Category: Article

UPSC CMS 2025: Gearing for the Personality Test

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2025 notification on February 19, signaling the start of a highly competitive journey for thousands of medical aspirants across the country. Each year, candidates vie for coveted positions as medical officers in some of the most esteemed government healthcare services.

If you’re aiming to crack the CMS 2025 exam, understanding the entire selection process—from the written test to the final interview—is not just important, it’s strategic.

After briefly going through the written exam process, let’s look at certain tips to prepare and crack the personality test.

The second stage of the UPSC CMS 2025 selection process is the Personality Test, or interview, carrying 100 marks. The goal of the Personality Test is to ensure that selected candidates possess not only the medical expertise but also the personal qualities required to serve effectively in India’s public health system.

This stage goes beyond academic evaluation to assess your suitability for government medical service. The key qualities would include General Awareness – Understanding of current affairs and social issues, academic proficiency, grasp of core medical concepts and public health knowledge, intellectual curiosity, willingness to learn and engage with new ideas, critical thinking & assimilation, judgement and decision making, presence of mind, social cohesion, connect with diverse communities,integrity of character, ethical standards, and moral conduct, Initiative.

These competencies are not only vital in medical services but also in various other fields, including hospital management, healthcare administration, medical research, public health policy development, and leadership roles within the private healthcare sector.

Here is how you can prepare:

Vesture matters

Since it is a Personality test, personal appearance will matter. Opt for conservative, neat, and clean formal wear which you can carry comfortably well. Avoid loud wear that screams for attention. All that matters is a tidy, neat appearance that talks about your personal signature
and style.

Greet when you meet

Equally important as your dress is your smile, body language and demeanour. Remember, everyone notices your body language, your gait and the way you conduct and carry yourself-even a small greeting. Always offer a respectful greeting when you enter and exit the interviewroom. It helps build rapport and shows attentiveness.

Carry confidence

A composed mind reflects confidence. Stay optimistic and manage nervousness with deep breathing or light mental exercises. Your attitude and self-belief will be noticed instantly. Carry yourself with assurance without appearing arrogant. The focus of the interview would be to check your confidence and how you fare in challenging situations. Since you have already cleared the written test, it is not much about testing the knowledge but also about your confidence to tackle clinical challenges with expertise and empathy.

Revise core subjects

Thoroughly go through your medical subjects and current affairs and practice common questions. Talk to seniors or mentors who have taken the test. Familiarity with question patterns helps reduce anxiety. Participate in mock interviews to simulate the real experience.

You may be asked specific questions about your application process, current affairs, your thought process and any challenges that you have faced and overcome during tough times.

Communication is the key

Your communication skills are not only about speaking, it is about attentive listening. While listening, pay full attention, do not merely hear and train your mind to frame a new response. Pay full attention to questions and ask politely to repeat, if needed. If you do not know the answer to a particular question do not beat around the bush. Admit that you do not know and would be curious to find out and learn. When you know the answers, be specific and justify with rationale and data.

Talk to all those who have been there before

Experience matters. Talk to all those who have cracked the Personality test before. You may also create your own study partner. Also use AI tools like ChatGPT to ask what are the likely questions for the exam.

Summing up

With still a few months to go, you still have time to prepare and show the board that you are not just a medical professional, but also a confident, sincere, and reliable individual capable of serving in India’s healthcare system with equipoise. If you start today, you might be able to internalise all the concepts and have a fluid experience.

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get ready

Be a part of government workforce

The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2025, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), serves as a premier gateway for graduates seeking positions within India’s central government. This examination offers access to a diverse spectrum of roles across ministries and public sector organisations, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Income Tax Department, and Narcotics Control Bureau. Positions range from clerical to officer-level appointments, each providing opportunities for meaningful contributions to national administration. Successful candidates benefit from job security, competitive salaries, and comprehensive perks such as medical facilities, pension schemes, and leave entitlements. The upcoming exam window, scheduled for June–July 2025, has prompted extensive preparation among aspirants nationwide. Achieving success in the SSC CGL demands not only academic proficiency but also strategic planning, consistent effort, and disciplined study habits.

Important Dates
The Tier-I Examination is tentatively scheduled to take place between June and July 2025, with admit cards expected to be released approximately 7 to 10 days prior to the examination date. The schedule for the Tier-II Examination will be announced at a later stage. The final results are anticipated to be declared in late 2025 or early 2026.These dates serve as critical milestones for candidates preparing for the SSC CGL 2025 examination. While the Tier-I exam is expected to be held between June and July 2025, you should be aware that certain dates — particularly for Tier-II and result announcements — are yet to be finalized.

