“If you are a sincere candidate to Prelims toh hona hi hain”

“Focus on Mains, that is the Mains”

“Prelims me toh bas qualifying marks lane hain, ho jaega araam se”

A lot of past toppers or seniors have said this so often, I had internalised this. However, without understanding what these advices really meant.

One thing I have realised after finally making it to the list is that, in any interview or a general conversation, our answers as toppers suffer from two problems. One is that it needs to be short and succinct and the other that the mind suffers from recency effect. It best remembers the latest things. So all the years of struggle that one had to go through, it often keeps going in the back of the memory and also its lessons.

Isilie, the first lesson is toppers ki baaton ko baaton ki tarah lijie. So, everything I shall share going forward, take it with buckets of salt. See for yourself if my methods work for you, act accordingly.

I am choosing to write this blog and this will be long because I will try to break down a lot of things for all of you so that it helps both the person just starting with the preparation and those who are tragically getting stuck at the Preliminary stage.

This blog therefore has

1. syllabus
2. importance of PYQs + suggestion
3. Booklist
4. Strategies for uncertain questions-Gamechanger
5. What did I do differently in my 4th attempt
6. Priorities for the next 16 days for CSE Prelims 2023

Toh chaliye, shuru se shuru karte hain,

Syllabus

The UPSC lists down these keywords as the syllabus. Yet so many people are heard saying “Everything under the sun is asked.”

Does UPSC follow these keywords or is it randomly asking questions from anywhere and everywhere it wishes?

The truth lies in between. Year after year, there are a set of basic, core questions that are being repeated. These make up the 30-35 questions that people who qualify get correct with 100% accuracy. The core of core subjects within this syllabus that can be mastered and controlled is Polity, Economy, Geography, History, and Environment (non-current).

If you are getting questions wrong in these topics beyond the unavoidable super difficult 3-4 questions, then the problem is in your preparation. I can say it with confidence after all these years that even in a year when UPSC decides to increase the randomness quotient, there will still be a significant set of questions from these subjects which will be repeated and predictable.

And that is where you have to target, that is the space which will determine your success in the preliminary examination. I know people who have qualified prelims with a very good margin since their very first attempt to their 4/5th/6th and I also have my story to share where I did not qualify prelims three time in a row. One of the determining factor amongst many others was identifying and focusing on the core static subjects and within these subjects, the areas which are oft repeated in PYQs.

What about the rest of the questions?

It is a mix of current affairs and a few random questions, jiska jawab kisi ko nahi aata. So if coaching institutes are picking up those random questions and telling yeh toh hamne sikhaya tha, please join us—that’s your cue to not. Here, people generally have two options—

1. those with very high accuracy will skip them all together and rather attempt less questions
2. those like me will attempt all the questions (99-100) and rely on the strength of my knowledge and the game of probability,
   • where amongst 4 guesses, even if 2 are correct and 2 wrong, I have a surplus of + 2.68 at hand. And that is the fight for every single mark that will determine your success or failure.

Mastering the PYQs

So our first priority needs to be mastering these subjects.

How do you do that?

Buy this book and master every chapter of it along with a cursory glance to your basic books. There. is a reason this blog is talking about the PYQs before coming to the Booklist. While it is important to identify your sources, limit them and do multiple revisions of them, what is also incredibly important is what is important in each of those books, what themes are dear to UPSC, what topics are repeated year after year, what are the traps the UPSC examiners are setting for aspirants. Starting only with books and reading them cover to cover is not the most strategic way to attempt prep for this exam.

What is better is that you do it alongside repeated revisions of PYQs.

There might be more books with PYQs of other publications, and all of them work. This book basically has subject-wise segregation of Prelims PYQs of the past 27 years, and I absolutely love it. And no 27 years is not too much, because PYQs are extremely important for the following reasons:

1. themes are repetitive
2. UPSC sometimes follows the trend of merging two old questions to make a new one
3. prelims is our mega challenge– this is where the elimination happens, around 5 lakh people are reduced to around 10,o00 who will write Mains.

Why is this collection of PYQs important?

So that we know what UPSC is actually expecting out of us. What level of depth and breadth, when it comes to Prelims. For example, in the earlier few readings of the Panchayati Raj chapter of Laxmikanth, I used to try and store so much to my memory. Not realising that UPSC is asking very basic questions from this chapter. So please do not waste your time and first assess the PYQs and then touch your basic books.

