• 

With over 80% enrolled students in 2020 attending UPSC interviews, Smash Mains is back again. This is an invite-only program that will start on October 24th, 2021.

Mentorship will be provided free of cost by Sajal Sir. Only administrative cost will be charged. To enroll click here

About Smash Mains 2021

Dear Students,

The fact that you have been missing the cut-off with a small margin (repeatedly) tells that there are some fundamental issues with your approach. You might be aware or not about this. But just realization is not enough, you have to work on its execution as well. And bringing that to fruition will be possible through a guided process under a meticulously designed plan.

Smash mains is a highly personalized and intensive handholding program for the crème-de-la-crème (veterans) amongst UPSC aspirants (the intake is 50 students). Right now we have only 5 seats left.

Note: The Entry is Restricted to those who have appeared in UPSC interview in the past 2 years or have missed the mains cut off by a whisker.

The focus is on identifying and highlighting the issues with your preparation (information / analysis / utilization). According to your strength and weaknesses, a tailor-made strategy is developed. Under Sajal sir’s strict monitoring, incremental improvements are aimed every day, after every session.

Sajal sir’s marks in UPSC 2017 GS Mains paper were:

• GS Paper 1 – 132
• GS Paper 2 – 125
• GS Paper 3 – 130

Progression of Smash Mains 2021

After completing the Mains Test series, you will have a one-to-one detailed and in-depth interaction with Sajal sir. Final refinements are done to every answer. Value addition material, as well as pointers, will be provided here. We will work with you to ensure you have enough material for value addition. Our focus will be on providing tips that add the missing X factor to your answers.

Why is Smash 2021 the best way to prepare for mains?

Individual attention and approachability are the USPs of this program.

Not putting Penguins among the Fowls – You already know how to write an average answer (you’re missing it by a few marks actually). You want to know how to increase your score from 90 to 110-115. The approach followed by other institutes in their Test series is the same for a veteran and a complete newbie and here lies the problem. Without personalized one-to-one interaction with someone like Sajal sir (who has scored these awesome marks), it will be difficult for you to rectify these minute yet very important shortcomings.

Evaluation is a strength of this program and we put it on a high priority. Sajal sir himself is involved in the process, unlike other institutes where evaluation is outsourced to those who themselves might not have appeared for mains (It’s bizarre). It shouldn’t be based on ‘model answers’ as there are 3-4 ways of approaching an answer. Only a seasoned player will be able to go beyond these model answers and be able to appreciate your approach (If it’s innovative) even if it differs from the model answers provided.

Test copies get checked in a time-bound manner. The questions, answers and material provided are of the highest quality.

Always on time and insightful discussions end with a reality check and motivation to perform better in the next test.

Emphasis on execution and utilization of knowledge – Mains is not only about knowledge but the way you express the relevant knowledge in the most optimum manner.

Sajal sir’s interventions are highly specific and not generalized. Sitting right in front of you he walks you through each and every question. Always there, he will not let you lose your focus.

We deliver what we promise.

Why UPSC toppers are convinced that Smash Mains helped them succeed?

Read other answers over here.

The Batch of Smash Mains Program will start from 24th October.

To Enroll Click Here.

From 2013-2021, prelims papers had an average of 15 polity questions. There have not been any major variations over the years. Hence, polity is one of the most important subjects in the prelims exams.

If you like our polity analysis, fill the form below to have a one-on-one interactive session with our mentors on other subjects as well.

Polity vis-à-vis Prelims-2021

Level of Difficulty in Polity Questions:

Sources of Polity questions:

Every year, atleast 10 questions appear from the Laxmikant book. This makes it a standard source for polity studies. Difficulty level of most questions in polity is easy. This means preparing from current affairs and the standard sources is enough for the prelims examination. Aspirants can prepare from the following sources for Polity –

A. Polity Fundamental basics

1. NCERT 9^th and 10^th Political theory book
2. Value Addition on Political science Basics by Santosh Gupta

B. Polity and Constitution

1. Indian Constitutional at Work (NCERT)

2. M. Laxmikant on Polity

3. The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution by Madhav Khosla

C. Current Affairs

1. CivilsDaily Monthly Magazines

2. Samachar Manthan Notes

Sub-topics wise analysis

Aspirants have to pay attention to topics like fundamentals of polity, fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, the preamble, schedules and articles in constitution and the recent bills cleared in the Parliament. Most of the questions have been asked from these topics from 2013 to 2021.

