Shagun Kumar

Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India.

Union Public Service Commission

302504.pdf

Test 2 Shagun.pdf

305707.pdf

MGP-2024-Test-Code-714304-QP-2.pdf

MGP-2024-Test-Code-713304-QP-1.pdf

MGP-2024-Test-Code-712304-QP-2.pdf

Test 2 Shagun a.pdf

MGP-2024-Test-Code-711304-QP-2.pdf

Uploaded a copy with QP for each GS..
Mentioning my GS score (can refer copies accordingly)

G1 - 110
GS2 - 116
GS3 - 98
GS4 - 122

mock test copies uploaded a copy with qp for each gs..
mentioning my gs score (can refer copies accordingly)

g1 - 110
gs2 - 116
gs3 - 98
gs4 - 122  shagun kumar notes upsc

Mock test copies

Hello, I hope all of you have taken the much needed rest.

Some Way forward pointers from my side -

1. Anyone who is getting above 80 from few keys must go for mains preparation.
Make a schedule..decide which programs/test series you will join.

2. One can focus on few things..till the result is announced.

 A. Cover any leftover topic..which is a part of mains syllabus but not a part of your notes.

B. Start with Optional and GS4.
Optional is a game changer and one should start with it right away.

C. Cover any mains related current affairs backlog.

I will be uploading my test copies with QP in few days..hope that will help.

Thank You.

some way forward pointers from my side - hello, i hope all of you have taken the much needed rest.

some way forward pointers from my side -

1. anyone who is getting above 80 from few keys must go for mains preparation.
make a schedule..decide which programs/test series you will join.

2. one can focus on few things..till the result is announced.

 a. cover any leftover topic..which is a part of mains syllabus but not a part of your notes.

b. start with optional and gs4.
optional is a game changer and one should start with it right away.

c. cover any mains related current affairs backlog.

i will be uploading my test copies with qp in few days..hope that will help.

thank you.  shagun kumar strategy upsc

Some Way forward pointers from my side -

My take on Prelims 2025.

1. The paper was on a slightly difficult side compared to last year.
2. The paper was lenghty.
3. Real time elimination was difficult in the question paper. 
(Baad me dekhkar lag raha hai yeh eliminate hoo jayega..woo hoo jayega..but exam pressure me difficult laga hoga)
4. Some questions were vague..they will affect the cutt-off as their answers might vary.
(Open to interpretation typ hoo gaya)
5. Polity and History were doable

6. CSAT was definitely on a tougher side. One cannt rely completely on RCs or Maths and Reasoning. A balance btw the two has to be made. Some RCs were vague and their answers will vary.
6. Also, this tym there are 100-150 seats less in CSE

Given the abv factors.
I think the cutt-off for UR will be around 84 - 86.

my take on prelims 2025. my take on prelims 2025.

1. the paper was on a slightly difficult side compared to last year.
2. the paper was lenghty.
3. real time elimination was difficult in the question paper. 
(baad me dekhkar lag raha hai yeh eliminate hoo jayega..woo hoo jayega..but exam pressure me difficult laga hoga)
4. some questions were vague..they will affect the cutt-off as their answers might vary.
(open to interpretation typ hoo gaya)
5. polity and history were doable

6. csat was definitely on a tougher side. one cannt rely completely on rcs or maths and reasoning. a balance btw the two has to be made. some rcs were vague and their answers will vary.
6. also, this tym there are 100-150 seats less in cse

given the abv factors.
i think the cutt-off for ur will be around 84 - 86.  shagun kumar topic-discussion upsc

My take on Prelims 2025.

shagun kumar prelims marksheet 2024 shagun kumar prelims marksheet 2024  shagun kumar topic-discussion upsc

Shagun Kumar Prelims Marksheet 2024

SOME LAST MINUTE TIPS FOR PRE 2025.

1. Revise your static..specailly the repeated themes.

2. NO TEST SERIES now. Focus completely on PYQs. If you want to solve a test..solve a PYQ paper as FLT.

3. Please dont get FOMO by material over Youtube and Telegram. You will multiple files/videos with places in news, important keywords etc etc.They are not going to help you. Revise your own CA source.
DO NOT GO FOR ANY NEW RESOURCE right now.

4. Align your lifestyle with timings of your exam..
Sleep and wake up on time. Solve questions in morning and afternoon. Eat healthy. Take care of your body.

5. Practice CSAT..at least 30 mins a day..if preferably in afternoon.

6. Practice filling OMR sheets. At least some.

7. Keep your confidence intact.
You got this.
Stay away from negative people.

some last minute tips for pre 2025. some last minute tips for pre 2025.

