How to study NCERTs efficiently for your UPSC preparation? Video Lecture

Ans. To study NCERTs efficiently for UPSC preparation, follow these steps: 1. Start with the basics: NCERT books are known for providing a strong foundation. Begin by reading the NCERT books of the relevant subjects to understand the basic concepts. 2. Make notes: While studying, make concise notes covering the important points, facts, and figures. This will help in quick revision. 3. Focus on understanding: Rather than just memorizing the content, try to understand the concepts. Make connections between different subjects and topics for a holistic understanding. 4. Solve questions: After studying a chapter, attempt the questions provided at the end. This will help in testing your understanding and identifying areas that need further clarification. 5. Revise regularly: Regular revision is crucial to retain the information. Set aside dedicated time for revision, preferably on a weekly or monthly basis.

Ans. NCERT books play a significant role in UPSC preparation due to the following reasons: 1. Strong foundation: NCERT books provide a strong foundation by covering the basic concepts of various subjects. This is essential as UPSC exams require a comprehensive understanding of diverse topics. 2. Clarity of concepts: NCERT books are known for their simple language and clear explanations. They help in developing a conceptual understanding of complex topics. 3. Authentic information: UPSC exams demand accurate and authentic information. NCERT books are published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, making them a reliable source of information. 4. Syllabus coverage: The UPSC syllabus often includes topics from NCERT books. By studying NCERTs, candidates can ensure complete coverage of the syllabus and avoid missing out on important topics. 5. Building analytical skills: NCERT books often include exercises and questions that require critical thinking and analytical skills. Solving these questions helps in developing the necessary skills for the UPSC exams.

Ans. While NCERT books are an important resource for UPSC preparation, relying solely on them may not be sufficient. Here's why: 1. Limited depth: NCERT books provide a basic understanding of concepts, but for UPSC exams, candidates need to delve deeper into various subjects. Additional reference books or study materials can provide the required depth of knowledge. 2. Current affairs: UPSC exams extensively cover current affairs. NCERT books, being static in nature, do not cover recent developments. Candidates need to supplement their preparation with newspapers, magazines, and other sources to stay updated with current affairs. 3. Question pattern: UPSC exams often require analytical thinking and application of concepts. While NCERT books provide a conceptual understanding, practicing with previous year question papers and mock tests will familiarize candidates with the exam pattern and improve their problem-solving ability. 4. Subject-specific books: NCERT books may not cover all the topics in detail. For subjects like history, geography, or economics, there are specialized books available that provide in-depth knowledge and analysis.

Ans. Making effective notes while studying NCERTs can enhance your UPSC preparation. Here's how you can do it: 1. Be selective: While reading a chapter, identify the key points, important dates, events, and figures. Highlight or underline them for easy reference. 2. Use keywords and bullet points: Instead of writing long paragraphs, use keywords and bullet points to summarize the information. This will make your notes concise and easy to revise. 3. Highlight examples and case studies: NCERT books often provide examples and case studies to illustrate concepts. Note down these examples as they can be useful while answering application-based questions. 4. Include diagrams and flowcharts: Visual aids like diagrams, flowcharts, and graphs can help in better understanding and memorization. Include them in your notes wherever necessary. 5. Organize your notes: Maintain a systematic approach while organizing your notes. Use headings, subheadings, and different colors to categorize different topics or subtopics. This will make it easier to locate information during revision.

Ans. Regular revision is crucial for retaining information and improving UPSC preparation. Here's a suggested approach for revising NCERT notes: 1. Weekly revision: Set aside dedicated time each week to revise the notes of the topics you have covered during that week. This will help in reinforcing the concepts and ensuring long-term retention. 2. Monthly revision: At the end of each month, allocate a day or two to revise all the topics you have studied during that month. This will help in connecting different concepts and identifying any gaps in your understanding. 3. Cumulative revision: Every few months, plan a comprehensive revision where you revisit all the topics covered so far. This will ensure that you have a holistic understanding of the subjects and can recall information from previous topics. 4. Focus on weak areas: During revision, pay extra attention to the topics or areas where you face difficulty. Spend more time understanding and revising those topics to strengthen your understanding. 5. Practice mock tests: Along with regular revision, attempt mock tests and previous year question papers. This will help in evaluating your knowledge and identifying areas that need further revision.