Sub-Topic Wise Comparative study of 2021 Questions from 2020 Questions & Before.

Questions both in 2021 and 2020 papers have appeared from the following three areas. For detailed analysis, go through the table below:

A. Polity Fundamental aspects- Related to basics of Political Science

B. Polity and Constitution aspects

C. Current Affairs 

A. Polity Fundamentals/Pol Science type questions	Questions before 2021 prelims	Questions in 2021 prelims
1.Constitutional Government	On the meaning of the word	Repeat question on meaningseems to UPSC’s FavouriteAvailable in NCERT
2.Idea of Liberty : definition, restriction, relation with article14 etc.	No question in 2020However, Continued theme since 2014.Definition of Liberty (2019)Relation of law and liberty(2018),  Restriction on liberty(2014)	Question on Safeguards to libertyUPSC intends to ask for various aspects of liberty and rule of lawCan be solved by NCERT/ NIOS level Gyan
3. Definition of keywords: state/nation/communism/GandhismRule of Law, equality	No such questionQuestions on Gandhism and Marxism Definition of equality in 2017	Question on definition of state.Need to be prepared on Political science definition of keywords.

B.Questions on ConstitutionGood Number of Questions from Preamble, FRs and DPSP	Questions before 2021 prelims	Questions in 2021 prelims
Preamble1-2 questions ever year	One direct question on preamble, in another Preamble is one of right option.  Two questions in 2017 such minds of constitutional makers and another on contents of preamble Contents of preamble(2015)	Indirect question on Preamble- Status of India on 26th January 1950
Fundamental rights2 questions every year	One direct question in 2020 (Article 17-Untouchability)Two questions in 2019 such as right to marry and 9th schedule	Two questions in 2021Article 14- equalityArticle 18- Abolition of titles
DPSPsAt least 2 questions every year	Two direct questions in 20201.Welfare State2.Part IVOne Indirect Question- UNHDR	One Direct question: Concentration of Wealth in 2021
Debatable questionsEach year 1-2 questions	(2019) will state legislatures follow the rules of Lok Sabha?(2017) right to vote Repeated theme of Confusing aspirants over constitutional and Legal Rights such as vote, property etc.	Two Questions in 2021 Right to Property whether available to citizen only/all Definition of State Separation of powers- Committed Judiciary type option
Parliament Few Difficult questions on Parliament Procedures, Committees etc.  1-2 questions on motions/ resolutions, qualifications	One Question on Rulebook(2020) Minister eligibility & RPA (2020) 2019: office of profit and disqualification	Complete omission of this area of questions in 2021 2022 may have 2-3 questions
Judiciary relatedAt least one question	Basic Structure and Judicial Review (2020)Judicial Review and 44th Amendment (2019)Impeachment of Judges(2019)	Direct question on Independence of JudiciaryIndirect question on role of Judiciary in federalismIndirect question on role of judiciary in ensuring liberal democracy

C. Current Affairs:	Questions before 2021 prelims	Questions in 2021 prelims
Random Laws and Schemes from older Current Affairs	NALSA (2013 and 2020)MPLADS (2020)AADHAR (2019 and 2020)Transgender Law	No Current Affairs as such not even from old current (>1 year) Two questions on Parole and Judicial custody- seems to inspired from current events related to death of an actor last year.

How to Prepare Polity for Prelims 2022

Watch this strategy video to get a clear understanding:

Polity is certainly the first subject most aspirants read when they start their preparation. If you are a 2022 aspirant who needs polity test series or guidance for the subject then click here.

How to master Polity for Prelims in a changed pattern

Way Forward

In prelims 2021 paper, Polity seems to be the most doable section. Most questions are easy to moderate and from standard sources of NCERT and Laxmikant. There is less emphasis on current affairs directly however many questions seem to inspired from current affairs. More focus is on understanding the basic concepts and constitutional aspects while linking it with current happenings. Aspirants need not to worry about older current affairs as there are lesser number of questions. Controversial questions get more mileage in the interview round, where one is expected to give balanced answers.

