(Article) SCIENTIFIC REVISION TECHNIQUES FOR UPSC

The UPSC Civil Services Examinations are considered as one of the prestigious & toughest examinations in the country. It needs a lot of strategic preparation & smart work to crack this exam. In all these preparation strategies, revision is considered as the key to success.

However, It is not advisable to read so many book’s sources, but important is to refer only to fewer sources and compiled study notes & to revise it multiple times.

Revision makes you confidant to excel in the exams. Revision is just like going with the same route again & again and your mind will remember everything on its way automatically. 

We will discuss some scientifically proven techniques used all over the world to do the most important thing of any learning process i.e. REVISION.

How our mind works :

‘Hippocampus’ is a structure inside the Temporal Lobe of Cerebral Cortex that forms a part of the mind, which is responsible for memory. Hippocampus is made up of densely packed neurons. It plays a vital role in regulating learning, memory encoding, memory consolidation, and spatial navigation.

How to improve the capacity of the ‘Hippocampus’ :

Improving the capacity of the Hippocampus means improving the learning process i.e. memory. Hippocampus can be polished & improved as below :

• Low or Nil intake of sugar- Yes, sugar creates an artificial layer over the Hippocampus just like fog & facilitate the memory fading process. It is very much advisable to either completely stop or minimize the intake of sugar or any sugar-based products. Definitely, its not an easy task, but can be done in a phased manner. 

• 7-8 hrs of daily sleep - A good sleep is required to recharge your mind & to accelerate the memory building process.

• Sufficient physical exercise - Moderate exercise/ yoga of 45-60 mins on daily basis is required to maintain blood circulation & supply of fresh oxygen to mind & blood.

• Fresh air- Fresh oxygen is like a fuel for the body & the mind.

• Healthy diet - Healthy, balanced & nutritious diet is a complement to fresh air & necessary for the memory storing & building process.

• Be happy & confident - Extreme worry will not lead to anywhere. The only way to combat worry is to act towards your goal. The more you act towards reaching your goal, the more you complete your stepwise revision task, the more you feel confidant. Be happy & feel confidant. 

Some necessities before getting up ready for the revision :

• Eat a healthy diet: No & never ever skip breakfast. A healthy diet is essential to give your mind the required capacity to re-process the knowledge.

• Put your phone away: Minimise the use of your phone or keep it away for at least one hour while doing revision. Nothing is more important than your revision except a few medical emergencies.

• Start early - Start your day early & try to finish your revision prior to the scheduled time, because every time you revise, your revision time should be reduced considerably.

• Teach somebody- If possible teach somebody, this will revise your concepts & also helps to reorganize your thoughts along with regular revision.

• Use of highlighter - Highlighter should be used judiciously. Like all the facts can be highlighted in red color, the key concept can be highlighted in green , any new concept/ words can be highlighted in yellow color. After finishing the first reading of any chapter, highlighter should be used in the second reading, so that unnecessary highlighting can be avoided.

• Regular break - On an average 10-20 minutes break is required after every hour of studies. This will helps in processing & storing knowledge in your memory.

Revision Techniques:

Standard Revision Method -

This is the commonest revision method employed by most of the civil services aspirants. 

Whatever you studied in the first five days, revise those studies in the last two days of that week. 

Hence every week or month your revision time should increase continuously. In this way, you will be able to learn new chapters along with the revision of previous materials.

During the completion stage of your syllabus,90% of your time should be used in revision while 10% of time should be used in learning new things.

Frequent Revision Method-

This method is commonly used by aspirants who are preparing for exams having a limited, defined & syllabus having more of a static nature. Since this requires frequent revision giving a toll on timely completion of the syllabus. However, if implemented giving sufficient time & planning, this method also proved to be beneficial for civil services preparation.

In this method, revision to be done on 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th & 21st day of the same topics/chapters. This is just like learning car driving. An initial one or two revision you will take some time but while doing subsequent revisions, the mind automatically gets trained to move ahead on the desired path. 

Best Way Forward :

Adopt any method of revision based on your needs & applicability. Keep your studies sources judiciously minimum instead of scattering on many sources. Make maximum possible revisions & check your progress through mock tests to sail successfully through this examination process.

Happy Studies!

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(Article) BENEFITS OF STUDYING 8 HOURS INSTEAD OF 16 HOURS A DAY

There were two woodcutters, both used to cut woods for their living. Both of them work for the same time in the forest. One woodcutter becoming richer and richer while other was poor. One day a learned wise man saw their daily routine to find out their differences.

He learned something that changed his life & his way of thinking.

Both woodcutters used to work for 8 hours but the difference was that the rich woodcutter used to spend 4 hours to sharpen his axe but the other keep on cutting without improving his axe.

Moral of the story: 

Hope you got the point. Smart work is required to get through upsc exam instead of hard work. Hard work is required to do things smartly.

Think about :

If somebody wants to study 16 hours per day, of course, he can study for up to 24 hours also. After all, 24 is more than 16 hours.

But, the question here is ‘’Why do you want to increase your study hours’’? It’s just because you want to learn more.

