UPSC FAQ with HK

Disclaimer
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) session has NOT been published for general guidance, information and assistance of users.  The information contained herein is comic in nature and is by all means off the wall. There is an attempt to jostle the funny bone but no guarantee of laughter. Under no circumstances, shall risingbudss.blogspot.com be liable for any mental breakdown with lameness or expense incurred that is claimed to have resulted from this intentionally tongue-in-cheek dialogue.

This will be my second attempt. Please suggest how I should proceed?
Bingo. I don’t know. You tell me.
 
Which category of candidates is exempted from payment of Examination fee?
One who is not applying. Women, PwBD, SC, ST too.

What are the important sources to start UPSC preparation?
That one super-duper senior who made it and the first or second or third or fourth cousin who's been preparing .

What books should one refer?
Hard bound ones. They are much handy, I guess

What is the best book for Polity?
Laxmikant. It’s Rajnikant of Polity.

What are the sources for medieval history?
Mughal-e-Azam, Shatranj ke Khiladi, Jodha Akbar, Bajirao Mastani, Padmavat and the latest, Tanhaji. Quite an exhaustive list!

How to memorize the historical terms in the ancient and medieval section?
It’s not a question of history, rather biology. Short – term memory loss is a common thing with this section.

Can one clear prelims with 60 days of preparation?
Yes certainly, if you have 2 brains and 72 hours in a day.

How to read economic survey and budget?
Just like you read A B C D.

What are the ways to enhance our skills related to solving MCQs in UPSC prelims?
Aabra ka dabra. The more you practice, the better you are.

How to prepare for CSAT other than solving 2015-2020 PYQs?
Solve 2010-15 PYQs too.

After eliminating two options, I always end up choosing the wrong option. When one doesn't know surely which one is right, how do we arrive at the correct answer?
Guess. Thank me later.

I score very less in mocks. What should I do?
Stop mocks. Write Pre directly. Real fun of sailing canoe is in stormy waters.

How important is the newspaper?
Very much. Covering kitchen slabs, using as shelf liners in bedroom almirah, DIY craft etc.

What is the utility of The Hindu or Indian Express?
You can pile them up on your study table and create an illusion that you are breaking your head over the preparation.

And what about reading the newspaper?
Helping you make through the exam is the least it would do. Comic strips are a must though. Not for the exam per se but to beat the stress the bombastic editorials generate.

When did you start writing answers?
I guess, in kindergarten itself, we would get worksheets to do. Would ask my mom and tell.

When shall we start preparing for Mains?
When you think that prelims is kid stuff.

How many hours can one study?
As many hours when you are not sleeping, eating and pooping.

How much time is given to the candidates for applying online?
Age limit – minimum age = Applying time. Calculate. It’s simple maths.

What is an easy optional in UPSC exam?
Easiest one is, to not give the exam. Sigh.

What is the toughest SUBJECT to crack in this exam?
Toppers! Many say that prelims can be done in 3 months preparation.

Why is UPSC exam tough?
Ask them, not me.

Is the personality test a cake walk?
Yes, if you have a godfather in the interview panel!

When does UPSC issue the notification?
Before the exam.

What are the minimum educational qualifications prescribed?
Degree…in patience and perseverance.

Should we have a backup?
I don’t have backup even in my WhatsApp.
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Note: For further queries, don’t mail me on harshitaUPSC@gmail.com or call me on 8750Z05739 because neither exists.

 -HK