Marks: 131+137 = 268 [Highest in any optional in IFS 2020 exam]. First attempt with IFS Forestry. Preparation Time: 15 days. Study Material: Manikandan + Hornbill Notes for PYQ-topic mapping. Test Series: None. Video Lecture: None.
1. Brainstorming Forestry PYQs
This is one exercise that I did very religiously. I went through almost all the questions given at the end of each chapter in Manikandan book. I marked questions (in red, as visible in the pics) I couldn't answer due to lack of my knowledge and prepared targeted notes to tackle these topics.
I did this through a 2 step process. Step 1: Before reading any content, I used to go through PYQs to do a topic listing. Many topics given in Manikandan book has low RoI and thus can be ignored. However, knowing which topics to ignore requires you to go through PYQs first. Step 2: After going through the content of the chapter. This helped me with active learning instead of passive reading of the content. I also found Hornbill compilation useful for PYQs.
2. Extensive Use of Mnemonics and Memory Tricks
I used mnemonics and templates in all theoretical papers in both CSE and IFS. This helped me in securing highest marks in forestry as well as one of the highest marks in English, GK, Ethics, Essay etc. These papers are usually very lengthy in paper and it doesn't matter how much you have studied if you can't write a decent answer in 7–8 minutes. These templates and mnemonics are very helpful in such cases.
3. Topic Listing and Template Based Answer Writing
Topic listing helps you in prioritization. Most of the text books (Even Manikandan Book) has a lot of extra content which is not so relevant for the exam. This makes it mandatory to quickly go through PYQs and list down all the important topics. First column is about the topic from the syllabus. Second lists down all the PYQs that appeared from the given topic and the third column is to add anything extra. As you can see, I couldn't add anything extra due to paucity of time. Fortunately, PYQ notes were enough to perform well in the exam.
4. Short and Concise Notes for Last Minute Revision
After topic listing, I had basic idea of topics that were important and are repeatedly asked in the exam. Out of these topics, I prepared short and concise notes of facts, diagrams and formulae which I was finding difficult to memorise.
5. Species — The Most Feared Section of Forestry Preparation
The best way is to just make a table with all important facts and memorize it. As this is going to be a fact intensive table, the best way is to use mnemonics and memory tricks as much as you can. To remember seasons of Sandalwood — Relate it to UPSC. UPSC May-June (Prelims) me sandal marta hai, result milta hai October me.
6. Dedicated Mentorship of Last Year IFS Toppers
Throughout my journey I had support of IFS topper from previous year who were just a call away always. Most of my strategy originates from their guidance especially Lavish (AIR 2 in IFS and AIR 18 in IAS). I also found WA group run by IPS Mahesh Bhagwat sir and IFS Ramesh Pandey Sir very helpful in my preparation. As I came to know about this quite late, I failed to utilise it to maximum. Seniors and mentors share useful information on his channel which is useful for both Mains and interview preparation.
Joining any coaching institute — Initially, I was planning to join an institute but after hearing feedback from my friends decided against it. Also, I went through their sample videos and found them to be of no use at all. Faculty teaches like a university teacher without looking at PYQs. Avoid it at any cost.
Reading multiple books for one topic — Sure shot recipe for disaster. It doesn't matter how much you are studying. The only thing that matters is how much you can recall in the exam.
In case of any query, aspirants can use the comment section. This would help other aspirants also having similar questions.