Want to know the best sources, important topics to prepare and how to study other subjects for UPSC CSE 2022 exams? Fill the form below and a veteran CD mentor will get in touch with you within 24 hours.

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1     Role of women and women’s organizations

GS-2     Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.

GS-3    Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

GS-4    Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance

Questions:

Question 1)

 

Q.1 The important issues raised by the Women’s Organisations in pre-Independence era are still relevant today. Critically examine. (15 Marks)

 

Question 2)

Q.2 The civil services held India together after Independence, but if the country’s potential is to be realised, existing problems of inefficiency and inaction must be fixed. In light of this, examine the factors responsible for inefficiency and suggest the reforms. (15 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 What are the factors driving the surge of private equity funding in India? What are the advantages and issues with such a rapid inflow of funds in the Indian economy? (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation. (10 Marks)

 

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

• 

With over 80% enrolled students in 2020 attending UPSC interviews, Smash Mains is back again. This is an invite-only program that will start on October 24th, 2021.

Mentorship will be provided free of cost by Sajal Sir. Only administrative cost will be charged. To enroll click here

About Smash Mains 2021

Dear Students,

The fact that you have been missing the cut-off with a small margin (repeatedly) tells that there are some fundamental issues with your approach. You might be aware or not about this. But just realization is not enough, you have to work on its execution as well. And bringing that to fruition will be possible through a guided process under a meticulously designed plan.

Smash mains is a highly personalized and intensive handholding program for the crème-de-la-crème (veterans) amongst UPSC aspirants (the intake is 50 students). Right now we have only 5 seats left.

Note: The Entry is Restricted to those who have appeared in UPSC interview in the past 2 years or have missed the mains cut off by a whisker.

The focus is on identifying and highlighting the issues with your preparation (information / analysis / utilization). According to your strength and weaknesses, a tailor-made strategy is developed. Under Sajal sir’s strict monitoring, incremental improvements are aimed every day, after every session.

Sajal sir’s marks in UPSC 2017 GS Mains paper were:

• GS Paper 1 – 132
• GS Paper 2 – 125
• GS Paper 3 – 130

Progression of Smash Mains 2021

After completing the Mains Test series, you will have a one-to-one detailed and in-depth interaction with Sajal sir. Final refinements are done to every answer. Value addition material, as well as pointers, will be provided here. We will work with you to ensure you have enough material for value addition. Our focus will be on providing tips that add the missing X factor to your answers.

Why is Smash 2021 the best way to prepare for mains?

Individual attention and approachability are the USPs of this program.

Not putting Penguins among the Fowls – You already know how to write an average answer (you’re missing it by a few marks actually). You want to know how to increase your score from 90 to 110-115. The approach followed by other institutes in their Test series is the same for a veteran and a complete newbie and here lies the problem. Without personalized one-to-one interaction with someone like Sajal sir (who has scored these awesome marks), it will be difficult for you to rectify these minute yet very important shortcomings.

Evaluation is a strength of this program and we put it on a high priority. Sajal sir himself is involved in the process, unlike other institutes where evaluation is outsourced to those who themselves might not have appeared for mains (It’s bizarre). It shouldn’t be based on ‘model answers’ as there are 3-4 ways of approaching an answer. Only a seasoned player will be able to go beyond these model answers and be able to appreciate your approach (If it’s innovative) even if it differs from the model answers provided.

Test copies get checked in a time-bound manner. The questions, answers and material provided are of the highest quality.

Always on time and insightful discussions end with a reality check and motivation to perform better in the next test.

Emphasis on execution and utilization of knowledge – Mains is not only about knowledge but the way you express the relevant knowledge in the most optimum manner.

Sajal sir’s interventions are highly specific and not generalized. Sitting right in front of you he walks you through each and every question. Always there, he will not let you lose your focus.

We deliver what we promise.

Why UPSC toppers are convinced that Smash Mains helped them succeed?

Read other answers over here.

