Saima Khan, AIR 165, CSE 2023, Offline Classroom Student of Foundation Batch 2019-20, Educrat IAS Academy
As the Educrat IAS Academy classes began, I started feeling more sure of myself. In the first class, we talked about the syllabus, which is like the ultimate guide for UPSC exams. Without it, studying can feel all over the place. If we don’t know what to study, how can we become experts? The classes combined learning for both the initial prelims and main exams, which made it easier to understand the ideas instead of just memorizing them.
In UPSC exams, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals because the questions cover a wide range of topics. Mixing different subjects in the classes made learning more interesting and easier to handle, so it didn’t feel boring or too much to handle. Also, being around other competitive students pushed me to do my best and work even harder than before.
At Educrat IAS Academy, I learned how to work smart, not just hard. I figured out that I don’t have to read every single book out there, but instead, I should focus on the ones that really matter. It’s about picking the valuable ones, not trying to learn everything.
At Educrat IAS, mentors taught me to concentrate on a small number of books and notes, and keep going over them regularly. Also, I took weekly practice tests to see how I was doing. These tests helped me figure out which subjects I needed to work on more, so I could get ready for them better.
The classes at Educrat, weekly mock exams, multidimensional approach to grasping concepts, established targets and comprehensive preparation strategy all contributed significantly to my success in the exams.
Here is a quick strategy that was planned at Educrat IAS Academy which can be effective for anyone preparing for UPSC-
Prelims:
● Revise the basic concepts
● Appear weekly mocks
● Limit the resources
● Read current affairs daily
To begin preparing for UPSC prelims, first, carefully go through the syllabus. It’s crucial. Second, form study groups with friends and tell them your goals. Stick to a few resources and go over them frequently. Also, read the newspaper every day to stay updated on current events. Some candidates might overlook newspapers for prelims, but they’re actually quite important.
Weekly targets were set, and over the course of 3 months, I appeared for 28 mock tests. Essays and ethical topics were also discussed at the academy.
● For example, we discussed an essay topic in class and shared our ideas. Then, the topic was broken down into different parts, and we explored many different aspects of it, going beyond just a basic framework. This taught me how to look at a topic from many different angles, which made my essays more diverse and interesting.
● Likewise, when it comes to ethics, handling case studies requires finding solutions that are both moral and realistic. It’s a tricky balance to strike, and having a good mentor to guide you is crucial in achieving it.
The competition pushed me to go beyond what I was comfortable with. I was up against some really smart people at Educrat IAS Academy. Reading their answers and the discussions we had helped me think in new ways. Plus, our mentors looked closely at every answer we wrote, which helped us improve even more.
While the interview session is mostly about conducting mocks, my preparation at Educrat IAS Academy went beyond that. The mentors aided us in completing the Detailed Application Form (DAF), offering guidance on selecting suitable services according to our preferences, evaluating our hobbies, cadre preferences, and more.
Furthermore, on weekends, we conducted sessions dedicated to the DAF, where we delved into current events and practiced effective responses. Interviews are essentially a test of personality, and thus, we concentrated on refining skills such as diplomacy: learning to take a stand while maintaining respect, achieving balance, and embodying confidence tempered with humility. And at last, stress-mocks to handle whatever situations may arise within the confines of Dholpur House. And it proved effective.
Basic ideas:
● Fill the DAF carefully; take help if needed.
● Go through each and every word of your DAF. DAF sessions are extremely important to learn how to answer.
● Appear for mock interviews. Take the feedback positively and try to improve.
Here are some lessons I’ve learned during my UPSC journey-
● Keep the syllabus with you at all times. It is the Holy Grail.
● There is no substitute for hard work. But work smart as well.
● Learn the basic concepts. Focus on NCERT and standard books.
● Limit your resources and revise them multiple times. Do not run after books. Remember, you will have to revise whatever you learn.
(https://educratias.com/mains-value-addition-material/ )
● Practice makes an aspirant perfect. No matter how extensively you study, without mock tests, your efforts will be futile. This goes for all three stages: prelims, mains, and interview. Weekly mock tests are a must.
● Adopt a holistic approach to study and interlink the concepts. Do not study in silos.
● Quality over quantity: do not focus on the number of hours studied; rather, focus on the concepts understood.
● Having a strong peer group can elevate one’s performance. Discuss with others, learn their viewpoints, and accommodate that in your answers.
● Set targets and share them within your peer group. Performance tends to improve when peers are aware and observant.
● Read answer copies from those who have appeared before. It will help you improve your own answers. (https://educratias.com/model-answer/ )
● Turn to mentors for support, whether it’s academic guidance or emotional reassurance. UPSC can be difficult.
