How to Read NCERT for IAS Preparation ☆ How to Make Notes ☆ INDIASHASTRA | UPSC

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide for UPSC aspirants on how to effectively read and utilize NCERT textbooks. It emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach, avoiding extreme reliance or dismissal of NCERTs. The presenter outlines a detailed reading strategy, including which NCERTs to prioritize for various subjects like history, geography, and economics. The video also provides tips on making concise notes, organizing study material according to the UPSC syllabus, and suggests a 120-day plan to cover all essential NCERTs. It concludes with advice on selective reading and the importance of aligning study efforts with UPSC's examination patterns.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses a comprehensive one-year strategy for UPSC preparation, emphasizing the importance of NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks.
• 📈 It outlines a four-phase plan where the first phase focuses on completing NCERTs within 20 days, aiming to cover all subjects efficiently.
• 🗣️ The video addresses the debate on the necessity of reading NCERTs, suggesting a balanced approach rather than relying solely on reference books or NCERTs.
• 📖 The speaker provides a detailed list of NCERT textbooks to be read for various subjects like History, Geography, Indian Politics, Economics, Science and Technology, and Environment and Ecology.
• 📝 It suggests a three-step method for reading NCERTs: first reading for understanding, second reading for consolidation and answering questions, and third reading for highlighting and summarizing key points.
• ✏️ The video emphasizes the importance of note-making, advocating for concise notes that follow the UPSC syllabus and are organized for easy revision.
• 🕒 It advises dedicating 4-5 hours daily for NCERT reading over 90 days to cover all recommended books, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the subjects.
• 📊 The speaker differentiates between 'highly recommended' and 'good' NCERT books, suggesting that the former is essential for all UPSC aspirants, while the latter can be skipped by those with a strong base or attending coaching.
• 📋 The video offers to provide a list of micro-topics and a tutorial on note-making if there is sufficient demand from the audience, indicating a willingness to offer further assistance.
• 📅 Lastly, the video encourages viewers to read selectively, focusing on topics that are more likely to be asked in the UPSC exam, and to keep the syllabus and previous years' question papers in mind while studying.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to guide UPSC aspirants on how to effectively read and make notes from NCERT textbooks, which are crucial for the civil services examination.

Why are NCERT textbooks considered important for UPSC preparation?

NCERT textbooks are considered important as they provide a comprehensive and standardized base for understanding various subjects, and they are often directly or indirectly referenced in the UPSC syllabus and questions.

What is the suggested approach to reading NCERT textbooks as per the video?

The suggested approach involves three readings: first, a general reading to understand the content; second, a focused reading to consolidate concepts and answer questions; and third, a highlighting and summarizing reading for revision.

How does the video suggest organizing notes from NCERT textbooks?

The video suggests organizing notes based on the UPSC syllabus rather than the textbook chapters. It recommends making concise notes, following the 'one-tenth rule' where notes should be 10% of the content read.

What is the 'one-tenth rule' mentioned in the video for note-making?

The 'one-tenth rule' is a guideline for note-making where if you read a thousand words, your notes should be summarized to around a hundred words to facilitate easy revision.

How many days are allocated to read all the NCERT textbooks according to the video?

The video suggests allocating 120 days to read all the NCERT textbooks, which includes time for multiple readings and note-making.

What is the significance of dividing NCERT textbooks into two categories in the video?

The video divides NCERT textbooks into two categories: 'highly recommended' and 'good to read'. This division helps candidates prioritize their reading based on their preparation needs and time constraints.

How does the video script address the concern of having to read a large number of NCERT books?

The video script addresses this concern by providing a strategic reading plan, dividing the textbooks into categories, and suggesting selective reading based on the UPSC syllabus and previous year's question papers.

What additional resources does the video script recommend for UPSC aspirants?

Apart from NCERT textbooks, the video script recommends reading daily newspapers, reference books, and solving previous year's questions to enhance UPSC preparation.

How does the video script handle the question of whether to read all topics from NCERT or selectively?

The video script advises a balanced approach, suggesting that while all topics should be covered at least once, selective reading based on UPSC's preference and syllabus should be practiced for efficiency.