Age Criteria

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) stipulates specific age criteria for candidates applying for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2025. These criteria vary depending on the nature of the posts and are determined based on your date of birth. The general age limits for aspirants are as follows:
  • 18 to 27 years’ between January 2, 1998, and January 1, 2007.
  • 20 to 30 years: between January 2, 1995, and January 1, 2007, are eligible.
  • 18 to 30 years: between January 2, 1995, and January 1, 2007.
  • 18 to 32 years: between January 2, 1993, and January 1, 2007.
These age limits apply to various posts under the SSC CGL 2025 examination. It is important for students to verify the specific age criteria for the post you intend to apply for, as some positions may have distinct age requirements.

Educational Qualifications

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) mandates specific educational qualifications for candidates applying for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) . The general eligibility criteria are as follows:

For most posts, a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Institution is the essential qualification. However, certain positions have additional requirements: the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) role necessitates a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at the 12th standard level or a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects during graduation. The Statistical Investigator Grade-II position requires a Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects throughout all three years or six semesters of the graduation course. For the Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer roles, a Bachelor’s Degree is essential, with desirable qualifications including Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), Company Secretary (CS), Master’s in Commerce (MCom), Master’s in Business Studies (MBS), Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) – Finance, or Master’s in Business Economics (MBE). Lastly, the Research Assistant position in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) position requires a Bachelor’s Degree, with desirable qualifications comprising a minimum of one year of research experience in a recognized University or Research Institution and a degree in Law or Human Rights.

Exam  Pattern

The SSC CGL 2025 examination comprises two primary tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2, each designed to assess your proficiency in various domains.

Tier 1 examination is an online Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprising four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section contains 25 multiple-choice questions, totaling 100 questions for the exam. The maximum marks are 200, with each question carrying 2 marks. Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the test, with an additional 20 minutes (totaling 80 minutes) allotted for those eligible for a scribe. The exam features negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer. It  is conducted in both English and Hindi, except for the English Comprehension section. It’s important to note that the Tier 1 exam is qualifying in nature; the marks obtained do not contribute to the final selection but are essential for advancing to Tier 2.

 Tier 2 Paper 1 is a pivotal examination comprising multiple sections designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency across various subjects. The exam is conducted in two sessions on the same day, with a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Session I spans 2 hours and 15 minutes and is divided into two sections.

Section I includes Module I: Mathematical Abilities – 30 questions, 90 marks and Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence – 30 questions, 90 marks

Section II would test English Language and Comprehension ( 45 questions, 135 marks)

And General Awareness – 25 questions, 75 marks

Section III would test Computer Knowledge Test – 20 questions, 60 marks (Qualifying) and Data Entry Speed Test – One task (Qualifying)

Each correct answer would be awarded 3 marks, with a penalty of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III. Module II of Section III does not have negative marking. The Computer Knowledge Test and Data Entry Speed Test are qualifying in nature; candidates must meet the minimum required standards to proceed to the next stage.

This structured approach ensures a thorough evaluation of candidates’ skills and knowledge, aligning with the rigorous standards set by the Staff Selection Commission.

 

Paper 2: For candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Gr. II posts, the exam would test Statistics and the  duration of the exam is 2 hours with negative marking of .50 marks for each correct answer.

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Aim Higher 2025

Aim higher, strive harder

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS clerk (now called Customer Service Associate) examination, for selection of customer service associates. The IBPS clerk exam dates have been announced. The Mains exam will be held on February 1, 2026 and candidates qualifying the prelims will have to take this exam to achieve their goal. Here are some tips to prepare and stay on course for your coveted job profile:

Deep dive into the syllabus

Go through the detailed syllabus and identify the topics  for each section. Create a study plan accordingly, giving equal importance to all sections. There are a total of 4 sections asked in the examination – General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Numerical Ability, and General/ Financial Awareness. The English section includes topics like Reading Comprehension, Cloze, Vocabulary, Letter Formation, and Fillers, with difficulty ranging from easy to moderate. These questions assess comprehension, grammar, and language skills.

The Reasoning section includes topics of varying difficulty. Puzzle and Para jumbles are moderately challenging, while Inequality, Coding-Decoding, and Syllogism are relatively easy. Data Sufficiency ranges from easy to moderate whereas letter formation and assumption are of moderate difficulty. Overall, the section tests logical reasoning, analytical skills, and decision-making.

