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Best wishes + Paper Discussion Mains 2024

Scrolling through over here I saw a discssion thread for every year but didn't find one for the next year.

So, this thread is dedicated to the discssions regarding CSE 2024. Anyone planning to appear for the exam next year can join the discussion.

Looking at the level of paper and kind of questions asked this year, I believe we are going to need a lot of support from each other. Hopefully this thread will grow and help a lot of aspirants, both old and new.

We can do it.

jack_Sparrow,curious_kidand106 otherslike this
290.5k views

1k comments

@Jesse_pinkman thanks for this info. I think only anthro was little easier this year. Everyone else is saying their optional was tougher.


Jesse_pinkman,
2.5k views
Hi All,

If you want to search Prelims Questions (Previous Years), visit this Search Portal - Searcher

Features: 

  1. It has 2784 questions
  2. Its free
  3. Can search multiple words
  4. Results can be sorted or filtered by year

Kindly share your feedback please.


Thanks, 

this is very user friendly and neat. i noticed the results also include terms from options and that's super helpful. thanks for sharing! 

Sorry for not mentioning earlier. We have recently launched this portal and we are seeking feedback to improve it.


Thanks,

2.4k views

@siddharthdwivedi9418851 Yuval Noah Harari's new book "Nexus" talks about Information networks over the years and AI (I know opt is not just about reading books but still :P) plus AI has been a dominant theme in the past year. In GS4, we had Ethics of AI too. So I think the topic was predictable to a reasonable extent for you Anthro guys? Did any TS cover it beforehand? 

  


For CSE Maths 2024 analysis: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Mathematics-Optional-2024-Paper-Analysis-1727851791
Siebzehn,
2.3k views

Post-test analysis of my mains:

Essay - wrote the one on Empires in first part. But i feel my interpretation was a bit offbeat than what most coaching classes suggest. I clearly wrote the thesis and scope to clarify my interpretation and tried to defend it well too. If my interpretation is rewarded, i would score good. Else, that may prove to be a blunder. 

GS1: Wrote all answers, except twister - as there was no point bluffing in that question

GS2: Wrote all answers - except last question - could write ~2 pages (last 1 page left blank)

GS3: Wrote all answers - except life products question

GS4: Section A was good (didn't write dimensions of ethics - as i forgot what to write!). Section B case studies (not upto the mark, but wrote all - last case study - wrote in big handwriting - still reached 3 pages only)


Optional: (PSIR): Had studied keeping in mind that i will choose more questions from section A in both papers. Ended up choosing more questions in Section B in both papers, as there was at least 1 question in question sets of Section A which i was not so sure about - so, had to make that choice. But I think, i did justice to the papers.


Overall assessment: Wrote decent answers. Since this is my first mains, i don't know how much UPSC's marking differs from coaching mocks where i scored above 100 with similar type of answers. However, i improved too - as in mocks i missed out on conclusion many times, while in real exam - i made it a point to write good conclusions in all questions. Further, i wrote adequate number of points, drew maps wherever i could - as per demand of the question. Also, could complete the papers on time with slightly above average content (but again in mocks, I always felt i wrote average content, but after seeing the same paper again - i felt it was good enough. Hope this happens for the real mains too).

However, there is a feeling that i could have done much much better, with more revisions (but many would feel the same). But can't do anything now - as the deed is done. Hope, the results are in favour. Confused what to do in the interim period, till the results come.

Jesse_pinkman,tedmosbyand1 otherslike this
2.3k views

Post-test analysis of my mains:

Essay - wrote the one on Empires in first part. But i feel my interpretation was a bit offbeat than what most coaching classes suggest. I clearly wrote the thesis and scope to clarify my interpretation and tried to defend it well too. If my interpretation is rewarded, i would score good. Else, that may prove to be a blunder. 

GS1: Wrote all answers, except twister - as there was no point bluffing in that question

GS2: Wrote all answers - except last question - could write ~2 pages (last 1 page left blank)

GS3: Wrote all answers - except life products question

GS4: Section A was good (didn't write dimensions of ethics - as i forgot what to write!). Section B case studies (not upto the mark, but wrote all - last case study - wrote in big handwriting - still reached 3 pages only)


Optional: (PSIR): Had studied keeping in mind that i will choose more questions from section A in both papers. Ended up choosing more questions in Section B in both papers, as there was at least 1 question in question sets of Section A which i was not so sure about - so, had to make that choice. But I think, i did justice to the papers.


Overall assessment: Wrote decent answers. Since this is my first mains, i don't know how much UPSC's marking differs from coaching mocks where i scored above 100 with similar type of answers. However, i improved too - as in mocks i missed out on conclusion many times, while in real exam - i made it a point to write good conclusions in all questions. Further, i wrote adequate number of points, drew maps wherever i could - as per demand of the question. Also, could complete the papers on time with slightly above average content (but again in mocks, I always felt i wrote average content, but after seeing the same paper again - i felt it was good enough. Hope this happens for the real mains too).

