- Index - About me and why I chose UPSC? - How? - Official Syllabus - Educational Resources - Schedule and Routine - Source Preparation - MCQ Solving - Answer Writing - Exam and attempts related information - Links to sources - Why? - My hobbies 1. Motorcycling 2. Entertainment youtube videos on technology, nature, cosmos and stand-up comedy 3. Listening to music, often singing along 4. Coding, in fact I created my own software to prepare for UPSC - My weaknesses - I sometimes laugh at unusual times - I sometimes get emotional at a situation while others are not like a song - At rare times I get sucked into negative thoughts when someone around me is trying to spread false information about me and manipulating the environment against me while still being my friend. - Change in mindset during UPSC preparation - My goals and aspirations when I started my UPSC journey were different, but as I continued with my preparation, they have changed drastically, as I read more and more reports, data about different aspects of India, my heart goes out to the children who don't have enough to eat, their dream is to not to become something or be successful as per our definition, but they dream of having enough food for themselves and their family one day. My goals are not oriented towards myself anymore, but to help these children as much as I can, so even if they were not able to live their lives, they would leave this planet seeing their children moving in a better direction. My family was able to come out of poverty, maybe because somewhere behind closed doors, in anonymity, a few responsible civil servants thought for us. And this is my way of paying tribute. - Why I chose UPSC (2 aspects)? - My personal identity (comes first) 0. Deep emotional bonding with people - This deep desire to help people who are not so fortunate - Transmute the grief for Taiyaba into a motivation for clearing UPSC. I will do this for her, I will protect her in the future, but I will not give up on this process 1. I have a hunger for knowledge on diverse subjects - In later stages of my life I became deeply interested in knowing about history, geography, polity, economics, and the time I spent was very well worth it, it was an honor to participate in this national student festival - I am more interested in knowing how and why the winds flow, how the economy functions, how political systems operate, rather than knowing the syntax and applications of a very niche technology based on code, it's not a disrespect to my work, but it's about interest - I wanted to go on a journey to learn and understand various subjects like a mystic university as shown in Harry potter everyone is there to learn new things, I feel so excited imaging that. - I want to understand history, art, culture, geography, economy, polity, nature, wildlife and so on - It is my hobby, it is my passion, it is something I love. I am more excited about this exam and the process than watching a movie or a match. It gives me purpose, a sense of progress, and makes me feel a better human being 2. I now found no real meaning and purpose in my current carrier, that I worked really hard to achieve - I lost my affinity towards money; the ego inside me is dead, I even hesitated to say I am good at something, it all just became a part of good luck to me, I am not special, in fact there is no "I" in me, and if any other person would have been at my place, he would have done the same; not better, not worse - But, I still understand that I need to give this body a balanced environment, where all proportions of money, health, respect, relations and so on are at least meeting meeting the minimum threshold to live a good life 3. This is the time I realized that maybe this is next phase, where life is calling me to a different purpose - I should fulfil my duties towards who were not so fortunate as me, my donations, personal assistance were just a way to feel good and not really making an impact in the people's lives - I have a deep sense of duty towards my nation, but more than that, towards the people, be it of any country, caste, religion or race - I feel great sorrow for the children who I see might not get proper education just because of few greedy lost minds, at least they should have a chance, I see in themselves "myself", and that's where the deep purpose originate, it's not me helping others, it's me helping myself - I want to bring a positive change in society, I want people to have a good life, not only because it's my duty, but because I find it meaningful - And if people like me don't come forward and act then those who have ulterior motives will find their way in - "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" - These people stand in the way of justice, I have been their victim, they asked me bribe to get my passport, to get my driving license, to get my domicile, and then I stopped applying for other documents like EWS and OBC certificates, because the system will not favour me - I bribed for the passport because the one approving my passport was a sub-inspector himself, the RTO lost my driving license because I never paid the un-official fee - I could not get my domicile, even when I meet all the requirements - I could not get the OBC certificate because I don't have a domicile 4. So, I decided pursue my calling, this might sound more romantic and self-fantasizing, but no matter how it sounds, it feels meaningful - I had saved some money (around 3.5 lakhs) and I decided that going on this journey of UPSC is the best thing I can afford with this savings, the savings might sound not much but I was not worried about relocating to Delhi or spending on coaching. I stayed in my home city. - I was also aware that I might not be able to make it and be left unmarried and alone for the whole life as this is the last window of me getting married, and also a little worried about my sister's marriage. But I was always grateful when I looked at the deprivation people around me are facing, so, these worried never