പരീക്ഷ കഴിഞ്ഞാൽ പഠിച്ചതെല്ലാം മറന്നു പോകുന്നത് ശ്രദ്ധിച്ചിട്ടില്ലേ... അതെല്ലാം തലച്ചോറിന്റെ താൽക്കാലിക ഓർമ്മയിൽ മാത്രമേ സൂക്ഷിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടായിരുന്നുള്ളൂ. അപ്പോൾ ഒരു കാര്യം ശരിക്ക് പഠിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടോ ഇല്ലയോ എന്നറിയാൻ എന്താണ് വഴി? അതേ.. ആ അറിവിനെ തലച്ചോറിന്റെ ദീർഘകാല ഓർമ്മയിൽ സൂക്ഷിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടോ എന്നറിയണം.

ഇങ്ങനെ അറിയാൻ വേണ്ടി പല വഴികളുണ്ട്.. സ്കൂളിൽ നടത്തുന്ന പരീക്ഷ അത്തരത്തിൽ ഒരു വഴിയാണ്. പഠിച്ച പല ഭാഗത്തുനിന്നും ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ ചോദിച്ച്, അത് ഓർത്തെടുത്ത് എഴുതാൻ കഴിയുന്നുണ്ടോ എന്ന് നോക്കുകയാണല്ലോ അപ്പോൾ ചെയ്യുന്നത്. പക്ഷേ, ഇങ്ങനെ പരീക്ഷ എഴുതുന്നതിന് ഒത്തിരി പരിമിതിയുണ്ട്. കുട്ടിയുടെ മറ്റു കഴിവുകൾ ഒന്നും ഈ രീതിയിൽ അളക്കാൻ പറ്റില്ല.

ഒരു കാര്യം ഓർമ്മയിലുണ്ടോ എന്ന് മാത്രമല്ല, അത് നന്നായി അവതരിപ്പിക്കാൻ കഴിയുന്നുണ്ടോ, അറിവിനെ അവതരിപ്പിക്കാൻ വേണ്ട കൃത്യമായ വാക്കുകൾ അറിയാമോ, അറിവ് മറ്റൊരാളിന് പറഞ്ഞുകൊടുക്കാൻ ധൈര്യമുണ്ടോ തുടങ്ങി ഒരുപാട് കാര്യങ്ങൾ അവിടെ അളക്കാൻ വഴികളില്ല. എന്നാൽ ഇതൊക്കെ ചെയ്യാൻ പറ്റുന്ന രസകരമായ ഒരുപാട് മൂല്യനിർണയ മാർഗ്ഗങ്ങൾ വേറെയുണ്ട്. ലീഡ് ഐ എ എസ് ജൂനിയർ അത്തരം മാർഗങ്ങൾ ഉപയോഗിച്ചാണ് കുട്ടികളെ വിലയിരുത്തുന്നത്.

ജൂനിയർ കോഴ്സിൽ പകുതി കാലം പൂർത്തിയാക്കിയ കുട്ടികൾക്ക് വേണ്ടി ഇപ്പോൾ നടത്തുന്ന മിഡ് ടേം ഇവാലുവേഷൻ ഉദാഹരണമായി എടുക്കാം. ഈ മൂല്യനിർണയ രീതി വ്യത്യസ്തമാണ്. ഇതിനായി ആദ്യം ക്ലാസിലെ മുഴുവൻ കുട്ടികളെയും മൂന്നോ നാലോ ഗ്രൂപ്പുകളായി തിരിക്കും. അതുവരെ പഠിച്ച വിഷയങ്ങളെ അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കി ചില പ്രത്യേക വിഷയങ്ങൾ മെൻഡർ കുട്ടികൾക്ക് നൽകും.. ഓരോ ഗ്രൂപ്പിനും ഓരോ വിഷയമാകും നൽകുക.. കുട്ടികൾ ഗ്രൂപ്പിൽ പരസ്പരം ചർച്ച ചെയ്തു പരമാവധി പോയിന്റുകൾ കളക്ട് ചെയ്ത്, പ്രസന്റേഷനും മറ്റും തയ്യാറാക്കി അരമണിക്കൂർ കൊണ്ട് ബാക്കിയുള്ള മുഴുവൻ കുട്ടികൾക്കും അത് പഠിപ്പിച്ചു നൽകണം..

ഏറ്റവും ലളിതമായി രസകരമായി പഠിപ്പിച്ചു നൽകുന്ന ടീമിനും ഏറ്റവും നന്നായി ഗ്രൂപ്പിൽ അഭിപ്രായങ്ങൾ പറയുകയും പങ്കെടുക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന കുട്ടികൾക്കും നല്ല മാർക്ക് കിട്ടും. ഈ രീതി വളരെ പ്രശസ്തമായ ഒരു പഠനമാർഗം കൂടിയാണ്. നോബൽ സമ്മാന ജേതാവും ഭൗതികശാസ്ത്രജ്ഞനുമായ റിച്ചാർഡ് ഫെയിന്മാൻ വികസിപ്പിച്ചെടുത്ത ഒരു വഴിയാണിത്.