The Quantitative Aptitude section covers a mix of topics with mostly easy to moderate difficulty. It includes simplification, data interpretation, speed-time-Distance, and various other topics like average, time & work, and profit & loss. This section evaluates numerical ability and problem-solving skills.

Review the marking scheme

The Mains examination would be divided into 4 sections and this exam would be conducted in online mode only. The four sections are:

  • Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
  • General English
  • Quantitative aptitude
  • General Financial awareness.
The total marks for this examination would be 50+40+60+50= 200 and the total number of questions would be 50+40+50+50= 190. The total time allotted for this exam is 35+35+45+45= 160 minutes.

Plan ahead

It is said ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’. Proper planning is required in order to clear the examination. You must make a plan to give time to each and every topic. There are section wise as well as overall  cutoffs so there are no chances to leave any topic. Once you have seen the syllabus it’s best to create a daily study schedule; you may use AI tools like Perplexity to do so.

Consistency is the key

Once the time table is set, you need to follow it consistently. You need to study regularly as the regular study will help you to remember the topics they have covered each day and then only the best performance output could be achieved. It will allow them to cover each and every topic before time and you will be ahead of time for mock tests and other small things to be covered. Practice the calculations with accuracy and speed in order to score the maximum marks. Start with practicing mock test papers in order to understand the pattern and details of the exam and sharpen the knowledge.

Focus on accuracy

In the IBPS Mains exam, accuracy is indeed important. Each question usually carries a specific mark, and incorrect answers may lead to a negative marking scheme, where a fraction of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer. This means that accuracy directly affects your overall score. After the exam, IBPS sets a cut-off score for each section and the overall exam. You need to meet or exceed these cut-offs to qualify for the next stage of the selection process. High accuracy can help in achieving these cut-offs. You would often be ranked based on their scores. Higher accuracy can lead to a better score, which improves your chances of being selected. Skill Assessment: The Mains exam is designed to assess not just speed but also the candidates’ understanding of concepts and their ability to apply them correctly. In addition to the overall score, you must clear the sectional cut-offs for all the sections. Guesswork would not work. The most important thing is to recognize the strongest areas. A candidate would be able to achieve the level of accuracy, marks and less time consumption would be there.

Manage time

Since in Mains examination , every section has a slotted time frame, accuracy becomes relatively more important. Although you cannot take the pleasure of solving a quantitative aptitude section which is slated to be over in 40 minutes and 50 questions have to be solved. So it is apparent that your accuracy matters and a normal solving speed is sufficient to crack each section. Quick and accurate mental calculations can save you precious time during the Quantitative Aptitude section. Practice mental math techniques such as approximation, multiplication shortcuts, and percentage calculations to perform calculations faster and with more precision.

Incorporate sample papers

By appearing for mock tests and attempting sample papers, you can not only get familiarized with the exam pattern but also boost your confidence. Therefore, incorporate full-length mock tests into the preparation routine to simulate the exam environment. Analyse your performance to identify the areas of improvement and work on those weaknesses.

Stay current with Current Affairs

Stay updated with the latest current affairs, especially related to banking, finance, and general awareness. Read newspapers, magazines, and online sources to enhance your knowledge.

Summing up

Remember, consistency and perseverance are key to success. Stay dedicated, follow your study plan diligently, and maintain a disciplined approach toward your preparation.

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o back to the Basic

Go back to the basics

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection( IBPS) conducts the IBPS clerk (now called Customer Service associate)examination, for selection of customer service associates. The IBPS clerk exam dates have been announced. The Prelims will be held on December 6,7,13 and 14, 2025 and the Mains exam will be held on February 1, 2026.

Here are some tips to prepare for the Prelims exam

Have an immersive view about the syllabus

The exam consists of 3 sections viz. Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language.

Familiarise yourself with the detailed syllabus for the IBPS CSA Prelims exam, including topics for Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability (Quantitative Aptitude), and English/Hindi Language. The topics of Reasoning would include seating arrangements, puzzles, inequalities, data sufficiency, blood relations, order and ranking,distance and ranking. Quantitative aptitude will include topics like Simplification/Approximation, number series,Simplification/Approximation, Ratio and Proportion, Percentage,Quadratic Equations and the like. For the IBPS Clerk prelims, the English section covers Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Sentence Correction/Improvement, Para Jumbles, and vocabulary. The Hindi section, if applicable, will cover similar topics, focusing on Hindi grammar and comprehension.

