How Handwritten Notes are better than Bulky Textbooks for UPSC Prelims?

January 19, 2024 | Friday

Introduction


UPSC. Let’s Correct! The UPSC exam is indeed, considered one of the challenging yet glamorous exam in the India. Though the IITs, IIMs are valued, still the charm of bureaucracy can never get old as it ranks no. 1 in India. And the reason is simple and straight. The statics states everything! Every year more than 10 lakh aspirants appear for the exam, and surely in coming years the graph will go upwards, making the competition tougher to crack the exam.

There is no denying when it is said that, the UPSC dream is worth chasing when your unwavering grit, strategic planning, and the right gear aligns with the latest demands of UPSC. But that doesn’t happen with everyone. Many aspirants come from different walks of the life in Delhi for the preparation of UPSC and it usually took them around 1-2 years to prepare a proper strategy which helps them to clear the first gateway of UPSC, that is, Prelims.

In the realm of competitive examinations, the UPSC Prelims serves as the gateway to the coveted Civil Services Examination. It is the first test that assesses an aspirant's grasp of diverse subjects, analytical skills, and the ability to navigate through an extensive syllabus. Beyond being a mere qualifier for the subsequent stages, the Prelims sets the tone for an aspirant's entire UPSC journey, shaping the trajectory of their preparation and determining their eligibility for the mains examination.

But, the question here is why Does it takes 1-2 years for proper strategy? Clear the doubt further in the blog.

TABLE OF CONTENT
 
  1. Introduction
  2. The Struggle of UPSC aspirants for Content Collection
  3. Too Much Matter, Bulky Size
  4. How Notes Making becomes ultimate weapons for success?
  5. What Should a good notes includes?
  6. The best Resource of Notes for UPSC Prelims
  7. Conclusion

The Struggle of UPSC aspirants for Content Collection


The saying which goes “THE STRUGGLE IS REAL” perfectly fits for UPSC aspirants when they scratch their head every day for grappling with the challenge of how to start and from where to start the UPSC Prelims Preparation, which makes it more difficult for them to clear UPSC Prelims in the first attempt.

And that why it takes around 1-2 years. And after a year, aspirants get a clear chit on how to make the strategy and what kind of content they should read.

Because no doubt UPSC Syllabus is vast, and a lot has to be read, understand deeply in Indian History, Polity, Geography, World History, Current Affairs, International Relation of India and the World, Art & Culture and whatnot.

But if the struggle is real of the UPSC aspirants, so is the determination. Every aspirant is on a quest to gather the golden nuggets of information that will pave their way to success in the UPSC realm. It's not just a struggle; it's a journey where each piece of collected content becomes a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal – acing the UPSC examination.

Though bulky, but choosing NCERT books should be the first choice of every aspirant because it’s like content ocean with too much matter covering each and Every topic of UPSC syllabus. Here's the thing: it's not just about collecting every scrap of information that exists. It's about knowing where to look, how to filter, and most importantly, how to make it all click in your brain. Remember, quality trumps quantity.

So, are these bulky size books with too much matter, useful? Will they be helpful in turning information into knowledge, and knowledge into that coveted UPSC magic?
 

Too Much Matter, Bulky Size


Imagine these bulky textbooks as a mountain of information, taller than your textbooks combined! That's how some UPSC aspirants view bulky resource books. Don't get it wrong, knowledge is power, but in the UPSC race, sometimes less is more. Jam-packed texts, filled with jargon and endless details, can actually slow down the aspirant’s preparation process.

Instead, focus on smart notes in English, designed to be your trusty compass. Concise, clear, and to the point, they'll guide you through the UPSC syllabus without weighing you down. Imagine highlighting key points, color-coding different topics, and making mind maps that dance on the page. These Notes for UPSC become your personal learning playground, where you can grasp complex concepts and retain information like a champ.

To make it more elaborative, here is a crisp and short comparison between how Notes are better than traditional bulky textbooks.

Concise: Unnecessary details is one of the reason which are too much added in the traditional bulky textbooks. However, in notes for UPSC, the key focus is on the concepts and the information that are essential for the exam, without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. This saves aspirants valuable time and energy.

Focus: UPSC notes are designed and tailored to the specific needs of each aspirant. This means that aspirants can focus on the areas that they are weakest in, rather than having to waste time on material that they already know well.

Affordability: Bulky textbooks cost much if you buy as compare to Notes. This is an important consideration for aspirants who are on a tight budget.
 

How Notes Making becomes ultimate weapons for success?


