The paper was set as if upsc is on dope. People who have written real is ration, rational is real from philosophy perspective, you are doomed. you have to write a generalist essay in case you are wondering..
Let us not make prima facie conclusions. There’s more to come. Whoever wrote whatever please believe you’ve written the best and most correct essay and prepare for tomorrow and day after. Please don’t let one paper set the tone for the rest of the week ahead
Asking for a friendHe just managed to write keywords in bullet points in a 15 marker in last question of paper (GS1). They seem to fulfill the demand of the question but in haste to finish the paper he has just written the keywords and that too in legible but bad writing. How much marks can we expect out of 15 there?
Tell “your friend” to not worry. It will be fine as long as it’s legible
TIL that too… wrote the most incorrect answer of all time 😂
5 down.. 2 more to go.. (4 actually)...
Not going to comment on how the paper went till 16th evening... I'm just glad that half of the process is over..
Just a matter of few days now.. Relax for some time if you want...give rest to your hands.. But dont waste time in these 5 days.. Optional can make or break ur chance in getting that interview call..
P. S: Koi meal ni di upsc ne toh.
Also, It was raining cats and dogs whole day yesterday.. I even got fever because of the sardiii... and couldn't revise much last night.. I'm just glad that the fever ended last night itself.
Glad to see you here and in good spirits (I hope at least)
Delhi vaalon, any suggestions how to let off steam? Some relatively less known places to visit, good places to eat, anything!Please go to Ama CAfe... Ive been there more than 20 times in less than a year...
It is not a less known place though... Very popular...Lodhi Garden is also a good place to soak in some winter sun.. Quite well maintained atleast when I had gone there 2 years ago..
Both these places are love
@D503 @LetsGetThisBread @Villanelle Hope you all would have nailed the psir!
Dekhte h kaisa gaya. Personally i managed to complete the paper, the quality of answers is an altogether different matter :p
Mains over and less than 5 months left for the next prelims. Waah re life! :/Prelims or not, I will take at least 15 days off. Haven't taken any time off for the past 2.5 years, barring medical emergencies. Both physical and mental health have taken a decent toll. This can't go on like this. :/
Fren you deserve more than a 15 day break at this pint. I think we’ve all forgotten how to be non productive human beings. The upcoming days should be nothing but an intense study in how to be a waste of space, jaise essay m multidimensional argument diya, iske bhi dimensions explore kijiye XD
jab koi kisi 10 marker prashna ko gyan ya samay ke abhaav hetu chhodta he to "Technically" wo 10 mark ka prashna chhodta he lekin "Actually" wo 3 ya 3.5marks ka chhodta he, utna jitna use us prashna me milta gar wo us prashna ko attempt kar pata.
As plato says reality is shadow of ideas. estimate of loss as 10 mark is a reality which is merely a shadow of idea i.e. the true reality which is 3 or 3.5 marks. (application of philosophy to achieve some mental peace :D )
I’m obviously not qualified to comment but these 3-4 marks add up really quickly. Over the course of just 4 papers thats around 16 marks… assuming its only 3-4 marks. Again not qualified to comment, maybe someone who has more experience can comment on if I’m right or not
I have a doubt .. in one the question regarding urban land reclamation I gave example of JNU.... I did not mention that I belong to this place ... but I wrote jnu temp is below3-4 degree less than average Delhi temp...is it revealing my identity? Or will I be penalized?
Nhi… it’s just very pointed information. Unless you write your name somewhere it doesn’t count
Is telegram currently down?Mujhe lga it’s my network and apne Wi-Fi ko kaafi kosa 😅
Same here..
I thought everyone just made a sudden plan to leave the group chat simultaneously 😂
😂. It is a global outage though!
