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[Official] ForumIAS SFG 2021 - Level 1 Details and Important Updates

SFG 2021 Level 1 - Details and Important Updates

 

Important Update : LIVE Session for SFG 2021 - Level 1 General Discussion and Way Forward -  19th January 2021 at 4:00 PM. (Click Here)


Dear Friends,

we enter the 3rd year of SFG – Select Focus Group – one of our most innovative programs for successfully cracking the Prelims Examination. Based on your feedback, we continuously innovate and update our programs, keeping in mind the dynamic nature of the Civil Services Examination, the rising standards of Civil Services preparation, and increasing competition – partly because of capacity development and fast-paced self-learning programs like SFG.

To check the instructions on how to write SFG 2021 - Test 1 :  

https://go.forumias.com/264


Important Dates: 

Date of Entrance Test 2 - 3rd January 2021 (10:00 AM to 11:00 AM)

End Date Registration for Entrance Test 2 – 2nd January 2021 | 5 PM

Please click on the link for instructions regarding attempting the Entrance test.

https://go.forumias.com/254

Result of Entrance Test 2 –4th January 2021

Commencement Date of SFG Level 1  – 7th January 2021


Syllabus of SFG Entrance Test - Candidates can expect 30 questions equally distributed across History, Polity, Economy, Environment and Geography. Further 15 questions will from Current Affairs of October, November and December months and 5 questions from CSAT.


SFG Level 1 Calendar: https://go.forumias.com/sfg21-calender




SFG – How it works

  • Select Focus Group (SFG) is a small group of students who are selected by ForumIAS every year for coaching them to clear the UPSC Prelims Examination. Every single candidate selected and retained consistently in the group with Top ranks has cleared the Prelims examination in the past.
  • 100 Students will be selected for the Select Focus Group, through the SFG Entrance Test, who will be required to report at 7 AM every day 6 days a week to write an hour-long test based on a pre-planned syllabus, followed by a discussion on the same.
  • Candidates who are unable to make it to the SFG, will be maintained in a Reserve List, who can also write the tests. Candidates who couldn't clear the cutoff and are unable to make it into both SFG and RLG can register for the 2nd Entrance Test
  • Tests are conducted daily and results are provided within 8 hours of test with Name and Rank list for candidates and parents to evaluate their daily performance. On the basis of rankles, about 50% of bottom performing students from SFG are migrated to the reserve list on a weekly basis, and an equal number of students from reserve list (RLG) are moved into SFG.
  • The decision of the management in this regard is final and not subject to dispute. Please note that this migration is done not keeping in mind the overall merit list but moving away bottom 50% from SFG and picking up an equal number of people from RLG.
  • Thus those who may be getting more than RLG students, but are bottom 50 in SFG will be moved to RLG.
  • Every month, the bottom 20% or so non-performing students are eliminated from the program to maintain the quality of competition.
  • All candidates writing the CSE 2021 are eligible to apply for the entrance test.

This year we introduce some changes as to how we conduct the SFG exam. Please note that changes that we bring are always in response to the examination pattern, the student feedback and our own learning with respect to how to best enable a serious candidate to clear the exam


Covid 19 Update:Keeping in mind the Covid situation, SFG – 1 entrance Test and the SFG program will be conducted in the online mode only for the year 2021. SFG – Level 2 may be conducted offline as per government guidelines and this decision will be taken at a later date.

 

This year SFG will be conducted in two levels as below:

SFG Level 1 (Foundation)

The SFG Level 1 is for beginners, freshers, first-timers, or simply those who have not cleared the Prelims examination ever before. The objective of the SFG Level 1 Program is three things

  • Students know the basic books and basic concepts back and forth
  • Students complete coverage of the syllabus through self-study
  • Students are thorough with previous years papers
  • Students develop the discipline and time management skills that are needed to clear the exam

The SFG Level 1 Tests will have book based / text-based / notes-based tests. By the end of SFG Level 1, you can expect that your coverage of the syllabus is complete, and you have done previous years questions well.


SFG Level 2 (Advanced)

SFG Level 2 is for people who have completed the reading and revision of the basic books and are now ready to take on the exam. The objective of the SFG Level 2 is as below

  • Developing problem-solving skills for solving analytical, conceptual and thought based questions.
  • Developing skills to solve questions based on the application of the reading that they have done for Level 1
  • Mastering the art of handling questions from unknown areas and applying concepts from their wider reading which is relevant for the Civil Services Prelims Examination.
  • Developing time management skills, and being through with the syllabus
  • Providing a reliable, time-bound framework for revision just before the examination.

Current Affairs:

SFG Level 1 will provide coverage of current affairs from January 2020 to November 2020.

SFG Level 2 will have complete current affairs relevant for the Prelims examination 2021 integrated into the course.

CSAT:

CSAT tests will be integrated with SFG Level 2. There will be no CSAT tests in SFG level 1.


