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

Tejas Agnihotri

Facts (Thematic).pdf

Alphabetical Brainstorming.pdf

Graphs, Charts, Diagrams.pdf

Committees.pdf

Vocab.pdf

Cases, CAs.pdf

Quotes.pdf

Articles.pdf

DPSPs and FDs.pdf

Shortened class notes.pdf

Sample of 200 topics (Crisp notes).pdf

Going to share the sample of some of my notes and my strategy and thought process around them. 
After this message you would find a string of PDFs. These are samples only and I urge you to make your own notes. If you can’t wrap your head around my notes/strategy, please do not waste your time on them and find something that clicks for you. There are n number of ways to clear this exam, this happens to be the way that worked for me. 
The purpose of sharing sample notes to begin with was to familiarise you with my thought process. Samples would force you to make your own notes, which trust me when I say this, is the way to go (even if you don’t follow my strategy).
Making someone else’s resources and strategy “your own” is extremely crucial.
These are some of the sample graphs/diagrams that I kept handy. The aim was to use them to fill up spaces if I could not come up with enough points. 
1. Filling up spaces to make your answer sheet appear “fuller” is something that I feel has some psychological sense to it (for the checker). But at the same time, we must make sure to keep our answers’ presentation neat. Do not insert diagrams anywhere just to use them.
2. This is a methodology that I followed for a brief while. It entails brainstorming on letters of alphabets to generate points/vocab which I can use in almost any question. Though it got a bit hectic after a while and so I left the process midway. But this is one approach which you can use to brainstorm points/filler content.
3. Pretty straightforward. Try to arrange your facts thematically. And as and when found, keep adding catchy phrases you find under the respective subheadings.
4. This is how I had made notes for the 200 topics that I prepared for mains. Notice the crispness and the compactness of the notes. Making them this way ensured that I could go over these 200 topics (hardly 20 pages) multiple times and revisit them even during the breaks that we get between papers.
5. On a similar pattern, this is how I had shortened my class notes to ensure I could revise them multiple times. I had boiled down 250 odd pages of class notes (of one topic, say polity) into 7-8 pages. And I had done so for all major topics. Doing this will require a thorough understanding of your own notes. You will know what to include in these super crispy notes only if you’ve gone through your source notes multiple times. Again, remember the cardinal rule (that you’ve probably heard more than your own name during your preparation) - Revision is the key. All of this ensured multiple rounds of efficient revisions.
6. I had made a document with Articles that I encountered throughout my preparation. Arranging them neatly in an ascending order (and doing this exercise on my own) helped me remember and understand them better.
7. Quotes. Keep collecting them. In the end, make a final document theme wise and select 2-3 quotes for each of the themes from your main source quote notes.
8. Very very important. Enriching your “vocab” and how you present your thoughts is EXTREMELY CRUCIAL. Mains is all about how elegantly you can present your thoughts. Strive to keep enriching your repertoire of “words and phrases” through which you can express yourself better. While reading newspapers, pay attention to not only understanding the issues but also to how they make you understand. If you come across an article that felt a breeze to read, take a pause and analyze why it was so. Why was it more enjoyable than other articles? Pick up words and statements you like and consciously inject them in your answers. 
Also, I am not saying to use flowery words. Not at all. Simplicity is the key. Use words that we have no problem understanding but somehow slip our attention when we are writing answers.
9.Make a list of important committees. Go a step further and see what they have actually recommended. Use their recommendations in your answers.