ഇങ്ങനെ പരിശോധിക്കുമ്പോൾ, അതുവരെ പഠിച്ച കാര്യങ്ങൾ ഓർത്തെടുക്കാൻ മാത്രമല്ല, അവയെ കൃത്യമായി പരസ്പരം ബന്ധിപ്പിക്കാനും ഏറ്റവും ലളിതമായ ഭാഷയിൽ മറ്റൊരാൾക്ക് മടിയില്ലാതെ പറഞ്ഞു നൽകാനും കുട്ടികൾ തയ്യാറാകും.

ഫെയിൻമാൻ രീതി പറയുമ്പോൾ എളുപ്പമാണെന്ന് തോന്നുമെങ്കിലും കൃത്യമായി ചെയ്യാൻ ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടാണ്. ലീഡ് ഐഎഎസ് ജൂനിയർ പ്രോഗ്രാമിലെ പരിശീലനം ലഭിച്ച മിടുക്കരായ മെൻ്റർമാർ ആയിരക്കണക്കിന് കുട്ടികൾക്ക് ഇത് ഒരേ സമയം ഫലപ്രദമായി ചെയ്യുകയാണ് ഇപ്പോൾ. ടെൻഷനും പേടിയും ഇല്ലാതെ പരീക്ഷ അറ്റൻഡ് ചെയ്യുന്ന സന്തോഷത്തിലാണ് കുട്ടികളും.

ഫെയിൻമാൻ മെതേഡ് മാത്രമല്ല, വിദ്യാഭ്യാസത്തെ കൂടുതൽ എളുപ്പമാക്കാൻ കഴിയുന്ന ഒത്തിരി പുത്തൻ മാർഗ്ഗങ്ങൾ ലീഡ് ജൂനിയറിൽ ചെയ്യുന്നുണ്ട്. ലീഡ് ഐഎഎസ് അക്കാദമിയുടെ ഗവേഷണ സ്ഥാപനമായ ലേണിംഗ് റിസർച്ച് സെൻററാണ് ഈ രീതികളെല്ലാം പ്രയോഗത്തിൽ എത്തിക്കുന്നത്. പഠിക്കാനും പരീക്ഷ എഴുതാനും പൊതുവിജ്ഞാനം വികസിപ്പിക്കാനും ഫലപ്രദവും നവീനവുമായ ഇത്തരം രീതികള്‍ വരും‌കാലങ്ങളില്‍ പൊതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസരംഗത്തെയും മാറ്റും എന്ന പ്രതീക്ഷയോടെ.

ആദില കബീര്‍

ഹെഡ്, ലേണിംഗ് റിസേര്‍ച്ച് സെന്റര്‍

Despite the best efforts, many of you are not placed in the result PDF.

It hurts when our efforts are not rewarded.

It hurts even more to tell the results to our parents. For some of us, their reactions make us feel heavy tonight.

We all have gone through what you are feeling right now.

I remember, five years back, when my roommate Aravind wished a common friend when he was going for a CAPF interview.

He told him, "Let whatever is good for you happen."

I was annoyed listening to this.

Everyone wishes good luck and success when someone goes for an exam or interview!

I asked Aravind, "Why did you do that? You should have wished him success!"

He politely corrected me.

"No one knows what is best for him. Only time will make sense of what is good for him."

Our friend cracked the interview that time, got a CAPF rank, joined CRPF, and after two years left the job and chose a career that made him happier.

Looking back, Aravind makes more sense to me. We can't foresee what is good and best for us!

The prelims result is hard. But it will make you stronger.

It may be an indication to get placed in the top ranks next year. It may be an opportunity to make yourself fit for the mains or optional for the next attempt.

Whatever it is, we should not allow this moment to define us. Zindagi Migzara.

When Nandini K R got the first rank in 2017 in her fifth attempt, she quoted a beautiful poem from the famous Kannada text Mankuthimmana Kagga. The translation goes something like this:

"Will a seed sown in the morning yield a sprout by evening?

Time plays a role in our cultivations;

Will the food cooked in haste, forgetting the time factor, be edible?

Tolerance is a lesson to be learned."

However, this phase has to pass. Lead IAS wants to support you in the best way possible. We own your failures as well.

Allow yourself to let these turbulent moments settle. And if you are still feeling clueless, please come and meet us.

Anyway, we will meet you all tomorrow evening online! Conversations do help sometimes!!

Good night.. ☺️

You are bravely entering the last phase of your mains preparation. In the light of evaluating dozens of essay copies in this year’s Mains Killer program, I have noticed some common mistakes. Here are the common issues and ways to tweak them so that you can boost your essay score in the CSE Mains 2023. Please pay attention to the following tips and make it part of your essay checklist:

1.     Capturing the individual words rather than grasping the essence of the topic: While the keywords in the question are extremely important, always make sure that you pay attention to the topic. Look for literal and metaphorical meanings too. Defining the key words in the beginning is an effective practice, However, do not get distracted by the words themselves.

2.     Falling short in giving ample examples: Always remember that examples are wonderworking instruments for driving your arguments straight into the mind of the examiner. Cover different spheres and various walks of life. Explore every field of human endeavour in your examples. Be like an advocate and argue your case convincingly.

3.     Explaining examples in detail: While examples are important, each example does not require elaborate explanations. We often end up providing background data of each example. Avoid intricate details and move on. That might steal you of time and space.