Have upsc aspirants crashed tg 😂
@MachineGunJoe yaar nahi Mera asli naam
Snowleopard hi likh lete
Hey guys, I'm late to the discussion party but felt like giving an update :p
Had really good hopes with GS (except ethics section A :p) and essay went fine too. But optional went equally down the hill to not even secure interview call. I've a science optional, knew how to derive and solve whatever asked in the paper. Couldn't attempt due to lack of practice to actually do it in exam.
To the next time now! :)
Arrey I’m sure you’re just being harsh on yourself. You might have done better than what you though
My Essay was on the better side although in the second essay I felt like maybe the flow was not that smooth.GS 1,2,3 went largely okay…gs3 had many yorkers in 10 markers but that’s the case for everyone so yeah…GS4 was decent too.Optional went actually better than my expectations but I’m not sure if it was good enough for healthy score of around 300 so let’s see what happens. I’ve tend to have an optimistic bias about my performance so I’m kind of skeptical too. I guess next few weeks will be like that only.
Mera opposite hota h hamesha 😂
@LetsGetThisBread pure full Form me ho Bread!Toasted or wht?
Abhi aur kya hi karna h 😅
Someone please suggest some good movies to watch ,esp in horror genre. Also ,koi separate thread ho iska toh btao ,i can't find any here .Not horror
The power of dog. Beautifully made little poetic movie set in cowboy era.
Just watched Ram prasad ki tervi, its good.
Seen both and such wonderful movies they are
Everyone who wrote mains this time I would really like to know what worked for you guys this time in prelims?
Considering the kind of unexpected paper that it was this time, still people were able to get such good marks in prelims and able to clear it, I would really like to know what worked for you and what was your 'strategy' ?
I already answered this in the prelims mistakes wala thread. Do check it out if you feel like it :)
Everyone who wrote mains this time I would really like to know what worked for you guys this time in prelims?
Considering the kind of unexpected paper that it was this time, still people were able to get such good marks in prelims and able to clear it, I would really like to know what worked for you and what was your 'strategy' ?
You probably missed prelims by v close…I know you had a sound prep. Don’t doubt it. Just keep doing the needful (one ca source and basics) and you’ll be through this time. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of luck and more people should realise that.
100% agree with this. So much of the selection just boils down to luck and the random number of uncontrollable that come into play. Even the most stupid things like is it too hot that day, does your desk make too much noise all add up in the end.
Thread kaafi shaant sa ho gya hai. I hope everyone is fine from any post-exam covid symptoms.
By the way, how are you guys spending time??
@SergioRamos@LetsGetThisBread@HeNeArKr@peterparker@sjerngal@D503@Villanelle@KingSlayer23
College classes chal rhe h mere toh. I have no real break tbh 😅
Rejoined office.. Following the roster due to Covid.. So have to go on alternate days.. watched Witcher series. Lets see.. what else to watch..😄
Witcher 2 - not as good as 1 :(
Hmm [sighs]
Unpopular opinion: didn’t really like the Witcher. Had to force myself to sit through season 1 🙊
Rejoined office.. Following the roster due to Covid.. So have to go on alternate days.. watched Witcher series. Lets see.. what else to watch..😄
Witcher 2 - not as good as 1 :(
Hmm [sighs]Unpopular opinion: didn’t really like the Witcher. Had to force myself to sit through season 1 🙊
Henry cavil is a big brilliant dork which is the only reason why I sat through season 1, but even celeb crushes have their limits 😂
College classes chal rhe h mere toh. I have no real break tbh 😅
I wish I had college classes :(
Alreadysaturated from rest. I think I need fixing 😂
I’ve already had 3 assignments to hand in and have 3 more lined up… it’s a never ending routine. I suddenly feel so busy as compared to stressed, and that’s a new feeling 😂
Rejoined office.. Following the roster due to Covid.. So have to go on alternate days.. watched Witcher series. Lets see.. what else to watch..😄
Witcher 2 - not as good as 1 :(
Hmm [sighs]Unpopular opinion: didn’t really like the Witcher. Had to force myself to sit through season 1 🙊
Henry cavil is a big brilliant dork which is the only reason why I sat through season 1, but even celeb crushes have their limits 😂
Yes to crushing on Henry Cavil 😍
I love how relaxed and British he is in interviews… he has a very easygoing demeanour that I really like. Doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes as well 😂
@Apollo11 Its like saas bahu serial of english landed aristocracy. One can keep one's brain in the almirah and need only spinal cord to enjoy it :)However after hectic mains , these kind of series helps .Plus it will improve vocabulary and one can learn how to speak sarcastically while being politely insulting at the same time!
