What are the three advices you would give to a newcomer who is planning to write the Civils exam?

Hi! Apologies for the late reply.

For Anki, the resident expert on Forum is@nerdfighter . He detailed the best practices in a comment here. (https://forumias.com/post/detail/CSE-2022-Plan-Strategy-Daily-Routine-1633964267?JS4jMFUtIzBgCmAK)

This should answer everything.

Green goblin is the last person you should post on a good advices thread XD

For newcomers, 

1. Get 5 years papers printed along with syllabus. Sit with these for 3-5 days, try to see how questions are framed based on syllabus. Last 3 years gives you idea about direction of UPSC paper setting

2. There's nothing called permanency in UPSC CSE. They are hellbent on avoiding herd mentality. If a book/method becomes extremely popular, they want to make it redundant. 

Implies->Apply your own thinking/analysis after taking someone's advice and see how if it can fit you. If AIR 1 wears shoe size 10, doesn't mean, it will fit you as well. 

3. Beware of Digital tech & Internet addiction. Can waste a lot of your time and limit your absorption & focussing capabilities. 

and lastly, focus on your physical & mental health. It matters in moments of crisis.