got hold of me to any meaningful extend. - I never told my family that I was preparing for UPSC and only 2 close friends of mine got to figure it. - My goal was to keep this secret for as long as possible until I can't, I don't wanted to attract any attention. - I am inspired by Elon Musk, life can not be just about solving one problem after another, we humans need reasons to get excited everyday, we need a big purpose - Being a Bureaucrat is my first priority, but it's not the only priority, I can also help by running NGO, self-help groups, but I have placed them at second because of different aspects like the level of impact, no enforcement, and so on 5. And at last, I have always seen the bureaucrats with huge respect, they are the real heroes to me, they are the real policy makers, they are the one who runs this country in background - I am interested in the diverse work profile of an IAS, IPS officers - UPSC requirements 1. UPSC requires civil servants to posses incorruptible personality under any circumstances which I think coincides with my personality. 2. And because of UPSC requirements I consider myself as a great quality human resource that is at disposal for my country. - How? - Personal nature - My nature is to easily grasp a wide domain of knowledge - When it comes to be at the top, I had beaten the shit out of toppers in past and I will do it one more last time once and for all to put an end this debate weather I am capable or not - I have lived enough in fear, it's time to be fearless now, let's show the world what you are truly capable of - I will fight till the end, won't give up - This is a war - It will require 24/7 deployment - It won't take any excuses - If I can learn big MCA notes in 1 day then I am fully capable of doing UPSC subjects in a few days - Time to test the potential, give everything you have in the first attempt - Experience with maturity - I have gathered valuable experience in life and put this knowledge in my personality and have built framework X from scratch, which gives me a very big leverage in preparation - Remember who you are right now, and not who you were in the past, you are an improved version of yourself - Ability to learn new skills - UPSC CSE is not an exam of only knowledge, but a large part of it is strategy making - Time - It will take 2 years, there's no hurry, take it as a marathon with no pressure - Time will pass eventually, weather you pass it doing nothing or working, there will be a point in time in future where you will be thankful that you tried - Backup plan - You have backup plan as software developer - Regret - I will regret if I don't participate in this exam and give up, I have to take this risk - Also, I have a pain of not able to study and clear JEE and enroll in IITs - Competitive - The actual competition is very low based on analysis - At the time of development of this framework, only approx 25% of the total population is in age bracket to be eligible for this exam. Only 1% is sincere enough for this exam, which is approx 35 lakh. In this only 12 lakh fill out the application form, from which only approx 6 lakh appear for prelims, in these 6 lakhs only 13K are having enough knowledge to appear in main, from which only 3K have the ability to present the information based on requirement to appear for the interview. Now only approx 900 will be selected from which only first 50 will get IAS which are from general category. So, there is a good chance I can clear it. I think I can get manage rank 1, I am fearless against the competition. - Luck is part of this exam, but I have to take the risk, it may not favour one time, two time, three time, but it will eventually favour one day - Do not fear the people who are already ahead in this learning curve, a lot of new people come and create rampage with continuous and steady progress over a year - Average people are fully capable of clearing this exam and getting good ranks - Law of attraction - Image a still image of you sitting in your office with Ashok Stambh and National flag behind backing your actions - Basic strategy - UPSC trap - UPSC intentionally give few questions on random factual things like what material is the door of this building made of to trap students into covering all this stuff and loose their path - Those who will be able to figure it out will move on to the next stage - Don't run behind minor fact-based questions, this is the main problem that I have been having, and investing too much time on AMAC, this is a UPSC strategy to confuse aspirants to run behind irrelevant facts. - I have wasted nearly 1 month of my preparation time running behind Ancient and Medieval facts - History and current are part of such trap - Develop first principle thinking in UPSC preparation - Conceptual understanding - Understand the fundamentals instead of solely relying on rote learning of facts, which will help solve a diverse set of questions, instead of a limited domain - MCQ solving - Apply first principles to reason out invalid options and reach a more accurate conclusion - Answer writing - Reason answers from the first principles, this helps in building from the ground up, covering a wide domain, and axioms to support the reasoning - Perform regular answer checking to understand the psychology of the teacher who is checking - UPSC has to be prepared in reverse order of it's stages, first prepare interview, then mains and finally the prelims - Do not accept defeat till last moment, fight, fight, fight, ... - If it turns out to be a bad day, try to reach 50% productivity, the bad days will decide the real result - Join significant telegram groups for awareness - IAS PCS Pathshala - Dr. Shivin - Watch YouTube videos for subjects alongside notes - Watch geography videos alongside notes to get a better understanding - Rajveer sir flr history - After learning a new subject, use ChatGPT in voice mode to let it ask questions, then answer those questions and ask it to help me respond better - Use Figma flows while reading the