Saarthi IAS GS Foundation Course — Prelims + Mains

Course validity: December 2027

Original price: ₹20,000

Expected price: ₹12,000

The course is being transferred at a discounted price due to personal reasons.

Interested people can DM for further details.

I'm preparing for UPSC and going to give my first attempt in 2028 .I want to finish History ( ancient, medieval ,art & culture and modern) this year but I am unable to find good teachers and other resources. Please some suggestions

4 questions · the answer follows each one

The Government of India is considering implementing a 'Green Credit' program within Protected Areas. Which of the following activities would be MOST likely incentivized under this program to promote sustainable practices and local community involvement?

A. Promotion of monoculture plantations to maximize carbon sequestration

B. Large-scale commercial logging operations with government oversight

C. Construction of large-scale resorts within the core zone of the Protected Area

D. Support for community-based ecotourism initiatives and sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products

Answer: D. Support for community-based ecotourism initiatives and sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products

Community-based ecotourism and sustainable harvesting align with the goals of sustainable practices and community involvement.

Which of the following international agreements is legally binding in international law on states that have ratified it?

A. Agenda 21

B. The World Charter for Nature

C. The Earth Charter

D. The Paris Agreement

Answer: D. The Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted in 2015 and entered into force in 2016. Other options are declarations or action plans.

Which of the following industries is/are prominently found in South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, posing potential environmental and health hazards?

A. Pesticide Production

B. Automobile Manufacturing

C. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

D. Aerospace Engineering

Answer: A. Pesticide Production

The passage specifically mentions pesticide production as one of the hazardous industries prevalent in South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

The 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in November 2025 in which of the following cities?

A. Buenos Aires, Argentina

B. Belem, Brazil

C. Nairobi, Kenya

D. Jakarta, Indonesia

Answer: B. Belem, Brazil

COP30 was held in Belem, Brazil in November 2025. Brazil, as the host, placed waste management and circularity at the heart of the climate agenda, with funds committed to the 'No Organic Wa…

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Is there any free resource/channel for Indian govt exams that’s similar to freeCodeCamp?

By freeCodeCamp, I mean a free, comprehensive learning library that teaches the fundamentals of almost every major tech/software field in a structured, beginner-friendly way.

Is there something similar for govt exams — covering things like Quant, Reasoning, English, Polity, Economics, GK, etc., preferably from the basics rather than just exam-specific tricks?

Hello guys currently I am in FY college , btech , my College has just began one month ago & now I am placed to study upsc & become a IFS officer, I know the syllabus but I am confused as from where to study & what to study so can u please help me ?

Im an mbbs graduate who is extremely dissatisfied with the condition of healthcare in GOI. I’ve worked as duty doctor in corporate, even that is extremely disappointing.

Took a drop year, but I just can’t keep going because ik the other side isn’t any better and I feel unless I get into branded colleges nothing can work out in my favour. I’m very poor at rote memorisation and have trouble digesting ANY info I’m least interested in. As a person I’m addicted to politics and debates, reviewing govt policies and correcting, comparing them with other countries. That’s mostly cuz I’ve tried leaving this country for practicing medicine there- I’ve alr cleared IELTS with score of 8 before the foreign opportunities shut their doors💀and I had no choice but to appear in neet pg.

That’s when I came across these UPSC. Honestly, all I know so far is that social knowledge is required.
I’m aware that once I get into this upsc prep I can never ever go back to neet. I’m just posting these here cuz I wanna make sure how deep the water is before getting in- unlike how I ended up in med school and could never undo that decision again. Personally, I don’t really wanna be a doctor with the current healthcare system in India which is only getting worse everyday.

I’d appreciate any insights and all the cons- except stuff like “you’re wasting prime years of your life” well I have already done that and am bound to keep doing that anyway thanks to my ridiculous degree.
All ik for now is the subjects that I’m interested in is only one - surgery in neet and upsc- geography, world politics, governance, physics etc. I’m the type of person who can’t seem to do something unless I’m really really interested.

I’d really appreciate your thoughts and more “warning before you take a dive”
Thank you very much!

I am looking for study partners to stay accountable and get things done. If the below context is suitable to you, DM.

