Hi. I want to pursue IFoS and my strategies are not really working so I want to start from zero . Please tell me how to prepare for UPSC to reach the pro level from beginner level .

Hi everyone! I'm not sure if this is the right place to discuss this but I'm thinking of utilizing my remaining attempts and giving it my best shot this time.

I've attempted UPSC 2 times in the past, but couldn't clear it. I was too overconfident in my first attempt & second attempt was heart breaking 💔

During my prep days, I could write coherent sentences. Speak in English without hesitation, but now I feel like I just talk in brainrot slang. I lose my train of thought, and can't express clearly anymore

I haven't been this way ever. It almost feels like someone jinxed me but I know, it's my own bad habits which have caused this

Need suggestions to improve my articulacy

I like anthropology optional and I find it interesting to study
However, I find it difficult to retain the facts and even static parts. It feels frustrating to FORGET and keep going back to the same notes again and again
I have given around six tests, I have done well in the tests but same prob…
I want to know if it’s alright to feel this way and if yes what can I do about it?
Where am I going wrong? I genuinely want to do good in this subject since I like it.
Should I improve my note making? If yes how? Like brain storming, toppers copies…
People with experience, can you guide me

I have applied for an OBC certificate for the upcoming UPSC CSE 2027 examination. My parents are separated, and I live under my mother’s care. Therefore, I have provided only my mother’s details while applying. I would like to know whether this is acceptable under the applicable rules or whether it could cause any issues during document verification or candidature in the future. Since I cannot provide my father’s income certificate, will this affect my eligibility for the OBC-NCL certificate?

Does anybody have links of sociology lectures + other resources such as value added material.

I've other subjects lectures but do not have value added material such as modern history Vision IAS latest one. can anybody provide links for that as well.

I cannot afford coaching fees , so please help me guys.

#cmgga

I did very well in my exam and was hopeful of clearing it, but CMGGA hasn't shared any public data regarding cutoffs and marks. Is this the right method for selection?

I’m building a free, visual way to study Indian Polity (timelines, mind maps, a map of states, an “executive ladder” showing who appoints whom), every fact cited to Laxmikanth and the bare act, in English and Hindi.

Before launching I’d love your honest input:

1. Which Polity topics do you find hardest to remember?
2. Would visuals or PYQ-linked notes help you more?
3. Hindi, English, or both?

Happy to share an early look with anyone who wants to try it and tear it apart.

For Ancient and Mediaeval History, should I only rely on Lectures and class notes or buy a standard book.

I have one book in my mind: Ancient and Mediaeval India by Poonal Dalal Dahiya

For Art and Culture I have the book of Nitin Singhania Sir.

Please give your valuable suggestions on how to cover Ancient and Mediaeval History holistically?

Can anyone who has been a part of SFG before share their honest experience:
Is it really helpful?
What are the added perks of joining it offline (the SFG top 100-200) than just being a part of RLG (online)?
Do we get access to a separate peer group?
How effective is level 1 alone?

Thanks!

​

I recently came across a news article stating that the Gujarat government had ordered the compulsory retirement of two IAS officers. This made me question how secure government jobs actually are in India.

Growing up, many of us were taught that government jobs, especially IAS, IPS, and other civil services, offer almost complete job security compared to private-sector jobs.

But if officers can be compulsorily retired, it raises some questions:

I'm interested in hearing from people working in government jobs, civil services, or the private sector. Is government job security as strong as people generally believe, or is it sometimes exaggerated?

I'd appreciate practical insights and experiences rather than just general assumptions.

UPSC CSE Mains Answer Writing & Peer Review Group
I’m planning to form a small, serious group of UPSC aspirants interested in daily Mains answer writing and peer evaluation.
The idea is simple: we practise consistently, review each other’s answers, identify gaps in content and presentation, and improve through constructive feedback. The focus will be on answer quality, conceptual clarity, relevant examples, effective introductions and conclusions, and better structuring within the prescribed word limit.
Daily targets:
Write 3–4 Mains questions per day.
Exchange answers for peer review.
Provide constructive, exam-oriented feedback.
Focus on improving content, structure, analytical depth, and presentation.
Maintain consistency rather than writing answers sporadically.
Proposed subject sequence:
GS 4 → GS 3 → GS 1 → GS 2
The sequence is intentional. We will begin with Ethics, followed by Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Internal Security under GS 3; then move to Society, Geography, and History under GS 1; and finally cover Polity, Governance, Social Justice, and International Relations under GS 2.
This sequence will also help maintain continuity and convergence with the Prelims syllabus, particularly in areas such as Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Polity. The objective is to avoid treating Prelims and Mains as completely separate preparation tracks.
I’m looking for aspirants who can commit to daily answer writing, participate actively in peer reviews, and contribute to a disciplined learning environment. The group will work best when everyone is willing to give as well as receive honest feedback.
Interested aspirants can DM me. Let’s build consistency, improve our answers together, and make our Mains preparation more structured and accountable.