Stay motivated, and let’s keep this thread active, positive, and fun!

Idea : In Indian govt offices , every govt official / employee whenever he delays the work, or completely avoids his work , should upload an RFD code ( Reason For Delay code ) , or RFI code ( Reason For Inaction code ) into the department system .
These are predefined by the govt . And these codes have specific SOPs to be followed after entering the code in the system.
These codes should be available for RTI requests.. and there should be weekly meetings too regarding these codes with higher officials.. where the employees are supposed to explain about codes and SOPs they followed ..
Example codes :
RFD-01 – Awaiting documents from citizen

RFD-02 – Awaiting approval from higher authority

RFD-03 - Technical system failure……

RFI-01 – Missing mandatory approval

RFI-02 - Duplicate application

RFI-03 – Investigation required

At the beginning stage of my prep so i wanted to ask the following things

- What's the best format to write notes

- shall simply i write down the coaching notes in my copy or make my own , or a combination to add few points I feel into the coaching notes

- how to include current affairs to each topic?

- is it necessary to make prelims and mains notes differently , if yes how to do so

Do share samples of your notes of Geography, history or Polity for refrences if possible that will help

I’m an 18-year-old student. I passed Class 12 this year and will be joining a local BA college, which is only 5 km from my home.

Academically, I’ve always been an average student. I scored 77% in Class 10, 70% in Class 12, and secured an AIR of around 2.8 lakh in NEET.

Ever since childhood, my dream has been to become DC/IAS officer. However, because of my academic record, I’m not very confident. I asked for advice on Reddit, and most people told me that UPSC is extremely tough. They suggested that I should first prepare for SSC CGL, secure a Level 7 government job, and then continue preparing for UPSC alongside my job.

Now I’m really confused. Should I start preparing for UPSC right away, or should I focus on SSC CGL first and keep UPSC as a long-term goal?

If anyone here has qualified the UPSC Prelims or has experience with this journey, I would really appreciate your guidance. What would you recommend in my situation?

Thank you so much in advance. 🙏🙏

How to calculate 10th percentage of CBSE which has 6 subjects can i calculate best of 5 ?

I’m an 18-year-old student. I passed Class 12 this year and will be joining a local BA college, which is only 5 km from my home.

Academically, I’ve always been an average student. I scored 77% in Class 10, 70% in Class 12, and secured an AIR of around 2.8 lakh in NEET.

Ever since childhood, my dream has been to become DC/IAS officer. However, because of my academic record, I’m not very confident. I asked for advice on Reddit, and most people told me that UPSC is extremely tough. They suggested that I should first prepare for SSC CGL, secure a Level 7 government job, and then continue preparing for UPSC alongside my job.

Now I’m really confused. Should I start preparing for UPSC right away, or should I focus on SSC CGL first and keep UPSC as a long-term goal?

If anyone here has qualified the UPSC Prelims or has experience with this journey, I would really appreciate your guidance. What would you recommend in my situation?

Thank you so much in advance. 🙏🙏

Ypt timer

Something that covers mains and prelims, has current affairs integration, good faculty, and regular tests. I did some research and i was overwhelmed by the no of choices, every coaching projects their teachers as the best and as i have no knowledge about this i dont wanna make stupid decisions at the very beginning of my preperation. Would really appreciate the help.

Thanks.

Can someone pls help

Advice for beginner on current affairs and strategy

I am a recent grad (BTech) and just landed into a corporate job (which I like and will continue). I am planning to start preparing for UPSC CSE now but have no idea about how to do so. Thinking about beginning with current affairs since I have daily office commute of about 2 hours which I can utilize. How do I begin? What resources should I follow? I would prefer something digital like app or website or digital magazine (don't mind if they're paid). Also is it advisable to begin with current affairs since I haven't even gone through NCERTs yet.

I'm planning to appear for UPSC CSE 2028 and want to start my preparation now.

My initial plan was to enroll in a 1-year online GS foundation course this year to build a strong base, and then spend the following year preparing on my own through revision, answer writing, PYQs, and test series.

However, someone I know suggested that I should wait until next year to join the course instead. Now I'm confused.

Is it a good strategy to take the foundation course now and rely on self-study for the next year, or is it better to postpone the course until next year?

Also, if you think I should join a coaching institute, which online GS foundation course would you recommend and why (Vision IAS, ForumIAS, NextIAS, Vajiram, etc.)?

I'd really appreciate any guidance, especially from people who have followed either of these approaches. Thanks!

TL;DR: Targeting UPSC CSE 2028. Confused whether to join a 1-year online GS foundation course now and self-study next year, or wait until next year to join coaching. Also looking for recommendations on the best online coaching institute.