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Yes its sinking in.. Rank 40, CSE 2015.The UPSC circle- the close and the beginning.

Bagh-e-Bahisht Se Mujhe Hukam-e-Safar Diya Tha Kyun Kaar-e-Jahan Daraz Hai, Ab Mera Intezar Kar                      - Mohammad...

Friday, May 13, 2016

Yes its sinking in.. Rank 40, CSE 2015.The UPSC circle- the close and the beginning.



Bagh-e-Bahisht Se Mujhe Hukam-e-Safar Diya Tha Kyun
Kaar-e-Jahan Daraz Hai, Ab Mera Intezar Kar
                     - Mohammad Iqbal.
(Why did You order me to quit the Garden of Eden? 
Now I have work to finish. Now you will have to wait for me.)

Yes, it has now started to sink in. What is it I think, this whole thing about getting an all India rank 40 in UPSC 2015? Well it is a feeling. A beautiful feeling. A powerful feeling. And why is it beautiful and powerful? Because, it strengthens that belief, a deeply held belief that whatever happens in our lives, is for a reason. And the reason is to make us grow, evolve and expand, learning from our failures and mistakes. The reason is always us.

It is beautiful and powerful because it makes me feel today, that I stand right between the end of a journey and the beginning of a new one. But the song remains the same. And there is so much of work to be finished in this new journey.

And lastly, it is beautiful and powerful because of the very manner it came to me. So, I ask myself, why after writing three mains previously and missing it so close every time? Why not then, and why now? But now I have the answer. When Dr. Kalam passed away, I was stirred to writing a post for him. It was not a post, it was everything I wanted to tell him whenever I meet him. I share the link here. (http://gazalbharadwaj.blogspot.in/2015/07/you-do-not-die.html)

Every time I found out I missed the list by 11, 35 and 9 marks respectively, I would read his same book, same pages, same words and put my pieces back, back to work. I quote his words here, because they are the answer-

When he missed his dream of being an air force pilot, scoring 9th position where as there were only 8 slots available, this is what he had to say- “walked around for a while till I reached the edge of a cliff” before deciding to go to Rishikesh and “seek a new way forward.”... Or when he was pushed to the edge by one of his mentors, “It is only when we are faced with failure do we realize that these resources were always there within us. We only need to find them and move on with our lives,”

Yes. This is it. This is the answer. This is what makes me feel beautiful and powerful today. It was there inside. God/ Nature/ Universe, whatever we may call that energy which empowers us wanted me to explore, to burn, to learn and to grow. If today in some parallel universe, I get the chance of an alternate timeline, I would still choose this long one. Because these four years have made me who you see today. These failures and learning to grow out of them have made me ready for the challenges that my job will require me to face tomorrow. I wrote the following words last year on my blog, and they fit so perfectly here today- 

"THE CIRCLE OF DREAMS
Its not about whether you will win or not. Its about what you win.
Remember, when you jump up,
you will also hit the ground.
And jump up again..

What would remain is-
The impact you made on the ground.
and the embrace on your cheek, of the air around."

My blog has always been a story, my story. It has been my hiding place, my refuge, my abode. This is where the real me resides. And this moment, this part of my story I dedicate to Mum and Dad for giving me roots and wings and making me the free bird who loves to fly. And you ‘babybrother’ for being my friend and bearing with meJ. I love you all. And a big thank you hug. Here’s a song from boyzone I dedicate to you-

“You gave me strength to stand alone again
To face the world out on my own again
You put me high upon a pedestal
So high that I could almost see eternity
You needed me, you needed me
And I can't believe it's you, I can't believe it's true
I needed you and you were there
And I'll never leave, why should I leave? I'd be a fool
'Cause I finally found someone who really cares
You needed me. Yes you needed me."

