Indian Polity
Mains: GS2
It takes roughly 2.5
years from the day of start of preparation.
If you go 2.5 years
ago, have you ever thought of today.
So, the solution is: try
to take control of your life – and you must know how to get there where you are
planning – get serious in your life.
What is easy to
answer, but how is the problem.
What to study?
How to study?
How to choose
optional?
How to stay fit?
How to ensure that I do
something for my physical fitness everyday?
How to make notes?
How to read
newspaper?
Some qualify in first
attempt, some in second attempt, some in third attempt, some sadly but truly never.
There is difference in
writing on blank sheets.
Organise your notes so that you can revise
during the last months of preparation.
General Ideas – an one page:
1.
Evaluate once in a month, what I
have done so far? Is it sufficient? What should I improve to reach my goal?
2.
For good answers in GS 2 and 3,
give examples from the last one year of administration. Am I doing it in my
answers?
What you have been doing in last 23-30
years will not change in 10-30 days. But It can change in 2-3 months.
Some improvements is better than no
improvement.
Five suggestions for the preparation:
1.
Write everything – to remember because
listening fades slowly
2.
Have the Constitution of India
in your hand – read each article at least once from the Constitution. This is a
reference book.
3.
Have the spirit of asking
answers to yourself, ask to google, teachers, etc., and get answers to this.
4.
Memory fades slowly – so start
revising at least once a week – your need a strategy to revise and you need to develop
your own strategy.
5.
Do not judge your preparation.
Take two months’ time to figure out what works for you.
6.
Prepare a daily schedule for
first two months (it requires a mental shift):
a.
Read newspaper daily
b.
Attend all the classes
c.
Change your run-away attitude
from difficult and boring subjects
d.
Revise the topic regularly – Revise
the last class topic and read extra what will be discussed
e.
Finish reading the NCERTs – 11th
and 12th
7.
If you try to do everything,
you will end up doing nothing.
Book for Indian
Polity – M. Lakshmikant
Guidance for Indian Polity Preparation (GS Paper II – UPSC Mains)
The journey of UPSC preparation typically spans 2 to 2.5 years. If you look back to where you began, the transformation to where you are today likely stems from clarity, persistence, and strategy. The key lies in taking control of your preparation — not only knowing what you want to achieve but also how to get there.
The Challenge Lies Not in the ‘What’, But in the ‘How’
Many aspirants are clear about what needs to be studied. The real challenge is in determining:
How to study effectively?
How to choose the right optional subject?
How to maintain physical and mental fitness?
How to make effective notes?
How to read and analyse newspapers meaningfully?
Success varies — some clear the exam in their first attempt, others in the second or third, and some may not, despite sincere efforts. What differentiates achievers is their approach to self-discipline, strategy, and consistency.
General Guidelines for a Structured Preparation Approach
1. Monthly Self-Evaluation
At the end of every month, assess your progress.
Ask yourself: “Is what I’ve done sufficient to move closer to my goal?”
Identify areas for improvement and modify your strategy accordingly.
2. Application-Oriented Learning
Enrich your GS-II and GS-III answers with contemporary administrative and policy examples from the last one year.3. Embrace the Process of Change
Habits developed over decades will not change overnight, but consistent effort over 2–3 months can lead to substantial transformation.Five Strategic Suggestions
Write to Retain: Document everything you learn. Writing helps reinforce memory far better than passive listening.Your Daily Schedule – First Two Months
To establish a solid foundation, adopt the following routine:
Read the newspaper daily (preferably The Hindu or Indian Express)
Attend all classes without fail
Face your weaknesses head-on – do not avoid difficult or boring subjects
Regularly revise each day’s and the previous day’s content; preview the next topic in advance
Finish reading NCERTs (especially Class XI and XII) for all relevant subjects
Important Note
If you try to do everything at once, you may end up accomplishing nothing.
Focus on prioritizing tasks. Master the art of saying no to distractions.
Recommended Book for Indian Polity
M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity
This remains the most comprehensive and structured resource for GS Paper II. Ensure multiple revisions and create index-based notes.
By following this roadmap with discipline, reflection, and a willingness to improve, you can steadily move toward your goal in the UPSC journey. Stay consistent, stay curious.