At this time it isn’t just about UPSC syllabus completion, revision and attempting test series
In the last 3 years, a lot has changed about UPSC CSE Prelims
Other than knowledge and analytical understanding UPSC is also testing your ability to solve problems under pressure.
To cross the cut-off and get an edge you need to complement your knowledge with the ability and skills to derive real-time answers
This will take you into the league of IAS toppers.
Read what Zeeshan sir has to say about UPSC prelims preparation and approach
“This is Zeeshan Hashmi from Civilsdaily, and today, I want to share my perspective on the evolving nature of UPSC Prelims preparation. Having mentored over 100 rankers, including AIR 22 and 56, I’ve witnessed firsthand the shift in the exam’s approach and what it demands from aspirants.
The era of solely relying on conventional books, multiple revisions, and countless mock tests for Prelims success is behind us. Now, the UPSC Prelims has transformed to rigorously test your real-time problem-solving abilities. It’s no longer about what you know; it’s about how you apply it under pressure.
Interestingly, about 50 questions in the paper often fall into the vague or unknown category. It’s a clear indication that sticking to the traditional methods of preparation – confining oneself to the syllabus and regular tests – is not sufficient anymore.
That’s why I am inviting you to attend my upcoming webinar, where I will introduce you to the ‘Knowledge+ Approach.‘ This innovative method focuses on real-time derivation of answers, turning questions that seem impossible into achievable opportunities.
Join me on 6th January 2024, at 7 PM on Zoom, for a session that will redefine your approach to UPSC Prelims.
This webinar is more than just a strategy discussion. It’s about adapting a methodology that aligns with the current demands of UPSC – a blend of knowledge and on-the-spot analytical skills.
Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to refine your strategy, this webinar is a pivotal step towards achieving your IAS dream. It’s time to move beyond the conventional, embrace strategic learning, and step into your preparation with confidence and clarity.”
By the end, you’ll have razor-sharp clarity and a clear roadmap for approaching and qualifying your UPSC 2024 prelims exam with confidence and near-perfect certainty.
Zeeshan sir
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until March 25)
Registration open! Join now to attend the webinar for FREE
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
Fee:
Special Access (extra 15 min with Zeeshan sir) – Free (only for first 100 registrations, register before 5th Jan 2024)
Early Access – Rs. 299 (for the next 100 registrations, register before 6th Jan 2024, 1 PM)
Late Access – Rs. 499 (for last 100 registrations, register before 6th Jan 2024, Post 1 PM)
Our Prime TS test is out. We have started releasing sample questions from our tests to ensure more and more students turn up for the test on time instead of procrastinating till the last month before prelims.
Our questions are very meticulously crafted to ensure 100% alignment + maximum hit ratio with UPSC Prelims. Any serious aspirant cannot afford to miss out on these questions.
Q.1) Which among the following factors can be the reason to initiate a Currency swap between two parties?
To hedge the risk of a certain currency
To Reduce the cost of raising funds
A country facing the risk of debt default.
Promote own currency in the international market
Select the correct option:
The new pattern of the UPSC prelims focuses on external sectors of the Indian Economy. More than 10 questions in the last 3 years on-REER, NEER, dollar-rupee relationship, indirect transfers, international trade, BoP, and currency devaluation.
Currency Swap was in the news last year for SAARC and in this year’s news as well.
Q.2) Which one of the following statements is correct about ‘Walking Leaves’?
These are tiny, flat leaves that overlap each other and are often found on plants like cacti and succulents.
These are also known as leaf-tailed geckos because they look like leaves.
These leaves are long, thin, and pointed usually found on plants that live in very dry or cold places.
These insects are famous for looking just like leaves which helps them hide in their natural homes.
In the Environment, keyword-based questions have increased. Some examples are Lemon grass, Filter feeder, Bollgard, ACE2, Bisphenol A, etc.
Q.3) Consider the following with respect to ‘One Future Alliance(OFA)’
It is an initiative of India and the United Nations Development Programme.
It is a part of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) partnership.
It enables countries to innovate using existing open-source customizable stacks for their own and the world’s future.
Select the correct option:
International Organisations, Conventions, and Treaties are some of the most important themes in Prelims and cover more than 90% of the IR section.
The International Monetary Fund covered an article “Policy Priorities for the G20: One Earth, One Family, One Future” on One Future Alliance which makes it even more important.
