💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

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  • Tikdam Technique – How our Prime Test Series 2020 gives you an edge

    Here’s the link to the

    Prime Prelims TS brochure. Click2download

    Click here to enroll for the Prime Prelims TS

    To understand the points in depth, we recommend you download and read.


    We have been hammering on the importance of logical thinking and art of Tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients to clear prelims examination for quite some time now.

    Make no mistake, this is a GOLDMINE of practical wisdom.

    Sajal Sir discusses the utility of Tikdam Technique for Prelims 2017 paper.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptimG8kOYZg

    Here’s a real-life experience by an aspirant –

    Here’s how CD’s Tikdams helped me: Recollection from an aspirant

    PS: We are in the process of preparing an updated dossier on the Art of Tikdams and will make it available for a free download soon. If you wish to download an older version of the document, pls click here.

    Click here to enroll for the Prime Prelims TS

  • Civilsdaily’s Faculty’s article published in Indian express. A must-read for Civil Services Aspirants.

    Join Economic Survey and Budget 2019 | Advanced Program Click here

    Join Demystifying Economics- Core & Current Affairs Buildup Lecture Series 2020  Click here

    2020 – Mains Essentials Program . Click here to enrol now! 

    Prime Prelims TS 2020 Barch 3 Time Table

    Click here to Enroll for the Samachar Manthan Yearly 2019-2020

    Economics is one of the primary Pillars of UPSC preparation. It has substantial weightage in Prelims and also in  GS 3rd paper of mains. To ensure that students build  a strong foundation and  a strong hold over the subject, we at Civilsdaily, have the best and most trusted faculty, Himanshu Arora Sir.

    Credentials of Himanshu Sir-

    • MPhil Economics (JNU)
    • Works at Prime Minister Economic Advisory Council
    • Writes regularly in various famous Indian and international weeklies like Millenium post and Huffington Post.
    • Worked as Assistant Professor in Delhi University.

    Here is the article by Himanshu Sir  that was published today in  Financial express

    https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/big-bank-theory-psu-banks-merger-must-be-followed-by-good-governance/1714342/

    Big Bank Theory: PSU banks merger must be followed by good governance

    By Himanshu Arora

    The government has unveiled a mega plan to merge 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four, thereby reducing the number of state-owned banks from 18 to 12.

    Under the consolidation process, the Oriental Bank of Commerce and the United Bank of India will be merged in the Punjab National Bank; the Syndicate Bank with the Canara bank; the Andhra Bank and the Corporation Bank with the Union Bank of India; and the Allahabad Bank with the Indian Bank. The aim is to create next-generation financial institutions with stronger balance sheets and bigger lending appetite.

    The proposal to merge poorly-managed banks with well-governed ones has been recommended by numerous committees since the 1990s. A committee under the chairmanship of M Narasimhan recommended the number of PSBs be reduced and 3-4 large banks should be developed as international banks. The report envisaged a three-tier system with 3-4 large banks at the top, 8-10 banks having nationwide presence catering to the needs of industrial and infrastructural sectors, and a large number of regional rural and local banks focusing on agriculture and rural sector.

    Experts believe that reducing the number of state-owned banks will improve the collective performance of the banking system. It will bring economies of scale through optimal use of capital and resources, and ensure higher technical efficiency with higher profitability. The additional resources can be used in hiring domain experts and enhancing manpower, the absence of which is partly responsible for the NPA crisis. The logic being that bigger and well-managed banks are better equipped to respond to the lobg-term finance needs of industrial and infrastructure sectors. Further, PSBs—under stress due to NPAs—would find themselves adequately capitalised. This is expected to aid the banking sector in restart the lending exercise to the productive sectors.

    The next logical step should be to find the right experts who can steer this consolidation—a move that requires a slew of reforms. Governance of PSBs has been a major challenge from the time these banks were nationalised. The Narasimhan committee recommended that banking boards be empowered and adopt a professional corporate strategy.