sample of some of my notes and my strategy and thought process around them. going to share the sample of some of my notes and my strategy and thought process around them. 
after this message you would find a string of pdfs. these are samples only and i urge you to make your own notes. if you can’t wrap your head around my notes/strategy, please do not waste your time on them and find something that clicks for you. there are n number of ways to clear this exam, this happens to be the way that worked for me. 
the purpose of sharing sample notes to begin with was to familiarise you with my thought process. samples would force you to make your own notes, which trust me when i say this, is the way to go (even if you don’t follow my strategy).
making someone else’s resources and strategy “your own” is extremely crucial.
these are some of the sample graphs/diagrams that i kept handy. the aim was to use them to fill up spaces if i could not come up with enough points. 
1. filling up spaces to make your answer sheet appear “fuller” is something that i feel has some psychological sense to it (for the checker). but at the same time, we must make sure to keep our answers’ presentation neat. do not insert diagrams anywhere just to use them.
2. this is a methodology that i followed for a brief while. it entails brainstorming on letters of alphabets to generate points/vocab which i can use in almost any question. though it got a bit hectic after a while and so i left the process midway. but this is one approach which you can use to brainstorm points/filler content.
3. pretty straightforward. try to arrange your facts thematically. and as and when found, keep adding catchy phrases you find under the respective subheadings.
4. this is how i had made notes for the 200 topics that i prepared for mains. notice the crispness and the compactness of the notes. making them this way ensured that i could go over these 200 topics (hardly 20 pages) multiple times and revisit them even during the breaks that we get between papers.
5. on a similar pattern, this is how i had shortened my class notes to ensure i could revise them multiple times. i had boiled down 250 odd pages of class notes (of one topic, say polity) into 7-8 pages. and i had done so for all major topics. doing this will require a thorough understanding of your own notes. you will know what to include in these super crispy notes only if you’ve gone through your source notes multiple times. again, remember the cardinal rule (that you’ve probably heard more than your own name during your preparation) - revision is the key. all of this ensured multiple rounds of efficient revisions.
6. i had made a document with articles that i encountered throughout my preparation. arranging them neatly in an ascending order (and doing this exercise on my own) helped me remember and understand them better.
7. quotes. keep collecting them. in the end, make a final document theme wise and select 2-3 quotes for each of the themes from your main source quote notes.
8. very very important. enriching your “vocab” and how you present your thoughts is extremely crucial. mains is all about how elegantly you can present your thoughts. strive to keep enriching your repertoire of “words and phrases” through which you can express yourself better. while reading newspapers, pay attention to not only understanding the issues but also to how they make you understand. if you come across an article that felt a breeze to read, take a pause and analyze why it was so. why was it more enjoyable than other articles? pick up words and statements you like and consciously inject them in your answers. 
also, i am not saying to use flowery words. not at all. simplicity is the key. use words that we have no problem understanding but somehow slip our attention when we are writing answers.
9.make a list of important committees. go a step further and see what they have actually recommended. use their recommendations in your answers.  tejas agnihotri notes upsc

Sample of some of my notes and my strategy and thought process around them.

World History.pdf

Starting with the notes, I’m sharing the world history notes that I referred to in my second attempt. They are very short, crisp and concise. If you find yourself short on time, feel free to refer to them. The trend has been such that investing too much time in world history has yielded diminishing returns. However, trends can always change and hence we must prepare (at least on a very basic level). 


world history notes starting with the notes, i’m sharing the world history notes that i referred to in my second attempt. they are very short, crisp and concise. if you find yourself short on time, feel free to refer to them. the trend has been such that investing too much time in world history has yielded diminishing returns. however, trends can always change and hence we must prepare (at least on a very basic level). 
  tejas agnihotri topic-discussion upsc

World History Notes

This is one method of active studying/revising that has helped me with modern history. I got the printout of all the summaries (and appendix) of spectrum.
I read the summary first, went to back to the full chapter and added whatever extra I found in the margins of this document. 
At the end, I only went through this document and not the whole of spectrum. This is another example of “consolidation”.

active studying/revising this is one method of active studying/revising that has helped me with modern history. i got the printout of all the summaries (and appendix) of spectrum.
i read the summary first, went to back to the full chapter and added whatever extra i found in the margins of this document. 
at the end, i only went through this document and not the whole of spectrum. this is another example of “consolidation”.  tejas agnihotri topic-discussion upsc

Active studying/revising

Some dos and don’ts about two weeks before prelims -

1. Try to revise your old material (notes, CA sources etc) as much  as possible. Avoid reading completely new sources now. This is usually said because new information can shake your confidence. However, if you must, feel free to read new information as well provided it doesn’t bog you down.