Practicing is more important than reading. Get going!
Recommended by AIR 16,22,48&250+ other rankers. Attempt the Test here
The Interview Stage is the most important stage and a chance for you to very easily score 190+ provided you are guided with the right feedback.
Seasoned bureacrats will not ask you silly pressure test questions – proposing to a glass, writing a random prescription. They ask you thought provoking questions inline with what will be asked in the actual exam.
Meet Shankar Sir
There is no one more accomplished than Shankar Sir. Interacting with him is an experience in himself. People in the actual interview board are his juniors and respect him immensely.
Top Rankers with CD Mock Interview
Mr. Shankar Aggarwal is a retired IAS Officer of 1980 batch from U.P. Cadre. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electronics and Communications from the University of Roorkee (now IIT, Roorkee) and a Master’s Degree in Computer Technology from IIT, Delhi. For his contributions and achievements, he has been awarded the lifetime achievement award by IIT Roorkee.
He has had a distinguished career in Civil Services. Retired as Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India where he worked on key initiatives such as reforms in Juvenile Justice Act, establishment of Nirbhaya centres, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme etc.
As Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, he introduced 4 Labour Codes replacing 44 Central Labour Laws. He also brought far reaching amendments in Maternity Benefits Act by enhancing the paid leave period from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.
As Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, he was Chairman of all Metro Corporations of the country and introduced many new metro rail projects. He is also credited with launching of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Urban Rejuvenation Program, Smart City Program and Rapid Rail Mass Transport.
He has extremely rich and varied experience or working in sensitive and important ministries and departments for Government of India and State Governments.
Register for 3-Level Exclusive UPSC Interview Program.
Get a dedicated mentor, on-call DAF analysis, DAF-based personalized questionnaire, and Situational questionnaire (FREE)
In the last 3 years, a lot has changed about UPSC CSE
Standard resources, timetables, and attempting mocks can’t make you feel prepared anymore
Every IAS ranker who cracked UPSC in 1st attempt had a meticulously planned strategy
Their weeks, months, and days were planned with surgical precision
Civilsdaily Masterclasses allow you to access the real work from those who have done it before
All rankers built their own preparation system. What’s stopping you?
Let us help you develop your system
Never start from scratch on your UPSC preparation
Start like a Topper.
Read what Rohit sir has to say about UPSC preparation and approach
“Hey, this is Rohit Pande here, and I’m excited to talk about something that I deeply believe in: “The art of meticulous planning in UPSC preparation.”
It’s a common misconception that clearing the UPSC in your first attempt is all about studying randomly for a year. Let me tell you, it’s much more than that. Every IAS ranker who has achieved this feat did not rely on just standard resources or mock tests. They had a plan, a blueprint for success that they followed with unwavering dedication.
As we are stepping into the UPSC 2025 preparation cycle, it’s crucial to assess your strategy. How do you plan to approach this mammoth exam? This is where I come in.
I’m hosting a webinar on 1st January 2024, at 6 PM on Zoom, and you’re invited.
This isn’t just another session where I’ll be talking about what books to read or generic strategies. Instead, I’ll be sharing the exact study plans of IAS rankers who cracked the UPSC in their first attempt. We’ll dissect these plans, understand their core, and then, most importantly, adapt them to fit your unique needs and preparation stage.
This masterclass is not only a reality check on modern-day UPSC preparation but also an opportunity for you to get personalized inputs on your current strategy.
It’s an essential session, especially if you’re just starting out. Here, you’ll learn how to define your plan, minimize daily anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, and embark on a journey filled with confidence and clarity.
Join me in this transformative session and take the first step towards turning your IAS dream into reality. Remember, it’s not just about hard work; it’s about smart, strategic, and structured preparation.”
By the end, you’ll have razor-sharp clarity and a clear roadmap for approaching and qualifying your UPSC 2025 exam with confidence and near-perfect certainty.
Rohit Pande sir
Registration open! Join now to attend the webinar for FREE
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until March 25)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
Fee:
Special Access (extra 15 min with Rohit sir) – Free (only for first 100 registrations, register before 31st Dec 2024)
Early Access – Rs. 299 (for the next 100 registrations, register before 1st Jan 2025, 1 PM)
Late Access – Rs. 499 (for last 100 registrations, register before 1st Jan 2025, Post 1 PM)
See you at 5PM on Civilsdaily YouTube Live + 1 LGF Apsara Arcade classroom.