1. revise your static..specailly the repeated themes.

2. no test series now. focus completely on pyqs. if you want to solve a test..solve a pyq paper as flt.

3. please dont get fomo by material over youtube and telegram. you will multiple files/videos with places in news, important keywords etc etc.they are not going to help you. revise your own ca source.
do not go for any new resource right now.

4. align your lifestyle with timings of your exam..
sleep and wake up on time. solve questions in morning and afternoon. eat healthy. take care of your body.

5. practice csat..at least 30 mins a day..if preferably in afternoon.

6. practice filling omr sheets. at least some.

7. keep your confidence intact.
you got this.
stay away from negative people.  shagun kumar strategy upsc

SOME LAST MINUTE TIPS FOR PRE 2025.

Hello Everyone.

A message for 2025 Aspirants.

Last few days were tough..
Our nation was/is in a war like situation..
There were blackouts everywhere..
The uncertainty regarding postponement was looming large..

Its extremely difficult to study and concentrate in these times..and we might feel that we have lost some precious 4-5 days.

But trust me, everyone was going through the same. Everyone was tensed. No one was able to study or concentrate.

Now, thinking about ke padhai nhi hoye, ab kya hoga..wont work.
Those who are able to get back to study...keep themselves calm and dont loose their self confidence..will be rewarded.

So, joo hoo gaya soo hooo gaya.
Ab hum kosis krte hai padhne ke 😊

Best Wishes to all ❤️
You all are as strong as our mighty Armed Forces 🙌

a message for 2025 aspirants. hello everyone.

a message for 2025 aspirants.

last few days were tough..
our nation was/is in a war like situation..
there were blackouts everywhere..
the uncertainty regarding postponement was looming large..

its extremely difficult to study and concentrate in these times..and we might feel that we have lost some precious 4-5 days.

but trust me, everyone was going through the same. everyone was tensed. no one was able to study or concentrate.

now, thinking about ke padhai nhi hoye, ab kya hoga..wont work.
those who are able to get back to study...keep themselves calm and dont loose their self confidence..will be rewarded.

so, joo hoo gaya soo hooo gaya.
ab hum kosis krte hai padhne ke 😊

best wishes to all ❤️
you all are as strong as our mighty armed forces 🙌  shagun kumar topic-discussion upsc

A message for 2025 Aspirants.

Bit on Test Series.

1. Prelims- 
Koi bhi ache nhi hote..no one match upsc..
Still I find Forum and SPIPA somewhat better...
Focus on PYQs

2. Mains (GS)-

I did Forum's MGP.
Found in satisfactory.
Helps in preparation of certain important topic.
(But the quality of model answers last year was not very good).

Also gave Vision for 4 years..
Its Okayish..
Vision ke CA magazine se zada poochte hai..(not a good thing).

Took Lukmaan's Ethics series back in 2021...kuch khass farak nhi pada tha 😅

Conclusion - We have to understand our mistakes khud se..and then work on them.
Mock ke marks zada matter nhi karte..
Checking aspirants he krte hai..

3. Sociology.

Gave Triumph (2020), Vision (2021-2023), Level Up(2021-2022) and Reliable and Valid(2024)

Level Up and Vision are good.

BUT-
4. Daily time bound answer writing of 5-6 PYQ with my dedicated peer group helped the most..
No test series can be close to that..
Wrote GS answers to 50-55 days straight btw Pre and Mains last time.
Also.
BEST Thing for mains improvement are topper copies.

Read them with open mind and try to find out "why" they are getting more marks?
It can be content quality, use of keywords, Presentation and Structuring, Point multiplication, Value addition etc.

I followed copies of Shruti Sharma Maam and Aditya Srivastav Sir.
They helped a Lot.

upsc test series. bit on test series.

1. prelims- 
koi bhi ache nhi hote..no one match upsc..
still i find forum and spipa somewhat better...
focus on pyqs

2. mains (gs)-

i did forum's mgp.
found in satisfactory.
helps in preparation of certain important topic.
(but the quality of model answers last year was not very good).

also gave vision for 4 years..
its okayish..
vision ke ca magazine se zada poochte hai..(not a good thing).

took lukmaan's ethics series back in 2021...kuch khass farak nhi pada tha 😅

conclusion - we have to understand our mistakes khud se..and then work on them.
mock ke marks zada matter nhi karte..
checking aspirants he krte hai..