For the UPSC Prelims, the aspirants often search for the ultimate weapon that will propel them through the ocean of information and onto the shores of success, either digitally or non-digitally. Though there are abundance of strategies and resources, the over-looked one with the immense power is: the art of Note-making, which is also the secret weapon of countless UPSC prelims toppers. These personalized UPSC notes in English, crafted during study sessions, become laser-focused guides that turbocharge aspirant’s revision and retention.

Imagine condensing complex topics into clear, concise summaries, diagrams, and mind maps that resonate with your learning style. These notes for UPSC aren't mere copies, they're active learning tools, forging connections between facts and boosting your understanding.

Plus, the act of writing itself cements knowledge in your brain like nothing else. Studies prove handwritten notes improve recall and critical thinking, making you a master of the syllabus, not just a passive reader.

But where do you begin?


Start by identifying your preferred learning style – visual, auditory, or kinesthetic – and tailor your note-taking approach accordingly. Use mind maps, flowcharts, or colorful markers to keep things engaging. Don't be afraid to borrow inspiration from Topper Notes for UPSC available online, but remember to adapt them to your own understanding.

Also remember, effective notes are not just a pile of paper; they are an extension of yourself. They reflect your unique learning journey and become your personal arsenal in the battle for UPSC glory. 

So, before you start making notes, know all about what a good handwritten notes includes for UPSC Prelims Preparation.
 

What Should a good notes includes?


It is well taught to the MBA students, that data presentation is a game. Yess! You all are not the MBA aspirants; you all are THE UPSC aspirants. But as management skills is important for MBA one, it is important for an aspirant of UPSC for both the subjects: General Studies and CSAT. And until the UPSC aspirants get mastered in management skills, more than 2 years gets passed out without giving a single attempt of UPSC Prelims.

Therefore, a good time management skill is achievable with a good handwritten notes for UPSC that are written in a highly organized form, providing only relevant information. Also, just go beyond information by including trends and analytical information of the concept. For better retention and revision, include Timelines, Maps, Images and Drawings, timelines, infographics for simplified understanding of the subject. And I bet this is the best thing that replaces the plethora of reading the traditional cluttered content available for UPSC CSE examinations.

What else a good Notes must include, get through the points.
 
  • First and foremost, your notes should align perfectly with the UPSC syllabus. Don't get bogged down by irrelevant information. Stick to the prescribed topics and sub-topics, ensuring you cover every nook.
  • Remember, less is more. Don't copy-paste entire textbooks into your notes. Instead, condense information into key points, bullet points, and diagrams.
  • Use concise and easy to understand language so that the notes are easily understandable and quickly revisable.
  • Identify and highlight key terms, dates, names, and statistics that will help to quickly locate crucial information during revision.

Looking at Topper Notes for UPSC can be a great way to get ideas and inspiration. However, avoid blindly copying someone else's notes.

The Best Resource of Notes for UPSC Prelims

Considering all of this, and the preparation that UPSC demands, Arihant has Introduced the “PULSE-Handwritten Notes” for the first time in UPSC Prelims. This is a true replacement of traditional bulky textbooks and includes all the things that a notes for UPSC should encompass, along with aligning with the evolving UPSC demands.

With best amalgamation of Concepts, Trends, Analysis, Arihant Pulse provides simple and planned route to become a civil servant. Content is Curated in innovative formats, using timelines, maps, images, drawings, infographics, timelines, etc., for easy comprehension. These Pulse for UPSC are also well-researched and published handwritten for the first time in the field of Civil Service Examination and other competitive examinations.

These handwritten notes for UPSC Prelims are written with a single objective that is improving the student’s accuracy to more than 80% in every subject’s questions in Prelims Exam.

What else a UPSC aspirant wishes for, when their zig-zag route to crack UPSC Prelims is simplified with Arihant Pulse Handwritten Notes for UPSC Prelims.
 

Conclusion


So, there you have it, aspiring civil servants! You've now got a blueprint for crafting notes that pack a punch in the UPSC Prelims arena. Remember, your notes are like a trusty guide on your climb to the IAS summit – choose them wisely, update them diligently, and rely on them for support.

For those seeking a head start, consider exploring resources like Pulse for UPSC, known for their concise and to-the-point Handwritten Notes for UPSC. These notes for UPSC Prelims by Arihant might resonate with your learning style. Ultimately, the key lies in identifying the perfect match for your needs.

Embrace the power of focused, well-crafted Notes for UPSC and watch your prelims preparation soar. Now go forth, conquer those mountains of information, and ace that exam!