NCERT to prepare flows in history - History can be represented like the number line of years and events happening - Use mnemonics for memorization - Use different charts like the constitution, India, world, etc to get a good grasp of geography - Strategy to gain the lead in the exam process - Deploying all my knowledge to carve out the best strategy - Work on a military standard to outwork the competition and prepare for war - Develop immunity for bad conditions like lack of sleep, unusual locations, etc, and still perform above average - There will be smarter, better people that will sit in the exam, but maybe they practiced in perfect conditions, and if some issue happens they won't perform that better, where I can take the lead - Most of them won't be able to put enough information on paper by their knowledge because there is not much time to think to craft a full answer, counter this and you are on par with them - Prepare a marks weightage graph for subjects, for example, essay + optional + ethics and other small subjects contribute carry 60% weightage 🤯 - Consider main answer writing in terms of web development - HTML - Structure of answer like intro, body, conclusion, hierarchy, diagram, etc - Javascript - Use of dynamic content integration like current affairs, multiple aspects - CSS : - Beautification of the answer with good writing, nice diagrams, alignment, and design principles - Preparation sequence - Prepare interview - Prepare draft with the information that will be mentioned in the document - Bring the hobbies and other information in general practice - Rest of the information will be added during the prelims and mains phase - Prepare mains + CSAT - Prepare CSAT - Prepare GS 1. History | Art and culture | English 2. Geography | Hindi 3. Constitution | Polity | Governance | Indian society 4. Economy 5. Environment | Science and technology | Disaster management 6. Ethics | Social justice 7. International relations - Prepare optional - Prepare prelims - Focus on high-scoring subjects - Revise CSAT - Revise GS - Push rank 1 - Proper English without grammatical errors - Good handwriting - Keep fingers sturdy and crisp while writing, or letter will be formed disproportionally - Sit very close to the notebook and head very close to the to, the more far the head will be, the more control will be lost - Write next word looking at the bottom of previous word to align in straight line - Maintain consistenct spacing between words and lines to improve visual appearance - Answer should be highly enriched with details anihilating the competition - Presentation and answer structure should be highly unique and better than other with information flow, diagrams, etc - What to do and not to do - Todo list - Strictly bound the sources to the UPSC syllabus, word by word - Popular books - Toppers notes - Coaching notes - Consistency in the learning phase - Heavy use of AI models like chatgpt/deepmind, they are expert in question answering confirmed by AIR-1 - After information framework is developed, revise again and again to build the internal intelligence model on this data like AI - Regular pursuit of hobbies - General studies of graduation subjects - Regular study of optional subject - Newspaper reading for better language understanding and knowledge representation - Develop skills - Improve English (Use chatgpt to practice converting hindi to english and validation and improve english grammar rules) - Improve Hindi - Improve handwriting in both languages - Improve drawing skills - Improve visualization skills - Improve clarity in thinking and writing - Improve memorization skills - Newspaper reading skills - Questioning skills - Speaking and communication skills - Improve answer writing skills - Optimize personality for IAS - Reasoning by analogy, deduction, induction for MCQs (very crucial skill) - Practice, practice, practice ... on regular basis with periodic test series - Re-evaluate the framework overtime with new information - Join a professional answer-checking facility to make sure answer writing is sufficient for mains - Not todo list - Spending too much time in current affairs - Changing the source materials very often, and not sticking to the sources - Taking stress of this exam - Prioritizing subjects, there is no exact priority pattern for subjects, UPSC continuously changes the priority of subjects - Official syllabus of UPSC 2025 - Prelims - Paper 1 - General Studies 1 (200 marks) - Current events of national and international importance - History of India and Indian National Movement - Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic geography of India and the World - Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues - Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc - General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization - General Science - Paper 2 - General Studies 2/Civil Services Aptitude Test (200 marks) - Comprehension - Interpersonal skills including communication skills - Logical reasoning and analytical ability - Decision-making and problem solving - General mental ability - Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level) - Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. - Class X level) - Mains - Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English - Paper 1 - English (300 marks) (i) Comprehension of given passages (ii) Precise Writing (iii) Usage and Vocabulary (iv) Short Essays - Paper 2 - Indian Language (300 marks) (i) Comprehension of given passages (ii) Precise Writing (iii) Usage and Vocabulary (iv) Short Essays (v) Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa - Merit-based Papers: - Paper 1 - Essay (250 marks) - Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression. - Paper 2 - General Studies 1: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and the Society (250 marks) - Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. - Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present - significant