Clarity for UPSC by Dr.Shivin (AIR - 297)

Hello All!
My free guidance program for Prelims 2025 called STEP has started, as explained in the video above. These are the things we will be doing in STEP -
1. Broad Plan for the next 5 months till Prelims 2025
2. Daily Targets and Target Tracking Sheet
3. Based on what is read daily, I upload a PYQ sheet with answers of those topics. These can be solved at the end of the day. These contain PYQs of UPSC CSE, CAPF, CDS and other exams.
4. Complete PYQ analysis of 2013-2024 of UPSC CSE - Videos on youtube with detailed analysis
5. Active Recall Sessions every 15 days based on the targets and plan
6. Current Affairs mindmap based notes prepared by Mudit Jain sir (ex-IRS, ex-IPS) to be uploaded from March onwards (covering all subjects for the prelims)
7. Evidence based Strategy Sessions for each subject before we start a new subject (economy strategy is uploaded above)

This is a completely free initiative that I will be running on youtube and telegram. To join the program - please click on this link -
@STEPforPrelims2025

Program has been explained in detail in the video above (Pinned message)

#YourPrelimsIsMyPrelims

Economy *EVIDENCE BASED* Strategy for Prelims 2025! || STEP Session 1
https://youtu.be/Crqh3Jrlrog

This is the orientation session of Prelims Revision Program which Starts today. I would recommend you watch this session, atleast the first 30 mins where the basic principles of prelims are discussed by Me and Varun Sir. Even if you’re going to be doing self study and following STEP, these principles will remain as valid.

STEP free initiative will start tomorrow morning.

https://youtu.be/fJPdAs7Qswo?feature=shared

STEP - My Free guidance initiative for Prelims 2025!

#YourPrelimsIsMyPrelims

https://youtu.be/LdRUQ-f360g

Hello guys!
Today is the start of my prelims 2025 plan. By 2pm today, I will be posting a detailed video of my free guidance initiatives for prelims 2025.
Here is a small gist of what I have planned -
1. Detailed plan - subject wise till prelims 2025
2. Strategy Sessions for every subject and other important things such as CSAT, How to use test series etc.
3. Daily Targets
4. Complete Analysis of ALL PYQs of prelims from 2013-2024
5. Active Recall Sessions at the end of every week!
6. Current Affairs - I know this is what was concerning all of you, so a huge surprise here!

Stay Tuned 🙂

Prelims revision program batch-2 orientation session today at 12 noon. See you in the live session!

Ending the year here. Please do take a look at this video, talks about my 2024, mains ready by december, my plans ahead for 2025 and everything in between.

A very happy new year to you and your family 🙂

https://youtu.be/DgWcXTa1cgA

Hey guys. Firstly, thank you for the immense, immense support i got. It means the world to me. In the last 2 days I introspected and realised that sometimes, we lose sight of our true purpose in the noise of everything that is happening around. I asked myself, why I wanted to come to teaching full time, and the answer was simple - I love teaching and I think I can add value to people’s prep. I feel that it was important to remind myself of that. I’m here, I will emerge stronger.

In the last two days which were definitely not my best, I read all the comments and messages I got. The support that you guys gave me was simply overwhelming. Although I’m cautiously aware that ours is not a transactional relationship, I will ensure that I pay back this support with effort, hardwork and most importantly, by creating value in your preparation journey in UPSC and beyond. Will post a video on the 31st detailing everything that I’ve thought about, past and future.

In the end though, i’d like to reiterate what i’ve said before - it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. But it’s always important to reach out and admit if we’re not okay. Thank you for giving me the strength and opportunity to express myself when I needed it most. I hope I can give you the same gift when you need it.

See you on YouTube on the 31st.

Forever in your debt
(and I mean this with all the earnestness in my heart)

- Shivin.

Hey. I’m not feeling great. I’m not okay, either. As i look back over this year, it has been a fairly topsy turvy one. I think there are a lot of things i did right, but there were many things i could have done better. And I know it might look from the outside that I have no reason to be low, but I still am. Whenever there is something big in my life, when I achieve a feat or complete something, I share it here. It’s only fair that I share my low moments too. This message is just to tell you that it can happen to the best of us. There can be times when you just feel like crying, where you just feel worthless, where you feel that doing your best will not be enough and it doesn’t count, either. It might not be the case, but it is what I feel right now. I feel depressed. And it’s okay. It can happen. Sharing this to just let you all know that mental health matters, and in the worst moments of our lives we are not alone. I’m here. I’m listening. I’ll talk about this in a video too, as I look back on my year and evaluate everything I did. But rest assured, i’m here. And I will be, long term. I know mains ready by December could’ve been executed better. I know some things were not optimal. They are bothering me. Maybe in the video i’ll tell you guys everything and how it panned out, but my core message is this - you are NOT alone. I might take longer to reach you, but i’m never away. Just as I am sure that you are here for me too.

Regards.
Shivin.