However, if you will do the PYQs first and then go to the chapter you will know that UPSC only expects you to know the basics. You need not rely on what the coaching industry is telling you to follow or a random aspirant at a chai ki tapri is telling you. You will have your own understanding of this examination. In service also, decisions are to be made based on your personal analysis and assesment, that’s the skill set you build during prep. You look at PYQs and syllabus, see what the paper is demanding, and streamline your prep accordingly.

To be even more descriptive,

1. before you pick up your Laxmikanth, you need to pick up the past year questions of polity of the last several years, with special focus on past 7-8 years
2. Do it as a test first, test your knowledge over the subject.
3. Check the solutions and list down repeated themes, see your mistakes.
4. Keep going back to these PYQs to get a sense of what depth is needed for variety of questions.

Booklist:

Strategies for uncertain questions: What will make or break your prelims paper-

Unlike what people will tell you, Prelims is not merely a test of knowledge anymore. Atleast that is what my experience tells me. I will share a lot more about that in another blog soon. But suffice to say that I have known people who know more than me or the same but have been unable to qualify prelims while I managed to after three failures. And in the stretched struggle to jump across the cutoff with a whopping 22 marks, I realised the jump was based on presence of mind, practice, calculated guesses, elimination and a lot many other jugaads that will make one answer after another correct.

Different people attempt different number of questions, that is a very personal route to take. My advice is whatever route you take, aim for a 110-120 marks so that you leave no chance of being stuck around the border. In my third attempt where I attempted around 85 questions, I failed by less than one mark in Paper I, while also failing CSAT. In my fourth attempt, I got 109.09 while the General Cutoff was 87.54. This quantum leap of 21.55 marks was not accidental. I always aimed for 120, I landed around 110.

When it comes to the number of questions, in my third attempt I had resolved to attempt all 100 questions. With the strength of my knowledge and the different tricks you can apply to solve each of the question, I had already practised how it will span out. In all of my mocks and PYQs, I would invariably get around 70 questions correct and 30 wrong, with variations of certain degree. This was for me a sure shot formula to success. For some people, it is attempting around 60 questions with certainty, or taking risks that only go till 92-95 questions.

However, the startling attempt of 99/100 questions in the final paper was not based on my whims and fancies. I had practised this innumerable times and I had that confidence that if it is working in my mocks and UPSC papers then it will also work in my final paper as well.

So whatever suits your style, make sure you practise it well.

Now, the way the prelims paper spans out is that you will know 35-45 questions with certainty in the bestest of the scenario. What about the rest of the questions. In rest of the questions, you approach it through certain principles, methods, tigdams, jugaads—whatever you call it–you need it.

Now, I had made a list of such insights along with friends present and erstwhile, and I am sharing the list here. You can see if it suits you, makes sense to you, whether it stands the test of PYQs, whether you want to use it or not. We made it after analysing PYQs, so I had a lot of faith in them and applied them with full confidence. They are as follows:

1. If the statement is too specific, it is most probably wrong. This is because UPSC by the design of Prelims paper does not expect you to know minute, unnecessary details. It wants to test your conceptual understanding and problem solving skills.
2. If there are too many data, facts and statistics in conceptual subjects like geography or economics- it is mostly wrong.
3. Extreme words like all/any/never etc are generally wrong.
4. Comparative statements like more/less than are generally right
5. In technology based questions, if statements use words like ‘can’, and seem related to the other statement, it is mostly correct. (Remember: science is about the world of possibilities)
6. If a statement is excessively precise about something, it is mostly wrong. One is neither supposed to know such minute facts nor does the world really work with such precision.
7. In questions with statements giving definitions/meanings/explanations—see if there is a possibility of statements being interchanged, logically. In most such questions, that is the trap the examiner sets (eg-PYQ on AR-VR: Prelims 2019)
8. In terms related to economics, try breaking them and look for a logical english/mathematical meaning of the term.
9. If no idea about the question at all- safe to bet chances on UPSC favourite themes like— Vijayanagar, Ashoka, Gupta, Manipur/Arunachal Pradesh (NE region), Andaman& Nicobar, EU, ASEAN, WTO. This might seem arbitrary but PYQs tell us, this can be a calculated risk to take which will add on to your marks.
10. Statements like ‘xyz does this but not that’, unless you know for sure, are generally incorrect.

Additionally, I am sharing the application of some of these principles and just the general method of problem solving through some of the questions of Prelims, 2022 for your reference:

Since one has repeatedly read about solar flares during prep, a basic understanding exists. A simple reading of the options must be directed towards trying to connect each of the possibilities to solar flares. One of the first things that will hit you as absurd is the statement on tsunamis. Tsunamis mainly take place due to an earthquake under water, other reasons could be a volcanic eruption or an asteroid impacting the ocean. Solar flares do not seem to have any impact on tsunamis.

