How to make notes in UPSC preparation?

HOW TO MAKE NOTES?

I believe after reading the above pointers, you will be now able to understand things better.

* Art n culture, History- use the source, use PYQs to know the important themes and make notes specifically for those sections. Apart from this, your prelims notes will be sufficient to tackle any unexpected questions in the examination. In this section, always try to add MAPS to your notes. You can have readymade introductions here.

* Post independence, World History- Nowadays, not many questions are coming from this section. Just read the source and try to have some basic idea. You can take help of any coaching material available for these sections.

* Society- Here your notes can be in format of —-

Introduction (what is the topic about)- effects on the society, significance in the society, challenges it poses, govt policies, way forward.

You can use DATA here to address questions of globalisation, urbanisation, etc.

* Geography- same format-

Introduction- importance, formation, significance- implication, effects, challenges- way forward- best practice.

MAPS are to be mandatorily used while making notes here.

* Polity- for each topic follow the general framework of making notes and add SC JUDGEMENTS, ARTICLES, FLOWCHARTS.

* Governance & Social justice- Use govt SCHEMES to the fullest here. Try to get some good examples from newspapers and google for NGO, SHG, WELFARE SCHEMES, etc.

* ECONOMY [INCLUDING AGRICULTURE]- The framework should be-

Introduction (use of any data using PIB, newspaper)- importance/significance- impacts- pros/cons- govt schemes- way forward & best practice- conclusion.

In this section, you have a very wide scope to add FACTS, FLOWCHARTS, DIAGRAMS to add value to your answers.

SCHEMES run by government is very important in this section.

* SCIENCE & TECH, INTERNAL SECURITY- For every topic mentioned

Introduction-significance/applications- outline how important it is for INDIA- how much govt is contributing/schemes run- challenges it can or it poses in country- how can be improve upon it- conclusion.

For science and tech- always add DATA & some basic GOOD PRACTICES.

For internal security- the case studies where there are issues, good practices, MAP is very important in this section showing the particular issues arising.

* DISASTER MANAGEMENT- Introduction about disaster- how much it covers India- effects- challenges- NDMA guidelines- other best practices- govt schemes- conclusion. MAPS to tell where the major disasters occur.

* ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY- use the words mentioned in the syllabus and PYQ and make notes on those themes.

for EIA and such topics- general framework on issues and way forward.

Current affairs and environmental policies in news are very important here. Try to make short notes detailing on the POLICY in news.

* INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS-

For people with PSIR optional, no need to make any particular notes here.

For others, follow the basic framework on India- relations with neighbours and other international bodies-

Basic introduction showing importance of relations/body- mutual importance for each other- challenges/issues in news - how India should proceed- govt steps- conclude.