    The problems of PSBs are structural. The merged banks may fail if governance structures are not reformed. This must be addressed. Accordingly, post-merger, the focus should be on effective governance reforms. The roadmap has been provided by the PJ Nayak committee—legal changes to incorporate banks under the Companies Act and the repeal of bank nationalisation Acts, dissolution of government ownership, and setting up of a Bank Investment Company (BIC). The BIC will act as a safety valve and an institutional firewall between the government and bank managements. The process of appointments to top management needs to be professionalised initially through an interim Banks Board Bureau (BBB), and latter through the BIC. BBB was set up, with a mandate to recommend candidates for top-post in state-banks; effectiveness is debatable.

    Another issue with the proposed merger is the possible creation of what is known as systematically important institutions, which are too big to fail. Indeed, the State Bank of India was categorised by RBI as a systemically important bank whose failure could trigger a situation of bank runs. If such large banks were to fail due to governance issues, it could impact the economy and bring down the whole financial sector. A similar situation was witnessed during the Global Financial Crisis following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, and no country can therefore afford the failure of a big bank. Historical evidence suggests that if such a situation were to arise, the sovereign will be forced to rescue such large banks. The sovereign guarantees at many times encourage reckless behaviour by banks and creates the problem of moral hazard. Therefore, governance reforms along with effective regulation are essential to curb such moral hazard behaviour. It would require RBI to identify systemically important financial institutions from the merged banks and subject them to higher capital requirements.

    The proposed merger is a good starting point for reforming the Indian banking system, but must be followed by genuine governance reforms.

     

  • It’s only over if you stop trying! #neverquit

    It’s only over if you stop trying! #neverquit

    Failure’s not a result. It is a step.

    Exam is not about finding a perfect strategy. It’s the ability to overcome failures and setbacks. To learn from mistakes and demonstrate the agility to figure out the best path forward.

    Set goals. STUDY. love yourself. Rest and relax. Eat right. Smile. Portray positivity. Enjoy life. Care for others.

    Above all, Tell yourself you will be able to pull it off.

    No one can guarantee you a win. We will guarantee you a fight.

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

     


     

     


    After numerous conversations with so many aspirants, we have started understanding your problems better and also standardizing solutions for the ones you might face. 

    These are being incorporated in our Samanvaya program. It is these practices that will make the program more effective.

    At the core of Samanvaya lies the fact that each one of you will have a unique journey while preparing for the exam. Some will get through on the first attempt without much effort while others will take both more time and more effort. We want to understand you better to help you optimize your journey so you can focus on the right things and not waste time on the wrong ones. We are asking you to tap into the valuable experiences of mentors who underwent the same grind and realize the pitfalls and understand the shortcuts to make it.

    Samanvaya involves the following –

    1. Identifying your weaknesses

    Over 80% of students who claimed to have revised NCERTs were unable to answer basic questions. Many were not comfortable with at least 1 GS subject and Optional. Many struggled with ‘What went wrong’ after 2-3 years of hard work.

    Our mentors will help you assess your preparedness and suggest accurate strategies.

    2. Strategy and study plan discussions

    Over 90% of students couldn’t stick to a plan. Study plans and strategies are iterative in nature and we want to help you with that. Many are unable to perform in tests despite preparing hard. This could be due to a variety of factors – lack of adequate prep, jitters in the exam hall, inadequate revision, lack of practice of test series or just a bad day at work. Tell us what you think went wrong and we’ll figure out a way to get you over the line next time.

    3. Helping you understand the exam better

    Which books to read, different approaches, etc. Over 60% of students we talked to did not find NCERTs relevant and saw no point in being thorough with them.

    4. Lack of motivation

    We have all had those days when it’s been hard to motivate ourselves to hit the books and just study. It happens to the best of us sometimes and for some of us, it happens more frequently. And it is understandable, Civil Service preparation is a long and often lonely process. Every aspirant, from toppers to those who have quit have been overwhelmed by this process at some point in time. Working alone is monotonous and Help you keep motivated by ensuring you are actively and passively studying every day. Focused telegram groups to foster discussions.

