Answer Writing Strategy by UPSC Topper | 446 Marks in GS - Highest Marks|IAS Aaditya Sharma - AIR 70

Summary

In this video, a UPSC aspirant shares their experience and strategies for effective answer writing. They discuss their exam performance, the importance of model answers, and how they improved their scores over time. Key strategies include preparing answer templates, creating flowcharts for different subjects, and consistently practicing with mock tests and topper copies. The aspirant emphasizes the value of unique and well-structured answers, using diagrams, examples, and keeping up with current affairs. They also stress the importance of ethical examples and self-improvement throughout the preparation process, encouraging aspirants to trust their own progress and continuously refine their skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on building a strong strategy and approach for General Studies (GS), even if your optional subject performance isn’t ideal.
• 😀 Don’t rely solely on mock test scores; use them as a tool for identifying areas for improvement, but avoid being overly confident in them.
• 😀 Organize answers effectively by breaking them down into sections: theme, challenges, solutions, and way forward, with examples and diagrams.
• 😀 Keep ready-made templates for common topics like governance, cyber security, and green energy to save time during the exam.
• 😀 Consistently review model answers from toppers to enhance answer writing and learn from their strategies.
• 😀 Focus on structuring answers with visual aids, such as diagrams and flowcharts, to clarify complex concepts.
• 😀 Ethics preparation should include clear flowcharts and examples from civil servants to reinforce the understanding of key ethical principles.
• 😀 Always keep certain facts and policies handy, like Niti Aayog’s governance framework, for topics like governance and cyber security.
• 😀 Practice consistently, using feedback from model answers to improve your writing and answer presentation over time.
• 😀 Focus on personal improvement rather than obsessing over results. Track progress by aiming to beat your own previous scores.
• 😀 Use mock papers and study materials to share insights and get feedback, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Q & A

What was the key strategy used to tackle the UPSC exam in this script?

The key strategy involved focusing on answer writing practice, regularly reviewing model answers, and consistently improving one's own writing through analysis of mock test performance and topper copies.

How important was it to track mock test scores during the preparation process?

Tracking mock test scores was crucial as it helped the aspirant identify areas of improvement and provided insight into how their answers compared to actual results. Regular analysis allowed them to gauge progress and adjust strategies.

What is the recommended structure for an average UPSC answer, as suggested in the script?

The recommended structure includes: a theme/word, challenges, solutions, and a way forward. Additionally, diagrams and flowcharts should be used to represent ideas clearly and make the answer unique.

What role do diagrams and flowcharts play in answer writing?

Diagrams and flowcharts are used to visualize key concepts and ideas in an organized way, enhancing the clarity and uniqueness of answers. They also make it easier to tackle complex questions by breaking down information into digestible parts.

How should an aspirant prepare for common topics in UPSC, such as governance and green energy?

Aspirants should prepare ready-made templates for common topics. For example, having a standard introduction and conclusion for governance topics (like mentioning NITI Aayog’s policy) or consistently referring to India’s renewable energy rank in questions related to green energy.

Why is it important to review toppers' copies during preparation?

Reviewing toppers' copies allows aspirants to understand the quality of answers expected by the examiners, discover useful writing techniques, and learn how to present ideas effectively. It also helps in identifying areas for improvement.

What is the significance of preparing answers ahead of time for ethics and governance topics?

Preparing answers ahead of time allows aspirants to write quickly and confidently during the exam. By having predefined conclusions and flowcharts for topics like governance and ethics, aspirants can save time and focus on answering the question more effectively.

What was the strategy for handling ethics-related questions?

The strategy involved preparing flowcharts for ethics-related concepts like values, integrity, and conduct. Using these frameworks helped in writing structured, clear, and concise answers that addressed both the theoretical and practical aspects of ethics.

How did the aspirant integrate examples from civil servants into their ethics preparation?

The aspirant incorporated real-life examples from civil servants, such as Prashant Pandey's case, into their ethics answers. These examples added credibility and depth, making the answers more relatable and grounded in practical experience.

What was the overall message regarding the approach to UPSC preparation?

The overall message emphasized consistent practice, improving personal writing skills through regular review of model answers, and developing a deep understanding of the subject matter. It also highlighted the importance of patience, staying on track, and aiming for gradual improvement rather than immediate results.