Application Procedure

  • Admission to the SFG and RLG are based on the rank of the candidate in the merit list of the SFG Entrance Test. Students can apply for the program by registering for the Entrance Test by paying a fee of Rs. 500+ GST. Candidates can register by visitinghttp://academy.forumias.com
  • The candidate must appear for the entrance test on the designated date and time, subsequent to which he/she will be admitted to the Select Group or the Reserve List.
  • The candidate must pay the monthly fee as per the group he/she is allocated.



Note:   Admissions to the SFG / RLG Group will only be on the basis of merit position of the candidate in the entrance test. Entrance Test will be held on 23rd December 2020. Candidates must register for the SFG Entrance Test by visiting the website http://academy.forumias.com before12 PM, December 22nd.

No admission will be granted to the candidate without appearing for the Entrance Test.


Fee Structure and Details:

  • The course duration is of about two months and fees is charged on a monthly basis. Fees for the full duration of the program cannot be paid at one go.

         For students selected in SFG- Rs. 1300 + GST (18%) per month. For Payment,Click Here.

         For students selected in RLG- Rs. 1900 + GST (18%) per month. For Payment,Click Here.

  • Fees are to be paid once the candidate is selected for the program. A fee of Rs. 118 is to be paid additionally for the I-Card by all students. 


Wishing you Success,

Always

ForumIAS  Academy

 

 

curious_kid,ssver2and35 otherslike this
717.3k views

1.7k comments

Test 31 Q43: Is cyber agro physical systems a digital platform? Isn't Cyber-Physical systems a combination of machines and computer algorithms?


Test 31 Q49: Although Budget mentions 20 lakh standalone pumps but the scheme website still mentions 17.5 lakh.

ssver2,Thinkerand1 otherslike this
3.4k views

Can someone please elaborate the conflict between the two functions of RBI below? 


At present, the RBI manages the government debt, including market borrowing. There is a case of clear conflict of interest in this arrangement at one hand RBI decides the key interest rates (i.e., policy rates under monetary policy mechanism) on the other hand it trades in the government bonds (treasury bills, cash management bill and G-Secs) also.



Reposting. Can anyone please explain this? 

4.3k views

@Thinker @forumiasacademy @Neyawn @root @Yo_Yo_Choti_Singh @Patootie @Patrick_jane 

Consider the following regarding PM-KUSUM Yojana under budget 2020-21:

1. It enables farmers to set up solar power generation capacity on their fallow lands.

2. Aims to provide setting up stand-alone solar pumps to 20 lakh farmers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a 1 only
b 2 only
c Both 1 and 2
d Neither 1 nor 2

There's an inherent discrepancy related to data in this scheme. On website it mentions  17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps whereas in Budget Speech it says scheme to provide 20 lakh farmers for setting up stand-alone solar pumps.
Kindly elucidate.
Thinker,
4k views
@RB_Rishabh  Two things:
1. The borrowings of GoI were supposed to be maintained by Public Debt Management Agency. Proposed in 2015, the agency is yet to be formed and made fully functional. So RBI managing debt can be seen as a function that will probably be delegated or transferred to this agency in future.

2. RBI's primary role is to maintain financial stability and monitor monetary policy. So trading in bonds is just one mechanism of ensuring both the aspects of its role. By deciding the rates or selling the bonds it maintains a balance of money supply. 

By setting the rates it doesn't make things easy or hard for the govt. It works for the entire economy. Govt and corporations have got an option to borrow from outside if they feel that rates are too high. Matter of fact Raghuram Rajan has quoted numerous instances, as far as I can recall, inI do what I dowhere he was hearing from govt officials about how rates are unfavorable. The tussle over rates between govt and central bank has been perpetual. In the end RBI does what it should do.
So there is not a conflict of interest. Its a banker to the govt so maintaining its borrowings and also a money supply watchdog.
Others please correct me if am wrong somewhere.


3.1k views

@Thinker @forumiasacademy @Neyawn @root @Yo_Yo_Choti_Singh @Patootie @Patrick_jane 

Consider the following regarding PM-KUSUM Yojana under budget 2020-21:

1. It enables farmers to set up solar power generation capacity on their fallow lands.

2. Aims to provide setting up stand-alone solar pumps to 20 lakh farmers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a 1 only
b 2 only
c Both 1 and 2
d Neither 1 nor 2

There's an inherent discrepancy related to data in this scheme. On website it mentions  17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps whereas in Budget Speech it says scheme to provide 20 lakh farmers for setting up stand-alone solar pumps.
Kindly elucidate.

Maybe the website isn't updated? Also, the question specifically is asking you about KUSUM scheme under budget. So, I guess you could take the statement as true. 

ssver2,Thinkerand1 otherslike this
3.2k views

Can someone please elaborate the conflict between the two functions of RBI below? 


At present, the RBI manages the government debt, including market borrowing. There is a case of clear conflict of interest in this arrangement at one hand RBI decides the key interest rates (i.e., policy rates under monetary policy mechanism) on the other hand it trades in the government bonds (treasury bills, cash management bill and G-Secs) also.