Review the exam pattern

The Prelims exam consists of 100 marks with 100 questions and of 1 hour duration. You would be awarded one mark for each correct answer and a negative marking of .25 would be done for each incorrect answer. You will have to qualify in each of the three sections by securing minimum cut off marks. If  a question is left blank, i.e. no answer is marked by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question. The exam language can be either English or Hindi. However, the English section has to be responded to in English.

Section division

There would be 3 sections in all. There can be approximately 35 questions each in Numerical and Reasoning ability and 30 questions in English Language. Allot 20 minutes to each section.

Create a Study Plan

Allocate sufficient time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Strengthen your fundamentals in each section so that you do not have to depend on guess work and elimination for selecting the right option. Focus on the most important topics and concepts, and revisit them regularly.

Practice to Practice

When it comes to prelims, both speed and accuracy are the key. So, daily practice is a must. Each day, factor in the topics you need extra time on and dovetail your learnings into building a stronger foundation the next day. Solve a variety of questions from different topics to build your understanding and speed.

Back to basics

In certain cases, you would notice that you will have to go back to the basic concepts that you learnt from Grade VI to VIII. While you practice, also try to build semantic relationships between concepts that you did not when you were actually studying them in lower grades. For instance, how are decimals, fractions, ratio and proportion related to each other. These semantic mindmaps would cement your understanding of the topics and you would not rely on rote not only for this exam but for any concept or exam that you undertake in your life. So, go back to basics and plunge forward.

Measure before and after results

Do a surgical strike on the topics you are weak in. Regularly attempt mock tests to simulate the exam environment and evaluate your preparation level. For instance you feel that you need more practice in topics like ratio and proportion, practice working and then measure your improvement. Every time you take a CSA exam practice test, pay special attention to the questions you got wrong, the ones you had to guess , even if you guessed right, the ones you found difficult or slow to work through.
This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. WThe more granular and specific you are in your own analysis, the better it would be for you. Needless to say, analyze previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.

To sum up, keep the goal clear in your mind and start working backwards.

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Fueling the Growth

Fuelling for Growth

Social media has come full circle. With a brand new image.  It is no longer the cute and cuddly space where teenagers drooled over stuff. Today, it is serious business- a platform which all sane organizations are getting to in order to attract and retain customers. With this backdrop, when businesses have realized that social media is essential to any organization’s marketing and customer success strategy,many are still struggling to find people who can truly make social media work to their advantage concerning engagement and revenue. If you love social media, the good news is that there are plenty of jobs out there. There are even six-figure  positions available for those who are more experienced and can grow their business and leadership skills.

Some of these are

Influencers:

Influencers are people who partner with a brand to be a sort of informal spokesperson. The influencer you choose for your brand must represent both the brand and target demographic in an authentic way. You should understand the person’s reach and message, as well as the type of engagement they have with their audience.

There are many different kinds of social media influencers – from bloggers and YouTubers to celebrities and Instagrammers. In a nutshell, social media influencers work with brands to help them gain more publicity. As someone whom their followers trust and admire, they have the credibility and reach to promote brands they are passionate about – in a convincing way.

In the same way traditional publications used media kits, influencers now use them to show brands their own audience demographics as well as a host of channel analytics. Influencers are able to pitch campaign ideas to brands and show them why their audience aligns with the brands target market.

Should the brand decide to run the campaign, the influencer needs to send out professional quotes to brands to ensure they get compensated for the work they do. On theses quotes, influencers are able to break down costing for brands and offer value adds just like any other business, offering a product or service.

Today the influencer ‘game’ is actually a $2.38 billion.In most cases, influencers get to charge as per their following, engagement, reach and clout. The bigger the influencer, the bigger the budget. One can spend anywhere from INR 10,000 to lakhs of rupees for a single post.