So is it nothing like The Crown? Coz that was brilliant
Lol, your last comment is enough reason for me to watch it 😂
I might be biased but I really love both 🙊
Guys and Gals, I will tell you the best flicks for watching
Action-thriller : Fauda
Action-Comedy-Drama : Barry
Horror Zombie : Kingdom (Korean)
Cold War spy battles : The Americans (but it is way too big)
Short-series : Chernobyl
Special mentions : Bodyguard (UK)
Light-headed : TinTin movie by speilberg
Comedy : Catch me if you can
Romance : Mere ko nahi dekhna fomo hota hai
Love fauda!
Thank you guys@kaunhai and@LetsGetThisBread . Frankly, I have completed 5 shifts but not able to finish the first episode of first season. I got pride and prejudice vibes from its clips, but not anymore. Only feel sorry for poor Bates.
Also@Villanelle , if you're into historical drama, you can't afford to not check out The Great (if you haven't watched it already). It's an "occassionally true story" about Catherine the great's accession and reign. Nothing like the crown, but very very very engrossing. Hulu.
They kill so many of my favourite characters in it
The wheels of time was also very decent(though expected much more considering I have read that book). Rosamund pike holds the linchpin as Moraine around which other roles have done decent work. Rand Al Thor should have been some other energetic teen like Timothee Chalamet.
I should check this out then
Non fiction is in itself a very broad canvas. Would help if you could narrow it down to some themes :P
Anyway, some books that you might find interesting:
- Guns, Germs & Steel by Jared Diamond
- India's China Challenge by Ananth Krishnan (not just your usual IR book)
Have already read GGS really liked it a lot and already downloaded China Challenge. I like IR and history related stuff
@LetsGetThisBread Yes please, narrow down preferences. But,1. Despite the State (M. Rajshekhar)2. False Allies (Manu S Pillai)3. Saving Us (Katharine Hayhoe)4. Indians (Namit Arora)5. The long game (Vijay Gokhale) - Excellent narration of Chinese checkers. Couple with@Archand 'ssuggestion for a wholesome China package.6. Wanderers, Kings, Merchants (Peggy Mohan)7. Humankind (Rutger Bregman)
Thanks for these! These look really interesting. Have 1, 2, and 5 already on my reading list. Will check out the others as well soon
@LetsGetThisBreadOn education:
1. Anti-Education: On the Future of Our Educational Institutions- Friedrich Nietzsche
2. How to Think Like Shakespeare- Scott Newstok
3. Curious- Ian Leslie
On work:
1. Shopclass as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work- Matthew B Crawford
2. Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity- David Whyte
3. The Utopia of Rules: On Technology, Stupidity, and the Secret Joys of Bureaucracy- David Graeber
On “these internet times”:
1. The World Beyond Your Head: How to Flourish in an Age of Distraction- Matthew B Crawford
2. How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy- Jenny Odell
On art+society:
1. The Other Serious: Essays for the New American Generation- Christy Wampole
2. Art & Lies- Jeanette Winterson
3. Art Objects- Jeanette Winterson
On/ with beauty:
1. Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays- Mary Oliver
2. Upstream: Mary Oliver
3. Sensual Home- Ilse Crawford (has a vv cool episode on netflix's Abstract)
4. I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd- Ranjit Hoskote
Booked marked this post 😀
Have already read GGS really liked it a lot and already downloaded China Challenge. I like IR and history related stuff
Although there's a plethora of suggestions already, I still wanted to pitch in some more considering that I read from both of these genres primarily as well. You might have read some of these, but l hope you find something new and fun.