4.     Gazing into the rearview of time, not the unfurling horizon: Reflect on the present-day context and challenges while covering different spheres apart from covering examples from the past. You may mention and evaluate the policy initiatives and schemes in the context of the topic. Connect the topic to the existing or proposed legal, economic, political, or judicial reforms. Doing so will make the essay more relatable to the examiner and hence, more engaging.

5.     Not inquiring if the topic is universally valid: UPSC's interpretative essay topics often consist of quotes from philosophers or proverbs. They generally have universal appeal. Yet, we must remember that exceptions are an inseparable part of every rule. Ask if the given statement is always true. Could there be exceptions? Are there any challenges? What could be the solutions? Such questions will reveal new dimensions and possibilities.

6.     Not choosing a decisive position: After elaborating and analysing the topic, make sure that you take a clear position. This can be expressed towards the end of the essay. Try to be rational and inclusive in your stance. It will show the examiner that you can connect dots and make decisions on complex issues after comparing and analysing. Additionally, it will enhance the essay’s strength.

From my experience of going through your essays, please let me double assure you that you have sufficient awareness and life experience to deal with any topic that the UPSC might ask. I have seen you growing from good writers to better writers. You have the craft and creativity. You have got it all in you. I can vouch for you. 😊

Thank you for the insights that you brough to the table.

It's time to keep calm and reflect.

Unveil yourself!

Wish you the vey best!

Unni.

Traditionally, civil service exam training was equated with writing mock exams, and all training courses revolved around these mocks.

However, since the founding of Lead IAS, we have believed that there might be a better way to equip candidates for this exam.

We have found that while mocks are important, they may not always be the most effective or primary training method to bring out the best in students.

As an offshoot of this idea, we have robustly innovated a set of training methods at Lead IAS over the last four years.

Round Tables and UPSC Classics were introduced for Prelims. On-screen comparative evaluation became central in providing answer writing feedback. Daily Answer Writing became the most result-producing intervention in Mains Killer. Group Discussion became popular among candidates appearing for the UPSC Interview.

These innovations were not serendipitous. They evolved over time and emerged from an effort to create a student-centric learning ecosystem at Lead IAS.

To illustrate this point better, we need to understand the distinction between performance and training (for reference, I wrote about this last year).

Mock tests and training are not the same thing. The aim of mock tests is to assess performance, while the aim of learning and training is to develop the mental schemas that will allow you to perform. This can take many different forms.

In UPSC preparation, mock tests assess your performance; they do not necessarily build the skill sets that will enable you to perform better next time.

Therefore, a student needs to find intermediary training methods that will prepare them for future performances. This is exactly what we have been doing over the years.

Such an approach is bearing fruit. When almost all of our rank-holders attribute their success to these intermediary training methods, we feel validated!

The patience and effort invested in building something unconventional are now becoming the best and most trusted path.

When all these training initiatives are placed in a complete 'Learning Ecosystem,' results will flourish, just as a plant blossoms when planted in the right ecosystem!

This year, Kerala became the leading state in South India in terms of the best UPSC results, and the Lead IAS Learning Ecosystem has played the most crucial role in this change. Mains Killer has become a conduit for this transformation. In the coming years, the best results in South India will gravitate to Trivandrum.

We should never settle for less! ☺️

From each set, you can attempt to find the earliest. The exercise will force you to think across different domains and dynasties while cementing the chronological understanding.

Every pointers listed in this document cross cut different cultural, social and political developments in the history. Purposeful selection of these pointers will help in revisiting all relevant sections of the entire history and culture portions.

When you read an event or person, try recollecting what you could remember about it and the lessons surrounding it, thereby illuminating your essentials once again.

This exercise may be tough and advised for those who plan to revisit the history and culture in the coming three days. This exercise should not take more than three hours of time.

The UPSC exam is scheduled for June 16^th. Many of you are worried about the unfinished portions in your textbooks and materials. Some of you may be little disappointed with your mock test scores. We may feel the exam pressure intensely these days.

Clarity and conviction can help you address these troubles to a large extent. Once you gain clarity on how to meticulously strategize your coming days, you will feel relieved. Conviction in what you have read and done so far will help you confront the exam fearlessly. I hope this long letter will help you build both clarity and conviction for the coming days.

First of all, let’s discuss a strategy that will help you reap maximum benefits through prioritizing your lessons and optimizing revision time. Please remember that success in an exam is not entirely about hard work. It is about putting effort in the right place in the right way. Therefore, make sure that you read things that have a high chance of being asked in the exam.

Reading the texts for Ancient India for three days while neglecting the agriculture portions is not a wise decision. Similarly, chewing through the current affairs compilation a week before the exam while neglecting the Polity fundamentals will cost you dearly.

Therefore, plan the days ahead. Allocate days and hours for subjects in such a way that it maximizes your scores. Before you read anything, ask yourself: "Is it important for the exam?", "If so, what is the appropriate and optimum time I need to spend on it?"

Comprehensive coverage is unattainable for this exam, and it is unnecessary as well. A person reading relevant areas with a prelims point of view has a much higher chance of clearing this exam than a person trying to acquire expansive knowledge. Moreover, what you may miss in the books will be covered in the tests that you did. Interestingly, it is the general awareness that you picked up from different places (classes, movies, social media scrolls, conversations) and various stages (school, college) that is going to rescue you from some troubling questions in the exam!