With this understanding, if we eliminate option 2, you will arrive at your answer which is C. You do not need to bother much about the other statements. Have confidence in your logic and move on to the next question. My oft repeated motto is “please be on an offensive during this exam”

/

This question on “System of Rice Intensification” is almost a science-based question. One of the things about science-based questions that I have realized over the years is that it needs an assumption. The assumption is that science is about “a world of possibilities”. So statements which seem a little too far stretched, a little exaggerated or absurd are also often correct (in the past questions like- can satellite images measure chlorophyll content of vegetation for ex). So while reduced seed requirement and methane production seems natural and reduced electricity consumption a little dubious, go for 1,2, and 3. which is after all correct because with reduced irrigation needs under SRI, electricity consumption also reduces.

This is a very simple question where you apply the elimination technique to reach the answer. One is aware that Monazite is naturally found across Kerala coast, and it is one of the distinct facts we read during prep. It is highly unlikely that it is found across the Indian coast. Therefore it qualifies as an extreme statement. The moment you eliminate the third statement, you arrive at your answer which is B.

Indirect Transfers– honestly, you need not necessarily know about this. One thing you can safely assume is that the way the question is framed, Indirect transfers have been in news and probably as a problem. If it’s a problem and UPSC is asking about it—-it probably has to do with foreign companies not doing something right.

Option B is eliminated as it is defining ‘base erosion’, amidst the rest of the three options, only option D aligns with 2 assumptions—one that it is a problem, and two that it deals with foreign companies. Using this line of thinking, one can potentially reach the answer. There could be other ways, this was my way.

Now, here is question no. 54— Yogavasista was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati under the reign of which of the following?

–So neither has one heard of Yogavasista because our mainstream sources do not mention it nor had one heard of Nizamuddin Panipati. Then how do you tackle this question, which seems as absurd as it gets.

The way to resolve this problem is by relying on what you do know with certainty if you have done your basic sources very very well. You would recall a lot of translations to Persian took place under Akbar. He had even established a “Maktab Khana” or ” House of Translations” for translation of major Indian texts to Persian.

Now please know that even if the paper makes you believe so, you are not supposed to know Yogavasista and Nizamuddin Panipati. The level of knowledge required is very basic, covered by mainstream sources. But they require repeated revisions so that you internalise everything. Once that happens, then you will know that if there is a question on “translations to Persian”, no other option except Akbar is most feasible. Be on an offensive, take the calculated risk, try and attack every question with the mind of a warrior.

About Question 55,

The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?

The best means of salvation was devotion.

[B] Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.

[C] Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.

[D] Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.

Now option B says Vetas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative. But if you remember your basics, Ramanuja belonged to the Bhakti school which had connections with Vedanta, not vedas–not the core vedas and their teachings. So option b is eliminated.

If you have done basic reading of the chapter on “schools of philosophy” you will remember that logical arguments and reasoning was a tenet of the Nyaya school, so you can safely eliminate it.

Further, between salvation through meditation and , salvation through devotion, the latter aligns more possibly with the views of a Bhakti saint.

And that is how you reach the correct option which is A.

You have to, have to take calculated risks relying on the knowledge you already have. Keep a firm belief in the fact that UPSC does not want you to know random stuff and through the design of most of its questions, it wants in some way to test your core knowledge base. The trick is to apply them, not over complicate the question.

If you recall basic science, the main purpose of kidney is removal of waste and extra fluids from the body. Now if the question already specifically mentions that wetlands function as kidneys, your job is to find the statement that aligns most closely to the question even if it seems a little extreme. Water cycle, nutrient base or maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilisation has nothing to do with the role of kidneys, so your answer is D.

The point of sharing this question is to remind you, that the biggest weapon you will take into the exam hall will be your presence of mind, it will br your ability to think on your feet and fast and in the direction UPSC needs you to. How to sharpen this weapon? By doing innumerable repitions of PYQs.

If you have been reading newspapers, you would know a basic fact that we could not really develop mRNA vaccines, for numerous reasons. Rather we relied on inactivated or live attenuated vaccines. Using this knowledge you can eliminate option 1 and tan tanaaaa— you have your answer which is option b.