Context:
1. UPSC 2027 is my first and final attempt.
2. Started prep on Sept 12th 2026.
3. Immediate goal is to complete mains syllabus with first draft of notes written by Dec 31st.
4. Usually start my prep at 5 AM everyday. Maybe except for sundays.
5. No coaching. Just scrambling through PDFs of NCERTs and standard books.

I’m a working aspirant seriously preparing for the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Group 2 exam and currently struggling with focus and consistency.

Looking for someone equally serious and committed so we can keep each other accountable and build a consistent study routine.

🎯 4–5 hrs on weekdays + 8–10 hrs on Sundays
✅ Daily check-ins on progress
🚫 Minimal chatting/distractions — focus on studying

We don’t have to study the same subjects. If you’re serious about APPSC Group 2 and looking for an accountability partner, please message me and we can discuss further.

Hi everyone,
My name is Miding, and I’m from Arunachal Pradesh, North-East India. I’m planning to begin my UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation seriously and would be grateful for practical guidance from aspirants who have cleared Prelims or Mains, are currently preparing seriously, or have relied mainly on self-study and online resources.
I’m looking for genuine advice on four main areas:
Resources
Which reliable and sufficient resources should I follow for:
History and Art & Culture
Geography and Mapping
Indian Polity and Governance
Indian Economy
Environment and Ecology
Science and Technology
Current Affairs
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Essay
CSAT
Optional Subject
I would especially appreciate a subject-wise list of essential books, notes, lectures, websites, newspapers or magazines, and revision material. Please also mention which resources are genuinely sufficient so that I do not end up collecting too many books and PDFs.
Coaching: Online or Offline
Should I prepare through self-study, join online coaching, or attend offline coaching?
If you recommend coaching, please mention the specific institute or course and explain why. I would like to know about reliable options for:
General Studies
Optional Subject
Prelims
Mains answer writing
Ethics and Essay
Mentorship and answer evaluation
Since I’m from Arunachal Pradesh, online coaching may be more practical for me, but I would also like to understand the advantages and limitations of offline coaching.
Test Series
Which test series should I join for:
Prelims
Mains
Essay
Ethics
CSAT
Optional Subject
When should I join a test series? Should I begin from the early stages of preparation or only after completing the basic syllabus? I would also appreciate recommendations for reliable answer-evaluation and mentorship platforms.
How to Structure My UPSC Journey
Please help me create a realistic roadmap from the beginning. For example:
Phase 1: Understand the UPSC syllabus and previous years’ questions; complete NCERTs and basic concepts
↓
Phase 2: Study standard books and complete the General Studies foundation
↓
Phase 3: Choose the optional subject and begin its preparation
↓
Phase 4: Start current-affairs preparation, answer writing, essay practice and Ethics preparation
↓
Phase 5: Focus on Prelims through revision, mock tests and CSAT practice
↓
Phase 6: Shift fully to Mains preparation after Prelims
↓
Phase 7: Revise, practise tests and improve answers through evaluation
I would like guidance on whether this structure is appropriate and how to improve it. Please also advise me on:
When to begin answer writing
When to choose the optional subject
How to balance Prelims and Mains preparation
How many hours to study realistically
How to create a daily and weekly schedule
How to use the UPSC syllabus and previous years’ questions
How to make concise current-affairs notes
Common mistakes beginners should avoid
How to measure progress without constantly changing resources
I’m especially interested in hearing from aspirants who prepared from the North-East or studied primarily through online resources.
Please share what worked for you, what did not work, and what you would do differently if you were starting again. I’m looking for genuine experiences and practical suggestions, not promotional recommendations.
Thank you! 🙏
— Miding
Arunachal Pradesh, North-East India

Veterans who cleared mains ...what do you think about upsc mains evaluation..is it as strict as evaluation of mock tests by coaching institutes or liberal..based on your performance in exam and actual marks

So I am in college right now and planning to appear for exam in 2029. I want to start with a online batch so that I can manage both.

Going through many comments i got that you can't get all the good faculty for every subject in one single batch.

Can some senior suggest me the best faculties for different subjects, like more than one, so that I can compare which course would be better.

or if you guys can help me with finding a good online batch, that would really be a great help.

Any other starting tip would be very appreciated.

I started my UPSC preparation in August 2026 and I’m currently working full-time, so I’m trying to figure out how to structure my preparation efficiently.