Cumulative general awareness, prioritized coverage, exam-focused reading, and logical ways of question-solving are the key matrix for prelims success! It was never about completing your textbooks!

Therefore, in the coming days, you have to scoop out the most essential lessons from your books and class notes. While doing an in-depth analysis of ten years of previous year questions, I have found that around 70 questions in every GS Prelims are from a set of 32 specified themes irrespective of the difficulty level of the paper. These are the questions where the aspirant can have some control. Therefore, focusing on these specified sets of areas is going to be super helpful in your prelims.

Also, be mindful of any shortcuts and exam prophets in the last two weeks who proclaim that the questions will be from a list of 100/200 topics or a question paper. There is no magic list. The best we could do is to focus on priority themes (not on specific topics) from which questions may be repeated in the coming Prelims.

In the last few weeks, you should also not fear missing out on a few portions. You may have to do more questions and read faster without disrupting your daily routine and mental peace. I am presenting a few strategies on each subject which will help you prioritize topics and confidently miss out on irrelevant portions.

Polity

Polity has been the most rewarding subject for prelims over the years. Many questions were traditionally confined to the textbook  Indian Polity by Laxmikanth. The 2023 Prelims, however, has been a departure from this trend. We are unsure whether this deviation will continue or not. Despite this, we have to stick to Laxmikanth as the book ensures good coverage of essentials.

In Laxmikanth, revise the two lengthiest yet most rewarding chapters really well – Parliament and Fundamental Rights. In the Parliament chapter, you must be thorough with the process of enacting different kinds of bills, various offices and committees, differences in powers of two chambers, the concept of the parliamentary system, and associated issues like anti-defection, office of profit, etc.

Prioritize DPSP and Preamble chapters and make sure that you understand the foundational ideas like liberty, justice, constitutionalism, the parliamentary system, the cabinet system, etc. Never forget to revisit important amendments and recent amendments from the appendix chapter of Laxmikanth and to refresh your memory on the 12 schedules in the constitution. Elections, important offices in the executive, the Supreme Court, and procedures in the criminal justice system are also important since a sizeable number of questions have been asked from these areas as well. To secure the questions from the area of Public Policy, Rights Issues, Poverty, Inclusion, and Social Sector initiatives, make sure that you know the fundamentals of rights-based legislation in India.

Keep your study of polity conceptual and applied always. The gear-up session notes and charts, especially the list of important articles, the comparison table on important institutions, and the table on emergencies are going to be lifesavers for all Prelims Killer students in the last round of revision.

Environment

The most rewarding area in Environment is biodiversity. Though it is a broader area, questions were limited to different species/species categories. Moreover, the aspects of those questions were limited to their location and the unique behavioral or physical traits of the species. This pattern in PYQs helps us calibrate our reading effectively for the exam. We can expect at least 4-7 questions from this area.

International Conventions, organizations, and major environment legislations are the second most important area for Environment. It is a vast area with a lot of details in your textbooks. Regardless of its vastness, it is a rewarding area - more than 50 questions in 9 years! Therefore, one must be cautious to read selectively by avoiding predictable and elaborate detailing in textbooks. The revision tables and the class materials are useful for you to navigate through this theme.

When it comes to pollution and climate change, the contours of the study are clearly discernible from PYQs. When studying pollution, we must understand the sources of pollutants and the consequences of environmentally damaging activities. A few questions on the advantages of pollution control mechanisms have also been asked. When it comes to climate change, organizations, random terms related to climate change, and the technologies to counteract climate change are the important portions. Questions on the science of climate change and the impact of climate change are less frequent in UPSC Prelims.

From sustainable agriculture, there were 14 questions in the last 9 years, whereas there were 6 questions on renewable energy. The approach towards this topic is very simple and the subject matter of this topic is not vast. One needs to know the recent developments in sustainable agriculture and all practices that make agriculture environment-friendly (remember biochar, permaculture, Miyawaki, and the system of rice intensification questions). In renewable energy, clarity on non-conventional renewables such as green energy is essential.

While you read environment current affairs, priority must be given to tables of climate change/biodiversity-related organizations and avoid conservation-related statistics, project details, and details about ancient species. Don’t get swirled in the unnecessary details given in current affairs compilations (if you are relying on any). Make sure that you are engaging in fast reading of relevant current affairs topics.

Economy

Economy content is more manageable compared to Environment. There is not much to read, but there is much to be understood. It is not wide knowledge that helps in Economy. It is the conceptual understanding that rewards. You have to be thorough in basics. With respect to money and banking, clarity on instruments and measures that control the liquidity and valuation of currency is a necessity.

When you study the External sector, concepts like the balance of payments, devaluation, exchange rate determination, etc., are important. Moreover, some important trade statistics and a special focus on WTO are rewarding.

From public finance, barring a few current affairs-triggered topics, questions are from predictable areas like budget, taxes, deficits, FRBM, Finance Commission, and GST. In all these, you need to have second-order clarity. (First order: Generic understanding; Second Order: In-depth understanding; Third Order: Specific and technical knowledge).

