Hi All,

Lets see what an examiner expects from you in Mains. Analyzing this from prelims point of view has no relevance. There, you just go to fill correct circle.

I love Mains♡ First let’s see how you can ‘predict’ a question:

• Read Hindu-vision monthly-insights compilation.
• Make paper wise and topic wise softcopy notes and integrate from 3 sources mentioned.
• Focus on every term of syllabus. Terms in news like tolerance question asked in CSM 2017 GS-1 are part of syllabus.
• Terms not asked in last 1–2 years become important for the following year.
• Revise 5–6 times. Once you do this, you will make your own luck!
• Focus on keywords, news background, supreme court case name, report, committee etc to quote them in answers.

Your answers will only be as good as your notes and revision. Now let’s see what examiner wants. What are the parameters to rate answers:

• Structure is important. Very important. Intro, news background, keywords, definitions, points, paper specific keywords, diagram and conclusion shall make your answer body for every question.

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• Intro-news background-points-conclusion all carry their own marks.
• Quality and quantity of points both matter. I used to write Z number of points for Z marker question.
• If examiner doesn’t like 5 points, you still have chance to score 6/15 if you have written 15 points.
• Diagrams, presentation and paper specific keywords / reports / examples are x-factors that examiner is looking for. Place yourself at his position. You will give more marks for such an answer.
• Address each keyword and part of question.
• Break the question and answer accordingly.

Decode GS-2: Governance & Social Justice Sample & Format Explainer:

decode-gs-2-sample

EXAMPLE CSM 2017 GS-1 Question:

The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian societyfrom very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. (250 words, 15 marks)

Answer:

1. Intro: Keywords marked in bold must be addressed in answer. Define tolerance and love. Give passing reference of other features of Indian society.
2. Give news background on tolerance/intolerance in India.
3. Explain wrt early times (5 points)
4. Explain wrt present times (5 points)
5. Include keywords from Indian Society syllabus
6. Diagram and Conclusion.

This process of breaking down a question into keywords-parts-points is to be done for every GS question.

Further Explanation Given Here:

• Mains Strategy A2Z
• Mains : Break down Question.
• My Answer Writing Strategy.
• Smart Work For CSE.
• Diagrams for CSE MAINS.

UPSC definitely doesn’t want sacrifices from you. All it wants is dedication and smart work!

ATB