Let me tell you that increasing the number of hours beyond a certain point is not only futile but even can be counter-productive.

How it drains your capacity :

After every passing hour, the capacity of the mind decreases to retain & recall the things compared to a fresh mind. You will end up just see the clock counting hours but mind it, your mind might not able to retain & recall things.

The quantity of learning in the second & subsequent hours of continuous study is less than the first fresh hour. If you continue to study without break for third, fourth, fifth & subsequent hours it will be a continuous deterioration in learning quality.

Even it may be negligible in the subsequent continuous hours. Although, you may have the satisfaction of moving towards that 12–14–16–20 hours study target, your output 

with every foregone hour will add continuously less and less to your learning.

Your whole concentration is on achieving the target of studying 14-16 hours, compromising the quality of the effective study, and then how will you able to concentrate?

Studying 15-16 hours per day is possible for only 2-3 days if very necessary. 

Studying at high pitch continuously drain your body's capacity to recover & hamper retaining capacity.

What can be done :

After an hour or one & half an hour, there must be a break of 15-20 mins. So that your mind can get sufficient time to restore & recall things in mind. 

 After every break go outdoors in a green environment, go jogging, or do any physical activity. This will circulate your blood movement & helps in getting oxygen to the mind.

With this recharge of fresh oxygen to the mind, your mind will be able to learn & retain things.

Your output will increase manifold.

Just don't stick with the pages you also want to remember something. Yes, you can study a novel or any interesting story continuously for 16 -20 hours if you want, although it’s not advisable.

But preparing for civil services or any other competitive exam is not like a story or novel, you need to remember the facts & concepts. For this, your mind needs sufficient time.

Don't deprive your body of sleep & other physical activity, it hampers your power to remember.  Need not to mention that all those stress hormones going to kick in a very bad way.

How to plan studies effectively :

Out of 8-10 hours, fix 6-8 hours per day for continuous new learning & remaining 2 hours for revision the previous days/week/month studies in a planned way. This will train your

mind to grab & retain new things & also your mind will be trained in recalling the previously stored items. 

In this way you are sharping your axe !

Like every machine & any other living being our body also has the optimum capacity, if it is utilized in a proper way it will work better & for a longer duration.

No need to torture your brain, mind and soul for 16 or 24 hours. It isn't an exercise. It is simply learning, retaining & recalling things. Study slowly. Enjoy it and concentration will come along. 

Best Way out :

The success mantra is the continuity & consistency of studies. Make your schedule in such a way so that you can study 8-10 hours daily on a routine basis without compromising

on other necessary leisure activities. 

Remember 3R- REVISION, RETAINING, RECALLING.

Best of Luck!

Happy Studies!

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(Article) TIPS & STRATEGY FOR UPSC Aspirants TO STAY MOTIVATED DURING COVID-19 SCENARIO

In this devastating situation of COVID-19, professionals, service persons, political entities, economic stakeholders & the whole ecosystem are badly affected. All the students in school, colleges, or preparing for any competitive exams are no exception to it. It is a tough time especially for the aspirants who are preparing for UPSC Civil Services. Some of you might have left your lucrative job to opt for civil services preparation.

Most of the people are working in remote mode, feeling a little extra-challenged in engaging with civil services preparation. All the civil aspirants may find it difficult with increased stress outbursts.

While it’s a challenge for the aspirant, there are certain steps you can take to feel more motivated to engage in your preparation.

Consider the questions below & think how would you answer? 

• What plans can I design for myself to boost my motivation?
• How I can make engaging or interesting my preparation?
• How my preparation benefit me down the road in near future?
• How do I get myself to study even when I’m not in the mood?
• Do I know about anything that hinders my motivation and what can be done to help?
• What am I doing to keep myself energized & healthy and take care of my well-being?
• Are the precautions that I’m taking to save with COVID19 is enough?
• How am I managing, planning, or implementing my study routine?

And finally… 

• What new practices do I need to start to help myself feel engaged and motivated?

Every aspirant may answer these questions based on his/her situation. You will be the best judge to judge your situation.

Now we will discuss what can be an ideal way out while responding to the above questions. These points will surely give an answer & strategy for all the above questions.

Optimistic about COVID 19:

• Although COVID-19 has almost all the negative things, the aspirant must be an optimistic person to think best out of the waste.
• This situation has given enough time for all the aspirants to study in detail. Since there are no exams & neither expected to be held in a few months. This has given you a lot of time to study in detail.
• It is one of the best times to study especially for a person doing self-study. Since with the approaching date of exams, we mostly focus on important things leaving the less important topic.
• It is the best time to go & refresh your basics by studying NCERT Books.
• Make multiple revisions of all the upsc test papers & study notes. Make sure to revise all important topics by 10-12 times. A maximum revision of the same things makes you confidant & helps in the elimination method to be used in upsc preliminary exams.
• For people whose optional subject is not ready due to lack of time, may prepare their optional subject. This is more beneficial for those whose syllabus is matching with the upsc preliminary exam syllabus.
• Ethics, GS preparations, essay & language test for upsc mains can be prepared. This will give you an extra edge over other participants. Since the time gap between the pre & mains is very less as compared to the demanding syllabus.
• COVID-19 has given you sufficient time to prepare leaving other disturbances like outings, partying, social gathering. So use this time wisely.