Capital Market questions are also consistently featured in the Prelims paper lately. However, these questions do not demand in-depth understanding, and a glance at important terms featured in any current affairs compilations will be useful to cover this area. When it comes to agriculture, a good idea about the benefits of flagship agriculture schemes and a second-order clarity over MSPs may be rewarding. Moreover, our textbooks overlook 'labor rights/laws' which have been a recurrent theme in our prelims. Therefore, reading any article from the internet, which already has been shared with Prelims Killer students, may be useful.

When we learn about institutions, reports/indices, and schemes related to economy and social justice, mostly current affairs notes, class notes, or materials can be relied on with a sharp focus on priority areas. Most times the authority behind reports and schemes is asked. Therefore, this area does not warrant an in-depth study of each report and scheme. When you study polity, environment, and economy, the template I have presented - “who gets to decide what” - in one of our gear-up sessions can become a powerful tool given the type of questions in Prelims Economy, Environment, Polity, etc.

Please note that Polity, Economy, and Environment are the core and stable subjects for the Prelims exam. In the last 10 years, the weightage of these subjects in the exam has not gone below 50%. It means that a person who is well-versed in these subjects could manage half of the paper reasonably well. The rest of the subjects in the Prelims paper are also significant, but the weightage of these subjects oscillates across years.

Science and Technology

Science and Technology is the most dynamic subject in Prelims. Owing to its dynamic nature, no fixed resource is useful. Therefore, we must be sharp to capture content on emerging technologies, especially in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Biotechnology, from whichever resources you have used—be it classes, compilations, etc.

UPSC has asked 3-5 questions each year lately in the areas of biology and biotechnology. Genetics, cell biology, microorganisms, diseases, and biotechnology (vaccines, gene editing) are favorites of UPSC. From ICT, understanding emerging communication technologies, prominent technologies involved in daily gadgets, and familiarity with a few common ICT terms are important. The most important digital initiatives by our government must also be looked at, given India's push for digital technology at the recent G20 summit.

When it comes to space and fundamental physics, apart from understanding a few essentials of astronomy, you must be thorough with the applications of artificial satellites, advancements in material sciences, nanotechnology, energy technologies, major scientific projects, and space missions.

History

History is one of the most expansive subjects in Prelims. Questions have been asked from prehistoric times to India’s independence, with a special focus on India’s culture and heritage. Usually, aspirants dissect this subject into four compartments—ancient India, medieval India, modern India, and art & culture. Cumulatively, you can expect around 12 to 18 questions from these areas.

In ancient and medieval history, learn the broad timeline, major locations on maps, and special terminologies. Compared to ancient India, questions on rulers (contributions, pairing with kingdoms) are more frequent in medieval India. Given the vastness of these areas, our faculty has rightly given you lists and maps that should adequately shield you even from spin-off questions. Also, don’t forget to glance through the maps given in your NCERTs and revisit the lessons on the Vijayanagara Empire, as it holds special significance in the Prelims Exam.

In art and culture, there are three major areas of study—architecture, literature, and philosophy. There are also questions on paintings, crafts, languages, etc. Most questions on architecture, crafts, paintings, religion, etc., can be tackled through map-based study. One needs to have a lot of Indian map outlines and revise these thematic maps multiple times in the final laps. Understanding the core philosophical tenets of Buddhism and Jainism, the evolution of Buddhism, and significant books, their time periods, and their authors may help you to get good rewards in the exam.

In modern India, political events, organizations, and their associated leaders and chronology are important focus points. While reading about political events, the trigger points, responses, and consequences of each event during this time must be generally understood. In the Spectrum book that aspirants usually refer to, there are a few chapters that present modern Indian history thematically. Among all themes, militant nationalism, rebellions, British legislation, educational interventions, and press/books seem to be more relevant for UPSC Prelims based on PYQ analysis.

While studying the Indian Independence movement, revisit the timeline you have prepared as part of the Prelims Killer Ultimate Revision Programme. If you are running short of time or find these areas overwhelming, just refer to the timelines and maps you have prepared for history and culture. That will help you to cross a basic knowledge threshold in Indian history. The political developments of early modern India did not have much reward according to the PYQs. However, the study of social reform organizations and their leaders is essential.

Geography

In Geography, physical geography made a strong comeback with 4 questions in the Prelims 2023. In Climatology, focus must be on important weather phenomena (jet streams, westerlies, cyclones, reasons for the formation of deserts and volcanoes in certain places) and on fundamentals that shape these weather phenomena. In geophysics, questions on earthquakes, insolation, dew formation, etc., have been asked, and you must be mindful of the physical aspects of these crucial phenomena. Going by previous year trends, you can decide to skip geomorphology and landforms.

In oceanography and resource geography, PYQs are very random. In such situations, sticking to basic readings or classes will be a safe method. Moreover, put some effort into quickly going through the new-age mineral deposits and their locations, given the recent passage of the Mines and Minerals Act, which regulates critical mineral exploration in our country.

A significant portion of Indian Geography questions are related to drainage systems. A thorough understanding of drainage—the origin of major rivers, their trail, and their major tributaries—is important. Use maps extensively, and the class notes from the Prelims Killer Ultimate Revision Programme will help you immensely in quickly revising these important topics. Another predictable area in geography and world affairs is the theme "places in the news." It is a rewarding area, especially for the last 3 years. It is manageable as the questions are easily solvable using observations in the atlas.