events, personalities, issues. - The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. - Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country. - History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonisation, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society. - Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. - Role of women and women's organisation, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies. - Effects of globalisation on Indian society. - Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. - Salient features of the world's physical geography. - Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). - Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones. etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. - Paper 3 - General Studies 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations (250 marks) - Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. - Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. - Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. - Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. - Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. - Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. - Salient features of the Representation of People's Act. - Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. - Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. - Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. - Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. - Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. - Issues relating to poverty and hunger. - Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. - Role of civil services in a democracy. - India and its neighbourhood- relations. - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. - Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. - Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. - Paper 4 - General Studies 3: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management (250 marks) - Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment. - Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. - Government Budgeting. - Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. - Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing. - Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. - Land reforms in India. - Effects of liberalisation on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. - Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. - Investment models. - Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. - Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology - Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. - Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. - Disaster and disaster management. - Linkages between development and spread of extremism. - Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. - Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention. - Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with terrorism. - Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate. - Paper 5 - General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude (250 marks) - This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. - Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values. - Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. - Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections. - Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. - Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world. - Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. - Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen's Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilisation of public funds, challenges of corruption. - Case Studies on the above issues. - Paper 6 - Optional (250 marks) - Update syllabus based on subject selection - This optional has single subject but taken in two different papers - Paper 7 - Optional (250 marks) - Update syllabus based on subject selection - Interview - 1. Provisional Admission - Admission to the Personality Test is provisional, subject to eligibility verification. - If found ineligible or providing false information, candidature will be cancelled. - Action may be taken as per relevant Examination Rules. - 2. Interview Schedule - No request for change in date/time of Personality Test will be entertained. - Failure to appear will be treated as 'Absent' and no further correspondence allowed. - 3. Non-Attendance Follow-up - If absent, candidate must submit original documents to UPSC within 3 days of scheduled test. - Failure to do so will lead to cancellation of candidature and withholding of marks. - 4. Photograph Instructions - Bring 2 passport-sized colour photographs (4 cm x 5 cm). - Face must be front-facing, eyes open, natural expression, white/off-white background. - Photo must be taken within the last 10 days with candidate’s name and date printed. - Keep at least 4 extra copies for medical examination. - 5. Electronic Device Ban - Devices banned inside UPSC premises: mobiles, cameras, laptops, Bluetooth, iPads, pods, etc. - No safekeeping arrangements will be provided. - Violation may lead to cancellation of candidature and ban from future exams. - 6. Final Appointment Clause - Even if selected, appointment will be made only if eligibility criteria are fully satisfied. - 7. Behavior Inside UPSC Premises - Do not roam or take selfies/photos inside UPSC. - Leave premises after collecting belongings post-interview. - 8. Medical Examination - Medical exam details will be informed separately by DoPT. - Candidates must be prepared to stay in Delhi until medical is completed. - 9. PwBD Assistance - PwBD candidates must inform UPSC via email (csm-upsc@nic.in) at least 3 working days in advance for assistance during the interview. - 10. Hearing Aid Declaration - PwBD candidates using hearing aids must notify UPSC at same email ID 3 days in advance. - UPSC’s decision on allowance is final. - 11. Attestation Form Submission - Must be filled and submitted online at: https://cseplus.nic.in/Account/Login - Available from first to last day of interview. - Submit within prescribed timeline — no extensions allowed. - 12. DOPT Portal Login - Candidates pre-registered. - Click 'Forgot Password', reset via OTP sent to registered mobile/email. - Change password and submit form online without fail. - 13. Contact for Attestation Form Queries - Email: doais1@nic.in, usais-dopt@nic.in - Phone: 011-23092695, 23040335, 23040332 - Note: Forms are not accepted at UPSC office. - 14. Appointment Eligibility Reminder - Even if declared successful, appointment is subject to satisfying eligibility criteria. - 15. Reimbursement of Travel Allowance (T.A.) Instructions - 15.1. Travel Reimbursement Rules - Outstation candidates eligible for reimbursement of 2nd/Sleeper Class (Mail/Express) train fare. - No reimbursement for higher classes/modes except under SR-132 and UPSC rules. - 15.2. TA Form Submission - Bring two copies of filled TA Bills (onward and return) with photocopies of train tickets. - Settlement done in cash at UPSC on interview day via cashier (only for outstation candidates). - 15.3. Online TA Payment Option - Option to receive TA via NEFT to bank account will be available soon. - Cancelled cheque must be uploaded in portal (cheque in candidate’s name). - Prelims — Average weightage (last 5–10 years) -

Subject / Area	Average No. of Questions (out of 100)	Approx. Marks (out of 200)	Remarks
History & Culture	16	32	Ancient/Medieval/Modern + Art & Culture (Modern History prominently asked)
Polity & Governance	15	30	Constitution, Acts, Government schemes, Institutions
Geography (India + World)	12	24	Physical, Economic geography, map-based questions
Economy	13	26	Basic concepts, Budget/Survey, current-affairs-linked Qs
Environment & Ecology	14	28	Environment, biodiversity, conservation, climate-change items
Science & Technology	10	20	Applied concepts + current developments (space, biotech, ICT)
Current Affairs / Miscellaneous	20	40	Interdisciplinary current events, awards, persons, index/data Qs
Total	100	200

- Mains — Average weightage (GS Papers I–IV; last 5–10 years) -

Paper / Topic	Subtopics (representative)	Average Marks (out of 250)	Remarks
GS Paper I (Culture, History, Geography)	Heritage & Culture; Ancient & Medieval History; Modern India (Freedom Struggle); Indian Society; Physical & Economic Geography	~250 (breakdown → see rows below)	Paper I total = 250 marks
— Heritage & Culture	Art & Architecture, Cultural Heritage	~50
— Modern Indian History	Freedom struggle, socio-political movements	~50
— World History	Broad global developments, events	~25
— Indian Society & Social Issues	Caste, gender, social empowerment, welfare	~75
— Geography	Physical, resources, economic geography	~50
GS Paper II (Polity, Governance, IR)	Indian Polity & Constitution; Governance, Public Policy; Social Justice & Welfare; International Relations	~250	Paper II total = 250 marks
— Polity & Governance	Constitution, Parliament, Administrative reforms, RTI, e-governance	~120
— Social Justice & Welfare	Welfare schemes, vulnerable groups, rights	~70
— International Relations	Foreign policy, bilateral/multilateral issues, geopolitics	~60
GS Paper III (Economy, S&T, Environment, Security)	Economy & Planning; Agriculture; Science & Technology; Environment & Biodiversity; Disaster Management; Internal Security	~250	Paper III total = 250 marks
— Economy & Planning	Macro issues, Budget, growth, banking, reforms	~80	One of the heaviest single topics in GS3
— Agriculture	Cropping, irrigation, MSP, food security, allied sectors	~50
— Science & Technology	Space, ICT, biotech, AI, semiconductors, applications	~60	High-yield & growing area
— Environment & Biodiversity	Climate change, conservation, treaties	~30
— Disaster Management	NDMA, preparedness, mitigation	~10
— Internal Security	Terrorism, cyber security, insurgency, border mgmt	~20
GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)	Theory of Ethics, Moral Thinkers, Ethical dilemmas; Case Studies	~250	Typical split: Theory (~110–130) + Case Studies (~120–140)
Mains Total		1000

- Educational Resources - Use PYQs for gap filling in static source notes - Watch book tutorials from YouTube playlists to quick grasp of concepts - Directional sources - PYQs - Topper's notes extremely important for covering the multi-dimensional aspect and organization of information - Current affairs - Newspaper - The Hindu or Indian Express - Subjects - These subjects are on recommendation of Gaurav Kaushal Sir (AIR 1 2013 CSE) & Akshat Jain Sir (AIR 2 2018 CSE) - Maths & Reasoning - Up to Class 10th NCERT - Reasoning PYQs - History - Ancient - "India's Ancient Past" by R.S. Sharma (11th NCERT old edition) - Medieval - "History of Medieval India" by Satish Chandra (11th NCERT old edition) - Modern - Dr. Shivin sir's notes (combination of spectrum + NCERT) - Post independence - "India since independence" by Bipin Chandra (12th NCERT) - World history - Contemporary world history (12th NCERT) - This book is very detailed, but it will be helpful in establishing the base for International Relations - Enrichment of prepared notes with 6-10 NCERT for prelims - Art and Culture - Only Nitin Singhania Art and culture -The book is very detailed, but the data from this book will be helpful in prelims and Neural network experience building - Indian Society - Newspaper Reading - Introducing society (11th NCERT) - Understanding society (11th NCERT) - Indian society (12th NCERT) - Social change and development in india (12th NCERT) - Geography - NCERT 11th - 12th (All 4 books, 11'th and 12'th NCERT) - GC leong (Supplement PYQs) - Atlas (for Maps) - Dr. Shivin sir's handwritten notes (Reference) - Enrichment of prepared notes with 6-10 NCERT for prelims - Constitution and Polity - Indian Constitution at Work (Class 11th NCERT) -Laxmikant - No need for NCERT, as it's providing full coverage in simple language - Arc reports (only for reference) -1, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 - 2nd ARC Sixth Report - Local Governance - Governance - 2nd ARC Reports (1st, 4th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th) (Only summary) - Vision IAS Notes - Current Affairs - Social Justice - Government Policies and Intervention, Welfare Schemes and Bodies Constituted for Vulnerable Sections, Social Sector/Services Related to Health, Education, and Human Resources, Issues Related to Poverty and Hunger. - NITI Aayog - Three-Year Agenda Action - Budget and Economic Survey - International Relations - Contemporary World Politics (12th NCERT New) - Regular Newspaper Reading Including Editorials (Ignore purely political editorials) - PIB Website - Internet and Newspapers Regarding International Groups/Organizations and High Officials' Meetings (PM Visit, etc.) - MEA Website (Monthly Major Achievements of MEA) - Vision IAS Current Affairs Material - Editorials - Ministry of External Affairs Website - Economy - Mrunal sir handouts - Consolidate while reading - These notes are very credible - Mrunal sir youtube lectures - Micro economics from NCERT - This is a very rare topic, UPSC has only asked only 2 questions in past 13 yearz - Economic survey summary - Budget summaries (gov published) - Key features - Overall summary - Implementation of budget announcement - Environment - Dr. Shivin lectures on environment - Not going with Shankar IAS, as it is over information from UPSC point of view and not giving good ROI (according to Mrunal Sir) - Current Affairs - Internal Security and Disaster Management - Internal Security and Disaster Management by Ashok Kumar and Vipul - 2nd ARC (3rd Report) - NDMA Guidelines - Current Affairs - Science and Technology - Dr. Shivin's PDFs (Combines all the topics) - Current Affairs - Ethics - 2nd ARC (4th Report) (Only Summary) - 2nd ARC (12th Report) (Only Summary) - Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude by Chronicle - Schedule and routine - Complete schedule - April - Dedicated allotment for CSAT, 2 hours - History all - May - Dedicated allotment for CSAT, 2 hours - Geography - Polity - June - Dedicated allotment for CSAT, 2 hours - Economy - Science and tech - Environment - July - Dedicated allotment for CSAT, 2 hours - Ethics - Remaining GS subjects - Ignou exams - August - Dedicated allotment for CSAT, 2 hours - Dedicated daily revision start - Newspaper current affair analysis - Optional - September - Dedicated allotment for CSAT, 2 hours - Revision - Optional - October - Finish CSAT - Revision - Optional - November - Revision - Mains PYQs analysis - December - Revision - One pagers (part of answer writing) - January - Revision - One pagers (part of answer writing) - February - Revision - English improvement - Hindi improvement - Critical for UPPSC hindi exam - Mains answer writing - March - Revision - English improvement - Hindi improvement - Mains answer writing - April - Dedicated full time revision - Partial mains answer writing - Due to UPPSC - May - Dedicated full time revision - Mock tests - Partial mains answer writing - Due to UPPSC - June - Revision - Dedicated mains answer writing - UPPSC exam - July - Revision - Dedicated mains answer writing - August - Revision - Dedicated mains answer writing - September - Revision - Dedicated mains answer writing - Daily preparation routine - At the start - Initiate an oath before starting the preparation each day - The oath should be verbally taken and written before anything: - "I solemnly affirm, with full awareness, willpower, and clarity of purpose, that I am commencing today's preparation with complete focus and dedication. I shall not allow myself to be distracted by any external temptations or impulses — be it riding, food, entertainment, or desire. My time, attention, and energy today belong solely to my goal." - "मैं पूरी जागरूकता, संकल्प शक्ति और उद्देश्य की स्पष्टता के साथ यह दृढ़ प्रतिज्ञा करता/करती हूँ कि मैं आज की तैयारी पूरी एकाग्रता और समर्पण के साथ शुरू कर रहा/रही हूँ। मैं स्वयं को किसी भी बाहरी प्रलोभन या इच्छा से भटकने नहीं दूँगा/दूँगी — चाहे वह सवारी हो, भोजन हो, मनोरंजन हो या कोई और इच्छा। मेरा समय, ध्यान और ऊर्जा आज केवल और केवल मेरे लक्ष्य के लिए समर्पित है।" - Force the mind into flow state while learning, or it's useless, remove all distractions, if you want to ride then ride first and then continue - 7 AM - 9 PM - Language writing practice (both English & Hindi) - 9 PM - 9:30 PM - CSAT practice - 9:30 PM - 6 PM - GS subject (1 subject at a time) - 6 PM - 6:30 PM - MCQ answering practice - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Answer writing - 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Newspaper reading and current affairs - 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Communication + Revision - Revise in english vocally - Think and speak in English and communication skills while doing revision in evening to master the English in parallel - This will only be functional once main GS subjects are covered - Invest based on weighage of subjects, remember the principle of diminishing returns - Dedicated allotment for revision, 2 hours per day once mains subjects are covered once - Need to leverage the spacial memorization ability of the brain with regular revision - Source preparation - 1. Core digital knowledge base - 1.1. Prepare a digital source from selected books - Prepare a source for data points like official surveys, reports, etc and use it like lego pieces - Prepare a source for pre-prepared intros and conclusions for important syllabus topics and repetitive topics from PYQs - Keep integrated data on a map for a single topic like internal security issues, minerals, mines, etc - Have pre-made intro and conclusions for some major themes, especially for topics mentioned in the syllabus and from micro-theme based on PYQs - Investing time on this directly transfers time from outside the exam to those 3 hours - Few topics are very very important and have high repeat rate like secularism, keep such topics already prepared beforehand - 1.2. Read the digital source freely to get a basic outlook and try remembering facts - Use