Should I solve previous years' papers with the help of online flashcards or revision notes?


Solving previous years' papers is an essential part of exam preparation, especially for competitive exams like UPSC. It helps in understanding the exam pattern, familiarizing oneself with the type of questions asked, and assessing one's preparation level. While both online flashcards and revision notes can be useful study aids, it ultimately depends on individual learning preferences and needs.


Online flashcards are a digital version of traditional flashcards, which present information in a concise and organized manner. Here are some advantages of using online flashcards for solving previous years' papers:

• Efficient Learning: Online flashcards allow you to quickly review important concepts and facts. They provide a condensed version of information, making it easier to grasp and remember.


• Active Recall: Flashcards encourage active recall, which is a powerful learning technique. By actively retrieving information from memory, you reinforce your understanding and retention of the material.


• Easy Accessibility: Online flashcards can be accessed anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This flexibility allows you to study on the go, making efficient use of your time.


• Interactive Learning: Some online flashcard platforms offer interactive features like self-paced quizzes and progress tracking. These features enhance engagement and provide instant feedback on your performance.

Revision notes are concise summaries of key concepts and topics. They provide a quick overview of the subject matter and can be beneficial for solving previous years' papers in the following ways:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Revision notes condense the entire syllabus into bite-sized chunks, covering all the important points. They help in organizing and structuring your knowledge, making it easier to recall during the exam.


• Quick Reference: With revision notes, you can quickly refer to specific topics or formulas while solving previous years' papers. This saves time and helps in answering questions accurately.


• Visual Aids: Well-designed revision notes often include diagrams, charts, and other visual aids to enhance understanding. Visual representations can make complex concepts easier to comprehend and remember.


• Personalized Notes: Creating your own revision notes allows you to personalize the content according to your learning style and preferences. This process of summarizing information helps in reinforcing your understanding.

Both online flashcards and revision notes have their advantages when it comes to solving previous years' papers. It is recommended to try both methods and see which one works best for you. Some individuals may prefer the interactive and portable nature of online flashcards, while others may find the comprehensive and personalized nature of revision notes more beneficial. Ultimately, the key is to find a study aid that helps you effectively review and retain the necessary information for exam success.