World Affairs

World affairs is an area where the number of questions is greater than that of ancient and medieval India. However, most test series around overlook these aspects and subsume this area either into the economy, current affairs, etc. Given the importance of this topic, Lead IAS has consciously included a specific test on this subject from last year onwards. We also suggest dedicating a few hours to the subject while you revise.

International organizations constitute the major chunk of the world affairs subject. The aspects that UPSC emphasizes in questions based on international organizations appear to be random. However, some recurring aspects are whether India is a member or not, organizations founded by, members involved, purpose, etc. In the case of most terms/agreements, current affairs themes are important.

Current Affairs

This is a very tricky area. Many people misunderstand what constitutes current affairs for the civil services exam. Therefore, many students read newspapers or compilations in the wrong way, eating away their precious time. In the last lap, one should not attempt to read any new compilations. If you have highlighted and made notes, make sure that you revisit them. If you are running short of time to revise current affairs portions you have prepared, just read science and technology and, if possible, environment and economy as well.

When you read them, as mentioned earlier, the focus must be on priority topics in light of the analysis given above in each subject. One who approaches 10 topics in an exam-specific manner would definitely take the lead over someone who has just gulped down 100 topics in an exam-blind manner. It is this quality that makes the learning style of toppers distinct from the rest.

The above-mentioned strategy presents the areas where you should put emphasis on while revising your books. However, don’t forget to practice questions while you revise. You can prioritize solving UPSC previous year questions. Make sure that you spend at least half an hour solving a few CSAT questions as well. When you solve questions, do time-bound practice to ensure exam readiness.

Finally, before closing this letter, I would like to remind you of two things. Gracefully let go of the unfinished portions. Those portions should not trouble you anymore from now onwards. Be light. Be relaxed.

Secondly, and most importantly, we are a clan of fighters. Each aspirant is an ambitious and courageous individual confronting the toughest exam in our country. Therefore, in the coming two weeks, you have to be at your best fighting spirit. A good fighter will always be unshakable and resilient. They understand the battlefield well and feel composed to confront any uncertainty. Throughout our training regime at Lead IAS, we stood beside you, honing your scoring skills and equipping you with the right armaments. We always cherish your fighting spirit. Salute!

Carpe diem!

From environmental legislations, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was UPSC's favorite. They have asked about Schedule 1 and Schedule 6 species, formalities to hunt an animal, and also about community reserve. All these questions were from the Wildlife Protection Act.

Apart from this, the Environmental Protection Act, CAMPA, National Green Tribunal, Forest Acts, Biodiversity Acts, and a few environmental regulations have been featured in UPSC questions. All these are major regulatory frameworks for environmental management. Surprisingly, UPSC is not fond of asking any special or specific schemes of conservation. Their focus is strictly on the major governance frameworks.

When it comes to International conventions and organizations, almost half of the questions are from familiar organizations or conventions. CITES convention, Agenda 21, Paris Agreement, Nagoya, Kyoto protocol, International Solar Alliance, Montreal Protocol, Green Climate Fund, and TRAFFIC are some of such popular global environmental legislations. At the same time, UPSC also asks about organizations which are not frequent in the regular study materials. Questions on Under2 Coalition, Invasive Species Specialist Group, The Partnership for Action on Green Economy, R2 code of Practices, and Momentum for Change are some of the examples.

Most often, UPSC goes beyond just identification of these organizations, even going slightly in-depth. The associated organizations, initiatives, origins, the purpose, and the character of the organization or treaty are asked as statements. This detailing makes this part slightly tough even for a well-studied aspirant.

You can start studying the most familiar organizations and a handful of environmental legislations to ensure a safe coverage threshold. Beyond this, the reward ratio comes down and the facts get jumbled. Therefore, we need to have a framework-based content-capturing approach that will make the study of random organizations effective. It means that one has to start preparing tables to organize scattered information about multiple organizations.

Another effective learning method to understand environmental organizations and legislations is to study with a historical sense. All environmental organizations or legislations have formed in tandem with the evolving environmental thought. Therefore, a good background understanding of the evolution of environmental thoughts and problems will help you to make good sense of these organizations/conventions.

The following article may partially guide you in this. It gives a framework within which you can trace the evolution of various global environment conventions. It will help you to understand the topics better: (https://aida-americas.org/en/blog/international-environmental-law-history-and-milestones)

In the last 9 years of UPSC Prelims, at least 48 questions were from this area. You can expect at least 5-6 questions from this area.

Most of the questions from this theme inquire whether the candidate understands the geographical spread or behavioral/physical traits of a species.

You must know that Orangutan has dexterity. Indian squirrels are good diggers, elephant herds have a matriarch, and honey bees can dance! In Prelims, understanding these unique traits of animals is getting more emphasis, especially after 2021.

Moreover, You should also know where to travel to if you want to meet the dancing deer, Asiatic lions, great hornbills, dugong, and gharials. You should also know whether Masheer fishes are abundant in Cauvery or whether the rusty spotted cats can be spotted in Eastern Ghats. You should also find a national park to navigate to the Western Ghats from the Eastern Ghats. A large percentage of the questions are solved using map-based study.

Also, keep track of recent news coming under the environmental tag. The recency effect is also much higher in the subject. Connect protected areas and species via current affairs e.g., Cheetah and Kuno (reintroduction), Elephant and Wayanad WLS (man-animal conflicts). All these thinking hacks would be immensely helpful.