3. sociology.

gave triumph (2020), vision (2021-2023), level up(2021-2022) and reliable and valid(2024)

level up and vision are good.

but-
4. daily time bound answer writing of 5-6 pyq with my dedicated peer group helped the most..
no test series can be close to that..
wrote gs answers to 50-55 days straight btw pre and mains last time.
also.
best thing for mains improvement are topper copies.

read them with open mind and try to find out "why" they are getting more marks?
it can be content quality, use of keywords, presentation and structuring, point multiplication, value addition etc.

i followed copies of shruti sharma maam and aditya srivastav sir.
they helped a lot.  shagun kumar strategy upsc

UPSC Test Series.

Sociology Resources-

1. IGNOU BA/MA Notes..
A gold mine for ensuring conceptual understanding.

They are freely available on egyankosh portal.

Search keywords of syllabus and you will get a pdf from egyankosh.

Eg- search " IGNOU BA Sociology Max Weber"

A pdf of Weber will appear.

2. Nitin Sangwan.

Very good and crisp notes by Nitin Sangwan Sir. It helps to fill the gaps in syllabus.

3. Any coaching or Topper notes can help.

Neha Bhosle Maam's notes, Tusharanshu Sir's notes or Animesh Sir's notes..
Any one can be referred.

I prepared my own notes from these sources in my 2nd reading.
Kept them short.

sociology resources- sociology resources-

1. ignou ba/ma notes..
a gold mine for ensuring conceptual understanding.

they are freely available on egyankosh portal.

search keywords of syllabus and you will get a pdf from egyankosh.

eg- search " ignou ba sociology max weber"

a pdf of weber will appear.

2. nitin sangwan.

very good and crisp notes by nitin sangwan sir. it helps to fill the gaps in syllabus.

3. any coaching or topper notes can help.

neha bhosle maam's notes, tusharanshu sir's notes or animesh sir's notes..
any one can be referred.

i prepared my own notes from these sources in my 2nd reading.
kept them short.  shagun kumar notes upsc

Sociology Resources-

Posting the Booklist..
1. Art and Culture.

A. Fine Arts Class 11 new NCERT.

B. Selected Chapters of Nitin Singhania(Religion, Literature, Festivals, Music, Dance, Coinage, Bhakti and Sufi etc)

Same resource for both Pre and Mains.

For Mains - Made PYQ guided notes on dynasties contribution to Art and Literature, Evolution of painting and Literature and architecture, Region wise architecture, Religious Art and architecture, Prominent places etc.
2. Histroy

Prelims-
A. Ancient History - Old NCERT.
B. Medieval History - Old NCERT.

+ Lucent GK book for ancient and Medieval ( A bit fact loaded, but a very book for Prelims)

C. Modern History- Spectrum.

For Mains-
Again made PYQ guided notes from Spectrum on importance events, personalities, Revolutions and revolutionaries, Phases of Independence struggle, Social reform movements etc
3. Society.

Used Vision's Value Addition Materail (VAM) for mains specific notes.

Didn't nothing for prelims as such(Covered from current only)
4. Polity, Social issues, Governance

Prelims- Laxmikant.

Mains -
Constitution and Basic notes from Laxmikant...top up by VAM.

For Social issues and Governance used VAM to make notes.
5. IR

Made extensive use of Vision Current Affair magazine for both Prelims and Mains.

Eventually the magazine will cover all topics like Indo- Pak, china, usa, europe, central asia, IOR, international Bodies in 6-7 months.

Made short note on each of them from the magazine for mains.
6. Geography.

Prelims and Mains- Made notes from Class 11 and 12 NCERT..

Took help of Rajtanil Maam's videos of Mrunal Sir's channel for conceptual clarity.
7. Economy.

Prelims- 
A. Used Mrunal Sir's Youtube videos for initial understanding.
B. Used Vivek Singh's book on Indian Economy.

Mains-
With Vivek Singh's book..used VAM for syllabus specific notes..
(For eg- used VAM for topics like includive growth etc).
8. Agriculture-

Prelims-
Nothing as such...CA+ Thode knowledge from Environment wale resources.

Mains-
Syllabus specific notes from VAM.
9. Environment.

Prelims- 
Shankar IAS Envi book.

Mains-
CA+Shankar+VAM ke mili jhule notes as per syllabus
10. Disaster Management..

Its a mains specific subject...used VAM to make notes
11. S&T.

Prelims- CA booklets.

Mains-
Basic notes on Biotech, Nanotech, GM crops, Space tech,robotics etc from VAM
+ CA .
12. Internal Security.