This is Dinesh Sir on this side. I was overwhelmed with the response that the Polity NCERT Challenge has received in its very 1st edition. Close to 6k students turned up for the 1st session and overall over 30k students participated in the Challenge. This is huge!
We are back with the 15-Day Economics NCERT Challenge. We have already had the Orientation Session.
This is not your regular Economics Course. You have done so many of them and you still haven’t understood the crux of the subject.
You are repeatedly getting questions wrong from NCERT because you are not looking at the right place.
Lets kill it with Economics. For the next 15 days, there will be live lectures + you will be asked to submit Proof of Work(PoW) for EVERY chapter-Notes, assignments, research that I will announce in every live class.
More than 600 students have signed up for our Mock Interviews of which 210 are from Civilsdaily’s flagship programs.
We aim to iron out small details in your interview preparation to help you gain a competitive advantage so that you can leave a lasting impression on the board.
This is a 3-level UPSC interview guidance program which will include:-
DAF Questionnaire: A detailed, personalized list of questions based on your DAF entries with more than 150+ questions which will guide you on how to prepare for DAF-related questions.
Online/Offline Mock interviews: with experienced faculties with a cumulative result of more than 2000+ UPSC selections.
One-to-one interaction with our top faculty for interview guidance to help you with any questions/doubts/issues that you may be facing.
Our team is dedicated to your success and our mentors are available 24 x 7 for any support.
Experience quality guidance and ensure your success with our support.
Enroll in the Sureshot 190+ program.
Panelists for Mock Interviews
Shri Shankar Aggarwal, IAS (retd.), former Secretary
Mrs. Aradhana Johri, IAS (retd.), former Secretary
Dr. Noor Mohammad, IAS (retd.), former EC
Shri Rajiva Misra, IFS (former Ambassador)
Dr. P.K. Agrawal, IAS (Retd.), former Ch. Secy
Shri T. N. Thakur, IAAS (retd.), former Dy CAG
Prof. U.M. Amin, Jamia Milia University
Mr. S. D. Singh, IFoS (Retd.)
Mr. Kunal Aggarwal, IRS
Mr. Debraj Das, IPS
Tentative:
Shri Harsh V. Pant (Observer Research Foundation), Shri SN Tripathi, IAS (Director IIPA), Shri Yogesh Narain (Retd. Defence Secretary), Shri Dipankar Gupta (Indian Sociologist), and others.
See what our UPSC toppers have to say about the program:
We will have a LIVE 1-1 session by UPSC interview topper Zenden
In the last 3 years, a lot of things have changed about UPSC-CSE
Especially the ‘UPSC Main’ examination. Your answer-writing approach must evolve.
No more answer writing is about Introduction-Body-Conclusion
And if you are stuck in 80s marks range in UPSC GS Mains paper
It’s time to look at answer writing from a different perspective
You need to evolve w.r.t your Mains answer writing to go beyond 110+
Civilsdaily Masterclasses allow you to access the real work from those who have done it before
All my ranker students had their preparation system. What’s stopping you?
Never start from scratch on your UPSC mains answer writing
Start like a Topper.
Read what Arvind Agrawal sir has to say about UPSC Mains and answer writing approach
“Hello UPSC aspirants, I’m Arvind Agrawal.
Having evaluated over 1500 Mains answer copies and mentored 100+ rankers including AIR 16, 22, and 48, I’ve seen firsthand how UPSC Mains has evolved.
After having evaluated hundreds of copies of Mains failed candidates I know what fundamental mistakes they commit to which must be avoided.
Staying stuck to these mistakes will keep your mains score restricted in the 80s range in UPSC GS Mains paper, and this is irrespective of your content or answer writing practice.
Join me this Thursday at 6 pm for a FREE LIVE Zoom webinar, where I’ll dissect these 5 fundamental issues with mains failed candidates and their answer writing approach that you must avoid. I will also share 10 best practices followed by UPSC IAS Toppers.
