Apoorv IFS Rank 11

This is for those who have taken my Forestry Course at Planet Geology.

"How to use Forestry Course?

For those who are doing two optionals from scratch, you shouldn't spend more than 2 weeks on Forestry optional.

If you have already prepared one optional (for CSE or earlier), you can devote 20 days to it. But not more than that. There is limited marginal utility in that. Focus on your primary optional in the remaining time..

How to do it in 2 weeks?
Here's the breakdown -

These are about 50 hours long lecture. Objective is to complete entire course with revision in 10-12 days.

1. Get a print out of my notes shared on the portal. Make these your base notes.
2. Before starting a topic, read the PYQs of that topic. Again, topic wise PYQs are shared on the portal. You may not even understand it completely. But you'll know what to look for in a lecture. And you'll watch the lecture actively rather than passive listening.
3. Go through the lectures quickly. Ideally at 1.25x or 1.5x or 2x as you feel comfortable. Just listen. Don't take notes.
4. Actively scribble on the printed notes as you watch the lectures.
5. After completion of each video, go through the notes, so that they make sense to you. You'll be able to appreciate the notes better.
6. Go back to PYQs. See how many of them you can answer. Keep ticking them off. Don't write the answers. You don't have time for it. Just see if you are able to answer.
7. There will be some questions, you'll still not be able to answer. It could be because the question may involve knowledge across topics. So be patient. But keep track of questions you are able to answer and which you are not.
8. There are some questions which are outliers. Mark them too. Deal with them when you've completed the entire syllabus and done at least couple of revisions.
9. Try to complete the course in 7-8 days (assumption- 8 hrs a day for Forestry in these days).
10. REVISION - Once you are done with the entire course. My notes with your scribbling are base. Start revising from them. Do atleast 2 proper revisions before looking elsewhere.
11. NOTE MAKING- After that I'll recommend making micro notes after it for last minute revision. You just have to make this. No need to make any other notes.

Feel free to reach out if you face any issues.

Link to the course-
https://planet-geology.com/ifos-forestry-optional-crash-course/

Hello everyone!

This is for those giving IFS Mains this year. Please forward this message to people who are giving Forest Mains this year. They can make do with some help.

Now that you are done with CSE Mains, it's time to throw yourself into IFS Mains preparation. I'm taking a session to help you through this phase.

Some of you must be overwhelmed by the thought of preparing two optionals from scratch. Trust me, it is perfectly possible. A good no. of my batchmates who got selected prepared two new optionals in this limited time only. Less than you, in fact. We used to have only 40 days. But trust me, it is perfectly possible.

Some of you must have prepared one optional in CSE and must be wondering how to go about preparing Forestry optional in this time. You are already starting ahead of others. Make it count.

And then there are those who skipped CSE Mains for IFS Mains preparation, I hope you are already done with majority of preparation. Irrespective of where you are in your preparation, you are welcome to join the session and ask your doubts, if you have any.

I know and I understand the exhaustion after CSE Mains. I couldn't prepare for Forest Mains in 2019 because of this exhaustion. But I regretted later on. I don't want you to have this regret. Prepare and prepare hard. Give yourself this chance. Don't let this opportunity pass away.

Let's meet today at 10 pm. I'm taking a session on how to prepare for Forest Mains, now. I'll be conducting this on the private group that we've made for this year's IFS Mains giving students. If you are not part of that group, send me your admit card and result screenshot for verification in DM (@Apoorv_IFS), I'll add you to the group.

See you.

Hii everyone!

UPSC Prelims result is out.

It's time to prepare for Mains. Like every year, I'll try to help out those appearing in Forest Mains.

There are three types of candidates who'd be appearing in IFS Mains 2024 -
1. Who just filed form for IFS and would be appearing in IFS Mains 2024.
2. Who filed form for both IFS as well as CSE and would be preparing for Forest Mains after writing CSE Mains in September.
3. Who filed form for both IFS as well as CSE but would be skipping CSE Mains and appearing directly in IFS Mains 2024.

Category 1 people should get going as soon as possible. You are best positioned to land an All India Service. Make these extra days that you gain on those appearing in CSE Mains as well count.

Category 2 people should focus on CSE Mains right. You can't put foot in both boats. Focus on CSE for now. We'll deal with IFS Mains after CSE Mains. But be mentally prepared for the fight after CSE Mains. A lot of people aren't mentally prepared to prepare two optionals after CSE and they give up on first few days. Don't do that. Most students who qualify are those who prepare after CSE Mains. So don't worry. You'll be able to do it. Just focus on CSE for now.