online reader to maintain a consistent pace of reading - 1.3. Add the diagrams from Google for every topic for better understanding and improving answer quality - Use YouTube videos to understand subjects via tricks, and separately add these tricks - Embed these videos in notes - 1.4. Watch the YouTube lecture to figure out the gaps in source and enrich - 1.5. Give a mock test to all PYQs - 1.6. Add PYQs (prelims) analysis using AI - 1.7. Prepare a consolidated source for strong cohesion of timeline, facts, and quick revision using PYQs analysis (prelims) - Prepare consolidated data in phases a. Prepare using AI based on and PYQ assesment - Make sure to validate b. Prepare from base content c. Prepare from mains PYQs d. Use topper notes to collect all the information from their effort and time e. Merge all the collected data - Prepare full audio-based revision notes of final consolidated data - 1.8. Use AI for PYQs (mains) analysis, add below prelims PYQs - 1.9. Enrichment, thinning and encoding phase - Do this in second reading - Encode information for memorization - A lot of UPSC data has to be learn by encoding, because it is very reliable way to store and retrieve information without risk of forgetting or mis-calculation or time consuming in cse of retrieving from sequence - Example: Encoding constitution articles - Enrichment strategy for each subject to fetch more marks then competition (update this point in future) - Example - History - Add more facts - Geography - Add better diagrams - Polity - More accurate definitions from official sources like Supreme court, etc - Essay and other philosophical subjects - Prepare a list of philosophical statements on multiple topics for ethics like these to counter everyone using quotes of people, this will give lead as everyone is going to use quotes, but I can use custom philosophical statements - Soil is a result of decay, it is also the medium for growth - Optimize the length - Truncate vague language and reduce reading time, and make content crisp and dense - 2. Subject which don't have target books - File for science can be prepared by using AI for getting the detailed summary of each class NCERT - Similar strategy for IR, budget, etc - Instead of relying on newspaper, use AI to get famous cases for ethics and similar subjects - 3. CSAT base - 3.1. Prepare every topic once - 3.2. Prepare fair notes and proper solution register of books (check if point 3 is possible alongside, to keep same topics alongside) - 3.3. Then prepare fair register for all CSAT PYQs - 4. Source base validation for credibility - There is nothing worse than putting some incorrect facts in front of the examiner and loosing the credibility and loosing marks - Schedule and check if file processing by chatgpt for fact check - 5. Current affairs - Use vision IAS maganizes - Separated out newspaper articles - Newspaper reading protocol (deferred) - Refer CA PYQs and youtube analysis to get the type of knowledge to extract from newspapers - Read the newspaper from August 15 and use online videos for previous news - Cannot understand the newspaper before covering the main subjects like polity, economy, and PYQs - Create a digital format for categorising current affair - Keep the monthly magazine handy for gap handling - Important - Polity & governance - Economy - Environment & ecology - Science & tech - International relations - Social & ethics - History & culture - Geography - Irrelevant - Entertainment - Movies & celebrities - Fashion & lifestyle - Sports - Until very major like global champion, etc - Local news - Crimes & sensational stories -Political gossip - 6. Physical note preparation strategy - Why is it important? - It acts as a blueprint to the actual answers - It outsources the effort and 3 hours time allocated during the exam - It merges all the aspects like diagrams, flowcharts, and other innovative ways, into the real data - It merges current affairs and data from different digital sources into a single source with visual charts to mock their implementation in the real answer - Value adition will be highly optimized over the period of time - How to proceed? - i. Use the existing notes of multiple toppers and merge and copy paste with your handwriting - ii. Prepare digital notes and do all value addition in them - iii. Download different toppers' notes for different subjects as a base - Check if some subjects can be ignored like history, polity, etc - iv. Develop protocols for consistent and rapid development - Develop protocol like figma design process for each step, how list items will be numbered, how alignment will be done, how diagrams will be used, etc, everything, before beginning writing, this should be upsc oriented from toppers notes and recommendations - Physical paper notes will include a pattern, and for each information that is presented there will be evidence and examples to support it, diagram if possible - Note-taking guide by toppers - This will be done in the final stages of development - Use loose A4 sheets - Refer to the topper's note making for diagrams, structure, etc - Keep rough initially - Be precise - Add dynamic current affairs alongside - Add diagrams - v. Perform value addition on this physical base content from digital notes and current affairs - Consolidated into one pagers at the end - Importance - One pagers are extremely crucial for fast recall during the exam - Take out as much as possible the thinking time out from the main examination by already having pre-planned data arrangement for each topic and recalling immediately based on demand - These will be a mix of all static + current + analysis + examples in pre made modular form - Structure - Prepare on loose A4 sheets, which can be arranged easily - Keep a digital backup - Prepare a sheet at the end to record all the changes to update digital source - Content - Take every syllabus topic and cover most of its aspects like definition, dimensions, examples, positives, negatives, etc using one-pagers - Use core digital knowledge