The skills required can vary depending on both your channel and your audience. An Instagrammer needs to be able to take and edit great photos, whereas a good YouTuber requires a flair for presenting. Bloggers, of course, need to be able to write engaging content. What many social media influencers have in common is an interesting personality or something that makes them stand out from the crowd. A sound knowledge of online marketing will help you to understand why social media influencers are so important to brands. Consider learning about different types of content, as well as search engine optimisation (SEO) and what’s trending within your niche. It is also worth researching your competition and looking at how they got to where they are today.   Above all, it is essential to know how social media works. If you are considering a career in influencer marketing, you are most likely already familiar with the most important platforms. Even if you use them every day in a personal context, however, it can be useful to understand their role in brand marketing.   Social media manager Alternatively, your expert knowledge could lead you to a career as a social media manager or marketing consultant. If so, this is the right job for you. A social media manager  leads the group and takes charge to keep an eye on what the strategy is and how to implement it. If you work for a small business, it is very easy to execute the plan but if you work for a big multinational company then several people work under you and you should know how to monitor and manage them efficiently. The growth in this profession outlook is  13 per cent. Social Media Examiner, Copyblogger, and Sprout Social are just three of many websites that you’ll want to follow for information and ideas about how to enhance your social media strategy. Although formal qualifications are not necessarily required, some employers may expect you to have a degree. Relevant degrees include advertising, public relations, business, digital marketing, media and journalism. Versatility is part of this career field. There are many different roles that come with different expectations and responsibilities based on the company and the size of the social media community. The same career title at five different companies could look dramatically different, contributing to the excitement of social media career opportunities. Online Courses:

  • Hubspot Academy’s Inbound Marketing Certification

  • Social Media Marketing Specialization, Coursera

 

Content Creators

Content can come in many formats, with blogs, images, and videos being the most basic types. But these days there are more options to choose from and plenty of new ways to engage with audiences.Temporary content like Instagram Stories is an example of a simple way to connect instantly and authentically and even add some creative elements in such a way that shows your personality. You’ll also want to ensure you have at least a basic knowledge of image and video editing as well as the associated tools and platforms. Photoshop, Canva, and iMovie are great places to start when it comes to learning more about visual production.   Graphic Designers Graphic designers are the people behind the beautiful and creative images on social media. They basically create images for publishing, printing and even for the electronic media. Most of the time, they need to work on software like Photoshop or Lightroom to create images to publicise a certain company or website and their content. They also create designs and motion graphics for example GIFs. They need to be well aware of how to hold the audience by their designing and graphics. Most professional graphic designers have a foundation degree, or degree in graphic design or other art and design-based subject. You will also need a working knowledge of desktop design software, such as Illustrator, InDesign or QuarkXPress, and image-editing packages such as Photoshop. In India, many universities offer admission to students on the basis of marks secured in the entrance examination. You may appear for the AIEED entrance exam for admissions in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Here we have listed some examination in which you can appear for admission in graphic design courses.
  • National Institute of Design, New Delhi
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur
  • Industrial Design Centre (IIT Bombay), Mumbai
  • Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune
  • MIT Institute of Design, Pune
  • Wigan and Leigh College (WLCI), New Delhi
The Road Ahead: Today, social media marketing in general and influencer marketing in particular, is considered the best form of delivery for content marketing  with more tech companies hiring outright these influencers in a formal capacity.   At the end of the day, when deciding what products to purchase, personal authenticity mediated through new technology matters a lot.   And that is enough reason for you to future ready your career with social media.  

Routing for the Diploma:

DIPLOMAS AFTER XII

last-years-papers-can-give-you-the-edge

Last year’s papers can give you the edge

Previous years’ papers not only help you in familiarising yourself with the exam format and frequently tested topics, but these also build confidence and aid self-assessment

Those who ace the Civil Services exam have one thing in common- they spend a great chunk of their time in analysing the question papers of previous years and strategising accordingly. Previous years’ papers not only help you in familiarising yourself with the exam format and frequently tested topics, but these also build confidence and aid self-assessment. By strategically practicing and reflecting on these questions, you  can significantly enhance your chances of success in the upcoming prelims exam.

How far should you go?

At the very outset, you  can start with the most recent question papers and go as far back as 10 years. This would give you an insight into both the latitude and longitude of the exam. If you are easily getting above 100 marks in the CSAT papers, you will not have any trouble in easily qualifying the upcoming one.

How to use previous years’ papers effectively

The previous years’ papers provide an insight into the exam pattern like the subjects, including history, geography, polity, economy, and science and technology besides the number of questions asked, duration of the exam and also the concept of negative marking. You can identify your key strength areas and do a surgical strike on the weak areas factoring in feedback every time you practice a new paper.

There are certain topics from which questions are asked year after year. A good analysis of the past papers will help you identify those patterns. For instance, you need to read into how the question of UPSC is framed and how the choices are framed. You also need to focus on what type of question UPSC likes to ask for each subject year after year. For example, for geography, UPSC asks basic conceptual questions about air flow systems, winds, map questions about the location of important geographic landscapes, rivers (only really important ones or unique ones) etc. These are quite predictable if you closely analyse and you will see a trend in the type of questions.