What did I do differently in 4th attempt for the 21.55 marks beyond cutoff:

1. Attempted more number of questions, 99 was my sweet spot for a guaranteed 120 around marks (in finals this came to 109)
2. More revisions–always helps.
3. Repeated practice of PYQs (did it for third attempt also, iss baar aur bhi ziada kia .
4. Exam room simulations—my gamechanger
   • One of the things I had realised in my second attempt itself was that with whatever knowledge I ahd then I could have still qualified prelims, if I knew how to handle the paper better on the D-Day. Due to the covid scare however, even in my third attempt most of the mocks I used to give was at home.
   • And no matter how much one tries, for most people the environment. of home or the comfort of the room cannot generate the same level of pressure, stress, time boundation as the day of the final exam. I was no different.
   • So this time around a couple of months before prelims I ensured that every sunday, I would go to the centre, write GS I in the time that UPSC takes the final paper, and CSAT in the second slot after the break.
   • I was simulating what was about to happen to me on 10th October. I was simulating both the pattern of time, the mental and physical exertion and exhaustion and the overall experience. Else what happens is that one studies for a whole year and the burden of that effort all falls on that one day. Just how every important day deserves a dress rehearsal, so does the prelims paper. It does not merely deserve it but it demands it.
   • So every Sunday I used to go to a centre and do the two papers. This was a time when most of these institutes were functionally active without students since the second wave had just passed. I was on most sundays the only student at the centre. It was important for me however, and I did it.
   • On the last sunday before Prelims, which fell on 3rd October I did something different. I picked up a previous year paper. ofa year, the arrangement of questions where was a little unfamiliar to me. For me it wss 2017, since I started my attempts from 2018. You can choose your year.
   • When I got to the centre, I did not attempt their mock, rather I sat with the paper, and attempted it. Every tricks, tip, jugaad and tigdambazi that we discussed above—-I applied them all. I attempted the number of questions that I had decided to attempt in final paper-which was 100 /100 questions. Then I took a break and gave the CSAT paper.
   • I got around 120 marks in paper I and comofrtable scores in CSAT.
   • This was the final move of confidence for me. I told myself that if all I am doing is working on a UPSC paper (not any coaching mock) with a comfortable score of around 120 then I will replicate the same in the final paper and it will work for me.

And thus on 10th October, I went and gave Prelims. The rest is history.

I always knew once I write Prelims, I will be in the final list.

Suggestions for next 16 days:

So. in the next 16 days, here is my suggestion for you

1. Have full confidence in your mehnat and shiddat. Stretch a little extra. Take the 8 hour to 10 and treat everyday as the day before your final exam. Better, stop counting hours.
2. Revise with a focus on the most important chapters. Identify these chapters via PYQs if you still haven’t done it.
3. Keep revising, revising and revising your PYQs. As many more revisions, as many more marks. Google all the options given in questions, read the solution, rectify your mistakes. Attempt PYQs as a test, glance through PYQs during breakfast, lunch, dinner. Skim through them before sleeping.
4. Solve Previous year papers as full lengths, apply all the techniques of elimination, calculated risk, common sense etc discussed above and see your marks soaring.
5. Use sticky notes, fill your walls with sticky notes with details you need to commit to memory, for eg: tiger census findings. Sometimes we may not even look at them. But the act of writing over them with hand, and those colour coded sheets being on your walls is significant. Sometimes out of nowhere you will remember the pink sticky note next to your bed which has the answer to the question in front of you.
6. Eat simple nutritious food, stay hydrated, and take out 30-45 minutes for walk for mild exercise.
7. Talk to friends who are supportive, stay away from negative people and negative energy. They will destroy you without remorse, it is your responsibility to preserve your energy in a time so critical.

Even 5 days are a lot to revise all. is needed to qualify for prelims, you have almost 3x that time. In the next 16 days, treat every day as your sanctuary, preserve your energy and focus on revisions. Believe me when I tell you, if you have been sincere and given your all, it will click for you.

I have been wanting to write this blog for really long but training schedules have been a deterrent. There’s a lot more to write and share but I hope this will be helpful for those writing Pre on 28th May as well aspirants who will attempt in future years.

Concluding this with Frost’s ‘Miles to go before I sleep ‘ and its incredibly beautiful translation in Hindi by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. We have many many many more miles to go before we sleep, may each day take you closer to your dreams:

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

–Robert Frost

गहन सघन मनमोहक वन तरु 

मुझको आज बुलाते हैं,

किन्तु किये जो वादे मैंने याद मुझे वो आते हैं,

अभी कहाँ आराम बड़ा यह मूक निमंत्रण छलना हैं,

अरे अभी तो मीलों मुझको , मीलों मुझको चलना है ।

हरिवंश राय बच्चन

Best wishes,

See you on the other side of 28th May