Then there is category 3. Many people from category 2 will be moving to category 3 as time passes and they feel they won't be able to make it to CSE. It's not a bad idea to do so. It's a bold call. But a sensible one. You take your call based on your circumstances. If you feel any doubt, on whether you should skip CSE and appear directly in IFS Mains or not, feel free to reach out to me (@Apoorv_IFS). It's a good decision for some. But not for others. But take this decision as quickly as possible so that you are able to make the most out of this precious time that you gain over others.

Like last two years, I'm creating a group for those appearing in Forest Mains 2024. This group will be dedicated group only for those appearing in Forest Mains 2024. Purpose of the group -
1. I'll post all the Mains related stuff in that group.
2. You can ask your doubts regarding Geology, Forestry and other Mains related stuff directly. I'll available in the chat.
3. Discussion forum for all the Mains appearing candidates. I'll pitch in too whenever I feel I'm needed. A lot of toppers benefited from this. Contribute actively.
4. I'll add other previous year toppers who can add their bit and their perspective on various topics.

Kindly DM me (@Apoorv_IFS) your admit card along with Screenshot of your result (this is for verification purposes). I'll share the link privately to you. Share this message with your friends who cleared IFS prelims so that they can benefit from this too.

IFoS Verified ✅

Verified ✅

Hello all!

A live interactive session is scheduled for 1st June taken by Kavya and Medha, two very bright newly selected officers, organised by Planet Geology.

You can interact with them in the session. But post your questions in the Google Doc link shared here also in advance so that they can prepare accordingly.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecoBBRB3gtn5FzM9t8_i9CP4KUwrfYjgK3uRXq2X8iN_ksxg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Do join and get your doubts cleared.

Happy Republic Day 🇮🇳

To those who cleared Forest Mains, 2023

I'll be creating a new group (mostly tomorrow) for those appearing in Personality Test just like the one I made for Mains. It'll be closed private group, where we'll be discussing DAF, mock interviews, hobbies, etc.

DM me your result, I'll share the link. (@Apoorv_IFS)

Your immediate task is filling the DAF. Start thinking about your achievements, sports, leadership position, hobbies, interests, etc. We are on tour currently, so I might be a little occupied. But I'll try my best to take time out for this. I particularly want to take a session on cadre. Can't promise you, but I'll definitely try.

I'd try to go through as many DAF as possible. So you can always send your DAFs before submitting. I'll also share the list of mocks to appear in.

For now, enjoy this moment.

Best wishes.

Hello all

This is for those who appeared in Forest Mains, 2023.

Firstly, heartiest congratulations to those who cleared. It's an important day. But not the most important, which is yet to come. Remember, the last battle is still left to win the war. I don't think you need any motivation from my side to push in this last leg. However, if there's anyone who believes that he or she just cleared it by fluke because you feel your mains was just about par or below par, let me tell you many of my batchmates felt so too and they are here. You never know what worked and what not. Give your best shot at interview and hope for the best.

Those who didn't make it to the next round, my heart goes out to you. I know I'm repeating this, but trust me this is the time to lean on your loved ones. It's ok to mourn. It's ok to feel sad. But don't isolate yourself. Take sometime off and make the best choice for you going forward. Giving another attempt shouldn't be a default option. Let this result sink. Make wise choice. You can always reach out to me in DMs (@Apoorv_IFS).

Take care and my best wishes ahead.

This is for people writing Forest Mains from tomorrow.

So the day has arrived. Some of you must be eagerly waiting to perform. Some of you must be just hoping to get it done. Some of you must have already quit and deliberating whether to appear in the exam or not.

Irrespective, the day is here. Next few days will go by in a flash. You'll be lost in your own world and by the time you realise, the Mains will be over and you'll be on the other side. The bright side as some of you may feel. But down the timeline when you'll find your name in "That" pdf, you'll reflect on this time with great pride and remember it as the most momentous days in your life. I still can't forget the time between 26th Feb, 2022 to 5th March, 2022. You too can make this memorable. Make it happen.

No matter how much you have studied, it's your performance that will decide if you'll make it to the list or not. The examiner doesn't know for how many years you've been studying, how many books you've read, how many sacrifices you've made, etc. Let the examiner know! Your copy will and should reflect that. Good presentation, crisp yet complete answers, paper completion with decent quality, etc. are all reflection of your hard work. Make it count.

Anxiety, self doubt, self reflection, etc. are all natural byproduct of the process. Everybody goes through that. It all evens out. Whosoever deals with them better, will march ahead. But everyone feels it. Don't judge yourself between the papers. Don't discuss the paper with anybody. Just keep moving. No matter how poorly you may have performed in your opinion, you never know. Keep looking forward and do your best in all the papers. You'll have plenty of time to reflect in the days after. Remind yourself of the hard work you've done, anytime you face even an iota of doubt. Leave this anxiety, self doubt outside the exam hall. You are all champions. Feel like one.