All I feel like saying is that there are two things battling with each other inside our mind- fear and love. If you want something, fall in love with it, and never ever give up on it. I feel like quoting something which always keeps me moving-
"I don’t think you understand who you’re dealing with! I have no limits! I cannot be contained because I’m the container. You can’t contain the container, man! You can’t contain the container! My soul is not contained within the limits of my body. My body is contained within the limitlessness of my soul.” -Jim Carrey, Graduation speech at M.U.M. University.
_________________________________________________________ picture credits- Krittika Swamee.

I am attaching my marksheet here: Written total 748, Personality test 206, Board- Mr. P.K Joshi, Optional HISTORY(245)






















RECENT: I HAVE POSTED A DETAILED PREPARATION STRATEGY OF HISTORY OPTIONAL HERE : http://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/05/20/optional-strategy-history-gazal-bharadwaj-rank-40-cse-2015/

I HAVE POSTED A DETAILED ESSAY STRATEGY HERE: http://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/05/25/essay-strategy-gazal-bharadwaj-rank-40-marks-jumped-74-cse-2013-147-cse-2015/

I HAVE POSTED A DETAILED PRELIMS STRATEGY HERE:
http://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/06/21/upsc-ias-prelims-strategy-gazal-bharadwaj-rank-40-cse-2015/

REGARDING INTERVIEW:
1. MY SUMMARY SHEET : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Zk4bMabIY2X0Z6S2hfb21LdWM/view?usp=sharing

2. INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT: My interview was mostly based on economics, for reasons I do not know. Thankfully, I had been well versed with it as I had taught economics after mains and also prepared it for my tiss hrm interview, so I could do justice with the questions. 

CHAIRMAN: Is there anything else you are doing?
CHAIRMAN: There is this inflation problem in India. Explain the causes behind it.
CHAIRMAN: What are the measures taken for the farm sector in the recent budget?
CHAIRMAN: What are the functions of the IMF?
CHAIRMAN: What is the difference between IMF and WB?
M1: The recent budget speech did not even mention properly the defence sector. Do you think it was right to do so?
M1: But still, if you cannot secure the borders, what farm security are we talking about?
M1: Have you read Madhushala?
M1: ok. Do you know who wrote it?
M1: Which poets do you like?
M1: You have participated in nukkad team. What is a nukkad?
M2: What are your views on Kashmir problem? Grilled on it via cross questioning.
M2: Is India a strong/weak/ medium state?
M3: Difference between fiscal deficit and current account deficit?
M3: How is money created in an economy?
M3: Impact of federal reserve’s decisions recently on Indian economy? Tapering, quantitative easing, currency devaluations etc
M3: problems of Indian exports?
M4: Your views on Railway budget?
M4: What is axle load? (grilled on it, as I didn’t remember it despite being a civil engg)
M4: What is troposphere?
M4:What is the difference between bod an cod?

154 comments:

  1. You are an inspiration to millions :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Inspirational ............

    I think you are well versed with the alchemy of desire

    Congrats GAJal

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    Replies
    1. Gazal can you give your marks breakup..

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    2. I have attached it at the close of my post.

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    3. Thanks alot...p2 mein world history source except jain nathur and norman lowe

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    4. Ignou b.a and m.a. They are very beautifully and crisply written. I'll post in detail in a few days.

      Delete
  3. Hey gazal hearty congratulations to you for your grand success. You stand at the end of the road strong and tall. It really feels very great to see a friend. Succeed. I'll will give you a call soon. Please do help me out with some of my issues. Thanks

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  4. Hey gazal hearty congratulations to you for your grand success. You stand at the end of the road strong and tall. It really feels very great to see a friend. Succeed. I'll will give you a call soon. Please do help me out with some of my issues. Thanks

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  5. congratulations...:)...keep writing :)

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  6. :')
    Words cant express whatever you said.
    Congratulations.