    Samanvaya Code of Conduct

    • Be honest with your mentors about your preparation levels and stage.
    • Follow their advice and participate in tests and assignments that they set for you
    • Stay active in the telegram groups, ask doubts, don’t hold yourself back.
    • Don’t expect spoonfeeding. You have to drive the initiative.

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

    Here’s the feedback that we got from some of our students:


    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

  • You have a dream! What now? #beyondthedream

    You have a dream! What now? #beyondthedream

    It all starts with a dream. Yes. Nothing is more powerful than a dream. 

    Once you have one. Believe in it. Don’t let anyone tell you that it is not possible. Believe that voice inside you that pushes you to achieve this dream. No matter how weak it is. Follow it.

    But this is just the start.

    You don’t achieve your goals by simply dreaming and believing them. You cannot take it easy and rely on hope.

    Quit making excuses, putting it off, complaining about it, dreaming about it, whining about it, crying about it, believing you can’t, worrying if you can, waiting for a right time. Make a plan and get going.

    Once you have made your plan – that’s your DAY ONE. From there it only gets tougher. You can always go back to your comfortable, safe, no risk life. Thats not the idea.
    Success isn’t given, it is earned. Be it this exam or life beyond. With blood, sweat, and the occasional tear. Be ready !
    We dont say luck is not important. But it cant be used as an excuse to prove that clearing the exam can be an accident.

    If you have a dream and are fired up. If you believe sweat is the only way forward, we have got your back.

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 


     

     


    After numerous conversations with so many aspirants, we have started understanding your problems better and also standardizing solutions for the ones you might face. 

    These are being incorporated in our Samanvaya program. It is these practices that will make the program more effective.

    At the core of Samanvaya lies the fact that each one of you will have a unique journey while preparing for the exam. Some will get through on the first attempt without much effort while others will take both more time and more effort. We want to understand you better to help you optimize your journey so you can focus on the right things and not waste time on the wrong ones. We are asking you to tap into the valuable experiences of mentors who underwent the same grind and realize the pitfalls and understand the shortcuts to make it.

    Samanvaya involves the following –

    1. Identifying your weaknesses

    Over 80% of students who claimed to have revised NCERTs were unable to answer basic questions. Many were not comfortable with at least 1 GS subject and Optional. Many struggled with ‘What went wrong’ after 2-3 years of hard work.

    Our mentors will help you assess your preparedness and suggest accurate strategies.

    2. Strategy and study plan discussions

    Over 90% of students couldn’t stick to a plan. Study plans and strategies are iterative in nature and we want to help you with that. Many are unable to perform in tests despite preparing hard. This could be due to a variety of factors – lack of adequate prep, jitters in the exam hall, inadequate revision, lack of practice of test series or just a bad day at work. Tell us what you think went wrong and we’ll figure out a way to get you over the line next time.

    3. Helping you understand the exam better

    Which books to read, different approaches, etc. Over 60% of students we talked to did not find NCERTs relevant and saw no point in being thorough with them.

    4. Lack of motivation

    We have all had those days when it’s been hard to motivate ourselves to hit the books and just study. It happens to the best of us sometimes and for some of us, it happens more frequently. And it is understandable, Civil Service preparation is a long and often lonely process. Every aspirant, from toppers to those who have quit have been overwhelmed by this process at some point in time. Working alone is monotonous and Help you keep motivated by ensuring you are actively and passively studying every day. Focused telegram groups to foster discussions.

    Samanvaya Code of Conduct

    • Be honest with your mentors about your preparation levels and stage.
    • Follow their advice and participate in tests and assignments that they set for you
    • Stay active in the telegram groups, ask doubts, don’t hold yourself back.
    • Don’t expect spoonfeeding. You have to drive the initiative.

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

    Here’s the feedback that we got from some of our students:


    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

  • Every topper who cracked the exam was once like you! #pushyourlimits

    Every topper who cracked the exam was once like you! #pushyourlimits

    Toppers are no different from you! 

