Dude, nobody deliberately drives car on the footpath. But when you do and it kills people, it is his fault. Can't shrug it off likeI didn't want to do this but ho gya. 

Can't we just agree on the point that if he did that crime, it's his fault. Either he did it or he didn't. There's no justification if he killed someone. 

Bepopsaid

@Jammu please write /s, that makes it easier.

Villanellesaid

Bepopsaid

@Jammu please write /s, that makes it easier.

Don’t think that was sarcasm.

Or maybe I’m as bad as Sheldon Cooper in recognising it 😅

sstarrrsaid

We are wrong dude(to whosoever who felt that he was doing sarcasm) Dekho aap comment aage jaake..galti se hogya, he didn't mean to do that and he is ready to face consequences. Well@Jammu consequences by law would be of murder only. Aapke bhai tyaar hai jail jane ko? That crossed the level of kuchhh bhii!

Aur kisi bhi sane insaan ko pata hota hai ki we should not drive vehicle on footpath - foot mane pair - why you want to drive tyres? 

Its not unintentional, its bewakoofi and a heinous crime. Never justify this, Never!

sstarrrsaid

@Jammu I took offence of your comment about bhai . And about sushil, with whatever news report I have studied and little knowledge , even If he has done it because the victim provoked him , makes his crime no less. You should control your anger. Thats my point. 

Snipersaid

Snipersaid

Guys any update on mrunals' wincsp21 lectures? Will he upload remaining lectures? Also, has he stopped his daily current affairs? 

Anyone??? 

nerdfightersaid

Guys, what do you call it when you get a jolt of motivation to study but it fizzles out in a matter of a few hours?

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

..

.

Chotivation. 

Sorry. xD

RfAd2021said

Guys/Girls, this might sound out of the blue but fits perfectly into the title of this thread ! 

On a serious note, could seniors/experienced candidates and candidates who have cleared mains before(once/multiple times), list out a strategy/framework which guarantees a sure shot place in the Interview round. A well thought out framework and pointers as to individual papers would really help.

RfAd2021said

@Jammu Oh yes Bhai, this is indeed a very detailed and informative write up, had read it before too. I sincerely hope he makes it this time.

Anything you would like to add personally ?

Inselbergsaid

RfAd2021said

@Inselberg I agree on most things you have said

What you are deducing is just another aspect of the whole inflation/deflation process of the papers. And its true that a few candidates would overall write a much better paper to tough questions than what majority would do, hence a few very good scores bucking the trend of deflation would be seen in the paper specifically deflated every year.

Who knows, it might be GS1 in CSM 2021 that gets rewarded liberally 😄 and all the notions of low cost-benefit in relation to Post Independence History and World History that people here have been citing are thrown out of the window.

Yeah.

So the conclusion as it appears to me is to basically minimize the risk in this uncertain environment. Practically meaning, find out one's weakness(es) and then work upon them. 

The ideal or the platonian objective is to become a master of all trades. However, practically one can't be equally intelligent in all the subjects. 

Hence the Aristotelian or the next best alternative is to atleast be a Jack of all trades first and master of some later. 

And then one other big catch here is to atleast become master of one subject in each GS paper. Again minimizing the risk and simultaneously maximizing the benefit. 

Just in case one is excellent in 3 GS-2 subjects (polity, governance and IR) but if the theory 1 is true and UPSC decides to deflate GS2 scores, one would be at a bigger disadvantage than someone who worked equally hard in mastering equal number of 3 subjects but they chose them wisely. By spreading them across 1,2 and 3. Geography, IR and Economics. 

However, the larger attempt remains the same; to master all. Leave none behind.

But wisdom lies in prioritization of tasks at hand. 

