My name is Navita Kumari, and I received AIR 251 in UPSC CSE 2022 with sociology as one choice. I graduated from Harcourt Butler Technological University in Kanpur with a degree in chemical engineering. After graduation, I worked for SHELL INDIA (oil and gas firm), CAIRN INDIA LTD, and TATA CHEMICALS LTD for about ten years. It was in 2018 (after nearly 5 years in the corporate sector) that I chose to try my luck with government services, due to a lack of contentment in the private sector while having a great job in my primary subject.
This was my fifth attempt; in earlier tries, I had failed to pass the Prelims Exam. After analysing these failures, I discovered that it is due to a lack of solving adequate full-length mock papers, a lack of proper examination of prior year questions, and a complete disregard for mediaeval and ancient history.
Another key reason for this lengthy journey was a severe time constraint, as I was working full-time throughout my preparation. I was juggling both my employment obligations and my ambition to become a civil servant. However, after filling these gaps and improving my time management, I was able to clear the cut-off for both civil and forest services.
Preliminary Strategy
DO’S
1. Have a broad understanding of history, politics, economics, the environment, and geography. After repeated modifications, make static syllabus your strength.
Read one newspaper (The Hindu/Indian Express) with in-depth study of relevant items for current affairs. Make it a habit to answer MCQs based on current events on a daily basis. At the conclusion of the month, you can make changes by referring to any Monthly compilation.
It is critical to solve Mock papers from several institutes; it is recommended that you take more than 40 tests. Because they will aid in the learning of the elimination method and it is simpler to recall facts in a question-and-answer style.
Complete at least 15 years of PYQs. Also, thoroughly research all of your alternatives; they may be repeated.
Review mock test solutions from standard books rather than relying just on answer booklets.
Try to attempt at least 45 questions in the CSAT, starting with the easiest ones and working your way up to the most difficult ones.
DONT’S
1. Use limited resources and revise numerous times rather than referring to multiple resources.
Don’t overlook the CSAT; instead, take practise tests in a timely manner.
Don’t skip any subjects because they might have the easiest questions.
Art and Culture: Nitin Singhania (selected chapters), NCERT Fine Arts
Old NCERT: Ancient and Mediaeval
Science and Technology: VISION IAS Material, BYJUs Preliminary Q&A Series Shankar and PMFIAS on the environment
Nitin Singhania and Mrunal Sir lecture on Unacademy on the economy. NCERT, GC LEONG (selected chapters): Geography
Strategy for the Mains
The mains examination is the most important stage in determining one’s choices. At this stage, not only is knowledge examined, but also how articulate and analytical one can be while writing replies. Here are a few tips that helped me earn 441 points on the GS:-
Begin each answer with a basic definition, statistics, figures, rankings, or other information from a report or committee.
Address the major demand of the question in the body of the answer and briefly add some other peripheral information (e.g., obstacles, opportunities, etc.).
Make the conclusion solution oriented with a path forward.
To improve visibility, write replies in bullet points, utilise flow charts, cyclic diagrams, and so on.
Answer all questions, even if your expertise is limited.
For the ethical paper, use quotes, famous personality sayings, and so forth.
Don’t compartmentalise the curriculum; instead, cross-link all of the papers.
Give at least two mock tests for each GS in a timely manner.
Take short/crisp notes on keywords for easy reference, and make heavy use of newspaper current affairs articles. It will add more value.
After prelims, try solving 3-4 questions per day and giving at least one test per week.
Complete prior year’s questions as they may be repeated.
GS2 (How did I get 127?)
GS 2 focuses on politics, international relations, and governance. And I prepared for each of these subjects by consulting the following resources:-
Laxmikant was the only book I read for both the prelims and the mains. Wherever feasible, use article numbers, and mention. I looked to vision IAS material and produced my own notes from daily newspapers to add value. Newspapers are plenty of instances that might help you stand out from the crowd.
Governance: I only read the Vision IAS document and the 2nd ARC report (summary). Use the text from the ethics paper here as well.
IR: Made significant use of Mains 365 and added value by creating crisp notes from Sansad TV (diplomatic dispatch) and FIRSTPOST (Vantage).
For Mains, I just used regular prelims books, as well as Vision IAS value addition notes and Vision Mains 365.
For Ethics, look to the solved model answers from the Forum IAS and Vision IAS test series.
Also referred to BYJU’s Mains series videos, in which essential questions were covered by subject.
Strategy for Sociology
Sociology is a scoring choice that benefits both GS1 and Essays. Previous year questions were especially helpful in paper 1, as they were frequently repeated in some fashion.
It is necessary to quote intellectuals, current events instances, village studies, and so on in order to provide more detailed replies that may get extra points. Flow charts are frequently used to make replies more representative. In contrast to GS replies, optional subjects require a certain level of detail.
Booklist for Sociology
Vikas Ranjan Sir’s lecture notes.
Nitin Sangwan Sir’s Essential Sociology
Toppers Copies for added value
Improve IAS Nishat Sir’s guidance and analyse several current affairs themes
IGNOU content (selective) Haralambos and Holborn (just for Paper 1)
Vision IAS sociology test series solved model answers There are no quick fixes for success. It requires its own time and effort. According to Mahatma Gandhi, “satisfaction lies in the effort, not the attainment; full effort is full victory.” Have faith in your efforts. I wish all aspirants the best of luck in their undertakings. Thankyou!