    Yes there are some who are gifted with a better memory. There are some who are sharper at figuring out the exam. There are some who will make you feel like the exam was a piece of cake!

    But they don’t have a different DNA. Trust us when we say they are not born, they are made. What matters more is the fighting spirit. If you have it in you. You have a shot at clearing the exam. Period. 

    Everything you need is already inside you. There is a fighter in each one of you. Each one. We know this because we have been working with you for quiet sometime now. 

    Fight to be better versions of yourselves. Push your limits. Practice, measure, practice measure. See yourself improving. 

    If you can push your limits then we can help you get there. Get in touch. 

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

     


     

     


    After numerous conversations with so many aspirants, we have started understanding your problems better and also standardizing solutions for the ones you might face. 

    These are being incorporated in our Samanvaya program. It is these practices that will make the program more effective.

    At the core of Samanvaya lies the fact that each one of you will have a unique journey while preparing for the exam. Some will get through on the first attempt without much effort while others will take both more time and more effort. We want to understand you better to help you optimize your journey so you can focus on the right things and not waste time on the wrong ones. We are asking you to tap into the valuable experiences of mentors who underwent the same grind and realize the pitfalls and understand the shortcuts to make it.

    Samanvaya involves the following –

    1. Identifying your weaknesses

    Over 80% of students who claimed to have revised NCERTs were unable to answer basic questions. Many were not comfortable with at least 1 GS subject and Optional. Many struggled with ‘What went wrong’ after 2-3 years of hard work.

    Our mentors will help you assess your preparedness and suggest accurate strategies.

    2. Strategy and study plan discussions

    Over 90% of students couldn’t stick to a plan. Study plans and strategies are iterative in nature and we want to help you with that. Many are unable to perform in tests despite preparing hard. This could be due to a variety of factors – lack of adequate prep, jitters in the exam hall, inadequate revision, lack of practice of test series or just a bad day at work. Tell us what you think went wrong and we’ll figure out a way to get you over the line next time.

    3. Helping you understand the exam better

    Which books to read, different approaches, etc. Over 60% of students we talked to did not find NCERTs relevant and saw no point in being thorough with them.

    4. Lack of motivation

    We have all had those days when it’s been hard to motivate ourselves to hit the books and just study. It happens to the best of us sometimes and for some of us, it happens more frequently. And it is understandable, Civil Service preparation is a long and often lonely process. Every aspirant, from toppers to those who have quit have been overwhelmed by this process at some point in time. Working alone is monotonous and Help you keep motivated by ensuring you are actively and passively studying every day. Focused telegram groups to foster discussions.

    Samanvaya Code of Conduct

    • Be honest with your mentors about your preparation levels and stage.
    • Follow their advice and participate in tests and assignments that they set for you
    • Stay active in the telegram groups, ask doubts, don’t hold yourself back.
    • Don’t expect spoonfeeding. You have to drive the initiative.

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

    Here’s the feedback that we got from some of our students:


    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

  • It seems impossible only if you dont work towards it! #yournext

    It seems impossible only if you dont work towards it! #yournext

    Completed a subject. Was unable to attempt the questions.

    Gone through previous year papers. Was clueless.

    Referred to multiple topper videos. Couldn’t come up with a sound strategy.

    The exam seems like a humongous task. There are over 10 subjects to be prepared many demanding mastery at the level of MA(masters). Then there is work to do on the writing front. 

    It is natural to be clueless. It is natural to be directionless. It is natural to be lost. 

    But if you can work towards it, one step at a time, things will definitely start to settle in. With each step comes the decision to take another. And you will start getting an idea of how to proceed.

    So Keep moving, keep fighting.

    You will read 2 irrelevant notes, 1 relevant note – doesn’t matter. You will feel like you are wasting your time – doesn’t matter. 

    Move ahead. Pick up something to read every day. Try writing frequently. Get to your next level. This is what the exam is all about – you setting your next milestone and turning into a better version of you!

    If you have the will. We have got your back. Fill the form and get in touch with us. Iron out your strategies with us.  