● Lastly, and most importantly, be honest. Be honest with yourself and with your preparation. Do not lose hope. Success may be delayed, but it will not be denied.
The journey that we have embarked upon is not easy. Yet, it is something that we have chosen. My preparation has not only expanded my knowledge but also transformed my perspective. It has ignited in me a spirit of dedication, hope, and optimism. As I anxiously await my results, I’m grateful for having come this far.
To sum it up, the classes at Educrat IAS Academy, the practice tests every week, the way they taught us different aspects of subjects, the goals they set for us, and the overall way they prepared us – all of that played a big part in helping me pass the exams.
Educrat IAS provides India’s best Mentorship for preparation of all services under Civil Services Examination (CSE). We provide extensive and holistic preparation to a small batch of sincere & dedicated IAS aspirants who aspire & dream to become a part of the coveted Civil Services.
EXCELLENT rating
Based on 378 reviewsI feel that joining Educrat is one the best decisions in my life. The way we get guidance is really impressive. Everyday we receive important articles from newspaper, Prelims Booster, PIB and EduFacts , regular practice MCQs and what not. The faculties are very humble and kind enough to guide us always we need. I must honestly admit that I do receive personal attention from them. I am gaining experience how to write good presentable answers and also how to analytically solve the MCQs. Also I have learnt unique shortcuts method to solve Aptitude and Maths question. In GS class, I have been taught to think from the societal and constitutional perspective. I believe I will have a lot of self transformation in Educrat and I will gain clarity at every dimension of the syllabus.Soham Ray10/04/2024Best civil services academy in KolkataTanmay Sarkar10/04/2024I have been preparing for the UPSC exam at Educrat IAS Academy in Kolkata for more than a year, and I want to share my experience here. This place is great for several reasons. First off, the teachers here are really good. You don't need to worry with any of topics or subject since everything is explained in the most simplistic manner followed by lots of discussions with exam point of view. The faculty along with the rest of the team are always there to help whether it be a doubt or any issue that you are facing. The academy covers everything you need for the UPSC exam. They have classes for all the subjects (plus current affairs/month) and they give you lots of practice tests, daily mcqs , answer writing, essay practice to get you ready for the real thing. What's nice is that they pay attention to each student. You don't feel lost in a big crowd. They make sure to help you with whatever you need.And being in Kolkata is a plus. It's a good city for studying, and you don't have to spend a ton of money like you would in Delhi.Overall, I've had a great experience at Educrat IAS Academy. I'd recommend it to anyone preparing for the UPSC CSE Exam.Rajat Chouhan10/04/2024This is one stop solution for UPSC CSE preparation in Kolkata. The mentor support and the personalised guidance is unmatched.Neha Gupta03/04/2024Undoubtedly the best institute in Kolkata for UPSC preparation. I have been to ORN as well but the level of personal guidance & attention you get from the mentors here is unparalleled. If I ever clear this exam, I will be thankful to GOD for letting me find this institute 🙏🙏🙏Suman Mandal15/03/2024I joined this institute for interview guidance for my 2022 attempt and found it to be immensely helpful.Almost 70% of what I said inside the interview room was discussed already with sir. If you understand the subjectivity of this stage, you will know how much this means. I have been with this institute for my 2023 attempt as well and in whichsoever attempt I clear it, I will owe it big times to this institute.Paramita Malakar15/03/2024I've been preparing for UPSC for the last 1 year from Educrat IAS Academy. The mentors here guide us on a one on one basis and help us prepare and revise the materials in a relevant, precise , holistic and coherent manner. They help create a competitive environment like Delhi here in Kolkata . Weekly mock tests are done which help us to track our progress. The institute aspires the students to stay consistent through daily telegram MCQs and CSAT practice. Daily current affairs are provided through PIBs and Boosters . They help build a good aspirant in all aspects.Biswajaya Maji10/03/2024The one to one talk between the student and the teacher is an essential part for development which is provided here, helping clearing alot of problems, plus the faculty puts in Extra effort towards providing information.Rohit Topno10/03/2024I doing preparation for the civil service examination at the EDUCRAT, this is the best institute because of their environment, their mentors(so much helpful and always tried to make understanding with proper clarity),and their dedication and seriousness.......MAA SHASHI CREATION10/03/2024Educrat IAS is one of the top-notch institution in Kolkata for preparation for UPSC Exam. Here each teacher and mentor gives personal assistance for shaping our future career. Additionally the answer writing ,MCQ practice and comprehensive magazine ,library facility etc are additional benefits to boost-up the preparation at all india level.Neha Das09/03/2024
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