"Mains"

You know, I have realised that the 'mains' are actually called so for a reason. They are indeed the most important part of the civil service exam. In popular usage of CSE aspirants, it often refers to the written exam only- and it most definitely makes or breaks the 'attempt'. A boundary score will not put you in the final list even if one performs exceedingly well in the interview; and to be top of the final list you certainly need a 1100+ score in the written alone (hoping to get atleast 180+ in interview).

So,...this would be the third time I would be writing the mains (if the Gods of UPSC deign to pass me in the prelims that is). It would also be the final attempt for me-so am eager to pour all the remaining blood, sweat and grime of my being into it. But then, what shall I do differently or what shall I persist with in GS prep has bewildered me. The reason being my GS scores in 2011 exam. Despite attempting 520 marks, of which although100 marks was pure hawabazi and the remaining 420-informed writing of various degrees, I managed a measly score of 201 (unfortunately nothing auspicious in that score). And thanks to the scores of my remaining papers I did not even manage an interview call this time. And that was the UPSC ka jhatka- zor ka jhatka bahut zor se laga!

Pondering over my scores and performance in the last exam, I have decided on a few to-do's which will hopefully not repeat this year's debacle.



Statistics: I think most aspirants overlook the importance of this section- i certainly did. It usually amounts to 30-35 marks out of 600, but its value in our GS scores far exceeds its proportion in the exam paper. Being General Studies, there will be much in the question paper beyond our ken. In this context if marks from the statistics section are assured, it will make a very big difference.
Remember it is the only section in the GS papers which allows us to score cent per cent. And the beauty of it is that each of us can get that score- even those with numero-phobia. Just get working on it from now onwards, practice increases familiarity as well as speed, both of which are essential to our answering process.

Direct factual Questions: In glancing through the GS Paper 1 of 2011 and 2010, I have realised that direct questions seeking factual answers have reduced (from textbook syllabus like History, Polity, Geog, Eco etc- and not Current Affairs).

For example in 2010, questions of about 100 marks worth were asked seeking factual answers like features of constitutional amendment bills; grounds of disqualification of MPs; significant local storms; repo and reverse repo rate etc.
In comparison in 2011, I found only one question asking just a factual answer and no analysis: 'distinction between Department related Parliamentary Standing Committees and Parliamentary Forums'. 

And with regard to direct factual questions from Current Affairs, there was an increase in such questions in 2011 compared to 2010.


What's your view? Increasingly questions are asked which seek our views/opinions on issues. In 2010, such questions were of around 32 marks (in GS I), and 80 marks (GS I) in 2011. Thus simply knowing the facts is inadequate- we must understand issues and their impact and develop an opinion.


Although an analysis of two consecutive years does not present a trend, but we can surmise that UPSC is keen to test our understanding of issues and assessing the coherence of our opinions. From the above we can say that a thorough understanding of key texts is necessary as it forms the base of our answers and is also helpful in answering those direct questions.

Note-making: I think my note-making, through this blog, improved my knowledge of issues which was certainly reflected in the number of questions I attempted - 520 in 2011 compared to 460 in 2010. Self-prepared notes create a familiarity with issues that no amount of reading others notes does. This is because in preparing notes, we refer to material much beyond that which we record, and in doing so understand and remember better.

Be Precise and Concise: Although I attempted more questions this time, it certainly didnt reflect in my marks- there was a drop of 15 marks from my last attempt. So, that brings me to the importance of being precise and concise. In my attempt of reading and understanding issues, I reckon I may not have sifted it well and committed necessary points to memory. Doing this while reading and recording will certainly make our answers precise, and by extension concise too.

Revise, Revise, Revise: In my enthusiasm to prepare notes, I seldom made time to revise, and it was often the case that I was reading my own blog notes in the last few hours of the last day before exam. In fact I didnt read one of my own post on Arctic Circle politics which could have helped me write a good 12 mark answer. That is unforgivable.
So, I have decided to set aside time at the end of every week to revise whatever was studied during the week; and time at the end of the month for all that was studied in that month. This constant revision will hopefully nudge info from the short-term memory end of my brain to the long-term memory end.

Practice Answer-writing: This is one of the most important component of our prep and unfortunately the most neglected. For those with access to coaching centres certainly join a test-series. Writing answers in an exam-situation will be of immense help. For those distant from such facilities, do not let that deter you- question papers are easily available and must be solved. This is certainly the key to getting a top 100 rank. If one doesn't do this one will most certainly not making it to the top. So the choice is ours.

Hmm...guess that's enough gyan to myself and those who read this post. Its time to act.


"The Power is Yours"

p.s.: Enlightenment from my fellow aspirants is actively sought :)