base to prepare one pager physical notes - Find the existing notes of toppers for value addition and structuring before starting - Embed these one-pagers with current affairs-based examples, case studies, judgements, personal contemplations, mnemonic tricks, etc - Structure information as close to mains answers as possible - Last 10 years mains' one pagers (if time permits) - Learning and Revision - Scientific method for retention - Stages - First reading - 1st revision within a day - 2nd revision within a week - 3rd revision within a month - Reduce time with each cycle, repeat this cycle over and over to leverage spaced memorization - Enhance comprehension speed with each cycle - Secret of memory building (Active recall) - Active recall is painful, while plain reading is comforting but useless in retention and building memory - Revise by active recall and not reading, after reading a topic, perform active recall - Recall every night before sleeping what you have studied today - Use mnemonics, which are a highly efficient way of memorizing data - That's how some toppers can clear prelims in their first attempt with 6 months of preparation - Search for already made and shared - While reading the book, prepare the mnemonics for each topic for future - Use AI image generation - This is one of the easiest and most successful way to memorize - Use AI to generate visual images and encode all the information in it to store all the points, like remembering all the principles of Buddhism, etc - Use generated images with each article - Gamification - Provide AI with the file and ask it to answer me anything from the base content in this file in batches - This is a very fun game too - Exam related information - Exams that I will opt - UPSC CSE - UPSC IFoS - UPSC CAPF - UPSC EPFO EO/AO - UKPSC - SSC CGL - Protocol - Practice this protocol every month as a checklit for finding loopholes and optimum performance on exam days - Be very very careful while filling the OMR in stages - To carry in exam (important) - A transparent kit - Documents - Admit card - Adhar card - Gazette notification - 2 passport size photo - Cash - 2x100 - 2x50 - 2x20 - 2x10 - Material - One black pen (prelims) - Two blue pen - 4 ink refills - Whitener - One pencil - One eraser - One sharpner - Scale - Watch - Transparent exam pad - Prelims - Leave for the centre at the night and stay at Dharamshala - No fast food during break, only peanuts and fruits that I brought myself and fruits like banana - Mains - Stay in city centre for the time being and rent a room nearby or Vasu Academy to safeguard belongings - Take the B.B packets and kettle to prepare own food, can't trust external supplies - Take powerbank and light source for energy sources - Do not take the bike, to reduce the failure rate and side hassle of parking - Prevent blackout in eyes due to low blood glucose, it can take 20-30 min - Counter the cascading sleep deprivation if one day sleep is compromised then it should not cascade to next exams performance - Add finger puncture as safety and example in upsc exam practical - Take the important medicines as a backup against physical and health issues - Cold - Loose motion - Multi-vitamin for energy - Sleep - Mosquito repellent - Take things which are independent of electricity like mosquito repellent, for redundancy - Wear an adult diaper - Recommendations for personality test - Candidate should - Wear proper formal clothes that look neat and clean including tie, shoes, socks, everything - Sit properly, relaxed posture with back on chair and arms resting on armrests of chair - Can mix English with other Indian language - Candidate can ask for clarification on a question - Very crisp communication to the point - Candidate can politely ask for few seconds to recollect or say he need to look into this - Answer from the point of view of general public and not your on general matters - Give glance to other interviews so they don't feel ignored - Align with the constitution, even if you personally think that there are some issues, but you have to show extreme loyalty and trust in Indian constitution - Candidate should not - Do not lie at all, be honest, 0% tolerance - Sometimes they ask questions which you can't answer, they are just checking if you are going to admit that you don't know or you are going to bluff - If you are not willing to say you don't know the answer, then it shows you are not willing to let go your ego - Do not take political sides, stay neutral - Do not ask questions from interview panel - Do not use any wrong word, like not using "please" but using "privilege" - Prepare a list of funny and formal jokes in English - Being funny is one of the best way to be liked by others - Elimination of ego - There is no "I", refer using "this mind", "this being", etc - Attempt analysis - Analysis from UKPSC 2025 paper - GS1 was easy but not prepared by me - GS2 was also easy, buy I could only reach 62 questions in time, attempted only 42 questions with 9 wrong, my time allocation for each question was very inefficient - Link to sources - Baseline data - Official data record - Official reports, surveys, etc - Baseline consolidation - Baseline consolidation - Current and examples - Current and examples - Miscellaneous - Miscellaneous content - CSAT - CSAT - Languages - English - Hindi - Essay - Essay - GS1 - Art and culture - History - Ancient India - Medieval India - Modern India - Post-independence India - Contemporary World - Indian society - Geography - Physical Geography - India Physical Geography - Economic Geography - Human Geography - Mapping - GS2 - Polity and Constitution - Governance and Administration - Social Justice - International Relations - GS3 - Indian Economy - Science and tech - Physics - Chemistry - Biology - Technology - Environment - Disaster Management - Internal security - GS4 - Ethics - Case Studies - Optional - Anthropology paper 1 - Anthropology paper 2 - MCQs and Answer writing - MCQs solving - Answer writing - Topper copies - All Subjects