How Bhavesh Mishra Mastered the UPSC CSE through Structured Note-Making

Bhavesh Mishra, a notable success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), has provided valuable insights into his approach to note-making. Here are some key strategies that can help aspiring candidates improve their preparation process.

Comprehensive Coverage

Bhavesh's strategy began with a comprehensive coverage of the entire syllabus. He ensured that his notes included all essential topics from the UPSC syllabus, providing a robust foundation for his exam preparation.

Concise and Structured Notes

Not only did Bhavesh focus on covering the syllabus comprehensively, but he also prioritized creating concise and structured notes. He emphasized clarity and organization, utilizing bullet points, headings, and subheadings. This approach facilitated quick revision and ensured that important information was easily accessible.

Use of Diagrams and Flowcharts

To simplify complex information, Bhavesh employed diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps. These visual aids helped in visualizing relationships and processes, making it easier to understand intricate concepts and retain information.

Current Affairs Integration

Hybridizing static portions of the syllabus with current affairs was another key strategy used by Bhavesh. By regularly connecting current affairs with static topics, he created a more holistic understanding of the subjects.

Revision Focus

His notes were designed for easy revision. Bhavesh ensured that they could be quickly reviewed before the exam. Regular revision was a central part of his preparation strategy. This helped him reinforce his memory and ensure that the information was retained for the exam.

Topic-wise Segmentation

Bhavesh segmented his notes by topics and subjects, making it easier to focus on specific areas during revision. This method allowed for targeted study, enabling him to address weak areas more effectively.

Personalization

He tailored his notes to suit his learning style, using his own language and examples. This personalization made the content more relatable and easier to remember, thereby enhancing retention and understanding.

Digital Tools

For digital organization and access, Bhavesh often used apps like Evernote. Digital tools can help in organizing and maintaining notes more efficiently. These tools offer the flexibility to edit, maintain, and revise notes easily.

Challenges Faced and Lessons Learnt

Not every student can follow Bhavesh's exact approach, as every topper has unique strategies. As an engineering student and a software engineer, note-taking was initially challenging for me.

Challenges:

Maintaining separate notebooks Writing on loose papers Using Evernote but missing on note-making

Evernote, while a useful tool, was used primarily for reading and revising existing material. I could not maintain a consistent note-making routine. This lack of practice led to poor marks in GS-2 and GS-3, as I often forgot key points during the exam.

Lessons Learnt:

Note-making should be a regular process, ideally using digital tools like Evernote. Collaboration with peers can be beneficial. Copying information from various sources without revision is fruitless. To excel in the UPSC CSE, regular practice and revision are crucial.

Another valuable lesson is to attempt as many mock tests as possible. You don't need to enroll in expensive test series; use free resources from friends. This practice can significantly improve your performance, as I scored a high 151 marks in the Essay section due to the Vision IAS test series.

Note: Every topper has unique strategies, so what works for one may not Work for another. Use your discretion and adapt accordingly.