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  7. congtulations di..... hy me b. sc. complete kr chuka hu. meri age 19 year h. me upsc ki coaching krna chata hu, by, hindi mediam . mujhe koi coaching center bta delhi me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Saurabh. Although I did take coaching in delhi for some months, but I learnt from experience that internet is currently the best medium to prepare, especially after the changed pattern. I think videos at mrunal.org and sites like insightsonindia.com are very useful. mrunal lectures are in hindi. If you still want to join some coaching, Mukherjee nagar in delhi has many institutes in hindi medium. Best wishes

      Delete
    2. Its one of the popular institutes of delhi. fee will be high. to begin with, it may help you, but you'll gradually realize a number of shortcomings too.

      Delete
    3. but vajiram do not have hindi medium course...

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    4. but vajiram do not have hindi medium course...

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    5. you can check out some institutes in mukherjee nagar which provide hindi medium. some online forums also provide guidance. google it and you'll find many.

      Delete
  8. Hey dear,

    My heartiest congratulation...
    You have made all the Annites proud..
    Was searching my name in the final list(though could not make it), when i saw yours... N i was like she is my junior an Annite :D ..
    A well deserved victory indeed by a well deserved candidate..

    God bless you dear..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Anusha,
      A heartfelt thanks to you. All I have learnt during this whole UPSC journey is that, it tests your patience and perseverance the most. I am sure you'll fight it out picking yourself up all over again. My best wishes and prayers.

      Delete
  9. hey gazal ma heartiest congratulations 4 such a gr8 achievement..

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  10. Hi..
    Can you please share your Mains Marks..

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  12. Hey gazal...proud of u...this reminds me of the time when you were my senior in stanns and head girl..and now u have become my inspiration..cheers to ur victory ☺☺

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  13. hello mam .... my hearty congratulations.....
    pls can u explain ur strategy for maps in paper 1 of history optional.... i m not able to figure it out...

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Anubhuti.
      I would suggest it is better to prepare maps, alongside a theme u r preparing. eg. if u are covering IVC from upinder singh, make a list of all the sites and plot them. similarly post mauryan period, u can divide into n india, deccan and s. india. And plot imp. sites while covering urbanism, state formation and trade etc

      Best wishes.

      Delete
  14. Congratulations Ma'm.
    The thing with words is, they help us relate. Be it a young boy reading Dickens words and relating himself with them, or some random stranger like me reading your words and relating myself with them. I remember scanning the spreadsheet on forumias soon after the results were out this year, to see if someone with History made it. And when I noticed your rank and some other toppers I was filled with joy,because I could relate and understand. I felt even more elated Ma'm when I read that you graduated with Civil Engineering. Even I am a Civil.Engg graduate.That you have done it with the same, empowers me to think that if you can, I can too. Thank you. Please keep guiding us Ma'm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, words help all of us relate, just as silence.

      Thank u so much. And all the best.

      Delete
  15. How does silence help to
    relate?

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  16. How does silence help to
    relate?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. well, if u visit a historical monument, its silence will help u relate:)
      #justanexample

      Delete
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  18. A very Big Congratulations ma'am ��...I am one of your student and when I read about you succeeding in IAS exam I felt so happy as if I had got a rank. You truly stand as an inspiration for all of us. Hope we too succeed in the coming year...Thank you ☺

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    Replies
    1. Thank u so much dear. My best wishes are with you all. You'll come out with flying colours.

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    2. hello mam congratulations on ur victory....i would like to ask u mam dat m not taking any coaching but preparing frm insight n ias baba ...m writting answers but smtyms i dnt post but jst analyse my answers by looking at others view points...am i going in right direction plzz tell mam...i shall b thankful to u:)

      Delete
  19. Ur name suits ur writing..Felt good after reading them..

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  20. Ur name suits ur writing..Felt good after reading them..

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congratulation on ur grand success. Mam,
    If I have books named plassey to partition & india's struggle of independence, do i need spectrum's modern india ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank u so much.