The questions from the biodiversity largely disappoint a bookish aspirant. PMF IAS and Shankar provide an elaborate list of species and protected areas. Though the expansive content is appreciable, they don't give much clues or framework with which this list could be comprehended or prioritised.

Here, a conscious learner should focus on those unique pieces of information scattered on pages. They must also learn how to scoop out relevant information from a body of content.

Many materials for this area are reference sources. They are not learning materials. An aspirant must be wise enough to pick learning points from a reference source. It requires a different approach to dealing with the content. You must always be in a lookout mode to find out that hidden piece of information that may be featured in your next prelims. It requires the dexterity of an orangutan and the mining ability of squirrels!

However, what is underrated, in our emphasis on a logical way of question-solving, is the need for wide reading and observations. UPSC wants to favor an explorer who sets on an endless journey to know more about the environment she is in. UPSC prelims questions demand an exploratory mindset. If you have such a mindset, prelims is a solved riddle for you.

You should be fascinated by the sloth bear carrying its cubs on their back, amazed by butterflies crossing oceans, and tardigrades overcoming the most extreme environment! Once you are driven by this child-like curiosity, half is done. Be curious. Learning is joy!

We can expect at least one question from this area. However, the utility of this module goes beyond the number of questions. Knowledge of these topics is so fundamental that it helps to solve several questions from other areas as well.

UPSC is almost predictable in this area.

It has asked a question from the sixth level NCERT, asking an aspirant to identify the correct description of an ecosystem in 2015. It has also asked aspirants to find the functions of a wetland. There were also questions to identify a biome from a description. I believe that UPSC deliberately pushes these questions to give an illusory feeling that the paper remains true to its name - 'General Studies'.

I recall a court submission by UPSC in 2021. While opposing a plea for an extra chance for last-attempt candidates in the civil service exams due to COVID, UPSC submitted before the Supreme Court that the prelims are "not an exam which requires more than one month's preparation". I wonder if UPSC perhaps submitted these questions as evidence to support this claim!

Setting stories aside, we must understand that such questions are free hits in a limited ball match. If you miss them, the competition will push you off the marks!

Let's come back to the topic.

There were questions on biogeochemical cycles that test the fundamental understanding of how these cycles work. Though the question on the identification of nitrogen-fixing plants seems a little tough, UPSC is not too technical or random in this area.

The materials available to study these topics are precise and to the point. PMF IAS's initial chapters on this topic are rewarding. Some of the NCERT chapters in the topics (9th Natural Vegetation and Wildlife - Geography NCERT, 12th Biology: Chapters Organisms and Population + Chapter Ecosystem, 9th Science: Biogeochemical Cycles in the Natural Resource Chapter, 7th Science: Adaptation in Animals - 7th chapter) have the potential to trigger direct questions.

Preparing a checklist of those basic concepts can help you revise better. Moreover, make sure that you have saved sensible biogeochemical cycle diagrams. Ensure that you are thorough with components, structure, and functionalities of ecosystems really well. This area should not trouble you much!

Access the resources we have shared with our students here.

1. Profile-Based

   • a. State-based

   • b. Profession/Education-based

   • c. Interest-based

2. General Awareness

   • a. Current Happenings related to the profile

   • b. General Studies questions (e.g., how to eradicate poverty)

   • c. Current Affairs Questions

The first four categories closely align with the Detailed Application Form (DAF). These are personal and can only be tackled through DAF-based brainstorming and focused reading.

It is less rewarding to focus too much on General Studies questions (5th category) because the subject matter is very vast. Moreover, these are some of the questions that can be tackled with Prelims and Mains knowledge.

When it comes to the sixth category, one needs to read the newspaper on a daily basis to stay updated. However, what to focus more on from the newspaper?

I will answer it with the content analysis of interview transcripts from Jan 2nd to Feb 17th. There were 180 available transcripts during this period.

To ensure that these questions are purely triggered based on current events, questions based on profiles have been kept away from the analysis. For example, questions on semiconductors asked to an electrical engineer are not counted.

Moreover, General Studies questions are also kept outside of the analysis. Questions on evergreen issues like how to protect the environment, how to promote EV, and applications of Artificial intelligence are not counted as current affairs questions.

To set a broad time-frame for current events, a two-year frame has been set. Therefore, questions based on events that happened prior to 2021 have not been included in the analysis.

It is found to have 260 distinct occurrences of current affairs questions among these transcripts. The distribution of the topics can be seen in the word cloud given here.

In the word cloud, the thickness of the topic represents the level of frequency of that particular topic in the interview. The Palestine issue is the most repeated topic with 14 occurrences. The topics listed with light blue color have only one occurrence.

The content analysis shows that there is a discernible pattern in current affairs questions posed to candidates. They are mostly based on International Relations and Economy. Controversial topics are generally avoided. Most recent events generally tend to have higher chances of occurrence.

Is this pattern consistent across years?

I had done the same research in the 2023 transcripts, and the findings are given below.

As you can see, IR and Economy questions have been asked consistently in these two years. It shows a distinct and predictable pattern at least with respect to current affairs questions.

What is the weightage of current affairs questions in an interview?

