After interacting with@Mango_Person &@Tata , I am convinced that potential of intelligent candidates is stifled by engineering background mentors who are suggesting rote learning & mechanical writing approaches for a humanities exam.
Rattafication and recall of notes that is preached in this industry will take away your youth and your chances of clearing the exam despite being a wonderful and smart candidate. Do not lose your originality. Do not forget that your favourite movie Interstellar had a quote: Do not go gentle into that goodnight.Rage, Rage, Rage… whichcan be used in your preparation for essay. Do not forget that your curiosity of watching IR videos is a boon and can be used in your prep. Do not forget that your poetic flair will get your 140+ in essay. Do not forget that preparation has to be interesting and filled with curiosity and learning. Do not forget WHO YOU ARE. Avoid the One size fits all approach !
Do not become a cog in the wheel. Stay the thinking and dynamic mind you are. Ratta & recall should be replaced by a thinking brainstorming dynamic mind (Which i call as Dynamic rattafication).
I was elated to see the sparkle in@sonder’s eyes when I connected things for him.It was an absolute joy when@Mango_Person said that the three hours that I gave were fruitful than any guidance she received in the past 4 years. This is not to boast but to criticise the poor mentorship that the industry is offering. The loss that is being imposed on the young and smart candidates is HUGE !
Me and other friends like@tedmosby will make sure that in the next one month, we do whatever we can in OUR LIMITED CAPACITY to bridge that deficit through videos or content here before we shift to the interview prep. I hope we make some difference in the lives of a Diligent aspirant who is working hard but is being led by an unenthusiastic mentor or guide !
Let me also name some teachers who promote a thinking approach to subjects:
1. Peeyush Sir (Ethics)
2. Nikhil Gowra Sir (Insights) for PSIR (However, as he doesn’t provide much content, his crash course & TS not be a suitable choice for a beginner [No idea about foundation course]. His crash course is available FREE on YouTube for PSIR candidates to watch. He will show you how limited content away from the Content terrorism of the PSIR Monopoly teacher is a smooth and smart way to approach the subject)
3. Anika Mam for Essay (Forum IAS)
Also for people who don’t have a natural flow of writing. Let me just say one sentence which might ring a bell for 80% of you:STOP MUGGING UP SENTENCES AS THEY ARE IN YOUR NOTES ! Avoid recall and develop the CAPACITY to frame sentences and expressions. Read and write or your Mains score especially in Essay, optional (like PSIR) & ethics may take a hard hit.
Looking at the poor state, I am reminded of Margaret Mead’s quote: “Students must be taught how to think and not what to think”
hello (i have no idea how to address seniors here), but i have raised a query to Neywan's response on CSE 2025 thread about being robust in preparationin the foundational year (with a few of senior players tagged) please respond if you find time any time soon. (related to prioritising right things)