      I don't think u need spectrum then. u are already reading well written n detailed books.
      best wishes

      Delete
  22. Mam
    A deep respect for the endeavour you made....
    Felt , a lot needs to be done( after reading yiur essey strategy from insights)

    Am going to give mine this year.....A concern.....I could not maintain reading news papers....ultimately destined myself to (ias baba daily news articles and vision notes)

    Will it suffice and keeping in mind the little time in mind , should i start reading newspaper.......
    Thanks

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    Replies
    1. Please do read newspapers, at least hindu and express.
      There is no substitute to that, specially in mains n interview.
      best wishes

      Delete
  23. Ma'am, First of all Congratulations for your amazing rank.
    I have read your Essay Strategy, and feeling delighted that someone has shared a detailed one. But, I failed to understand one small thing. Can you please reiterate your position on Headings? I failed to conceive it properly. Shall I continue with my habit of assigning headings, which in my opinion gives a sense of completion to the examiner, or, I should immediately switch to something else?
    If possible, then please revert back.
    Once again, Congratulations.

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    Replies
    1. It does not matter whether u use headings or not. I used them as i find it easy to highlight the different angles from which i hav analysed the essay question.

      eg: technology and manpower
      Introduced without heading
      2. a historical analysis
      3. the present technological revolution - can it 'replace' manpower: explained with eg. how it can in agri , manufacturing, services sectors(educ, health, e-comm): how n wen it can
      4. The Indian case study: replacement or collaboration?: where it shud replace eg. manual scavengers n child labour; where it shud not wg. labour intensive manufacturing.
      5. The technology manpower collaboration: economy, society, polity, security, disaster mgt with egs and ethical aspects involved.
      6. Is the govt embracing this collaboration: egs from make in india, skill india and digital india etc
      concluded without heading

      best wishes

      Delete
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  25. congratulations ma'am.your an inspiration.

    how to improve our writing ability ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.
      well, write more.
      Practice answering questions in time.
      best wishes

      Delete
  26. Congrats mam!! did you attempt IFoS mains?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Nope. did not sit for ifos mains. the centre was far and i was not prepared for optiona papers.

      Delete
  27. Hello sir , can u please mention some good sources and websites which you preferred for you essay preparation content. Thanku

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess from the blog, its pretty clear that its not sir but ma'am. lol:)
      For essay, i relied on online resources- pib, newspaper editorials- hindu, express, livemint and business standard, idsa, down to earth etc apart from insights

      Delete
  28. Congratulations mam .....I need some guidance regarding history optional ...please guide me in making notes and revising before exam .....how did you cover multiple resources and how do you read same topic from multiple sources .......please reply mam ...thank u

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    Replies
    1. thank you. i have uloaded everything related to history on insights website. link s at the end of my post. u can chk out

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    2. Mam can I talk to u in Facebook ...I have sent u a message in fb ...

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  31. Congrats mam!! You have made pantnagar proud !! You are inspiration to us.
    Mam plz share your interview experience.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. :)
      Yeah. i will share it soon.
      Best wishes.

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    2. Thank you mam !! One more request ! Please choose uttarakhand cadre , uttarakhand needs officers like you and tripti mam.

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    4. ha ha. Uttarakhand is of course my first preference. Lets see where life takes:)

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    5. Sure you will get !! Best wishes mam !!

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  32. Many congratulations Ma'am!! I am in love with your writings. One query: Will you be writing details/book list/strategy about GS preparations?

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    Replies
    1. thank you. will try to upload gs and interview in some time.

      Delete
  33. Congrats ghazal for such a mindblowing success.U truly deserve this.ur writing skills are a big plus,indeed u r very creative,This art is not even possess by literature students."An engineer immersed in Shakespeare." U can very well write a play also,such is the beauty so random,so flowful.Pls share ur detailed strategy of interview along with ur sources of preparation and your mock interviews.Also please let me know how much answer writing for mains is needed,is time after prelims to mains sufficient ?? or more of it is needed. Regarding essays,how many essays a person should write before the mains ??waiting for ur reply.Keep rocking.All the Best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you.
      1. I will share my interview experience soon.
      2. If your optional is done, then u can focus solely on answer writing soon after prelims. give at least one hour to it daily.
      3. depends. like i said, i did not write a single essay, just prepared content on various themes. but its good if u can write at least 2 essays per month.

      best wishes.