Villanellesaid

D503said

people scoring in 110's 120s in ethics, what are your sources. how do you write your answers? do you use a lot of examples? how do you tackle case studies? wats the structure of your answers like

One more thing I’d like to ask, do we have to list the ethical dilemmas involved ineverycase study, as a rule?

sjerngalsaid

Hey fellow aspirants, I need some help. 
I find it extremely difficult to follow monthly magazines. Initially I thought that it was probably one particular institute whose magazine I am finding difficult to grasp. But, I have tried quite a few including Forum's, and somehow feel that these magazines are not for me. 
There seems to be too much information overload. And somehow , I always ALWAYS end up NOT COMPLETING ANY MAGAZINE.  It is not that I dont read newspapers and rely solely on magazines, but I just find myself difficult to concentrate and spend hours on just one issue. 
It read one page and by the time I reach the next one, I already forget what I read minutes ago. 
IT is so demotivating everytime. 
I sometimes decide not to go through any magazine, but thats when the FOMO hits really hard. Everyone is reading Monthlies, Yearlies and so on and here I am, not able to finish even a single document. 

Please help.
Just tagging a few people here whose name I can recall at the moment. Others may also give in their opinons @SergioRamos @Arrokoth @Patootie @nerdfighter @DeekshitaP   @Jammu . 

Also, if there is any video/youtube alternative to these magazines, please suggest . 
Thanks. 

sjerngalsaid

» show previous quotes

Jammusaid

sjerngalsaid

Hey fellow aspirants, I need some help. 
I find it extremely difficult to follow monthly magazines. Initially I thought that it was probably one particular institute whose magazine I am finding difficult to grasp. But, I have tried quite a few including Forum's, and somehow feel that these magazines are not for me. 
There seems to be too much information overload. And somehow , I always ALWAYS end up NOT COMPLETING ANY MAGAZINE.  It is not that I dont read newspapers and rely solely on magazines, but I just find myself difficult to concentrate and spend hours on just one issue. 
It read one page and by the time I reach the next one, I already forget what I read minutes ago. 
IT is so demotivating everytime. 
I sometimes decide not to go through any magazine, but thats when the FOMO hits really hard. Everyone is reading Monthlies, Yearlies and so on and here I am, not able to finish even a single document. 

Please help.
Just tagging a few people here whose name I can recall at the moment. Others may also give in their opinons @SergioRamos @Arrokoth @Patootie @nerdfighter @DeekshitaP   @Jammu . 

Also, if there is any video/youtube alternative to these magazines, please suggest . 
Thanks. 

Hi dost, I do understand reading these magazines is such a tedious task. I have read good suggestions here by fellow friends. It’s nice how different people do the same things as differently, and in this context, the approach I follow is totally different but I am glad it has worked very well.

Few things that I could figure out in your concern is, doing CA is boring and retaining it is challenging. For the former, I have devised my own way which is time taking but rewarding. Incidentally, persuing it helps in retaining.

One advise here I would also like to give that Neyawn has also very well talked in the video posted on SFG thread, that there is no memory problem, but only revision problem. I do believe it is 200% true.

I generally read newspapers everyday, but the moment I see some prelims related news, I skip through the pages. I never read monthlies/yearlies every month. When prelims is just 3-4 months away, I compile them and start reading.

1st reading - I read one monthly / yearly a day and underline what is important. 12+ days goes like this

2nd reading - I read what I have underlined. 6+ Days

3rd reading - I devise ways to retain it. 6+ days

4th reading - I eliminate stuffs that are already in memory. 6+ days

5th reading - I eliminate further. 4+ days

6th reading - I eliminate further. 2-3 days. 

Now there are things that are hard to remember, so I would copy them on my Evernote. There I make good use of ‘bold’ ‘unbold’ the text and do this exercise every morning. In few days, I am able to retain every aspect of it.

Now comes the application part, here I do multiple MCQs. I try recollecting from memory and apply in eliminating options there. This way in mocks I attempt 95+ questions because every option I have read either in static or current.

This exercise of’course looks monotonous, but when I do it, and especially on Evernote, it makes this phase so wonderful. Thus in 30-40 days every CA is in memory.

Regarding which institute’s magazine one should read, I feel in personal opinion that one should read what most of aspirants are reading. Efforts should not be to know more of knowledge but to score a mark extra from competitors by reading same text but in a better way.

I am attaching some screenshots to show how it looks.

Edit - consolidated memory would make sure tendency to mark MCQs as wrong during actual prelims under stress is minimal.

Dayum.. 
This is so overwhelming. You are able to finish one monthly in a day. I can't even finish one section in a day right now. 
But it does seem worth trying, 
Thanks for such a detailed strategy.