This session is crucial for anyone looking to improve their Mains score dramatically!“
https://youtu.be/311IMVvztFk
Attend FREE Webinar on Mains Answer Writing and Prep Strategy
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until Feb 24)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
Fee:
Special Access (extra 15 min with Arvind sir) – Free (only for first 100 registrations, register before 27th Dec, 1 pm)
Early Access – Rs. 299 (for the next 100 registrations, register before 27th Dec, 7 PM)
Late Access – Rs. 499 (for last 100 registrations, register before 28th Dec, Post 1 PM)
Advanced Mains Preparation with Smash Mains Program: Now Unlocked for UPSC Beginners!
Turn Your First or Second UPSC Attempt into a Rank-Clinching Success with Personal Mentorship
Trusted by Rankers, Acknowledged by The Hindu
The Program that Even ‘The Hindu’ Couldn’t Ignore
Recognized by The Hindu newspaper for its remarkable success rate, the Smash Mains Program has been nothing short of revolutionary. In 2022, it boasted an astounding 85% success rate, turning dedicated aspirants into UPSC rank holders within the top 200.
85% of Smash Mains students under cracked a top-200 rank in UPSC CSE 2022 (13 in Top 50)
Previously a well-guarded secret exclusive to UPSC veterans, this super-successful program is now open to beginners as well. This is a golden opportunity for those committed to cracking UPSC in their first or second attempt.
Share your Answer Copies at staff@civilsdaily.com
Get 1-on-1 Mentorship by Arvind sir (mentor of 100+ IAS rankers)
The overwhelming demand and positive feedback from our students have encouraged us to make this exception. We strive to provide the ‘Be Mains Ready’ Program and support to all our students.
About Smash Mains 2024-25 Beginner’s Batch
It is a highly personalized and intensive handholding program for the dedicated and crème-de-la-crème (earlier exclusive to UPSC veterans) amongst UPSC aspirants (the intake is 50 students only).
AIR 16 Shishir, UPSC 2022 thanking Civilsdaily’s mentorship
What Makes Smash Mains Unique?
Invite/Register-Only: Ensuring that you’re not just a face in the crowd but a name and a mission for us.
Personalized Attention: Tailor-made guidance with one-to-one interactions with senior IAS mentors themselves.
Focused Strategy: No more generic study plans. Get a blueprint crafted just for you.
In-Depth Analysis: Our seniormost faculty will meticulously analyzing your Mains scorecards and test copies to fill in those critical gaps in your preparation.
Multi-level guidance: Arvind sir, Parth sir, Swatantra sir, Sumit sir, Shubham sir and IAS-IPS rankers, will ensure your answer writing is top-notch.
With over 85% of enrolled students in 2022 becoming UPSC Top rankers, Smash Mains 2024 for UPSC Beginners is here. Also, what we have noticed is about 85% of questions in the UPSC Mains paper are from the Smash Test Series.
As an aspirant, if you are yet to gain confidence in answer writing and Mains prep, then this program is for you!
How has Smash Mains helped 2022-2023 Aspirants in Preparing for UPSC?
What do aspirants need in their UPSC preparation journey? They need a senior who will give them moral support and the required logistics to prepare for the tough exam in a simplified manner.
You can clear the exam only with confidence and consistency. And to achieve both, you require a personalized mentor. Many aspirants feel that just attending classes or tests is not beneficial for them. So we tweaked our program to include mentorship both in our tests series and classes. Aspirants feel they can reach out to us anytime with their concerns and we are available to sort them out.
Message from CD Mentors
Dear Students,
For some of you, prelims have never been a challenge for you. You have been missing the main cut-off with a small margin (repeatedly). This means that there are some fundamental issues with your approach. You might be aware or not of 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.
Note: The Entry is Restricted to those who have appeared in UPSC interviews 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 Arvind sir and core mains teams’s strict monitoring, incremental improvements are aimed every day, after every session.
Key Takeaways About Smash Mains 2024-25
Your mentor, Arvind sir has mentored AIR 16, 22 and 100+ IAS rankers. Other IAS mentors like Swatantra sir, Parth sir, Shubham sir and Sumit sir have personally mentored 400+ IAS rankers in the past couple of years.
You don’t have to waste more time finding the strategy (value-added notes, test series, or timetable ) for the next months. You will get the guidance for it.
You will gain access to Civildaily’s Samachar Manthan – For holistic and comprehensive coverage of Current Affairs.
Progression of Smash Mains 2024-25
After completing the Mains Test series, you will have a one-to-one detailed and in-depth interaction with Arvind sir and core mains team. 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 2023 the best way to prepare for Mains?