      Delete
  34. Please share ur interview strategy also.

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  35. Hie,
    I would like to congratulate you on your success.I just found your name highlighting everywhere while looking for a perfect institute at chandigarh. I think you are the only one who can help me out now.
    I teach ssc students ,prepare for HPAS and have deveolped knowledge with course of time but still nowhere.So, I am going to throw some nasty questions striking in my mind.From now on you are my mentor(P.S- I badly need one).
    1. Which institue should i prefer?---PRE + MAINS(GEO,PUB AD
    2.How to deal with 1 crore data sites (insights,ias baba etc)?
    3.Is it good to follow up insights for pre ?
    4.I am good in static part but writing practice is making me sick ,what should i do for that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.
      1. I have taught here in chandigarh for some time. I would suggest you not to join any as they are v costly, plus u will only find it relevant for beginners ie those who do not know anything about the exam. I would suggest u stick to any one online site. insights or ias baba. eg. insights pre test series is pretty good n is ncert based. folow one but follow thoroughly.
      you can practice daily answer writing from insights.
      2. for optional, rather than sticking to sum coaching insti in chandigarh, u can order notes etc from delhi, or join a test series online. find out the books from the people who hav scored well last year n this year in geo or pub ad. Focus more on books n past papers rather than books.
      best wishes

      Delete
    2. Roger dat miss.
      Actually problem is in the second part(have been following insights) ,no habit of writing answers,I was thinking to join a main answer writing course so that i can develop writing skills.
      Secondly u can suggest coaching insti for GS mains postal course,will save my time.

      Delete
    3. rather than simply following insights, u mus make a habit of daily writing their four answers at least.
      its difficult to suggest a postal course for mains. rather, u can take some test series like vision or lukmaan for which postal option is availible i guess.

      Delete
  36. Congratulations. It is the first step to greater successes. Fantastic letter to our beloved Kalam Sab. We are all fortunate to have lived at a time when he walked the earth for a while. God Bless.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Rajesh. Very true. He was and continues to be a great inspiration.

      Delete
  37. Hello congo for your splendid success.please share your prelims strategy too as i am not even to clear it so.i have given 3 attempts but all of them have gone in vain.please help me out as i am still to write my 1st mains.The strategy involving number of questions to be attempted,accuracy etc. How many tests to be given ???Even last year i solved more than 2000 Practice ques from insights,but of no use.please help.Thank u.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks.
      1. i think rather than solving thousands o questions of tests, its better to analyse past 15 year pre upsc papers and prepare those topics v well.(rather than quantity go into deep analysis of content basics)
      2. u can subscribe any one pt test series which is enuf
      3. depends. i think out of 100 questions, 55- 60 shud be attempted with accuracy plus 15-20 questions with calculated risks where u hav been able to eliminate 2 wrong answers but r stuck with 2.
      4. do not touch the questions about which u hav no idea.
      5. rather than focussin on quantity o current affairs, stress more on basics n traditional part
      best wishes

      3.

      Delete
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  39. Congratulation mam..I'm in 3rd yr pursuing btech.i have started preparation for cse with basic ncerts n no problems with gs papers strategy till now.I have no idea about essay preparation.I read ur essay n blogs n those are outstanding.your way presenting the topics is really amazing.as I'm from technical background n never studied English seriouly I m not good at my writing skill n after reading ur essay I m in doubt how could I improve my skill in these areas..plzzz help me with your suggestion mam how to start for essay preparation n how to improve my writing skill..I have really no idea about it

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    Replies
    1. Hello Anand. As I mentioned in my essay strategy before, it is mainly about developing content and structuring it, not so much about english literary skills. For this, newspaper editorials will help you a lot and will guide u on how to approach an issue from various perspectives- eg. political, social, economic, ethical etc. also compile relevant egs on these aspects for various topics in news continuously. So before essay paper u can jus revise this compilation.
      it wud be good to practice writing at least two essays each month from sep onwards.
      best wishes.