2. PYQs PYQs PYQs. The utility of PYQs cannot be overstated.

3. Focus on things that you have to rote learn. Facts from history, map work, species in news etc.

4. You can easily skip newspapers now. However, if you can squeeze in 20-25 minutes and go through the major headlines, that would be ideal.

5. DO NOT attempt any more tests now. Focus on revising more. 

6. It is okay if you are still studying late at night. Start adjusting your sleep schedule a week before the D-Day. Ensure that you get good 7 hours+ sleep for at least 3 days before prelims. It is possible that sleep would evade you the night of pre. Do not panic. It happens. Ensuring you’ve slept well a few days before pre would ensure you would do well with a little less sleep.

7. Do not eat a heavy breakfast that will make you lethargic. Carry chocolates that you can munch on right before entering and in the break. Glucose (from the chocolate) would help your brain function better.

8. Do not panic. At least try not to. Whatever you have done till now is enough. Have faith in yourself and your preparation. I recall a quote which says - “Worrying is like rocking a chair. It does not get you anywhere but gives you something to do”.
Talk to your friends and family if needed. De-stressing is crucial.

9. It is okay to leave all your books and preparation and relax the night before prelims. Do whatever that will help you relax and take the steam off. Ensure you hit the bed on time.

10. Visit your centre once before going there on the main day. If you do not have the time, send a family member or a friend. 

11. Always leave on time from wherever you are putting up. Arriving 30 minutes before is much better than arriving 2 minutes late. Reaching the centre JUST in time would also make you a bit anxious. So please ensure you reach the centre 30 minutes before the stated time. 

12. Do not peak before the exam day. Do not burn yourself out in the coming ten days. Study sustainably and study smartly. Listen to your body. Eat well and rest well. Go as hard as possible while respecting your own limits. 

13. It is okay if you cannot follow through with your schedule and things are becoming a bit random. It happens with everyone. Focus on making daily targets now. It will help you keep your head calm. Approach the next two weeks one day at a time. 

14. Start compiling your CSAT short notes (if you haven’t already) and start revising them.

15. PYQs PYQs PYQs. If they are being mentioned twice, that should say something.
Krishna Ki Pukaar Hai
Yeh Bhagavata Ka Saar Hai
Ki Yuddh Hi to Veer Ka Pramaan Hai
Kauravo Ki Bheed Ho Ya
Paandavo Ka Need Ho
Jo Lad Saka Hai
Wohi Toh Mahaan Hai

Just a handful of days remaining before prelims. Feeling anxious and having a general feeling that things are spiraling out of control is normal. You are not alone. Most of the serious aspirants face the same emotions you are facing right now. However, staying ahead of the curve now is a function of keeping your cool and managing your emotions. The more calm and composed you will be, the better you will perform. 
You have accumulated all the knowledge that you need to clear prelims. Trust your preparation and your instincts.

If you still feel troubled, think about the fact that at least you have an opportunity to write the exam and test your mettle. Innumerable people cannot even afford to attempt the paper that you will solving on the 16th of June. Financial hardships, family emergencies and many other factors would have inhibited them from even being a part of the race. They would give anything just to be in your shoes and have a shot at attempting the paper. Feel grateful that you have this opportunity and use it to the fullest. 

Concluding with the lines I started this post with - “Yuddh hi to veer ka pramaan hai” and “Jo ladd saka wohi to mahaan hai”, you have my utmost respect for facing your inner demons and putting up a fight till the end. For me, you are already a winner. Many people give in to the fear and do not even enter the race/attempt the paper. You on the other hand have decided to fight and give it your all. And in the end, that is all we can do. Give it our all. Be proud of yourself. 

some dos and don’ts about two weeks before prelims - some dos and don’ts about two weeks before prelims -

1. try to revise your old material (notes, ca sources etc) as much  as possible. avoid reading completely new sources now. this is usually said because new information can shake your confidence. however, if you must, feel free to read new information as well provided it doesn’t bog you down.