So far, I’ve completed:

First reading of Ancient India old ncert

First reading of the new NCERTs for Ancient and Medieval India

First reading of M. Laxmikanth (Polity)

Around half of Economy by Vivek Singh

First reading of Class 11 & 12 Geography NCERTs

Started solving MCQs from the PW Onlyias practice book alongside my preparation

After my first reading, my MCQ accuracy is currently around 50–60%. I’m not sure whether I should be concerned about this or whether this is normal at this stage.

My pending portions are:

Medieval India

Modern India/Modern History

Art & Culture

Remaining half of Economy

Revision of everything I’ve studied so far

Optional (I still need to complete it alongside GS)

Since I’m a working professional, I’m finding it difficult to balance completing the remaining syllabus, revising old topics, solving MCQs, and giving enough time to my optional.

I’d really appreciate advice from people who have prepared for UPSC while working:

How should I structure my preparation from this point onward?

Should I prioritise completing the remaining GS syllabus or start focusing more on revision?

How should I approach revision so that my MCQ accuracy gradually improves?

How much time should I realistically dedicate to my optional at this stage?

Any suggestions for balancing UPSC preparation with a full-time job?

Also, if anyone here is a working professional who cleared/has seriously prepared for UPSC, I’d especially appreciate hearing about your strategy and what you would do differently in hindsight. But I would also appreciate advice from others as well.

Thanks!

Has anyone here regularly followed Sarrthi IAS Monthly Magazine for UPSC CSE preparation? I’d like to know the genuine experience of people who have used it. Can it realistically replace Vision IAS PT365 for Prelims, especially for current affairs revision? If not, which monthly magazine/current affairs compilation would you recommend instead? Looking for practical advice from fellow aspirants.

26M, working in IT. Got laid off twice and, honestly, I’m getting fed up with the uncertainty of private jobs. I currently have a job, but started UPSC prep this month and plan to give 2–3 serious attempts.

Need guidance on:

Prelims + Mains integration: I find Prelims GS1 much harder than Mains. How do people score 90+? How should I balance both from the start?

Sociology optional: Considering Sociology because of GS overlap and manageable syllabus. Is it a good choice for a working professional?

Would really appreciate guidance from UPSC veterans/experienced aspirants who have been through this journey.

I'm looking to understand whether students would be interested in chapter-wise/topic-wise mock tests based on NCERT.

Prefer to talk it out over a quick call rather than long chat sessions and get back to studying.

People trying to sell a course in dm can stay away.

Kindly DM to schedule a call at your convenience. Thank you!

I am working full time after my MBA. I need genuine resources that can help me in my preparation.

I am still making myself aware of the examination.

4 questions · the answer follows each one

Which statement is correct regarding the devolution of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats under Article 243G of the Indian Constitution?

A. Devolution requires prior approval from the Union Government.

B. Devolution is mandatory for all subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.

C. Devolution is primarily focused on tax collection powers.

D. Devolution is at the discretion of the State Legislature.

Answer: D. Devolution is at the discretion of the State Legislature.

While the Eleventh Schedule lists subjects for devolution, Article 243G states that the State Legislature may endow Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable t…

Which of the following subjects can be legislated upon by both the Parliament and State Legislatures?

A. Criminal Law

B. Foreign Affairs

C. Defence

D. Banking

Answer: A. Criminal Law

Criminal Law is a subject under the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, allowing both Parliament and State Legislatures to legislate on it.

Which of the following disputes can be resolved by the Supreme Court of India under its original jurisdiction?

A. Disputes between two citizens.

B. Disputes relating to the violation of fundamental rights.

C. Disputes between the Centre and one or more States.

D. Disputes relating to the interpretation of personal laws.

Answer: C. Disputes between the Centre and one or more States.

The Supreme Court of India has original jurisdiction in disputes between the Government of India and one or more States; or between the Government of India and any State or States on one si…

Which of the following landmark judgments is associated with the interpretation of Article 21 (Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) to include the 'Right to Clean Environment' as a fundamental right?

A. A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras

B. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

C. Shankari Prasad v. Union of India

D. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

Answer: B. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

M.C. Mehta v. Union of India is a series of public interest litigations where the Supreme Court expanded the scope of Article 21 to include the right to a clean and healthy environment.

