Which notes are best for IAS?

The best notes for IAS (UPSC) aren't a single set; they combine standard NCERTs, coaching institute materials (like Vision IAS, Vajiram & Ravi, PW), topper-recommended books (M. Laxmikant, G.C. Leong), and your own customized notes using methods like outlines, flowcharts, and mind maps for better retention, focusing on linking static knowledge with dynamic current affairs. Digital tools (Notion, OneNote) are great for current affairs, while handwriting excels for conceptual clarity in subjects like Polity.

Which notes are best for UPSC?

Types of Notes for UPSC – Digital vs. Handwritten, Mind Maps, Flowcharts, and Summary Notes. Best Resources for Notes – NCERTs, Standard Books, Current Affairs, PIB, Government Reports.

What is the 7 5 3 rule in UPSC?

The 7-5-3 technique is a simple framework that helps UPSC aspirants structure their answers in a logical and impactful way. 7 – Write 7 points in the body of your answer. 5 – Finish your answer in 5 paragraphs (Intro, Body – 3 Paras, Conclusion).

Which category is best for IAS?

Best all-round: Humanities/Arts (flexible, highest overlap with UPSC). Best for quantitative/technical preference: Science with Mathematics. Best for finance/economics preference: Commerce. If unsure: Choose Humanities plus one language/skill subject; it gives maximal UPSC advantage and keeps other options open.

Are Vajiram and Ravi notes enough for UPSC?

Ans. Vajiram and Ravi's QUEST Notes are among the best for UPSC, offering comprehensive, updated content covering the entire syllabus for Prelims and Mains.

How you can be top 1% of aspirants by making NOTES the RIGHT way

What is the 80 20 rule in UPSC?

The 80/20 UPSC principle, inspired by the Pareto Principle, suggests that roughly 20% of the syllabus fetches nearly 80% of the marks. Understanding this distribution is the real secret behind efficient, innovative, and strategic preparation.

Which books did Srushti Deshmukh study?

BOOKLIST AND RESOURCES

• HISTORY. A. ...
• GEOGRAPHY. Certificate Physical and Human Geography by GC Leong. ...
• INDIAN SOCIETY. NCERT - CLass XI and XII. ...
• POLITY. Indian Polity by M. ...
• INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. Reference Website : ...
• INDIAN ECONOMY. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh. ...
• INTERNAL SECURITY. ...
• ETHICS.

Who is rank 1 IAS topper?

Shakti Dubey UPSC Topper AIR 1 2025

Shakti Dubey emerged as the All India Rank 1 holder for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. She is the top-ranked candidate among the 1009 successful aspirants. In fact, she is the top female candidate to secure All India Rank 1 in UPSC in the past few years.

Is the IAS exam very difficult?

It is one of the most difficult competitive examinations in not just India but across the world, with more than a million candidates every year. A single attempt can take two complete years of preparation - one year before the prelims and one year from the prelims to the interview.

Which degree is perfect for IAS?

If you're wondering which degree is best for UPSC, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is often the preferred choice due to its alignment with the UPSC syllabus. But which BA course is best for UPSC? A program that covers subjects like Political Science, History, and Public Administration can give you an edge.

Is 800 a good score in UPSC?

Generally, a score of 800 may be considered good if it falls within or above the cutoff range for the UPSC Civil Services Exam for that year. Subject and Paper Weightage: Different papers and optional subjects have different weightages.

Who got 175 marks in essay UPSC?

Apurva Pandey is a ForumIAS Academy Student. She has secured Rank 39 and is the Topper from Uttarakhand. She has secured 175 marks in Essay which is the highest score this year among selected candidates.

How to write fast in UPSC?

How to Develop Writing Speed for UPSC Essays Without Losing...

1. Practice Handwriting Regularly. ...
2. Create a Quick Outline Before Writing. ...
3. Use Simple and Direct Language. ...
4. Time Management During the Exam. ...
5. Write from Your Knowledge Base. ...
6. Develop a Consistent Writing Style. ...
7. Use Abbreviations and Symbols (Where Appropriate)

Are toppers notes good for UPSC?

📚⚠️ Here's the HARSH TRUTH: They can guide you, but they WON'T replace your own understanding, analysis & practice. 💡 You need more than shortcuts—you need strategy.

Is Laxmikant sufficient for mains?

Can Laxmikant Alone Be Enough for UPSC Mains? Laxmikant is an essential component of the UPSC preparation strategy, and it would not be sufficient to use it to tackle the Mains.

Is Drishti IAS best for UPSC?

Drishti IAS is a well-known coaching institute for UPSC preparation in India. It has earned a reputation for its detailed and structured approach to covering the syllabus. The institute offers a variety of courses, including Prelims, Mains, and Optional Subjects.

Which is the no. 1 toughest exam?

There isn't one single "first toughest exam," as difficulty is subjective, but the Gaokao (China's college entrance exam), India's UPSC Civil Services Exam, and India's IIT-JEE are consistently ranked among the world's most challenging due to immense competition, vast syllabi, and low success rates, often determining life paths for millions. Other famously tough tests include the Master Sommelier Diploma, USMLE (Medical Licensing), and CFA (Finance).
 

What is the salary after passing UPSC?

UPSC Salary IAS Salary in India Per Month

An IAS officer starts at ₹56,100 basic pay per month (Pay Level 10). Adding Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other perks, the IAS salary per month can reach about ₹80,000–₹1,00,000 gross initially.

What's the hardest part of UPSC?

The Interview Stage: What to Expect. The interview stage of the IAS exam is often seen as the most challenging part of the process. This stage is not just about testing your knowledge but also your personality and confidence. Here's what you need to know to prepare effectively for this crucial step.

Who is 21 year old IAS?

Ansar Shaikh – India's Youngest IAS Officer (Age 21)

Hailing from Jalna, Maharashtra, IAS Ansar Shaikh is the son of an auto driver who faced numerous financial challenges before joining the esteemed Indian Administrative Services.

What are 9 papers in UPSC?

The 9 papers in IAS Exam (Mains) are as follows: Paper-A (Compulsory Indian Language); Paper –B (English) which are qualifying in nature, while the other papers like Essay, General Studies Papers I, II, III, and IV, and Optional Papers I and II are considered for the final ranking.

How much did Tina Dabi score?

In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, she secured 868 marks in the written exam and 195 in the personality test, bringing her total to an impressive 1063 marks. According to media reports, Tina cleared the UPSC exam on her very first attempt at the age of just 22.

Who cleared UPSC in 6 months?

Meet Abhimanyu Gahlaut: The Working Professional who cracked UPSC Civil Services Exam in 6 Months.

How many hours did Srushti Deshmukh study?

Deshmukh studied for 6 – 7 hours daily and relied heavily on online sources for her preparation. While the internet is an excellent source of information and study material, she also warns students against its overuse as there are plenty of distractions.

What is the best strategy for UPSC?

Go through the syllabus of both the Prelims and Mains exams. Analyse the past few years' question papers of both Prelims and Mains. Start reading a newspaper regularly and make short notes based on relevant articles. Read the basic NCERT books and then go through the UPSC Syllabus relevant Textbooks.