Here it goes:
- The Revenge of Geography: Robert Kaplan
- Great Game East (Myanmar-India-China): Bertil Lintner
- My Enemy's Enemy (Afghanistan-India-Pakistan): Avinash Paliwal
- Choices: SSS Menon
- The India Way: S Jaishankar
- Land of Seven Rivers: S Sanyal
Have read the last 3 a long time ago and have been meaning to check out revenge of geography for a while now. Thanks for reminding me about this book 😅
Have read the last 3 a long time ago and have been meaning to check out revenge of geography for a while now. Thanks for reminding me about this book 😅
Here's some asla barood from my side as well :
1) India and the world: Through the eyes of Indian diplomats- Amb. Surendra Kumar
2) The long game: Rushdoshi (I don't remember his full name)
3) India & Asian Geopolitics: Shivshankar Menon
4) The avoidable war: Kevin Rudd
5) A new cold war: Henry Kissinger
6) Kathmandu Dialogue
7) Do morals matter: Joseph Nye
8) Power and diplomacy: Zoravar Daulat Singh
Isko bhi kar liya bookmark
@Neyawn so what’s with the interview prep registration mail that we got yesterday? What kind of program it’s gonna be like?
So, i didn't get any mail..
Should I feel offended ??Maybe check your spam folder :P
Mere toh spam folder m bhi nhi h 😶
@Neyawn so what’s with the interview prep registration mail that we got yesterday? What kind of program it’s gonna be like?
So, i didn't get any mail..
Should I feel offended ??Maybe check your spam folder :P
Mere toh spam folder m bhi nhi h 😶
Ye toh Bruhh moment hai
Samaj m respect hi nhi h
Hello to all.
I have been a beneficiary of this beautiful community, yet I have never been an active participant.
When I left my job in Dec 2018, I promised myself 2 attempts. Was fortunate to write mains in my 1st attempt. Gave myself a leeway of 3 attempts after I couldn’t clear prelims in 2nd attempt due to multiple reasons including severe post Covid symptoms. Now I have experience of 3 prelims, 2 mains and no interviews. I was not expecting anything from my 1st mains in 2019, as I was unprepared. But this time I was prepared to the best level.
Analysing my 2nd mains - I am fairly satisfied with my GS and Essay papers. Was able to attempt all within time, with average and good content. During 1st mains, writing 15 questions within 3 hrs was a challenge for me, this time, I completed the papers. This was due to extensive answer writing practice, both pre prelims and post prelims (Was part of MGP Cohort 4 and AWFG). Was fairly able to cover whole syllabus of GS due to notes prepared before prelims.
The only thing that has reduced my chances is my optional. Despite having notes compiled, solved PYQs, and multiple revisions, I could not ensure a good attempt (as per my expectations). Probably because science optional require much more revisions and applications. Learnt it the hard way. Will rectify it in my next attempt.
Have not lost all the hope, yet I do not want to keep all the eggs in just one basket. I had planned to get back to a full time job, irrespective of how my mains go in 2021 attempt. So here I am, after a full 10 days break of binge, travel and socialization, starting to look for a job. Also, after 3 years of full time preparation, I now understand that giving full time to UPSCfrom this point onwardsis not worth it. With multiple revisions already done, I think giving future attempts will be possible with a full time job (People with such experience can share their take on this). I have realized the importance of last month struggle at both prelims and mains stage.
I have written this to express my gratitude to all the members here.
Especially@Neyawn- I met you after my prelims, and your suggestions helped me prepare better.
@PurplesunbirdInteracting with you, helped me remain calmwith respect to optional. Thanks brother, and all the best for state pcs.
