Mains Strategy and Preparation

#Mains

I have had many questions

regarding how is it possible to study for mains in 3 months-

I was lucky enough to have found a great mentor Satyam Jain sir, his group was something I used extensively during my prep. So the process was quite streamlined. Will tell a few things that were instrumental in my preparation in these months.

1. Timetable- He had already put up a very detailed TT so I just had to stick to it. I did do a few bit of tweaks according to my schedule but basic framework did follow theirs.

2. PYQs everyday- There were questions everyday on the group. I was not able to solve them all days but did them on most days and put them on group as a way to maintain accountability to self.

3. Peer reviews- Because I was not much connected to other people who were giving UPSC, through this community only found a few people whose answers I liked or found would be helpful in improving and then we did reviews of each others answers. I usually asked for an extremely critical review, no sugar coating, if an answer is bad, I would love to hear that and ensure to improve.

P.S- But select the right people, nothing offensive but sometimes people’s reviews may not be spot on so try to see whom you find logical and relevant and feel that they are giving you great inputs. But also not too many people(4-5 max).

4. Satyam sir’s efforts in taking last min revision videos were damn on point and I did attend them very regularly. So these videos helped me make short notes and then add on to them if needed before mains.

5. Flash PYQs- To ensure your speed this is something we did on group, writing 2-3 PYQs of your choice of subject,( I choose to write optional) within stipulated time. This I did mostly after you have been in the habit of writing PYQs for a while and now you know how to write them. So now Time is crucial! Flash writing is a superb method that Satyam sir introduced into my routine.

So I do believe that your mains preparation when done with peers and mentor in the right direction can do wonders! But market has a lot to choose from. So Choose wisely where you spend your time and money if involved!

Also I am yet to do a video with Satyam sir where I have been wanting to talk more how the SFG was quite a great initiative for people like me who had not done much.

P.S - This is not an endorsement. You can have your own ways but wanted to share my personal journey in Understand UPSC and SFG.🙏🏻