IASbaba's Think Learn and Perform 2017
Hello Friends,
IASbaba wishes you all a happy Lohri and Makar Sankranti in advance. Just like the cycle of fairs and festivals continues year after year, your preparation for Civil Services Examination (CSE) must go on unhindered; fuelled by commitment and accelerated by renewed vigour and excitement. Yes! You have to be excited about what you are doing. If you are not in love with your subjects and daily routine, well, success might be far fetched. So gear up and start NOW.
And this ‘NOW’ starts with the announcement of IASbaba’s trademark Think, Learn and Perform (TLP) initiative for CSM 2017. Since the commencement of TLP in 2015, the popularity of this simple yet effective programme has grown manifold for one simple reason- it hits the bulls eye. An examination that requires rigorous answer writing practice, preparation for CSM can’t be done by plain reading of the texts. You have to practice a lot and mark our words- a lot. TLP attempts to achieve that end by assisting you through quality questions, feedback and peer reviews. It gives you a platform to express your ideas and at the same time have a look into the minds of hundreds of other aspirants; learning by sharing what we call it. The best part about TLP is that it is focused. In 60 days, through 300 questions, it gives you enough practice to answer any question asked by UPSC. TLP is incremental learning in practice!
This year, we have divided TLP into two parts- TLP Phase I and II. Both the phases will span 60 days or 12 weeks, having the same plan. However, in phase I, the focus will be more on basics and fundamentals of the subject. The questions will give you adequate spectrum for fundamental learning by asking simple yet thought provoking questions. The motive is to sync your Prelims preparation with TLP. We don’t want you to focus too much on Mains at this point of time but at the same time help you keep the momentum needed for Mains. For that purpose, we are covering Mains specific topics in the initial weeks only so that by the time Prelims approaches, the topics of TLP come in sync with the topics of Prelims, thereby consolidating your learning.
The advanced phase i.e. TLP phase II will commence immediately after Prelims and will require High Order Thinking (HOT) questions to probe your analytical faculties. Both these phases have been designed to give your preparation a 360 degree view of the syllabus and prepare you for all the possible permutations and combinations.
The weekly plan of Phase I of TLP has been shared at the end of this write up. You can also download the PDF here. The detailed day wise plan will be shared on a biweekly basis. Here, we are providing you the micro plan for weeks 1 and 2.
Click here to download the detailed micro plan for week 1 and 2.
P.S- There is a surprise under TLP 2017. Wait for it!
On a daily basis, 5 questions shall be posted, 3 from static and two from current affairs. The number of questions might change depending upon the requirement. Regular feedback and synopsis shall be provided for tracking your progress and also for later reference and revision. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude will be a running theme in the Plan as day 5 of every week is reserved for Paper IV. Similarly, day 6 of every week will be dedicated to Essay. In phase I, there won’t be mini tests. Sundays will be off.
Importance of Peer Reviews
When you write answers it is restricted to your thought process only. But when you read 3 to 4 answers, get to know the multidimensional and diverse aspects may be missing in yours. This gives you insight and build your thought process in a gradual way.
Even after expert reviews (IASbaba or others), one should read others answers to have a better approach and points. Learning is not restricted to Google or Bing 🙂
The person writing below your answers may get into Top 20 or 100. You never know 😀
Considering this and importance of writing and learning at the same time, we request you to follow this.
- You should review Two Answers of one question you write.
- May be immediate above or below
This will let you read at least two more answers per question. Learning plus getting diversity at the same time.
Our Team will have a track of aspirants who are regular in writing and reviewing both. Accordingly our reviews will vary for them. Do not complain if you are not honest. Because the last laugh is always for honest and hard workers!
Importance of Answer Writing
We have always been emphasising on the importance of writing practice. It’s not what you study is important, but what you write and how you write it in the exam. There is a misconception, that it is easy to write an answer. But trust us; it is the most difficult thing to do. Since we study a lot, it becomes very difficult to consolidate our information and condense it in just 200 words. Writing is an art and can only be improved with constant practice. This is the only thing that will fetch you marks in the end. Writing is like an sport. When you watch cricket on TV, every single shot looks very easy to play and you feel like you can hit the ball as well as Kohli. But my friend, try to face the same ball in a match. In order to execute a technique, you will have to spend time on the nets, face many balls, get hurt and then only you will understand that what is your strength and what are your weaknesses. TLP is the best net practice that you can get to hone your skills and prepare yourself for the real test.
A lot of effort goes into framing the questions, giving feedback, preparing synopsis and so on. We do it only because we feel that our efforts are making an impact. In the process, we have also realized that your success eventually depends upon your participation. If the momentum of your involvement withers away, so do your chances in CSE. That is nature! So, as a new year resolution, take a pledge that you won’t miss a single day in TLP and we can assure you that success will be yours. We are committed and sincere in giving you the best. Can you give your best?