2. pyqs pyqs pyqs. the utility of pyqs cannot be overstated.

3. focus on things that you have to rote learn. facts from history, map work, species in news etc.

4. you can easily skip newspapers now. however, if you can squeeze in 20-25 minutes and go through the major headlines, that would be ideal.

5. do not attempt any more tests now. focus on revising more. 

6. it is okay if you are still studying late at night. start adjusting your sleep schedule a week before the d-day. ensure that you get good 7 hours+ sleep for at least 3 days before prelims. it is possible that sleep would evade you the night of pre. do not panic. it happens. ensuring you’ve slept well a few days before pre would ensure you would do well with a little less sleep.

7. do not eat a heavy breakfast that will make you lethargic. carry chocolates that you can munch on right before entering and in the break. glucose (from the chocolate) would help your brain function better.

8. do not panic. at least try not to. whatever you have done till now is enough. have faith in yourself and your preparation. i recall a quote which says - “worrying is like rocking a chair. it does not get you anywhere but gives you something to do”.
talk to your friends and family if needed. de-stressing is crucial.

9. it is okay to leave all your books and preparation and relax the night before prelims. do whatever that will help you relax and take the steam off. ensure you hit the bed on time.

10. visit your centre once before going there on the main day. if you do not have the time, send a family member or a friend. 

11. always leave on time from wherever you are putting up. arriving 30 minutes before is much better than arriving 2 minutes late. reaching the centre just in time would also make you a bit anxious. so please ensure you reach the centre 30 minutes before the stated time. 

12. do not peak before the exam day. do not burn yourself out in the coming ten days. study sustainably and study smartly. listen to your body. eat well and rest well. go as hard as possible while respecting your own limits. 

13. it is okay if you cannot follow through with your schedule and things are becoming a bit random. it happens with everyone. focus on making daily targets now. it will help you keep your head calm. approach the next two weeks one day at a time. 

14. start compiling your csat short notes (if you haven’t already) and start revising them.

15. pyqs pyqs pyqs. if they are being mentioned twice, that should say something.
krishna ki pukaar hai
yeh bhagavata ka saar hai
ki yuddh hi to veer ka pramaan hai
kauravo ki bheed ho ya
paandavo ka need ho
jo lad saka hai
wohi toh mahaan hai

just a handful of days remaining before prelims. feeling anxious and having a general feeling that things are spiraling out of control is normal. you are not alone. most of the serious aspirants face the same emotions you are facing right now. however, staying ahead of the curve now is a function of keeping your cool and managing your emotions. the more calm and composed you will be, the better you will perform. 
you have accumulated all the knowledge that you need to clear prelims. trust your preparation and your instincts.

if you still feel troubled, think about the fact that at least you have an opportunity to write the exam and test your mettle. innumerable people cannot even afford to attempt the paper that you will solving on the 16th of june. financial hardships, family emergencies and many other factors would have inhibited them from even being a part of the race. they would give anything just to be in your shoes and have a shot at attempting the paper. feel grateful that you have this opportunity and use it to the fullest. 

concluding with the lines i started this post with - “yuddh hi to veer ka pramaan hai” and “jo ladd saka wohi to mahaan hai”, you have my utmost respect for facing your inner demons and putting up a fight till the end. for me, you are already a winner. many people give in to the fear and do not even enter the race/attempt the paper. you on the other hand have decided to fight and give it your all. and in the end, that is all we can do. give it our all. be proud of yourself.   tejas agnihotri strategy upsc

Some dos and don’ts about two weeks before prelims -

I have been receiving many queries as to how many revisions are needed for a particular topic. I’ve mentioned in a video that I could revise spectrum only once during my first attempt. Maybe that caused some confusion. 
To elaborate, I revised the notes I made during my coaching thoroughly. On top of that, due to paucity of time I could only revise spectrum once (strategically right before prelims). I could revise more in my second attempt. 

