All the very best for tomorrow’s optional paper. Some sugges | Shubham Kumar: Strategy and Notes for UPSC(CSE)

All the very best for tomorrow’s optional paper.

Some suggestions (Humanities/Anthropology optional)

1) 80% Rule: Even if you are able to recall 80%, you will perform well. Due to vastness of any optional, it is difficult to remember each and every aspect in detail.

2) Select the questions wisely: Give 5-7 minutes at the start of each paper.

Never select questions thinking that these questions would be attempted less by other aspirants.
One should select based on what he/she knows.

Calculate roughly the combined marks that you can get out of 50 in that question.

3) Good time management is highly rewarding in optional

4) First focus on addressing the demand of the question and then linking it with Thinkers/Case Studies/Examples.

By adding theories/thinkers/case studies- your answer will become like optional (Non-GS type)

5) Linking Paper 1 and Paper 2

Indian examples in Paper 1 and Global in Paper 2. Also link the questions with different part of syllabus

6) 10% Rule: If you are able to incorporate maximum
10% unique content, it is sufficient to score very good marks. Don’t take stress that everyone would be writing same.

(Everyone may have read the same content, but very few would be able to actually write that in exam that to according to demand of the question)

7) Explain the points/concept: Can write in points as well as in small small paragraphs.

In optional paper, it is important to explain as in contrast to GS, where we pour down many points.

8) Break the question into different parts: Contemporary Relevance/Way Forward can be added towards the ended- but it should be according to demand of the question

Believe that you will do well !!

Best Wishes !!