How to use previous years’ papers effectively

The previous years’ papers provide an insight into the exam pattern like the subjects, including history, geography, polity, economy, and science and technology besides the number of questions asked, duration of the exam and also the concept of negative marking. You can identify your key strength areas and do a surgical strike on the weak areas factoring in feedback every time you practice a new paper.

There are certain topics from which questions are asked year after year. A good analysis of the past papers will help you identify those patterns. For instance, you need to read into how the question of UPSC is framed and how the choices are framed. You also need to focus on what type of question UPSC likes to ask for each subject year after year. For example, for geography, UPSC asks basic conceptual questions about air flow systems, winds, map questions about the location of important geographic landscapes, rivers (only really important ones or unique ones) etc. These are quite predictable if you closely analyse and you will see a trend in the type of questions.

Serve as a dipstick

Previous years’ papers provide insight into the pattern of the question paper and also the difficulty level of questions. This serves as  a dipstick into your level of your preparedness and helps you to adjust your study plans and schedules accordingly. By understanding the complexity of questions, you can develop strategies to tackle challenging sections more effectively. Using these papers for self-assessment helps track your progress and adjust study plans.

Concentrate on understanding the questions, the essential topics being tested, and the manner of answering. This boosts confidence and reinforces learning before you transition to a time boxed practice.

Have a Predictive value

We know that the syllabus may remain constant, but the focus on certain topics can shift. Analyzing past years’ questions allows you  to anticipate the trends, and make a strategy for sure shot success.  Looking at past papers is like drawing a ring and studying from that point of view. For example, there are certain topics from which questions are asked year after year. A good analysis of the past papers will help you find those patterns and predict what kind of questions can be asked.

Tool for timed practice

Looking at the question paper is analogous to a simulation of  actually attempting  the exam. To make it more realistic, you may create the same environment like setting up a quiet space and turning off distractions using a timer. Complete the paper in one sitting without referring to notes or textbooks. This  would help you develop the skill of structuring answers in a limited time frame.

Serves as an iterative process of practice, review and improvement

After reviewing your performance on a previous paper, go over the areas or concepts that you struggled with. This iterative process of practice, review, and revision assures continuous improvement and truncates the road to success.

Summing up

Thus, solving and practicing past years’ papers is an essential component of efficient exam preparation. It involves the broad spectrum of  providing significant insights into the format, style, and expectations of the exam. By using them immersively- beginning with an open-book practice, simulating test situations, and evaluating mistakes—you can sharpen your knowledge, improve your time management, and boost your confidence for the big day.

So, all the best!

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GC writes-05-2025

Join forces to win the battle

Since the clock has started ticking and you are on your revision schedule for the upcoming UPSC exam, you may consider two options when revising – study individually or find a study group.

Study alone and group study, both, have their pros and cons. Studying alone limits your perspective and keeps you from exploring various topics thoroughly. The former option can be monotonous, confusing, and exhausting. The latter can promote a better understanding of various topics when members handle the process correctly.

However, at times it has been seen that group study initiatives fizzle out after a certain period of time and they fail. This is because intense competition makes the group fractured and also the sharing does not happen. This happens when there is no one to make the group move towards a cohesive goal and each person is busy with his own schedule.

Communicate, communicate, communicate
To make the most of group study, form a group where each member has different talents and views on discussion areas. You can discover different angles based on another person’s opinion, enhancing analytical and creative thinking. The discussions also boost confidence and communication skills to help you reach your academic goals. The ability to pick and refine the best learning methods from the other members is an added advantage of study groups. You can learn study tricks that propel your academic performance. You also get the opportunity to discuss and debate important current affairs issues with like-minded peers. When everyone transparently shares their marks, it motivates you to perform better. Additionally, you can learn more efficient ways to complete your preparation from others.
Size matters
When it comes to forming a group, the size is what matters. There is no number that is ideal, whereas five may be ideal in some cases, in others three may be a crowd. What is essential is the group is cohesive and geared towards a common goal. You may form different groups for different topics/subjects.

To each according to his capacity
A group is ideal where each member has a specific contribution. It is always advisable to have a group leader spearhead the group and assign specific roles to each member and seek his active participation. A load balancing would also help. Longitudinally tracking any news item where each member contributes and helps form perspective would be imperative. Given the sea of syllabus, it becomes essential to add both latitude and longitude.