The point is simple. The more you can revise, the better. But sometimes, due to other subjects and priorities, you can only squeeze in a couple of revisions. If that’s the case with you, try to squeeze that revision as close to pre as possible. 

My point has never been to put forth the argument that one revision is sufficient. But if you can afford only one revision, it’s better to be smart about it.

how many revisions are needed for a particular topic? i have been receiving many queries as to how many revisions are needed for a particular topic. i’ve mentioned in a video that i could revise spectrum only once during my first attempt. maybe that caused some confusion. 
to elaborate, i revised the notes i made during my coaching thoroughly. on top of that, due to paucity of time i could only revise spectrum once (strategically right before prelims). i could revise more in my second attempt. 

the point is simple. the more you can revise, the better. but sometimes, due to other subjects and priorities, you can only squeeze in a couple of revisions. if that’s the case with you, try to squeeze that revision as close to pre as possible. 

my point has never been to put forth the argument that one revision is sufficient. but if you can afford only one revision, it’s better to be smart about it.  tejas agnihotri strategy upsc

how many revisions are needed for a particular topic?

https://youtu.be/ukLnPbIffxE?si=aOL94LBKRN9WLXej

A good guide as to how to effectively study. If it gets a bit too much to implement, remember, achieving perfection isn’t the goal. Striving to achieve perfection is.

how to study for upsc exam/ https://youtu.be/uklnpbiffxe?si=aol94lbkrn9wlxej

a good guide as to how to effectively study. if it gets a bit too much to implement, remember, achieving perfection isn’t the goal. striving to achieve perfection is.  tejas agnihotri topic-discussion upsc

How to study for UPSC exam/

*Test Series for Prelims*

“The road to hell is paved with gold, they'll tell you
All the things that you don't need, they'll sell you”

Please understand that going through a test series is neither necessary nor sufficient.
If you have less time, prioritise PYQs over any test series. That is what I did in this attempt. I did not solve any test series. In my first attempt, I did try to go through Forum’s test series (couldn’t finish all the tests). Here, your focus should be on solving full length tests if you’re short pressed for time. 

That being said, there are definitely some benefits of going through a test series - learning time management, additional knowledge, can boost your confidence etc.

However, do not judge yourself and extrapolate your performance in test series to how it will be on the D-Day. I feel there is still quite a wide gap between the way questions are designed in test series and in the real paper. In the real paper, the language and options are such that they will help you get to the right answer (provided you stay calm and observe). I feel test series haven’t been able to emulate this level of question making. 

Again, the most crucial factor towards clearing any stage is your confidence and sense of belief in whatever you’ve done. If you’re having FOMO because you didn’t go through a test series, please do. If you don’t have the time, you can certainly manage without it. 
(Practicing more has never hurt anyone. If you have the time, you should go through a test series to practice time management and your MCQ solving skills.)

test series for prelims *test series for prelims*

“the road to hell is paved with gold, they'll tell you
all the things that you don't need, they'll sell you”

please understand that going through a test series is neither necessary nor sufficient.
if you have less time, prioritise pyqs over any test series. that is what i did in this attempt. i did not solve any test series. in my first attempt, i did try to go through forum’s test series (couldn’t finish all the tests). here, your focus should be on solving full length tests if you’re short pressed for time. 

that being said, there are definitely some benefits of going through a test series - learning time management, additional knowledge, can boost your confidence etc.

however, do not judge yourself and extrapolate your performance in test series to how it will be on the d-day. i feel there is still quite a wide gap between the way questions are designed in test series and in the real paper. in the real paper, the language and options are such that they will help you get to the right answer (provided you stay calm and observe). i feel test series haven’t been able to emulate this level of question making. 

again, the most crucial factor towards clearing any stage is your confidence and sense of belief in whatever you’ve done. if you’re having fomo because you didn’t go through a test series, please do. if you don’t have the time, you can certainly manage without it. 
(practicing more has never hurt anyone. if you have the time, you should go through a test series to practice time management and your mcq solving skills.)  tejas agnihotri strategy upsc

Test Series for Prelims

Analysing PYQs of GS papers (Prelims) is extremely crucial. The returns of doing this exercise cannot be overstated. 
This is how I analysed the PYQs. 
First and foremost, I approached the papers year wise and not theme wise. I used to get them printed and would solve them in an exam like simulation. By doing so, I killed two birds with one stone. I practiced PYQs and at the same time I practiced how to solve the MCQs.  
Then I used to sit down and understand my mistakes (feedback loops). Understand the topics I lacked knowledge in. Understand where my “intelligent guessing” went wrong and how I could have tweaked the way I thought during the exam to get it right the next time. 
Then began the most crucial part. I used to go through each question thoroughly and would gather information on all the options that UPSC had thrown at us. And while analysing ALL the options, I had created my own notes and hot topics from where UPSC had asked questions frequently. Post this exercise, you will not only have quality content but also the MOST relevant content with you. It is quite obvious that designing questions and that too hundreds of them is no joke. The examiners are bound to go back to the PYQs and recycle them in ingenious ways. By doing this exercise I mentioned above, you will arm yourself with knowledge that can tackle such questions.
Given the contemporary nature of Prelims, you have to ensure you get your fundamentals bang on. Topics like Polity, Economics, Geography and Environment for example are topics where you can be a bit certain to get the questions right. The more you put in efforts here, the more chances of you getting the questions right. Any serious aspirant would be getting the questions to these topics right. If you could not, it does not mean you are out of the race. The race just became a bit more difficult for you. These topics provide the certainty amongst the uncertainty of prelims. You can prepare them well to hedge your risks. 
There is no right or wrong strategy. I had to completely leave Medieval History in my first attempt because I simply could not find the time. I had to choose between investing my time in Mathematics or Medieval History and the choice was crystal clear to me. You have to inevitably make such choices for yourself. You have to take risks. Just try to ensure that they are calculated risks based on some rationale.

analysing pyqs of gs papers (prelims) analysing pyqs of gs papers (prelims) is extremely crucial. the returns of doing this exercise cannot be overstated. 
this is how i analysed the pyqs. 
first and foremost, i approached the papers year wise and not theme wise. i used to get them printed and would solve them in an exam like simulation. by doing so, i killed two birds with one stone. i practiced pyqs and at the same time i practiced how to solve the mcqs.  
then i used to sit down and understand my mistakes (feedback loops). understand the topics i lacked knowledge in. understand where my “intelligent guessing” went wrong and how i could have tweaked the way i thought during the exam to get it right the next time. 
then began the most crucial part. i used to go through each question thoroughly and would gather information on all the options that upsc had thrown at us. and while analysing all the options, i had created my own notes and hot topics from where upsc had asked questions frequently. post this exercise, you will not only have quality content but also the most relevant content with you. it is quite obvious that designing questions and that too hundreds of them is no joke. the examiners are bound to go back to the pyqs and recycle them in ingenious ways. by doing this exercise i mentioned above, you will arm yourself with knowledge that can tackle such questions.
given the contemporary nature of prelims, you have to ensure you get your fundamentals bang on. topics like polity, economics, geography and environment for example are topics where you can be a bit certain to get the questions right. the more you put in efforts here, the more chances of you getting the questions right. any serious aspirant would be getting the questions to these topics right. if you could not, it does not mean you are out of the race. the race just became a bit more difficult for you. these topics provide the certainty amongst the uncertainty of prelims. you can prepare them well to hedge your risks. 
there is no right or wrong strategy. i had to completely leave medieval history in my first attempt because i simply could not find the time. i had to choose between investing my time in mathematics or medieval history and the choice was crystal clear to me. you have to inevitably make such choices for yourself. you have to take risks. just try to ensure that they are calculated risks based on some rationale.  tejas agnihotri topic-discussion upsc