Individual attention and approachability are the USPs of this program. Listen to what our Smash Mains 2022 student and topper Sanskriti Somani (AIR 49) says about the program.
Pooja Gupta (AIR 42) UPSC 2020 says about the 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 personalizedone-to-one interaction, 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. Arvind 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.
Emphasis on execution and utilization of knowledge – Mains is not only about knowledge but how you express the relevant knowledge optimally.
Arvind sir’s interventions are highly specific and not generalized. Sitting right in front of you he walks you through each and every question. He is always there, he will not let you lose your focus.
AIR 148 UPSC 2020 topper and our Civilsdaily student, Ponmani explains why answer writing with mentorship is necessary for Mains.
In the last 3 years, a lot of things have changed about UPSC-CSE
Especially the ‘CSAT’ paper in the prelims
The mysterious, unpredictable, and devious nature of CSAT paper spares no one, not even the IIT-IIM grads.
It’s time to look at CSAT from a different perspective
No more is it about just practicing and solving math problems
It is about crafting a ranker’s process and following right strategy
Civilsdaily Masterclasses allow you to access the real work from those who have done it before
All rankers built their own preparation system. What’s stopping you?
Never start from scratch on your UPSC preparation
Start like a Topper.
Read what Gaurav sir has to say about UPSC CSAT
“Hey UPSC aspirants, this is Gaurav Mishra from Civilsdaily. I want to address a crucial aspect of your UPSC journey – the CSAT paper.
It’s increasingly becoming a major decider, and I’ve noticed that many aspirants, irrespective of their educational background, find it challenging.
Whether you’re from an IIT, a local college, a science or arts background, rural or urban areas, it doesn’t matter. What matters is your strategy and preparation approach.
Anyone can score above 90 in the CSAT with the right mindset and smart preparation.
In my upcoming webinar this Friday, I’ll be discussing how to tackle maths and logical reasoning questions, select high-scoring topics, and employ smart elimination techniques in CSAT, regardless of your academic background.
Join me LIVE on Zoom and transform your approach to CSAT. See you there!“
Attend FREE Webinar on UPSC CSAT Strategy for Prelims 2024
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until Feb 24)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
Fee:
Special Access (extra 15 min with Gaurav sir) – Free (only for first 100 registrations, register before 21st Dec, 2 pm)
Early Access – Rs. 299 (for the next 100 registrations, register before 22nd Dec, 1 PM)
Late Access – Rs. 499 (for last 100 registrations, register on 22nd Dec, Post 1 PM)
In the last 3 years, a lot of things have changed about UPSC-CSE
Especially the ‘UPSC Main’ examination. Your answer writing approach must evolve.
No more answer writing is about Introduction-Body-Conclusion
You won’t be awarded answers if you follow the obsolete approach
It’s time to look at answer writing from a different perspective
You need to evolve w.r.t your Mains answer writing and prep strategy
Civilsdaily Masterclasses allow you to access the real work from those who have done it before
All rankers built their own preparation system. What’s stopping you?
Never start from scratch on your UPSC preparation
Start like a Topper.
Read what Arvind Agrawal sir has to say about UPSC Mains and answer writing approach
“Hello UPSC aspirants, I’m Arvind Agrawal.
Having evaluated over 1500 Mains answer copies and mentored 100+ rankers including AIR 16, 22, and 48, I’ve seen firsthand how UPSC Mains has evolved.
The traditional intro-body-conclusion framework is now obsolete. What works is a Theme and Core Demand based approach, recognizing multiple themes and implicit demands in questions.
Different strategies are needed for 10 and 15 markers, and mastering this requires focused content preparation, practice, and skill in presentation.
Join me this Saturday at 7 pm for a FREE LIVE Zoom webinar, where I’ll dive deeper into this approach and share insights from my extensive experience.
This session is crucial for anyone looking to improve their Mains score dramatically. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned mentor!“
Attend FREE Webinar on Demand and Theme based Mains Answer Writing Strategy
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until Feb 24)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
Fee:
Special Access (extra 15 min with Arvind sir) – Free (only for first 100 registrations, register before 16th Dec, 1 pm)
Early Access – Rs. 299 (for the next 100 registrations, register before 16th Dec, 6 PM)
Late Access – Rs. 499 (for last 100 registrations, register before 16th Dec, Post 6 PM)