      Delete
  40. Hello Ghazal A big big congo to u :D
    Can u please share your whole interview transcript, as score of 206 needs much more elaboration than the video...Please share it.I think this would be your last strategy write up.Thanks

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. Yes I will share it soon. Wanted to share it in detail, hence the delay.
      best wishes.

      Delete
  41. hello mam as in the video u said u were teaching economy somewhere need ur gudance on dat may i have ur email id ?

    regards
    ruchi
    ruchi.justwork@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Respected mam, u have got excellent marks in interview please have a write up on that,what i sincerely want to request to you is to post your summary sheet hiding your personal details so that we can get a real view of the mindset of interview boards questioning pattern.
    Thanking you

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  43. shared my summary sheet at the end o this post.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hello gazal
    a big all the best for ur training.
    Need to ask u is eco survey to be read from cover to cover for mains ???As i have not yet studied it.Could i study its summary from mrunal ??Or what is the better way to read it,as time is short.Also share how to smartly read the survey if done through book..
    Also could u throw some light on this year's expected pre cut off,as u have cleared it every time.My case may be on borderline.
    Thanks once agn :D

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hello gazal
    a big all the best for ur training.
    Need to ask u is eco survey to be read from cover to cover for mains ???As i have not yet studied it.Could i study its summary from mrunal ??Or what is the better way to read it,as time is short.Also share how to smartly read the survey if done through book..
    Also could u throw some light on this year's expected pre cut off,as u have cleared it every time.My case may be on borderline.
    Thanks once agn :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. I did read it page by page, except for the graphs. i also made a special note of the boxes.
      2. Mrunal's survey lectures really make it easy to cover the survey quickly, but i wud suggest to keep a hard/soft coy o the survey with u wen u watch them
      3. my approach was to make question predictions from the survey and make a list at the side of my survey copy.
      4. Yes, i did clear it every time, but believe me there is no point thinking about predictions on the cutoff. Thinking of pre/mains/ total cutoff never changes the truth. So, why give space to anxiety inside you. Trust yourself and keep moving. What you learn now will never go waste.
      Best wishes to you.

      Delete
  46. Cngratulations Mam!
    Can you suggest me particular coaching institute in Delhi for UPSC- Civil services preparation as i am having engineering background and am in the beginning phase of my preparation. The syllabus and the way to go about it coupled with the exact topics to be studied, what to study, what not to study with the overwhelming source of information available on the internet without having background in any humanities subject seems very confusing.

    Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Congrates mam,
    PANTNAGAR rocks, mam i have also completed my engineering from pantnagar and lives in roorkee and i am preparing for civil services 2017. Mam I am confused about my optional, seniors are suggesting to take mechanical as a subject so that it will be helpfull in GATE and IES.. But the track record of mechanical engineering is not good in CSE.. I love geography too mam.. please guide mam.. i wasted my 4 years between "choti market" and "badi market"..also i am finding it difficult to maintain notes
    thanks mam

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  48. hello mam ..iam not so good in writing and i dont know any quotes also except few..so is it necessary to write quotes in essay and where do i find those???

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  50. Congratulations mam :) your words are so inspiring 😇

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  52. Hello Gazal,

    Congratulations for your success and all the best for a flourishing career in civil services.
    I have opted for history optional for this year's exam.

    I was looking for guidance online and was fortunate to find your strategy for history optionals in insights and it was of immense help. Glad to know that a person from engineering background has cracked IAS opting history optional.
    My query: I have already gone through "Plassey to partition", "Upinder Singh", "Medieval history by Satish Chandra" and have started making notes based on topics.
    You mentioned the IGNOU B.A material is a must read, but is it necessary to read it after reading the above books ?
    Also did you read it cover to cover (the material is very vast) or did you resort to selective reading based on topics to add additional points to your notes?
    Additionally it would be really beneficial if you could share some of your history notes in this blog as it would save a lot of time for aspirants like us with history optionals.

    Regards and thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For world history, I would say yes ignou ba is the most imp source. Also for modern India. Upinder is great.
      In some cases cover to cover, in some selective. I think any one source mus be thoroughly read. second one selectively
      Best wishes

      Delete
  53. plz...tell me how u hv Prepared for MAP Section of 1st part Optional....

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  54. hi mam.many many congratulations.mam i am giving this exam from last 4 years but i always missed it with 3-4 marks,even this time 2016 pre i am getting 123 in gs n near about 73-74 marks in csat but again i did not clear this and now i am facing dilemma of either to go with post graduation or write the next exam.yes i know to quit the battle without giving 100% is just like cowardly action and i really do not want to be a person like this in my life.yes i know due to some issues and some weakness of mine i never gave more than 4-5 months before exam and this is the biggest weak point of my preparation.yes i know fault is of mine.but at this moment i am not getting what should i do now.should i go with post graduation preparation as like everybody is suggesting me to secure something or start upsc preparation from now.

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    Replies
    1. Your call. I would have kept post grad a s a back up plan this time, and gone for one last attempt.

      Delete
  55. mam i am having some doubt regarding upinder singh book
    1.Can you please tell me how to revise upinder singh & when to make notes from it i.e. in the second or third reading.
    2.Is it required to read entire part of upinder sing or some selected portion of upinder singh is sufficient
    3. I completed reading ancint india from ignou BA, is it required to read upinder singh
    4. For medieval india which is good either satish chandra (2 volumes) or ignou
    5.mam for world history i am reading norman lewe, is igonu important for world history
    please reply
    i cant able to read with these doubts in my mind

    thank you

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    Replies
    1. 1. I would make notes n revise in ques ans format and linkages. I have shared some of them herehttp://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/05/20/optional-strategy-history-gazal-bharadwaj-rank-40-cse-2015/
      2. Depends. I found the whole of it very relevant
      3. Then you can supplement the missing themes
      4. I liked ignou more for medieval
      5. yes, its very good

      Best wishes

      Delete
  56. Hi mam I have difficulties with writing ethics paper...
    I m not understanding what shd b the structure of an ethics answer and case studies answer..
    Also suggest ways for what kind of examples should be used wheather they shd be broad issues or personal examples...
    Wheather case studies shd be written first or start from 1 st qsn
    In last 3 attempts my score has been 78,86,83....not improving.
    Also plz suggest sources fr this paper.

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    Replies
    1. 1. mix of both broad issues and personal egs
      2.i think its better to start from beginning bec examiner will check it that way
      3. my sources were Internet and arc 7 report.
      My advice: please make sure u attempt the whole paper.
      Structure: What is the ethical issue involved in the ques and why it needs to be resolved, body, one line conclude
      best wishes

      Delete
  57. that was truly incredible..u gave me a strong reason to continue my blog along with my CSE preparation. Thanks a ton and Congratulations!!!

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  58. Hi Gazal Ma'am
    Mains 2016 result came out yesterday evening. This was my second attempt and I was very sure of cracking it this year. (Last year also I couldn't clear mains). But as my destiny would give me, I didn't find my roll no. in the list. I tried it at least 10 times when it finally dawned upon me that I have not made it. Last whole night I just couldn't sleep and all I kept on thinking was some kind,any kind of story that will give me the strength to stand up once again. Only one name came up in my mind and that was YOU. You also made it in your 4th attempt. I just want to ask you what kept you going ? The amount of strength that is required to go through the whole long process is immense. There are lots of moments of self-doubt and under confidence which makes us question if we are even made for it . But surely you must have held onto something that gave you courage to go for it for yet one more time. Can you please enlighten me with your mantra ? I will be grateful to you .