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 


    Dear Students, 

    As prelims conclude, we have started getting emails, messages of students who have benefitted from our programs.

    After numerous conversations with so many aspirants, we have started understanding your problems better and also standardizing solutions for the ones you might face. 

    These are being incorporated in our Samanvaya program. It is these practices that will make the program more effective.

    At the core of Samanvaya lies the fact that each one of you will have a unique journey while preparing for the exam. Some will get through on the first attempt without much effort while others will take both more time and more effort. We want to understand you better to help you optimize your journey so you can focus on the right things and not waste time on the wrong ones. We are asking you to tap into the valuable experiences of mentors who underwent the same grind and realize the pitfalls and understand the shortcuts to make it.

    Samanvaya program involves the following –

    1. Identifying your weaknesses

    Over 80% of students who claimed to have revised NCERTs were unable to answer basic questions. Many were not comfortable with at least 1 GS subject and Optional. Many struggled with ‘What went wrong’ after 2-3 years of hard work.

    Our mentors will help you assess your preparedness and suggest accurate strategies.

    2. Strategy and study plan discussions

    Over 90% of students couldn’t stick to a plan. Study plans and strategies are iterative in nature and we want to help you with that. Many are unable to perform in tests despite preparing hard. This could be due to a variety of factors – lack of adequate prep, jitters in the exam hall, inadequate revision, lack of practice of test series or just a bad day at work. Tell us what you think went wrong and we’ll figure out a way to get you over the line next time.

    3. Helping you understand the exam better

    Which books to read, different approaches, etc. Over 60% of students we talked to did not find NCERTs relevant and saw no point in being thorough with them.

    4. Lack of motivation

    We have all had those days when it’s been hard to motivate ourselves to hit the books and just study. It happens to the best of us sometimes and for some of us, it happens more frequently. And it is understandable, Civil Service preparation is a long and often lonely process. Every aspirant, from toppers to those who have quit have been overwhelmed by this process at some point in time. Working alone is monotonous and Help you keep motivated by ensuring you are actively and passively studying every day. Focused telegram groups to foster discussions.

    Samanvaya Code of Conduct

    • Be honest with your mentors about your preparation levels and stage.
    • Follow their advice and participate in tests and assignments that they set for you
    • Stay active in the telegram groups, ask doubts, don’t hold yourself back.
    • Don’t expect spoonfeeding. You have to drive the initiative.

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

    Here’s the feedback that we got from some of our students:


    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

  • SAMANVAYA: Students Preparing for UPSC 2020 > Come join US !

    SAMANVAYA: Students Preparing for UPSC 2020 > Come join US !

    Click here to fill the form. We will call on a first-come, first-serve basis

    Dear students,

    As prelims conclude, we have started getting emails, messages from students who have benefitted from our programs.

    After numerous conversations with so many aspirants, we have started understanding your problems better and also standardizing solutions for the ones you might face.

    These are being incorporated in our Samanvaya program. It is these practices that will make the program more effective.

    At the core of Samanvaya lies the fact that each one of you will have a unique journey while preparing for the exam. Some will get through on the first attempt without much effort while others will take both more time and more effort. We want to understand you better to help you optimize your journey so you can focus on the right things and not waste time on the wrong ones. We are asking you to tap into the valuable experiences of mentors who underwent the same grind and realize the pitfalls and understand the shortcuts to make it.

    Samanvaya program involves the following –

    1. Identifying your weaknesses

    Over 80% of students who claimed to have revised NCERTs were unable to answer basic questions. Many were not comfortable with at least 1 GS subject and Optional. Many struggled with ‘What went wrong’ after 2-3 years of hard work.

    Our mentors will help you assess your preparedness and suggest accurate strategies.

    2. Strategy and study plan discussions

    Over 90% of students couldn’t stick to a plan. Study plans and strategies are iterative in nature and we want to help you with that. Many are unable to perform in tests despite preparing hard. This could be due to a variety of factors – lack of adequate prep, jitters in the exam hall, inadequate revision, lack of practice of test series or just a bad day at work. Tell us what you think went wrong and we’ll figure out a way to get you over the line next time.