However, there is a feeling that i could have done much much better, with more revisions (but many would feel the same). But can't do anything now - as the deed is done. Hope, the results are in favour. Confused what to do in the interim period, till the results come.

How did you interpret the empire topic?
I did it based on innovation

Jesse_pinkman,
2.3k views
@tedmosby I haven’t seen every test series but certainly the one I’m looking at didn’t cover it. But yes it wasn’t a bouncer since AI is a repetitive topic nowadays. Every second day we get AI news, so yes it was certainly doable. For example AI can help in modelling of distorted archaeological remains, help predict dates, can help in Orthometry, anthropometry,etc. 


tedmosby,Siebzehn
2.3k views

For people having Maths Optional, I have analyzed both the papers question by question here: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Mathematics-Optional-2024-Paper-Analysis-1727851791

You can comment your views down below there. 


For CSE Maths 2024 analysis: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Mathematics-Optional-2024-Paper-Analysis-1727851791
Neyawn,Siebzehn
2.3k views
@Averageaspirant I wrote it on following lines: How the key to every problem or solution in this world lies in the mind? For instance, it is the mind where all ideas, imaginations firm up, it is the mind where concrete plans are made - only then they come into action. How for example - if we want a world based on peace and not wars, it is our minds where we need to put the defences (this was one topic in mgp essays too). Further, what are some no-go areas even in spheres of technology? like should genetic editing be allowed - it's the mind that has to set the principles for this. Further how we can think through all our plans in the mind, make necessary corrections, improvements to further organise our future. I gave multiple arguments and examples for this. IN the end, i wrote that however, it's not only the mind, where the empires are built. It requires us to heed our heart too. Like, our mind is more calculative, but not all decisions can be based on calculations or logic. An empire of peace and compassion requires us to listen to the heart too. Then around 1 page discussing on this aspect. Finally, i ended with the need to fuse the two: mind and heart. I concluded with a poem - 
"Future, future, where are you? 
In my mind is that true?
Do you have an empire in store for me?
Future replied - well, fuse your mind and heart - and you shall see!"


Jesse_pinkman,Siebzehnand2 otherslike this
2.2k views
@Averageaspirant I wrote it on following lines: How the key to every problem or solution in this world lies in the mind? For instance, it is the mind where all ideas, imaginations firm up, it is the mind where concrete plans are made - only then they come into action. How for example - if we want a world based on peace and not wars, it is our minds where we need to put the defences (this was one topic in mgp essays too). Further, what are some no-go areas even in spheres of technology? like should genetic editing be allowed - it's the mind that has to set the principles for this. Further how we can think through all our plans in the mind, make necessary corrections, improvements to further organise our future. I gave multiple arguments and examples for this. IN the end, i wrote that however, it's not only the mind, where the empires are built. It requires us to heed our heart too. Like, our mind is more calculative, but not all decisions can be based on calculations or logic. An empire of peace and compassion requires us to listen to the heart too. Then around 1 page discussing on this aspect. Finally, i ended with the need to fuse the two: mind and heart. I concluded with a poem - 
"Future, future, where are you? 
In my mind is that true?
Do you have an empire in store for me?
Future replied - well, fuse your mind and heart - and you shall see!"


I also wrote the same essay. I made two interpretations and explained both with pro and counter arguments.
my interpretations-
1- Those who controls the mind will control the world ( it was having the sense of ideologies, religions etc as tool to control people)
2- It will be mind that will rule the world in future (Brain Computer Interfaces, AI etc , basically technological aspect) Something related to Social Media, Data 
In introduction I started with a quote of '1984' by George Orwell
''War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength'' and talked about how Ministry of Truth was used to control people ...
used example of Jonathan Haidt 'The Anxious Generation' and Cambridge Analytica, fahrenheit 451 etc..
I dont even remember most of my essay  now 

TheNishkaamAspirant,Ykjaiswaland1 otherslike this
2.2k views
99% candidates rant crap in essay paper and end up getting poor marks. If UPSC decides to give no marks for wrong interpretation, 90% candidates will get ZERO.
Siebzehn,
2.1k views

@Neyawn I am facing many confusions related to short notes.

1) is it necessary for every subject 

2) should I make separate short notes for both mains and prelims or a comprehensive one.

3) how much time and space should they take 

4) Is this the right time to complete them or should I wait for completing revision, tests and pyqs.

Sir please help.

1.8k views

@Neyawn I am facing many confusions related to short notes.

1) is it necessary for every subject 

2) should I make separate short notes for both mains and prelims or a comprehensive one.

3) how much time and space should they take 

4) Is this the right time to complete them or should I wait for completing revision, tests and pyqs.

Sir please help.

Quick answer.

1) Make short notes for topics for which there are no standard sources. For example there is no need to make short notes of laxmikant ( unless you are the i-can-only-revise-if-i-make-short-notes )


2) Prioritise note making for mains specific subjects like ethics, internal security etc


3) make short notes for subjects which may have some standard source bit are a pain in the gain to revise - such as art n culture.