The Batch of Smash Mains Program will start from 24th October.

To Enroll Click Here.

• 

With over 80% enrolled students in 2020 attending UPSC interviews, Smash Mains is back again. This is an invite-only program that will start on October 24th, 2021.

Mentorship will be provided free of cost by Sajal Sir. Only administrative cost will be charged. To enroll click here

About Smash Mains 2021

Dear Students,

The fact that you have been missing the cut-off with a small margin (repeatedly) tells that there are some fundamental issues with your approach. You might be aware or not about this. But just realization is not enough, you have to work on its execution as well. And bringing that to fruition will be possible through a guided process under a meticulously designed plan.

Smash mains is a highly personalized and intensive handholding program for the crème-de-la-crème (veterans) amongst UPSC aspirants (the intake is 50 students). Right now we have only 5 seats left.

Note: The Entry is Restricted to those who have appeared in UPSC interview in the past 2 years or have missed the mains cut off by a whisker.

The focus is on identifying and highlighting the issues with your preparation (information / analysis / utilization). According to your strength and weaknesses, a tailor-made strategy is developed. Under Sajal sir’s strict monitoring, incremental improvements are aimed every day, after every session.

Sajal sir’s marks in UPSC 2017 GS Mains paper were:

• GS Paper 1 – 132
• GS Paper 2 – 125
• GS Paper 3 – 130

Progression of Smash Mains 2021

After completing the Mains Test series, you will have a one-to-one detailed and in-depth interaction with Sajal sir. Final refinements are done to every answer. Value addition material, as well as pointers, will be provided here. We will work with you to ensure you have enough material for value addition. Our focus will be on providing tips that add the missing X factor to your answers.

Why is Smash 2021 the best way to prepare for mains?

Individual attention and approachability are the USPs of this program.

Not putting Penguins among the Fowls – You already know how to write an average answer (you’re missing it by a few marks actually). You want to know how to increase your score from 90 to 110-115. The approach followed by other institutes in their Test series is the same for a veteran and a complete newbie and here lies the problem. Without personalized one-to-one interaction with someone like Sajal sir (who has scored these awesome marks), it will be difficult for you to rectify these minute yet very important shortcomings.

Evaluation is a strength of this program and we put it on a high priority. Sajal sir himself is involved in the process, unlike other institutes where evaluation is outsourced to those who themselves might not have appeared for mains (It’s bizarre). It shouldn’t be based on ‘model answers’ as there are 3-4 ways of approaching an answer. Only a seasoned player will be able to go beyond these model answers and be able to appreciate your approach (If it’s innovative) even if it differs from the model answers provided.

Test copies get checked in a time-bound manner. The questions, answers and material provided are of the highest quality.

Always on time and insightful discussions end with a reality check and motivation to perform better in the next test.

Emphasis on execution and utilization of knowledge – Mains is not only about knowledge but the way you express the relevant knowledge in the most optimum manner.

Sajal sir’s interventions are highly specific and not generalized. Sitting right in front of you he walks you through each and every question. Always there, he will not let you lose your focus.

We deliver what we promise.

Why UPSC toppers are convinced that Smash Mains helped them succeed?

Read other answers over here.

The Batch of Smash Mains Program will start from 24th October.

To Enroll Click Here.

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1     Effects of Globalisation on Indian society

GS-2     Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

GS-3    Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System – Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.

GS-4     Case-Studies

Questions:

Question 1)

 

Q.1 Not only does globalisation impact the environment, but environmental factors also impact globalisation. Elucidate. (10 Marks)

 

Question 2)

Q.2 The world is today adrift. We are neither in a bipolar Cold War nor in a multipolar world, though perhaps tending towards a world of several power centres. In this context, examine the challenges and opportunities for India. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 There is an urgent need for reorientation of the long-term direction of agri-food systems to not only enhance farm incomes but also ensure better access to safe and nutritious foods. Suggest the changes in India’s food system to ensure both the economic and food safety of the country. (15 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. You are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances. On the basis of the above situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case. (b) What are the dilemmas in the case? (c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools. (20 Marks)

 

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

For the philosophy of AWE and payment: