How to make notes for UPSC Civil service exam

How to make notes for UPSC Civil service exam

The UPSC Civil Services Exam is one of the most competitive exams in India, with lakhs of aspirants every year as said by the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here). One of the key factors that can make or break a candidate's success in this exam is their note-taking strategy. Effective note-taking can help in retaining information better and make the revision process easier. In this blog, we will discuss some tips and tricks on how to make notes for UPSC Civil Services Exam.

1. Understand the Syllabus: Before you start taking notes, it is important to understand the syllabus of the exam. The UPSC Prelims exam comprises two papers - General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The GS paper includes topics like Indian Polity, Indian Economy, History of India, Geography, Environment, and Current Affairs. According to APTI PLUS, UPSC CSE coaching in Kolkata (click here), understanding the syllabus will help you to make better and more organized notes.
2. Decide the Format: There are many formats available for taking notes, and it is important to choose the one that works best for you. Some common formats include mind maps, flowcharts, bullet points, and summary notes. You can choose a format based on the type of information and your personal preferences.
3. Use Highlighters: Highlighters can be a great tool for note-taking. You can use different colors to highlight important points, definitions, and examples. According to APTI PLUS, the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here), this will make it easier for you to review and revise the notes later.
4. Keep it Simple: While taking notes, it is important to keep them simple and concise. Avoid using complex sentences and jargon. Use short phrases and bullet points to summarize the information. This will make it easier for you to review the notes later.
5. Use Acronyms and Mnemonics: Acronyms and mnemonics can be a great tool for remembering information. You can create your own acronyms and mnemonics to remember important facts and figures. For example, to remember the names of the planets in our solar system, you can use the acronym "My very eager mother just served us nine pizzas".
6. Review and Revise: The key to effective note-taking is to review and revise your notes regularly. This will help you to retain the information better and make the revision process easier. You can set aside some time every week to review your notes and revise the topics that you have covered as recommended by the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here).
7. Use Technology:

 

With the advancements in technology, there are many tools available for note-taking. You can use apps like Evernote, OneNote, and Google Keep to take notes and organize them. These apps also allow you to access your notes from multiple devices, which can be helpful while studying on the go.

8. Choose the Right Method:

Once you have decided what to note down, the next step is to choose the right method to make notes. Here are a few methods that can be helpful:

• Handwritten Notes: According to APTI PLUS, UPSC CSE coaching in Kolkata (click here), handwritten notes are considered the most effective method for note-making. Writing down the notes with a pen and paper can help in better retention of information as it involves both visual and tactile memory.
• Mind Maps: Mind maps are a great way to make notes as they visually represent information in a way that can be easily recalled as recommended by the best UPSC CSE coaching in Kolkata (click here). Start with a central topic and branch out to sub-topics, adding relevant information as you go along.
• Cornell Method: The Cornell Method is a structured note-making system that involves dividing your notes into three sections: notes, cues, and summary. According to APTI PLUS, the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here), this method is especially useful for reviewing information.
• Digital Notes: Digital notes can be made using various note-making software, such as Evernote, OneNote, Google Keep, etc. Digital notes are easy to organize, search, and share.

Choose the method that suits you the best and stick to it throughout your preparation.

9. Use Color Coding: Color coding can be a great way to make your notes more visually appealing and memorable. Use different colors to highlight important information, keywords, and topics. This can help you to easily locate the information you need during revision.
10. Review and Revise: Making notes is just the first step. To make the most of your notes, you need to review and revise them regularly. Set aside some time every week to go through your notes and revise the information as suggested by the best UPSC CSE coaching in Kolkata (click here). This will help you to retain the information better and be well-prepared for the exam.

 

11. Organize Your Notes:

Organizing your notes is crucial to ensure that you can access the information easily when you need it. Create separate folders for different topics and sub-topics. Label each folder clearly and maintain a table of contents to keep track of what is in each folder as recommended by the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here).

Dos:

• Understand the syllabus and exam pattern before taking notes.
• Choose a format that works best for you.
• Use highlighters to highlight important points.
• Keep your notes simple and concise.
• Use acronyms and mnemonics to remember important information.
• Review and revise your notes regularly.
• Use technology to make note-taking more efficient.

Don'ts:

• Do not copy notes from others.
• Do not rely solely on notes for preparation.
• Do not make notes that are too detailed or complex.
• Do not ignore the importance of revision.
• Do not use too many abbreviations or jargon in your notes.
• Do not hesitate to seek help if you have difficulty in understanding a topic.
• Do not forget to take breaks and rest your mind during long study sessions.

In conclusion, effective note-taking is a crucial component of UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation. By following the tips outlined above, you can make effective notes that will help you to achieve success in the exam as suggested by the best UPSC CSE coaching in Kolkata (click here).