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    Replies
    1. Been there Pragya. All I would say is you are bigger that the exam, than any exam. Pick yourself up. Each time moments of self doubt come, pick yourself up all over again. Keep moving with your head high and yet learning from the mistakes you think you made in the previous attempts.
      My prayers and best wishes.

      Delete
    2. Been there Pragya. All I would say is you are bigger that the exam, than any exam. Pick yourself up. Each time moments of self doubt come, pick yourself up all over again. Keep moving with your head high and yet learning from the mistakes you think you made in the previous attempts.
      My prayers and best wishes.

      Delete
  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  60. Hi Gazal,

    Would you recommend joining any test series for History optional subject?
    Suggestions from your side would be helpful.

    Thanks in advance.

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  61. Mam , can we have your essay notes ??

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    Replies
    1. whatever organised i had, have already shared on insightsonindia links shared above.

      Delete
  62. Everytime i feel low, I read it. Thank you for being such a wonderful help..

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  63. WoW !!! Came to your blog after long long time and found this as a surprise. Really happy for you. :) God Bless..

    Commented on facebook as well, let's connect there.

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  64. thank you for sharing knowlegable information with us.

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  65. Vamika ShrivastavaJune 6, 2017 at 12:20 AM

    Hello Ma'am. I am preparing for UPSC with the same optional as yours - History. My one big query is how to get evaluation of the answer writing from questions from websites that I would practice for optional. Could you please share your email id with me?

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  66. hello mam' for medival history i still have doubt. ignu ba and ma is so bulky as you know....is it good to prefer any standard book ...instead of ignu ...can you pls provide list of some books

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    Replies
    1. Satish chandra. Ncert and two orig books are good. But i think ignou ba solves d purpose better. Best wishes

      Delete
  67. Nice blog posted here. If you are looking for best IAS/PCS coaching in Lucknow then you can contact Prayatna IAS.

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  68. UPSC IES Result 2017, upsc.gov.in IES/ESE Cut Off Marks Final Merit List: UPSC is announced Engineering Services Final merit list on 6th September 2017.

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  69. Hi, juts now only I read this post. It is awe inspiring and yes, we do know the answers of life's questions when the time is ripe and right. Your all hardwork and dedication paid off. i really like the way you think to fall in love with what one does. Amazing and best of luck. Our country really needs people like you in such important positions after all the civil service cadre is the pillar of our country.

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  70. Hello..i m reading your blog at 4 in the morning and I have fallen in love with the way you endured the terrible times during preparation . Your writing Is irresistible, I must confess. Thank you for the wonderful blog. A couplet as a tribute to your endurance
    Zamana dastan-e azm jab tarteeb deta hai
    Sare fahrist aajate hain deewanon ke Nam aksar.

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  71. Thank you for this post. it is worth reading. it is going to be a great help for competitive exam preparation.. Besides https://www.puzznbuzz.com/online-upsc-mock-test I am going to recommend your website to my mates.

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  72. Thank you for sharing such great information. can you help me in finding out more detail on  schools in magarpatta

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  73. Thank you for sharing such great information. It has help me in finding out more detail about Students Loan

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  74. When will IAS 2018 Exam Admit Card released to get appear in exam in April Month 2018 on upsconline.

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  75. Hi Mam,what are the books and resources to start with.Is it right to take notes and gist of all ncerts at the 2nd reading.what are the perspectives should I explore in any topic and current events.what should be the time period of current events coverage months if I will appear in 2019?

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  76. Ma'am I'm beginner for this optional.can you please tell me from where i should start

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  77. Hello mam,
    Is coaching for history optional is necessary or doing preparation by own with solving test series will suffice?
    Please recommend any one best coaching if it is necessary to take?

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  78. Ma'am I am your big fan and I am in class 11....i just wanted to know that is luck more important for success in UPSC.. .than hardwork/smartwork

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  79. Well said. thanks.

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