@Jammu@LetsGetThisBread@Celeborn@Steph_Curry- ypt group and constant 'wake-up' notifications helped me increase my efficiency on a daily basis.Thanks friends.
@PureheartThanks for collaborating with me on essay preparation, your insights were really helpful.
All the best for your job. Shaking people on YPT is a bit of a hobby XD
In with PSIR. 4th attempt. 2nd mains. Initially thought I would be a silent lurker in the background. But last year this time, this community was what helped pull me out of the misery of not clearing the mains. A sincere heartfelt thank you to all of you who have braved and weathered the storm alongside me. And a sincere and genuine admiration for those who haven’t been able to clear the mains this time. I know exactly how you must be feeling, not knowing which gods (customise as per your beliefs) to blame, just shock, disbelief, numbness, but most of all, an overwhelming sadness. Be brave my comrades, you have more of that fight left in you. Dig your heels deep and don’t let this exam beat your inner strength.
I would like to quote a few lines by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow which gave me the strength to carry on after last year:
”Nor deem the irrevocable past
As Wholly wasted, wholly vain,
If, rising on its wrecks, at last
To something nobler we attain.”
Your fight isn’t done yet. There are miles to go before you sleep. But my only wish would be that you treat yourself with kindness and compassion, and not let this “failure” colour your perspective about yourself. My DMs are open in case anyone just wants to talk :) wishing all of you luck and good vibes. Let’s get this bread!
@LetsGetThisBread Congratulations!! And all the very best for your interview. Wishing good things for you.
Whenever you get time, if possible, do write about what (you think) worked out for you in Mains. I am sure there are many things you have worked out over your attempts.
Congratulations again. :)
Definitely though I’m not sure I’m the best person here to advise anyone about mains. :)
P.S: I love your username. I have always identified with Jo so very deeply :)
Out, with history optional. 2nd attempt, 1st mains. Commenting for the first time here, hoping to get some perspective.I have no idea what went wrong, i thought my exam went decently well. Use to get decent marks in tests as well.Don’t have the courage now to even step out of my room. My parents keep calling for me, trying to sympathise. But I haven’t stepped put since this morning, making some or Don’t feel like talking to anyone or get any kind of sympathies. I am out of emotions.The problem is that i thought this would be my last attempt. If i don’t make it then that would be it. But now i am not even sure about that.My plan B was NET and a future in academics or a business venture since luckily i have an opportunity to pursue that, but business has never been my dream. However, carrier in academics is close to my heart.Full disclosure, my fiancée is an IAS and he feels it’s not worth it to spend more time exclusively on something which is very uncertain and subjective. He has been very supportive throughout but now he feels i should give something else a try and do this later if my heart is still in it, since i have both age and attempts in my favour. But i, as my title says, am clueless, numb and simply sad.I don’t even know what i expect to hear from this group. Don’t know if it will help or not. I just wanted to vent. To share what i feel with someone who will empathise, not sympathise, with someone who is going through the same feeling. Maybe saying things anonymously may help.
NET is right around the corner so give it your best if thats where your heart is set. Personally, choose a backup plan that you would actually enjoy doing and if academics interests you go for it. Taking a break or not should depend entirely on you and how you feel. Personally take a week or so to decide how you want to proceed from here. Right now most decisions that you take will be more instinctual rather than weighed out and considered choices. I was in the same boat as you last year, so i know exactly what you must be going through. Stay strong, friend :)
So happy for some of the lovely fellows of the forum.@LetsGetThisBread @sjerngal I would be rooting for you both from behind the curtain. Little gutted but 2022 is yours @Villanelle @SergioRamos.Next 8 months and we would listen to the success story of your mains.
To all others, please don't give up hope. Please look for alternatives if your attempt is getting over. Contact me if you are in mechanical and need some relevant referral in a core job. I have been in the job for 3 years only but will surely help if possible.
keep the"Main jhukega nhi"attitude ignited!
Thank you so much :)