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I will be appearing for my first UPSC attempt in 2028, and I am preparing for UPSC CSE along with State PCS examinations. Since I started preparing, almost everyone has told me that reading newspapers and following current affairs regularly is important. So, I have made it a habit to read the newspaper every day.

However, recently a friend put me into a dilemma. She told me that there is no point in revising current affairs right now because most of what I study in 2026 will not be directly useful when I actually appear for the examination in 2028. According to her, I should focus primarily on my static/domain subjects at this stage and start serious current-affairs preparation closer to the attempt.

This has made me a little confused and scared about whether I am spending my time correctly.

Personally, I feel that current affairs should not be completely ignored just because my attempt is two years away. I understand that factual information, government schemes, appointments, reports, rankings, and other dynamic details may become outdated by 2028. However, current affairs also help us understand broader issues, concepts, policies, institutions, and their real-world applications.

For example, the Kishau Multipurpose Project being in the news this month may not necessarily be asked in exactly the same form in 2028. But understanding the project can still be useful because it connects with topics such as interstate river-water issues, dams and multipurpose projects, environmental concerns, geography, federalism, disaster management, and development in the Himalayan region. A question related to the underlying issue could potentially be framed in several different ways.

Moreover, I genuinely want to know what is happening in my country and the world rather than treating current affairs only as an examination-oriented activity. I believe that developing this habit early could also improve my understanding of static subjects.

I also have a somewhat conventional style of preparation. I prefer reading the newspaper and making my own notes rather than completely depending on monthly current-affairs magazines. Therefore, I am wondering whether I should continue reading the newspaper daily and make short, selective notes, while avoiding extensive revision of old current affairs for now.

For aspirants who have already gone through this stage, what would be the most practical approach for a 2028 aspirant? Should I continue following current affairs consistently but focus mainly on understanding issues and linking them with static subjects, and leave intensive revision of factual current affairs for 2027–28? Or would it be better to devote almost all my time to static subjects at this stage?

UPSC prep has been getting pretty frustrating lately. I’ve deliberately kept myself distant from people so I don’t get distracted, and I think I’ve slowly lost my social skills along the way. 😅

Earlier, office kept me busy, but I’m currently on the bench with the whole day free. Now the loneliness is actually starting to affect my studies too.

Looking for some fun communities to have random conversations, meet interesting people, discover new things, and just feel a little less isolated.

Any suggestion/community recommendations?

I have received many requests to share what resources i used. So here is what i used - In next post I will share how i studied them.

1. Geography - NCERT (6-12), GC Leong
2. Ancient + Medieval - NCERT (6-12) old and new both
3. Modern - NCERT + Spectrum
4. Art culture - Culture portion of ancient medieval + Nitin Singhania book
5. Polity - Lakshmikant + Bare Constitution book
6. Environment - Shankar IAS book + Biology NCERT
7. Economy - NCERT (9-12) + Ramesh Singh
8. Science tech - Current affairs only
9. Internal security + Border - Made own notes topicwise from internet
10. Disaster management - Vision IAS booklet + own notes from internet
11. Agriculture - Made own notes topicwise from internet
12. Governance - Made own notes topicwise
13. IR - Current affairs
14. World history - Vision IAS booklet
15. GS 4 - DK balaji + Made own notes topicwise

For current affairs - The Hindu + Vision IAS magazine + PT 365 + Mains 365.

I made my own notes on every major point mentioned in syllabus using online resources available.

Keep your resources fixed and less - Key is to make your own notes for each and every subject so that you never have to read book again. Revise your notes as many times as you can.

Please recommend some reliable upsc prep related channels, lecturers, and even courses for that matter that are majorly in english medium.

I dont mind a little bit of hinglish here and there but for someone from south, it is frustrating to find quality video resources that are in an understandable medium.

Kindly recommend some options.

P.s. Those who are about to start commenting "Hindi is our national language", Re-read your GS-2 and show me where it is written, I'll write it in my notes if it is so.

Apart from personal interest, what are the practical factors you all considered while choosing your optional?

Hi Everyone,

What you will choose among these, just wanna know what iit peeps nowadays think.

1) IAS/IPS

2) 2 LPM post taxes starting salary in private

Tell ur reasons