@RB_Rishabh 

In short - 


Actually as a debt manager of govt. RBI will try to borrow at the lowest possible rate in the market.

& Being the monetary authority it can manipulate the valuation of securities (interest rate and bond value (yield) are inversely proportional)

Hence the conflict. 

ssver2,Thinker
3.1k views

Can someone please elaborate the conflict between the two functions of RBI below? 


At present, the RBI manages the government debt, including market borrowing. There is a case of clear conflict of interest in this arrangement at one hand RBI decides the key interest rates (i.e., policy rates under monetary policy mechanism) on the other hand it trades in the government bonds (treasury bills, cash management bill and G-Secs) also.



@RB_Rishabh 

In short - 


Actually as a debt manager of govt. RBI will try to borrow at the lowest possible rate in the market.

& Being the monetary authority it can manipulate the valuation of securities (interest rate and bond value (yield) are inversely proportional)

Hence the conflict. 

Thank you@Impavid_Girl  and@walterwhit3  ... Doubt is clear 

Impavid_Girl,
3.7k views

Hi, there were some errors in yesterday's budget and today's CA Oct-Nov SFG key. There were some conflicts with the explanation of the solution and the key. Will you guys be issuing a corrigendum soon/ are you aware about these? 

@Thinker 

3k views
Where can I find Forum Art & Culture Handouts ?
3.3k views

Hi, there were some errors in yesterday's budget and today's CA Oct-Nov SFG key. There were some conflicts with the explanation of the solution and the key. Will you guys be issuing a corrigendum soon/ are you aware about these? 

@Thinker 

Plz provide test and question number. I will cross check it. 

2.9k views

Hi, there were some errors in yesterday's budget and today's CA Oct-Nov SFG key. There were some conflicts with the explanation of the solution and the key. Will you guys be issuing a corrigendum soon/ are you aware about these? 

@Thinker 

Plz provide test and question number. I will cross check it. 

Thanks@Thinker, will do so in a couple of hours

Thinker,
2.9k views

@Thinker doesn'tOMO include REPO?

https://www.newyorkfed.org/aboutthefed/fedpoint/fed04.html

Thinker,
2.4k views

Test 31 Q43: Is cyber agro physical systems a digital platform? Isn't Cyber-Physical systems a combination of machines and computer algorithms?


Test 31 Q49: Although Budget mentions 20 lakh standalone pumps but the scheme website still mentions 17.5 lakh.

43: says so in survey


Thinker,
2.4k views

Price Stabilisation Fund is under 'MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION'


@Thinker 

Thinker,
2.4k views

ssver2said

@Thinker doesn'tOMO include REPO?

https://www.newyorkfed.org/aboutthefed/fedpoint/fed04.html

Well OMO involvesbuying and selling of the securitiesto maintain desirable liquidity in the market. Whereas REPO and Reverse REPOare the ratesdetermined by RBI on loans with government-approved securities as collateral. Thus they are inherently different in India. However, the ultimate aim of both of them is the same i.e. buying and selling of govt securities to maintain the desirable liquidity level in the market. In OMO it is done with market approved rates whereas in REPO/Reverse REPO it done with RBI approved rates.


I hope it helps.

ssver2,
2.7k views
@ssver2

yojana March edition check that. it says 20 lakh

Thinker,
3.1k views

ssver2said

Test 31 Q43: Is cyber agro physical systems a digital platform? Isn't Cyber-Physical systems a combination of machines and computer algorithms?


Test 31 Q49: Although Budget mentions 20 lakh standalone pumps but the scheme website still mentions 17.5 lakh.

43: says so in survey


For Q 43 - Just remember to tick the most appropriate answer as wordings can be illusive. Though I will check it out once more.


For Q 48 - The budget information is updated one and hence it shall be considered true. Lots of times the websites of government are not up to date. But in any case, the question was asking with reference to budget so there should not be any doubt in it.

2.7k views

ssver2said

Price Stabilisation Fund is under 'MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION'


@Thinker 

This I will check and if discrepancies found then a corrigendum will be put in that regard. It seems even standard reference books are not up to date these days. 

2.7k views

ssver2said

Test 31 Q43: Is cyber agro physical systems a digital platform? Isn't Cyber-Physical systems a combination of machines and computer algorithms?


Test 31 Q49: Although Budget mentions 20 lakh standalone pumps but the scheme website still mentions 17.5 lakh.

43: says so in survey


ok Thanks

2.4k views

onsider the followings statements regarding different types of Public-Private Partnership (PPP):

  1. Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model provides the most freedom for the private sector partner during construction.
  2. In Build Own Operate (BOO) model, the facility is not transferred to the public sector partner.
  3. Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) model structure is suitable when the government has a large infrastructure financing gap.

 

Which of the above statements are correct?

  • A

    1 and 2 only

  • B

    2 and 3 only

  • C
2.2k views
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