Consistency is key
Whether you meet in person or online, consistency has to be followed. If members drop out or start doing something else, it is imperative that you dissolve the group and form a new one that follows a cohesive dynamic and also keeps each other motivated. You may at times have to draw inspiration from fellow aspirants by sharing success stories, challenges, and preparation strategies. Support and lift each other during the preparation phase.

Comfort is the glue

It is highly imperative for the group members to feel comfortable with each other. You should be able to relax in the company of the other members without overtly being conscious of their skills. Ultimately, you have to uplift each other and help fight procrastination by discouraging postponements and distractions. You may set specific study periods, meaning you must prepare before then to participate productively. Participate in weekly discussions on important UPSC subjects and join Q&A sessions. Gain insights from fellow aspirants and mentors to strengthen your knowledge.

Summing up
Therefore, if you wish to make effective use of the time left before UPSC and are a social person, a well-formed study group, with carefully chosen members with complimentary skills, can escalate efficiency, lead to deeper preparation and alleviate stress. On the other hand, if you are a person with dollops of intrinsic motivation, self-study would offer you complete control over your study schedule. It would also allow you to introspect and focus on areas where you need improvement and gives you the freedom to gather momentum.

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GC writes

Corridor to success

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination is known for its wide and deep syllabus, requiring aspirants to adopt a well structured approach to preparation.

One of the important factors contributing to successful UPSC preparation is the use of libraries and reference material. Libraries serve as valuable assets that facilitate gaining knowledge of, research, and a surgical strike at a particular topic. They support three core missions: promoting reading, offering access to information and anchoring communities.

For the sake of convenience, libraries when referred to in this article, refer to hybrid libraries (that combine benefits of both physical and digital resources)

Here is how library serves as an effective corridor for your UPSC preparation:

Make use of the comprehensive resource

The library serves as a rich treasure trove of comprehensive information under one roof. This wealth of resources allows you access to authoritative content that makes you feel confident about the information you have gathered on various topics.

Single source of truth for all Information

One area where a library, whether a physical one or online, has an edge over other channels of information is that it provides authentic information. Other sources of information may be algorithmically slanted to confirm with your existing biases. Without a critical framework to evaluate the reliability of all this information and to assess its underlying agenda, it’s easy to get disoriented and to reach mistaken, even dangerous conclusions. There’s no gatekeeper on the web vetting what shows up on your news feed for accuracy or objectivity. Many libraries have curated content especially for UPSC where you can refer to already shortlisted content/study material that has been referred by the aspirants who have been preparing earlier.

 Longitudinally track news by reading the newspapers

In most of the libraries, the newspapers are stacked datewise. If you visit the library regularly, you would be able to longitudinally track a single piece of news and develop perspective. You can also read the editorials and news related to government policies, international relations, and environmental issues which would be a catalyst for your preparation for both GS Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II (CSAT) for the Prelims.

Use online platforms

You may access online platforms like Shodhganga, hosted by INFLIBNET,  that provides access to a vast collection of PhD theses and dissertations from Indian universities, offering in-depth insights into various subjects. By exploring these theses, as a UPSC aspirant, you  can gain a better understanding of the current state of research in your areas of interest, which can be useful for essay writing and answering questions in the Mains exam. Besides, these platforms also allow access to research from different universities and researchers, providing diverse perspectives on various topics thus developing  a deeper understanding of the concept.

INFLIBNET also hosts Shodhgangotri, a platform for research synopsis, which can be helpful for understanding research in progress

Explore open access resources like:

  • DOAJ ( Directory of Open Access Journals) – This platform provides a comprehensive list of open access journals, allowing you to access research articles on various topics relevant to the UPSC syllabus.
  • PLoS (Public Library of Science)- offers free access to a wide range of scientific and medical publications, which can be valuable for understanding complex issues and current affairs.
  • Unpaywall – Unpaywall is a plug in that points you to legal, author-posted manuscripts that are hosted on university and government web servers. These free, author-posted manuscripts are often called “Green Open Access” and are a longstanding and completely legal part of the scholarly communications ecosystem. The majority of scholarly journals permit authors to “self-archive” their papers on university and government web servers. It’s these legally self-archived papers that Unpaywall helps users find.
  • HathiTrust, and Project Gutenberg also can be helpful in supplementing your studies and saving time.