Analysing PYQs of GS papers (Prelims)

A part of my room where I used to put some quotes that I like. Some of these posters I had designed myself. 
A friend of mine had inspired me to have this space in my room. Safe to say, such small “non-academic” things tend to cheer you up/push you to do more at times when you need it. They can even serve as a reminder on your bad days (which we all are bound to have).
You can save and revisit quotes that help you go the extra mile, to push a little bit more, to try a little bit harder. (And you never know, maybe these quotes will come handy in the essay paper. So maybe it’s not so non-academic after all).

quotes a part of my room where i used to put some quotes that i like. some of these posters i had designed myself. 
a friend of mine had inspired me to have this space in my room. safe to say, such small “non-academic” things tend to cheer you up/push you to do more at times when you need it. they can even serve as a reminder on your bad days (which we all are bound to have).
you can save and revisit quotes that help you go the extra mile, to push a little bit more, to try a little bit harder. (and you never know, maybe these quotes will come handy in the essay paper. so maybe it’s not so non-academic after all).  tejas agnihotri topic-discussion upsc

Quotes

Prelims - How to attempt the GS paper?*

I feel we are more drawn towards complicated methods because we feel that the tougher the exam is, the more sophisticated approach it requires. That’s not true. Find elegance and comfort in simplicity.
I simply started from the 1st question, gave it the time it deserved, marked the answer on the paper and moved on to the next question. Once I completed the paper (tried to finish it in 1:40 or 1:45 hours), I went back to the first question and started bubbling the OMR (gave second thought to some questions that really troubled me while bubbling). That’s it.

Some people go through multiple rounds where they first solve the questions they are sure of, they then solve questions in which they can eliminate 2 options in round two and so on. I felt this was too complicated a process for me. I did not want to spend my bandwidth categorising questions into these “buckets” (questions you’re sure of, questions where you can eliminate two options etc). 
See, any method is fine. But always see which one fits your style. You should feel good and confident about yourself. That is the ultimate goal. So if you have the time, do experiment and try different approaches. 

My purpose for sharing my method was to hopefully help someone feel confident that simple methods work. Simple methods are efficient and effective. Don’t let the “complications” of any exam challenge the power of simplicity. Remember that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Also, I’m aware that what’s simple for me might be complicated for someone else. That’s why you need to practice and see what clicks for you.

prelims - how to attempt the gs paper? prelims - how to attempt the gs paper?*

i feel we are more drawn towards complicated methods because we feel that the tougher the exam is, the more sophisticated approach it requires. that’s not true. find elegance and comfort in simplicity.
i simply started from the 1st question, gave it the time it deserved, marked the answer on the paper and moved on to the next question. once i completed the paper (tried to finish it in 1:40 or 1:45 hours), i went back to the first question and started bubbling the omr (gave second thought to some questions that really troubled me while bubbling). that’s it.

some people go through multiple rounds where they first solve the questions they are sure of, they then solve questions in which they can eliminate 2 options in round two and so on. i felt this was too complicated a process for me. i did not want to spend my bandwidth categorising questions into these “buckets” (questions you’re sure of, questions where you can eliminate two options etc). 
see, any method is fine. but always see which one fits your style. you should feel good and confident about yourself. that is the ultimate goal. so if you have the time, do experiment and try different approaches. 

my purpose for sharing my method was to hopefully help someone feel confident that simple methods work. simple methods are efficient and effective. don’t let the “complications” of any exam challenge the power of simplicity. remember that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
also, i’m aware that what’s simple for me might be complicated for someone else. that’s why you need to practice and see what clicks for you.  tejas agnihotri strategy upsc

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