All said and done. You are the cream that has cleared Prelims with flying colours. You know more things than you think you do. You may feel that you are going slightly under-prepared. It's ok to feel that. Nobody can nail this to perfection in such short span. Just do your best and hope. You've worked hard. You'll do well, I'm sure.

All the best everyone. Keep calm.

Just go out tomorrow and pour your hard work out.

May God be with you. 😇

Ab chill kar ke so jao. Sab achha hoga.
(Chill out and sleep. Everything will go well.)

Hello all!

This is a channel made by Apurv Singh, who secured AIR 21 and made it to Indian Forest Service.

He has been a mentor to me. I'm sure he has great wisdom to share. Do give it a follow.

https://t.me/small_impacts

Shola grasslands

Landscapes never cease to amaze me. By now, I've seen all the Himalayan states in full glory. Be it, Ladakh's unending barren landscape, or Sikkim's mighty mountains, or Gulmarg's snow ladden peaks or Chopta's green carpet like meadows, I've seen them in blood and flesh. Yet here I stand, mouth dropped, mind blown, admiring at the beauty of Shola grasslands. Infinite grasslands interspersed with stunted dense trees. Grasses so uniform that it will make football pitch curators envy. Top it off with gentle cool breeze, pleasant temperature and screaming silence. There's nowhere in the world I'd want to be. Nature's lap in every sense.

I'm sharing this video to give a glimpse of it. Enjoy with sound on. Piano and nature form a great symphony! 😃

You can check my Instagram account for more such posts.
www.instagram.com/Apoorv_ifs

Enchanting morning!
At Jog falls

A Forester's Evening

You are in the field the entire day. Traveling through the lush green forest of the Western Ghats, you are shown Seed Production Area, Teak beds, Timber depot, etc. (as part of the training). You walk through the undulating moist trails within teak forest. Sometimes several kilometers. You take lunch at an Inspection Bungalow right on the banks of river Kali, the view of the flowing river adding to the taste of a wholesome meal. There is no time to rest as you proceed to an interaction with CF sir who along with DCF sir and the entire range staff impart knowledge about the Forest and wildlife of the area. It lasts about 2 hours. It's 4 o'clock. At this point your body is tired from the physical toil which started early in the day and mind is tired from the lecture post lunch.

Then, when you want the day to end, you are taken to this place. This view you see in the picture, is the view in front of a Forest Rest house. Just one view is all it takes for all your tiredness to vanish. Your tea is ready. Pakodas and biscuits to go along with it. As you grab your chair to sit and sip your tea admiring the view, you wonder, how on earth this place exists.

This Forest resthouse is tucked in the corner of a dense Forest overlooking this vast water body. It's slightly on a higher pedestal compared to the ground, which gives the vantage point view to this beautiful scenery in front. The view you see is of Kali backwaters. The resthouse has a huge portico where you can sit and enjoy your tea. There is no signal on phone. The quietness is loud. The peace louder. As the sun sets, you have the sounds of the flowing water as music.

You don't realize how quickly the time passes in such places. You have your batchmates for company. You chit chat in the evening, with snacks and nature to go along. The staff serves you sumptuous 4 course dinner.

Post dinner, you came out of the resthouse in the open area overlooking the backwaters, waiting for others to finish their dinner. A cool breeze gush past your face. Stars gleaming. Moon staring. You glance back. And in that moment, you realize how priveleged you are to have experienced this evening.

And this is a typical Foresters evening. Field work during the day. Quiet, enchanting evenings. Peaceful night sleep. A wholesome life.

Evenings like these

Hii everyone. This is for people who are giving Forest Mains this year. But I think others can take motivation from this and it may help them push a little harder.

Today, our batch (54th Regular Recruits of the Indian Forest Service) is going on South India tour. We'll be traveling southwards from Northern Karnataka through the entire stretch of Western Ghats to down south touching Trivandrum, Thoothukudi (former Tuticorin) and Kanyakumari over the next 20 days. I've never travelled to this part of country and I'm buzzing to go there. I'm sharing this here, because about 16 months back I was in Delhi, sat in dingy libraries, traversing the narrow lanes of Patel Nagar. For close to 6 years, I didn't go on any vacation or travel. Delhi, Lucknow, Lucknow, Delhi. That's about it.

But in last one and a half year, since I got in the service, all that has changed. I've travelled so much that if I don't log, I don't think I can even remember the places I've been. Forest Service gives you great exposure in this regard. We get the real "Bharat Darshan" in this sense.