To sum up, libraries and other online platforms can serve as a constructive  corridor to your preparation for UPSC.

 
 
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CSE — The countdown begins!

With UPSC announcing the dates for the year 2025 for both Prelims and Mains (May 25 and August 22 respectively), the countdown has begun for the aspirants.

UPSC preparation can be a tedious task if not approached in a structured manner. Since the syllabus is both wide and deep and covers diverse topics, it is imperative to understand the significance and pattern of the previous years’ papers and prepare according to your strengths.

The syllabus recommends multiple books, newspapers, and a lot of literature which may be overwhelming. You may not have enough time to go over each topic line by line, but in this day and age, you may couple hard work with certain AI tools that would truncate the preparation time and also increase efficiency.

Approach it in a backward engineered, structured manner.

Here is how you divide your three months’ time frame:

Month 1: Create mind maps and study guides

This phase aims at building your reading and memorising skills so that you are able to grasp main concepts and make key notes.

Start with NCERT of Grades VI-X for  understanding the topics for its easy language and move  to specialised books on History viz; Ancient India by RS Sharma, India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra, Certificate Physical Geography by G.C. Leong,”Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth,Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh,Science and Technology by Ravi P. Agarwal to name a few to get more information added on those topics.Create mind maps and visual cues, blurbs that become capsules for you for last minute photographs in your mind. You may use plain sheets and Atlas to create blurbs.

AI tip: To name a few, tools such as mindmapAI, Coggle that have both free and paid subscriptions can create mind maps from uploaded text using its AI capabilities.

For CSAT, focus on practicing Data Interpretation, Analytical Reasoning, and English Comprehension by setting a 2-hour block each day for focused CSAT practice.Since it is a qualifying paper, you must score a minimum of 33%.

Month 2: Intensively learn and place these mind maps into a memory palace

Once your mind maps and study capsules are ready, in month 2, you may need to do a surgical strike on the topics you feel need an immersive deep dive. For this, associate these mind maps into a memory palace by associating the main topics with names of persons or things. Remember, do this for topics where you have difficulty remembering and you need to do a surgical strike.

Focus on previous years’ questions and try to match them with topics studied.

Also, focus on revising current affairs of the past 2 years such as important policies, government schemes, international relations, government reforms that keep coming up in monthly magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express. You may also download apps like Flipboard, Inshorts etc for quick updates and create folders for easy access.

Keep practising the mock CSAT and identify your weak areas here too. The topics that need a daily dive are Constitution, Preamble, Schedules, Emergency Provisions, Judiciary, and Federalism. Identifying your weak areas here would serve as a dipstick for your last month plans and preparations.

AI tip: Using tools like bard by Google, you can analyse trends in current affairs and gain insights that would save your time

Month 3: Simulate and appear for Mock tests

Appearing for mock tests would help you overcome your initial fear of taking the test. It’s like simulating the entire experience. Attempt at least one full-length mock test per week in the last three months. Analyze each test thoroughly to improve accuracy and speed.You can know precisely how much time you can spend on a question besides learning the art of an intelligent elimination thinking pattern that would allow you to hit the nail on the head and avoid negative marking.

You can also use AI tools like Perplexity to create a preparation schedule for you. You may choose to increase frequency of revisions for areas / topics that you feel need more time. It will require a rigorous and consistent approach to complete such a vast syllabus in 3 months but it is absolutely achievable.

Therefore, begin with the end in mind- plan, act and achieve success in the forthcoming UPSC exam and pick up your planner and act on your dreams!

The writer is a Career Coach and Business Consultant

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Civil-Services

The Civil Services

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a nationwide competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. It is conducted in two phases –
  • a preliminary examination consisting of two objective-type papers (general studies and aptitude test), and
  • a main examination consisting of nine papers of conventional (essay) type, followed by a personality test (interview).

Stage I: Preliminary examination – A qualifying test advertisied in Feb-March and held in June-July each year. Results are published in mid-August.

Stage II: Main examination – Held in October every year. Results are usually published in the second week of March.

Stage III: Personality Test (interview) – held in December each year. Final results are usually announced in May .

The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years (for the General category candidate) on August 1 of the year of examination. Prescribed age limits vary with respect to caste reservations.

General category candidates = 6.[6]

In the initial stages of their career, IAS officers join as the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM) in a state and go on to occupy positions such as District Magistrate, Divisional Commissioner, etc. They are appointed as the heads of Government Organizations, Public Service Undertakings and also act as Secretary to the Government of India.