Okay so my turn.
I have given 2 attempts. Got okay score in optional in 2019 but horrible in GS( two 70's score in 2 GS Papers). Since I was fresh out of college I anyway didn't have much expectations.
This year I have flunked prelims itself. I was totally devastated after this, to the extent that I completely forgot I have anything to do with UPSC. Went back home for a month and came back with mindset to begin things from scratch. Threw away all my Old notes. That was also the time I came to know about forum. I used to DM some of the great guys here like whatonly qoqo and azandhindfauz and ask them everything as if this is my first attempt.
Coming to optional, SergioRamos is right. The only reason I got decent score in my first mains was because I had handmade notes ready for most part of syllabus. This time since I had enough time, I have made my optional notes again( 3rd time).
Most of the questions are very predictable if you have read standard books well+ analysed PYQs. I believe optional is my strong area. Let's see kya hota hai.
Yes. Adding to that predictability part, in the last 7 years, if you analyse Medieval History questions- 3 common areas where questions are asked( If not regular, then every alternative year) are
Mughal Painting
18th Century India
Vijaynagara Empire
Similar is the pattern for all parts of History.
Eggzactly!!
Topics are fixed, syllabus fixed aur puchenge bhi kaha se.
The problem in history is connecting the Dot and giving proper explanation.. Or justification to be precise.. What people do is mere stating of facts especially in paper 2 both in modern and world.. And if you see paper 2 marks people have huge variation and see paper 1 marks almost sab ke same or at least in range.. And another thing which optional guys should take care of is GS history and Optional different ball game
My opinion is
Interlinking topics+ data backing+ articulation. This is what gives you marks.
1.Interlinking topics:- To do this some preconditions are there
a) You should have notes. Exam mei books se recall nai kar paoge.
b) Conceptual clarity. Wihout this connecting the dots is not possible.eg. if you don't understand properly what is capitalism, you won't be able to understand the potential of capitalism in mughal era.
c) Sufficient revision of notes. Dimag mei pages ke pictures bane hone chahiye, tabhi interlink kar paenge.
2. Data backing.
To do this you have to hunt content from standard books and jot them in notes. I try to substante all my points with something (archaeological, literay, traveller or simply a scholar). This requires max revision.
3 Articulation.
I use flow charts, maps etc as much as I can.
Could you share any of the written question using flow chart