Current affairs questions generally tend to have lesser weightage compared to all the other five listed categories. Usually, two or three random current affairs questions are posed to the candidate on average.

However, current affairs questions based on the profile (the fourth category) almost dominate most of the interview transcripts. It underlines the fact that DAF-based study (especially based on state and education/work background) remains the most critical area for the UPSC interview.

Even though random current affairs appear less relevant, not answering these can cast a poor impression on the candidate. Therefore, one should focus on those themes that are most repeated in International relations+economy and read newspapers on a daily basis at least one month before their interview. Lead IAS Interview Bulletins can also be a complementary source to build content and perspectives.

To understand the limitations of mocks, we must clarify the distinction between performance and training. Mock tests and training are not the same thing. The aim of mock tests is to perform. The aim of learning/training is to develop the mental schemas that will allow you to perform. This can take very different forms.

In UPSC preparation, mock tests are avenues that test your performance. They do not necessarily build the skill sets that will allow you to perform better next time.

Therefore, a student needs to find intermediary training methods that will equip themselves for the next performance. Unless a person takes these methods seriously, attending numerous mock interviews will become a mindless exercise. Here are a few suggestions:

Firstly, write down the questions asked in a mock interview in a note on the same day itself. Make sure that you prepare a voice note for questions that you did not answer really well. In this way, you can stretch your preparation level.

Secondly, make sure that you receive the feedback in the same spirit and substance. A panel may give many pieces of feedback. From that feedback, one must be able to discern and prioritize the improvement suggestions that will have higher impacts on performance. A cost-benefit analysis is necessary here. Let me elaborate with this example:

You are getting four main feedbacks from the interview:

1. You have to talk passionately.

2. You have to prepare your grad subject well.

3. You need to engage in a conversation instead of making the interview into a viva-mode.

4. You need to smile more.

You find all suggestions relevant to you. However, some of these suggestions are easy to implement and have a higher impact factor in terms of increasing your marks. You need to prioritize those suggestions instead of allowing yourself to get carried away with suggestions that may be less relevant.

This cost-benefit calculation may differ for each individual. For example, preparing a grad subject may take more time for someone. For some others, smiling more may have to be forced. On the other hand, talking passionately may be something that can be implemented easily and will elevate the performance.

Therefore, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and having a calibrated calculation of improvements is important. One needs to consider the paucity of time as well.

Thirdly, you must deploy a wide variety of training methods such as one-on-one, peer mocks, group discussions, brainstorming, speaking aloud, etc., to make yourself prepared for the performance.

In Lead IAS, we were able to find the limitations of the mock-centric approach in UPSC preparation quite early on. Therefore, we have thoughtfully introduced group discussions as a strong pedagogical practice for interview candidates over and above mock interviews. Group Discussions have helped many underperforming candidates to outsmart their more fluent and eloquent peers through deliberate practice. Getting committed to an ecosystem and allowing yourself to get nourished within an ecosystem will help the candidates to bring out the best in them.

Lead IAS's vision to create a complete learning ecosystem now permeates all its academic initiatives, including PRIME, Prelims Killer, Mains Killer, and it animates our course design for the interview bootcamp as well.

(Written by Anuroop Sunny, Senior Academic Consultant)

The two most important upgrades are the Daily Bulletin and the Triple Source Strategy.

We will discuss about the Daily Bulletin some other day. But I would like to point out the Triple Source Strategy and how it is going to put each Leadians ahead of their peers in the mains exam 2024.

The Hindu is looked upon as the main source for current affairs preparation. Most of the institutes base their current affairs content on The Hindu.

The Hindu is considered to be an academically oriented newspaper, and there were few instances where current affairs questions were triggered by The Hindu.

However, The Hindu has a lot of limitations with respect to UPSC preparation.

First, the density and diversity of news articles and opinion articles are comparatively lesser in The Hindu compared to other newspapers. Therefore, the students get limited exposure to exam-relevant perspectives.

Second, Other newspapers have evolved its content-crafting. For instance, the Explained Articles are way more diverse than The Hindu's Text and Context part.

Third, Compared to The Hindu, the Hindustan Times features articles from authoritative persons of diverse backgrounds. Many Union Ministers write in HT. The opinion page of the HT is rich with writings of civil service officers and industry representatives, making it a treasure for serious UPSC aspirants.

Even though there were also questions triggered by the Hindu and Indian Express articles in the recent exams, it is futile to think that any particular source would be more reliable for the exam.

Given the dynamism of the exam and the ubiquity of the information on the internet, it is immature to rely on one source alone.

Smartest are those who grab the best articles of the day, whatever be the source.

So get your thoughts tinkered with academic shades by reading The Hindu. Make it stretched with authoritative and diverse views from HT. And wrap things up with all-rounded coverages from IE.

Once you are guided to pick the right resources from these triple sources, you are outsmarting your peers on a daily basis. Here at Lead IAS, Microclass will help you to follow this Triple Source Strategy.

Beyond a strategy, this is an attitude: be open and curious in seeking knowledge. Get driven by the unsatiated desire for relevant knowledge. Ultimately, it is your attitudes that help you to keep going.

Share this thought with your friends who are following single source! Bring them to the joy and trick of daily newspaper exploration. And win together! ☺️

(Written by Anuroop Sunny, Senior Academic Consultant)

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