Mains 2019 Preparation and Discussion Thread

@Yes_I_am_in4th attempt

This is very true. Case in point my gs 1 marks, they have gone from 122 (when I had history optional so the content in my answers was richer) to 89 in 2017 ( there was an overall scaling down but I wrote random paper filler answers in at least 3 questions)@duster2019

I have almost a similar scenario also. But I left the CAT question in gs 2 instead of writing random bakar as I felt that they were asking for something really specific that I did not know of. In gs 4 attempted 3 10 markers using hub spoke type stuff, pata nahi kitne marks milenge in answers mein.@GloriousMess26

@ranyo_asokaI think the base of the question was to identify the success and failures of service sector, due to partnerships and collaborations or lack of it in India's development process. Meaning, you have to trace India's development from primarily agricultural to heavy industry to liberalised to service led with sublimation of manufacturing in between to current SME and export led inclusive development push and in these parts, point out the events or data or incidents, examples of how service sector collaboration was needed/successful/failed. Component of inclusive development as a characteristic on India is massively important too, but so are specific service sector examples. Very tough question imho.

Discussion dekh kar lagta hai...aap sab log bhut achha answers likh kar aaye hai.
Maine to bhut kharab likha hai️

@foxmulderyeah the checker himself will be confused by the different understandings of different people...problem was unlikeother questions, i couldnt find continuity between the sentences..on one hand the questions itself says thee is 'need for collboration' ..then abruptly talks of partnershio this that ..and concludes asking for developmental discourse.... a good answer taking all key points would require nearly an essay ...i used key words to subdivide but was short of space...

@Yes_I_am_inye wali feeling sab ko aati hai..always we feel our answers are bad when we see others answers...its normal

@Yes_I_am_inHam sabne apna farz nibhaya hai and general answers likhe hain

@ranyo_asokaYeah almost felt like ek do point jisme present ho waise content ko extend kar k ek pura essay type question hi bana diya. As many copies, that many interpretations for this one surely.

@GloriousMess26how much marks are u expecting in gs ,essay and optionals ??

When it comes to checking mains answer copies, there is a general pattern followed in state PSC/UPSC
There is a head examiner and representative of UPSC who thoroughly discusses the question paper with examiners. They are also briefed with the answers provided by those who have framed the question. Every question is analyzed along with every dimension related to that question, degree of easiness or toughness, marking criteria etc. Then the checking of copies finally starts. No examiner can award more than 60%( i.e 150) marks in GS. If he does, the copy is again rechecked by the head examiner, who confirms if the candidate really deserves that score.
So verdict is, Examiners are already familiar with multiple versions of an answer and give marks accordingly.
(My father is a professor who has checked state PSC copies, and few of his friends have had attachment with upsc as an examiner)

@LonewolfNo expectations in terms of marks. But hoping ( Praying) for an interview call.

@Yes_I_am_inno.. i did very bad in gs.. got only 330

for history optional, cram balyan handwritten class notes by heart. Read ncert very well. And use only one supplementary book for each part. And revise it again and again. Write only what is being asked. Structure, conclusion ki zyada tension mat lo.. focus on facts, sources/historians name, some crucial dates etc.
Map ke liye last 7 years paper from 2012/13 onwards ka ratta laga lo and famous neolithic/chalcolothic/megalithic /ashoka inscription etc ache se kar lo.. Yaad rakhna upsc hamesha famous sites puchta hai. for ex. haryana ki koi harappa site puchi to wo pakka bana wali ya rakhigarhi hogi. Baaki sites insignificant hai.. unpe time mat waste karna. You can secure 35/50 easily in map question.

Jai Hind
Jai Bharat Varsha

@duster2019I am leaving upsc after this attempt..wrote mains this time too. if I get 300 plus then my strategy is foolproof I guess.. but my gs went very bad this time like last year so will miss mains cutoff my few marks like last year when I missed mains cutoff by less than 10 marks.

I have given bank po interviews last month. hopefully will get a job and will make a career in banking.

others those preparing full time, start giving other exams too. secure a backup job. UPSC is not everything.

Jai Hind
Jai Bharat Varsha
Bharat Mata ki Jai

@abhishek_pcopy checking would hve started by now already

@foxmuldersearch older pages...how they hve copy pasted the questions lines abruptly from that book..thats y didnt make much sense

kis angle se dono similar hai yaar ..kuch bhi
Q.10) ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leave UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (10)

Similar question asked by our Test series

What is the mandate and structure of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) of the UN? How has the nature of UN peacekeeping operations changed over the years? How can the operations be made more effective? (CD Mains TS)

@ranyo_asokaSuch unscrupulous bastards. The flak they get on forum is so justified.

@paranthapijjaUN pe ek question aa gya toh similar waah