    3. Helping you understand the exam better

    Which books to read, different approaches, etc. Over 60% of students we talked to did not find NCERTs relevant and saw no point in being thorough with them.

    4. Lack of motivation

    We have all had those days when it’s been hard to motivate ourselves to hit the books and just study. It happens to the best of us sometimes and for some of us, it happens more frequently. And it is understandable, Civil Service preparation is a long and often lonely process. Every aspirant, from toppers to those who have quit have been overwhelmed by this process at some point in time. Working alone is monotonous and Help you keep motivated by ensuring you are actively and passively studying every day. Focused telegram groups to foster discussions.

    Samanvaya Code of Conduct

    • Be honest with your mentors about your preparation levels and stage.
    • Follow their advice and participate in tests and assignments that they set for you
    • Stay active in the telegram groups, ask doubts, don’t hold yourself back.
    • Don’t expect spoonfeeding. You have to drive the initiative.

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

    Here’s the feedback that we got from some of our students:


    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

  • Mains Essential Program – Answer Booklet Cover Page Updated

    Dear Students,

    UPSC happens to be very dynamic and immensely competitive. There was a time when simply completing the paper would guarantee you a rank. Today, the case is very different.

    If your answers are not innovative and are not standing out, then your chances decrease drastically. This change has inspired a change in the methodology of grading.

    Our Mains Test series will now be grading you on the following  –

    1. Question Comprehension

    You should be spending more time trying to address the demand of the question. Not beating around the bush, talking generically and on the theme. Addressing question directives like discuss, comment, critically analyze, etc.

    2. Structure

    Introduction, conclusion competencies.

    Most important – Sub-heading! How you define the sub-headings determines the organization of your thought.

    Ensure points for different sections are not intermingled, the flow of answer is maintained.

    3. Content

    Source Matter, Knowledge, Innovation

    Did you quote reports, numbers, important personalities?

    Did you present a comparative analysis?

    Did you demonstrate an ability to forge links in an interdisciplinary manner?

    Observational Skills? Some hard-hitting examples?

    All this will help your answer stand out.

    4. Presentation

    Figures, diagrams, flow charts.

    Handwriting – We are placing a low priority on this. But students with a good one definitely have an edge.

    5. Language and Expression

    How precise are you in your expressions? Can you simplify things and present them? Can you use technical terms relevant to the subject? Do you sound judgemental, biased? Do you have a balanced view?

    The cover page can be found here – MEP

     

    How are we able to do this ?

    Our Team ! our awesome Team ! Team members have to provide exceptional feedback, need to push their own boundaries to think our a certain answer can be made better. Hence we only hire the best, most experienced of the lot.

     

    More details about our Mains Program Here –

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/mains-ts/

  • 1-1 interaction with Toppers: AIR 145 Namita Sharma and AIR 242 Vishal Singh

    Dear All,

    Civilsdaily continues with the tradition of bringing top rankers within the reach of aspirants. This time we have AIR 145 Namita Sharma and AIR 242 Vishal Singh.

    You are cordially invited to an open session with these toppers. Grab this great opportunity to interact and clarify all those persisting doubts directly from people who have ‘been there and done that’!

    The session will be held on 20th Jun, tomorrow from 10 AM onwards. Venue – Near Connaught Place. The exact venue will be communicated to students once their attendance is confirmed.

    Interested students are expected to email hello@civilsdaily.com.

    Our previous 1-1 sessions have benefitted students a lot.  They have left the place with a lot more clarity and precise strategy. Nothing beats the dynamics of speaking with a topper face to face.

    Unfortunately, we have limited slots on a first come first serve basis. Please let us know your availability asap.

    Please note that the seats are limited and will be allotted on first come first serve basis. So, kindly confirm your attendance as soon as possible.

    All the other details will be provided through a separate email after your confirmation.

    Regards