4) short notes should be like notes. Only have important points. Don't dump the whole book in notes. Then sell the notes under KBC nano series.


I am no knight. Do not call me Sir|Philosophy behind ForumIAS

tedmosby,Siebzehnand5 otherslike this
1.7k views
anyone appearing for ifos mains 2024 with forestry optional can dm me , i can assist in forestry preparation.
1.3k views

Neyawnsaid

@Neyawn I am facing many confusions related to short notes.

1) is it necessary for every subject 

2) should I make separate short notes for both mains and prelims or a comprehensive one.

3) how much time and space should they take 

4) Is this the right time to complete them or should I wait for completing revision, tests and pyqs.

Sir please help.

Quick answer.

1) Make short notes for topics for which there are no standard sources. For example there is no need to make short notes of laxmikant ( unless you are the i-can-only-revise-if-i-make-short-notes )


2) Prioritise note making for mains specific subjects like ethics, internal security etc


3) make short notes for subjects which may have some standard source bit are a pain in the gain to revise - such as art n culture.


4) short notes should be like notes. Only have important points. Don't dump the whole book in notes. Then sell the notes under KBC nano series.

Ayushi

One more thing.

Whenever faced with a huge task, break it into small tasks and finish it. When you frame a question like "do I have to do it for every subject", I fear you have made the problem size so huge, you will collapse under the task burden.

Make it small and doable. Like today is for naxalism - internal security.


I am no knight. Do not call me Sir|Philosophy behind ForumIAS

DM,tedmosbyand6 otherslike this
1.2k views

In a dilemma between IFoS and CAT 2024. Both on the same day.


Would appreciate clarity on:

1. How is the IFoS as a service?

3. Any inputs on CAT vs IFoS?

3. Pros and cons of going for CAT after a 2 year break. I'm an engineer (GEM) from a tier 1 college.


Thanks in advance.

1k views

Need help.

I am planning to change my room in orn. I want to shift in with people who have previously appeared for mains and are serious for future attempts.[This was my 3rd attempt and 2nd mains].

I feel a strongly knit sincere group can do wonders in this prep which i always felt lacking in my prep.

Do drop a msg if anyone is willing to go ahead with this. I will return to orn by 15th of oct.

Preferably 3/4 people in 1 flat.


886 views

Hii all,

Need some suggestions from the community....I have written mains this year it was my 2nd attempt and first mains , after every paper in mains I felt I have not done enough justice to it and I know there are many loopholes in my answer writing....so what shall I do next? Join mgp again or focus on pyq brainstorming and enriching my notes ...just muddled up in confusion where to start from again for mains prep. Any advice from Seniors who have gone through this phase would be a huge help🙏🙏

@Neyawn @Steph_Curry @Ganesh_Gaitonde @tedmosby @Rashmirathi 

Siebzehn,
762 views

Hii all,

Need some suggestions from the community....I have written mains this year it was my 2nd attempt and first mains , after every paper in mains I felt I have not done enough justice to it and I know there are many loopholes in my answer writing....so what shall I do next? Join mgp again or focus on pyq brainstorming and enriching my notes ...just muddled up in confusion where to start from again for mains prep. Any advice from Seniors who have gone through this phase would be a huge help🙏🙏

@Neyawn @Steph_Curry @Ganesh_Gaitonde @tedmosby @Rashmirathi 

I would say- do PYQ brainstorming properly and give forum mocks for "practice" and "analysis". Do not take the marks given as an indicator of how you would perform in Mains. Every year I have seen people complaining about how well they "scored" in MGP but not in the real exam. You can establish a direct correlation for objective subjects. Ex: Getting 2xx score in JEE mocks translating to good rank in JEE-A. This is not true for UPSC as it is subjective. Once you get this idea right, just follow this space: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Gaitondes-Den-1727638216?page=1


For CSE Maths 2024 analysis: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Mathematics-Optional-2024-Paper-Analysis-1727851791
GaneshGaitonde,Siebzehnand1 otherslike this
738 views

Hii all,

Need some suggestions from the community....I have written mains this year it was my 2nd attempt and first mains , after every paper in mains I felt I have not done enough justice to it and I know there are many loopholes in my answer writing....so what shall I do next? Join mgp again or focus on pyq brainstorming and enriching my notes ...just muddled up in confusion where to start from again for mains prep. Any advice from Seniors who have gone through this phase would be a huge help🙏🙏

@Neyawn @Steph_Curry @Ganesh_Gaitonde @tedmosby @Rashmirathi 

We've discussed this as pointed by Ted above here: 


https://forumias.com/post/detail/Gaitondes-Den-1727638216?page=1


Also since it was your first mains, you must fill the content deficit. 


Gaitonde’s Den: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Gaitondes-Den-1727638216
Equanimous1,
736 views
@ScarredEngineer can you create acseparate thread for it so that people can put their views on it. Will help more people discover this thread.



I am no knight. Do not call me Sir|Philosophy behind ForumIAS

714 views
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