In the last 15 months, I've travelled-

In LBSNAA -
Village visit - Mayurbhanj, Balasore (Chandipur beach), Simlipal National Park. We got to see and experience a true Indian village here.
Aarambh- Kevadia (Statue of Unity), Kutch, Ahmedabad, Dholavira. Here we got to meet the Hon'ble PM for the first time.
Himalayan trek- West Sikkim for trek to Goechala (where we summited 5000 m) right at the base of Kanchenjunga.

In IGNFA -
Introductory tour- Tadoba-Andheri Tiger Reserve (where we had some crazy wild tiger sighting including the very famous Maya tigress), Allapali, Nagpur

Hill Tour-
Himachal Pradesh - Shimla, Chail, Kufri, Great Himalayan National Park (the experience here deserves a separate post), Mandi, Lahaul

Ladakh - Leh, Nubra, Pangong Tso, Hemis. Driving through the very scenic Manali-Leh highway (search Gata loops). Touched passes like Khardungla, Lachungla, Baralacha La. We also sighted Snow Leopard in the wild here.

Kashmir- Srinagar, Wular Lake, Gulmarg, Zozila pass, Dachigam National Park

West India tour-
(though I personally missed this due to an injury last month but worth mentioning for completion)
Goa, Mumbai
Gujarat - Dwarka, Gir, Somnath, Jamnagar, Diu
Rajasthan - Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Ranthambore
MP - Kuno
UP - Agra

And now we are beginning South India tour where we'll be traversing the entire length of Western Ghats from North Karnataka through Kerala to Kanyakumari.

And we are still left with East India tour where we'll be going to North Eastern states and Andaman Nicobar.

And I didn't mention the places we visit during various attachments and exercises - Delhi (Parliamentary attachment), Nagpur (NEERI module), Hyderabad (NPA attachment), Panna (Wildlife Technique), etc.

And I'm not even mentioning countless places we've explored in Uttarakhand on official duty.

And these places are just from the top of my head. There must still be quite a few places which we visited and I may have forgotten to mention here.

That's 12 States and 4 Union Territories after this South India tour all in last 15 months. And if I combine for the entire batch (because we go in separate groups and have different itenary for different groups), this no. goes upto 17 States and 4 UTs for 54th RR IFS batch (not counting the East India tour we are yet to embark on, after which this no. will go well over 25 including the UTs).

In all these tours we actually spend considerable time at these places as most of our tours are of approximately 3 weeks. And as part of the Indian Forest Service you have access to some of the most pristine, almost untouched by humans places (tourists are not allowed at many of these places). Just surreal experiences. Sighting tiger, leopard, lion, snow leapord in the wild gives you an indescribable thrill. Not many jobs (including other services) give you this travel experience. It's unmatched in this sense.

<Continued below>

<Continued from above>

During preparation we are stuck at one place. Almost itching to get out, literally and figuratively. Even if we go on a small vacation here and there, there is guilt of wasted time and money. There is stress. There is loneliness. There is 'I'm left behind my peers' feeling. There is anxiety. It's not easy. But here is your chance.

There's still about 40 days before Mains. Even if you feel you've not been productive till now or you haven't got going till now, trust me, you've still got enough time to make it to the list. This is your ticket to these places. Go grab it!

Forest Mains 2023 Guidance Session
Time stamps-
0:00 - Introduction
9:13 - GK
26:37 - English
45:02 - Forestry
1:17:20 - Geology

Here is the recording of the session yesterday. Unfortunately, I lost the video**. But I still have the audio recording of the session which I'm sharing it here.

The session is discussed in chronology of - GK, English, Forestry, Geology.

Time stamps are as follows -
0:00 - Introduction
9:13 - GK
26:37 - English
45:02 - Forestry
1:17:20 - Geology


** I was editing the video and unknowingly converted the video into a picture and I'm not able to recover it back. If anyone knows how to recover it, please DM (@Apoorv_IFS)

A great initiative by two excellent officers from 2023 batch. Hit them up for all queries related Agriculture and Botany and in general forest preparation.

"Hello all,

As The hustle and bustle of CSE Mains have calmed down, and IFS Mains is right around the corner,

We thought of doing our part and Giving back to the community we have benefited so much from.

People with *Agriculture and Botany* as Optionals can reach out to us Anytime @VaishaliRajan and @SugaEswaran .

We'd be more than happy to help address your queries and share whatever little knowledge that we have gained in the process.

Special thanks to Apoorv Sir (@Apoorv_IFS), Ramanakanth Sir (@Fasak_All) , Arul Selvan Sir(@raulsalven) , Ayush Sir (@krishna_ifs), Shreyas sir(@shreyas_ifs) for helping us a lot in the process!

Regards ,

Vaishali Rajan AIR 37
Suga Eswaran AIR 78.
UPSC IFS 2023 Batch. "