Plan your study : 

• Start your day with a your schedule.
• Break down your study plan into small, manageable tasks.
• Make quarterly, monthly study plans & divide it into weekly & daily plans. 
• Give yourself rewards for the tasks completed like completing your weekly or monthly targets.
• Balance your studies with leisure time also.

Conscious about Health :

• It is more than mandatory to keep yourself away from this COVID19 disease by adhering to all the precautionary guidelines.
• A healthy person will always get an extra edge over a diseased person.
• Exercise regularly & pay attention to sleep.
• Eat healthy & immune-building foods.
• Make just use of digital media & stay connected with your dear ones with a limited or nil connectivity to unnecessary peoples.

Think about the daily routine :

• Taking breaks
• Exercising
• Eating right
• Staying on a regular sleep schedule
• Staying connected with dear ones.
• Reaching out for help when you need it most.

Stay motivated :

• Think about the reason you choose to become a civil servant, your ambition, future plans associated with that.
• Think about the result declaration day when you will find your name in the selected list.
• Think about the cherished faces of your family & dear ones.
• If possible see motivation videos or read IAS Toppers success stories daily for 10-15 mins to have a daily dose of motivation.

You will be able to find & relate most of the answers to the above questions. Think positive & convert this dark COVID period into your GOLDEN period to write a new history.

Happy Studies!

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(Article) OLD NCERTs BOOKS: WAYS TO PREPARE FOR UPSC CIVIL SERVICES Exams

In this article, we will discuss the importance of NCERT books (especially the Old NCERT’s books), list of most important books, pros & cons about the old & new NCERTs as well.

If you are a serious aspirant for civil services, starting from scratch will be one of the best policies to be successful. For achieving your dream, the foundation started by studying school level old NCERTs books of humanities stream from standard 6th to 12th. 

Old NCERTs widely used in the 1990s & 2000s prior to the current edition. 

Benefits of Old NCERTs books: 

• Class 6th to 12th all sections of 
  • History, 
  • Geography
  • Environment, 
  • General Science, 
  • Political Science, 
  • and Economics.
• These books are written for school students in easy language, which is very easy to understand.
• All concepts regarding most of the topics will be easily understandable, which will pave the foundation for studying further in-depth studies of higher-level specialized books.
• Many of the questions in almost every Govt exam are asked directly from the NCERT books.
• NCERTs are the authentic source by Government itself. 
• This easy language concept-based study will also help you to write your upsc mains exam. Since you will be able to express your topic to your examiner in an expressive way
• At least one round of complete detailed studies of all the subjects required to prepare your ias exam foundation. Also, important points can be highlighted for quick revision.
• Science can be studied in a selective way as per the upsc syllabus.

Get Old and New NCERT Study Notes

Old Vs New NCERTs: 

• Old NCERTs are written in a direct manner & have factual data. Facts & concepts can be remembered easily. While, the new NCERTs are in a subjective manner, more focussed on thoughts, beliefs & cultures, which eventually help to evolve your thinking process.
• Old NCERTs can be finished in less time, while new NCERT can take more time, it all depends on individual interest, reading & conceptualizing process.
• Old NCERTs are more of to the point of factual information with less focus on diagrams compared to the new one.
• Old NCERTs are very rich in its content, facts can be remembered easily. New NCERTs are in a narrative way, which sometimes lacks content & appeared less interesting. 
• In all the exams, especially UPSC exams quality & content matters & not the source of studies.

Click Here to Download New NCERT Books PDF

Click Here to Download OLD NCERT Books PDF

How to read NCERTs:

• Underline whatever you feel important at the very first reading or if you have sufficient time, just go through the complete subject at once & then underline in the second reading.
• Memorize the underlined points in subsequent readings.
• Make sure to revise the underlined data or you can club those underlined data in a single note & keep away the original books aside.
• Just revise multiple times through your notes or the highlighted points through your books.
• Try to study in such a fashion, so that NCERTs note can be revised in 8-10 hours of studies.

How to Get Old NCERTs: 

Most of the old ncert books are not published nowadays by NCERT. However, old books are available in students markets in Delhi and govt libraries. We have create created Old and New NCERT Notes which you can use for quick  reference.

Important ways to Study Old NCERT Books: 

• History: Refer all the old NCERTs books from class 6th to 12th with more focus on class 9th & above for deep studies.
• Geography: The geography section should be read since beginning to understand technical languages, words & concepts with more focus on agriculture & environment.
• Political Science: This subject is explained at a very basic level, but you should read it to understand the concept, thinking & implementation process of the Government.
• Economics: Economics is explained in class 9th & onward classes with the finest examples. This study will help you to grasp economic & later on helps to understand the current affairs topic at large. 

What after NCERTs books?

After studying NCERTs, students should opt for deep studies with standard books and study notes of reputed organisations, solve previous year upsc test papers, etc. along with multiple revision.

Best of Luck!

Happy Studies!

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