Mains specific topic-
Used VAM+CA.
13. Ethics.

Used G Subbaroa book for initial understanding.

Then used Shubham Kumar Sir's notes and extensive use of internet to make keyword and syllabus specific notes with daigrams, quotes and examples.
14. Current Affairs.

Indian Express+

Vision CA monthly magazines
(Made markings in pdf for prelims.
And Made short notes for mains)
For Prelims, used to make markings in book,pdf

And made Notes for mains.

upsc booklist and resouces posting the booklist..
1. art and culture.

a. fine arts class 11 new ncert.

b. selected chapters of nitin singhania(religion, literature, festivals, music, dance, coinage, bhakti and sufi etc)

same resource for both pre and mains.

for mains - made pyq guided notes on dynasties contribution to art and literature, evolution of painting and literature and architecture, region wise architecture, religious art and architecture, prominent places etc.
2. histroy

prelims-
a. ancient history - old ncert.
b. medieval history - old ncert.

+ lucent gk book for ancient and medieval ( a bit fact loaded, but a very book for prelims)

c. modern history- spectrum.

for mains-
again made pyq guided notes from spectrum on importance events, personalities, revolutions and revolutionaries, phases of independence struggle, social reform movements etc
3. society.

used vision's value addition materail (vam) for mains specific notes.

didn't nothing for prelims as such(covered from current only)
4. polity, social issues, governance

prelims- laxmikant.

mains -
constitution and basic notes from laxmikant...top up by vam.

for social issues and governance used vam to make notes.
5. ir

made extensive use of vision current affair magazine for both prelims and mains.

eventually the magazine will cover all topics like indo- pak, china, usa, europe, central asia, ior, international bodies in 6-7 months.

made short note on each of them from the magazine for mains.
6. geography.

prelims and mains- made notes from class 11 and 12 ncert..

took help of rajtanil maam's videos of mrunal sir's channel for conceptual clarity.
7. economy.

prelims- 
a. used mrunal sir's youtube videos for initial understanding.
b. used vivek singh's book on indian economy.

mains-
with vivek singh's book..used vam for syllabus specific notes..
(for eg- used vam for topics like includive growth etc).
8. agriculture-

prelims-
nothing as such...ca+ thode knowledge from environment wale resources.

mains-
syllabus specific notes from vam.
9. environment.

prelims- 
shankar ias envi book.

mains-
ca+shankar+vam ke mili jhule notes as per syllabus
10. disaster management..

its a mains specific subject...used vam to make notes
11. s&t.

prelims- ca booklets.

mains-
basic notes on biotech, nanotech, gm crops, space tech,robotics etc from vam
+ ca .
12. internal security.

mains specific topic-
used vam+ca.
13. ethics.

used g subbaroa book for initial understanding.

then used shubham kumar sir's notes and extensive use of internet to make keyword and syllabus specific notes with daigrams, quotes and examples.
14. current affairs.

indian express+

vision ca monthly magazines
(made markings in pdf for prelims.
and made short notes for mains)
for prelims, used to make markings in book,pdf

and made notes for mains.  shagun kumar notes upsc

UPSC Booklist and Resouces

Hello Everyone,
Since most of you were able to see their marksheets..

Here is something on RESERVE LIST (RL)..
Since I was selected via RL in CSE 2023.

1. The UR cutt off will go 6-8 marks below Main list cut off..
In 2023..main list cut off was 953..
And RL closed at 946..

There were 120 people in RL..out of which 88 were from UR

This year there will be 115 people..and something around 85-88 from UR..
So similar trends are expected.

In 2024 anyone getting more tha 940 have good chances to be in RL.

2. For OBC category..RL closes at 1-3 mark below Main list cut off..

3. For EWS, SC and ST RL has very limited number of candidates.
It is generally only 1 mark below the main list cut off.

here is something on reserve list (rl).. hello everyone,
since most of you were able to see their marksheets..

here is something on reserve list (rl)..
since i was selected via rl in cse 2023.

1. the ur cutt off will go 6-8 marks below main list cut off..
in 2023..main list cut off was 953..
and rl closed at 946..

there were 120 people in rl..out of which 88 were from ur

this year there will be 115 people..and something around 85-88 from ur..
so similar trends are expected.

in 2024 anyone getting more tha 940 have good chances to be in rl.

2. for obc category..rl closes at 1-3 mark below main list cut off..

3. for ews, sc and st rl has very limited number of candidates.
it is generally only 1 mark below the main list cut off.  shagun kumar topic-discussion upsc

Shagun Kumar

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