Clarity for UPSC by Dr.Shivin (AIR - 297) pinned «Economy, Science and Tech and Environment for Prelims 2025! As usual, we are sticking with the 3 pillars of quality, credibility and affordability. These 3 subjects are 40% of the prelims examination, and it will be my committment that you will have to read…»

Economy, Science and Tech and Environment for Prelims 2025!
As usual, we are sticking with the 3 pillars of quality, credibility and affordability. These 3 subjects are 40% of the prelims examination, and it will be my committment that you will have to read nothing outside what I cover in these courses. Watch the video till the end for a special surprise, too!

https://youtu.be/TlgAFt73PGc

Clarity for UPSC by Dr.Shivin (AIR - 297) pinned «This mains exam was my first time teaching as a full time teacher. I kid you not, it was full of sleepless nights and tense days. It took everything. But, as is often the case, Hardword does pay off. Proud of all of you who made this possible. https://y…»

This mains exam was my first time teaching as a full time teacher. I kid you not, it was full of sleepless nights and tense days. It took everything. But, as is often the case, Hardword does pay off. Proud of all of you who made this possible.

https://youtu.be/pRQW1RVjvpo?si=GiFAJsCiLWQi_YNL

Open Session on DAF Filling tomorrow, at 11:00AM at our center in Old Rajiner Nagar, Delhi.

We have 120 seats at our offline center, so seats will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

This session will also be live streamed on youtube for anyone who is unable to reach delhi tomorrow.

Interview Guidance Program google form link :
https://forms.gle/9mrQvE2sFfXiXWhc7

Tomorrow in this session the discussion will be on 3 key areas :

1. Filling Service Preferences
2. Filling Cadre
3. Filling Section 7 (extracurriculars, leadership, achievement, sports)

I will be conducting this session. See you there!

Hello All!
As we approach the interview stage, we are starting our interview guidance program.
This Program is divided into 3 phases, as per the demand of the exam.

Step 1 : Filling the DAF.
Here, we will have one on one and group sessions on how to fill the DAF. This is the key step in our interview preparation, as a lot of questions get asked from the DAF. I along with Varun Jain sir will be taking these sessions.

Step 2 : Preparing for the personality test.
This is the area which is often ignored. Here we will be focusing on preparing the likely questions on our DAF and reading relevant current affairs.
Here, we will be having 1 on 1 DAF sessions in both offline and online mode, Daily and Weekly Current Affairs sessions and Sessions by senior civil servants on how to prepare for the Interview.

The first such session will be taken by Shri Navneet Wasan, (IPS retd) Former UPSC Panel Member and ex- Special Director, National Investigation Agency. He will be speaking on what are the expectations of the UPSC interview board. This will be an offline interactive session.

Step 3 : Online Mock Interviews with Current and Former Civil Servants.

Here, we will have instant feedback, as well as recordings of the sessions and an approximation of marks.

We've tried to design a one stop solution for the interview, the same way we had done for the Mains Examination.

To register, Please fill this form :
https://forms.gle/9mrQvE2sFfXiXWhc7

Thank you, Best wishes in this final lap!

We will start this Program from 14th December, with an OPEN DAF session at our OFFLINE Center in ORN, Delhi.

The video above is mainly for people who did not make it in the mains this year. Please take a listen, hope this helps.

For those who did make it :

For the interview stage, the often ignored thing is how to fill and how to study the DAF. This is what we will be focusing on. Me, Varun sir and Mudit Sir are creating a group for Interview Preparation.
If you wish to seek our assistance for the interview, please fill this form : https://forms.gle/ZFKzP4PHXAmUvsDo6

Clarity for UPSC by Dr.Shivin (AIR - 297) pinned «The mains results, and a conversation. https://youtu.be/zecZyGXyh7U»

The mains results, and a conversation.

https://youtu.be/zecZyGXyh7U

The mains results are out. Congratulations to those who made it. To those who didn't, I'm sure this is a tough and daunting time. Mains takes a lot of effort and this is not an easy thing to go through. I've been in this position myself in 2021, and I understand that not a lot can make you feel better at this time. All I would say is, spend this time with your family and friends, don't take decisions in haste. If you decide to stay in this cycle, you would be in one of the best positions to make it next year. If you decide to exit the cycle, god speed and best wishes. Here to help.
To all, treat this time with humility and grace.

yours,
Shivin.

I’m now on twitter.

https://x.com/dr_shivin

In the last 12 years, UPSC has asked 14 types of MCQs in the Prelims. This video analyses all those 14 types of MCQs and talks about how this information can be used to study better!

https://youtu.be/VdlyhylXImQ

5 Apps on my Phone that help me *Eliminate* Distractions!


https://youtu.be/KjzAm1dkLkc

The planner's pdf with a small message :)

Clarity for UPSC by Dr.Shivin (AIR - 297) pinned «A comprehesive planner for the next 6 months. Answers all the doubts asked above! https://youtu.be/LvIZ5fckMhI»

A comprehesive planner for the next 6 months. Answers all the doubts asked above!

https://youtu.be/LvIZ5fckMhI

Hello all!
Hope you’re doing well.
Tomorrow morning, on YouTube, i’ll be posting a planner for the next 6 months with reverse planning for prelims 2025. Please put all your doubts in the comments of this post!

Clarity for UPSC by Dr.Shivin (AIR - 297) pinned «Some Key Principles to keep in mind before you start preparing for Prelims 2025! https://youtu.be/wlVvHmZS4KA»

Some Key Principles to keep in mind before you start preparing for Prelims 2025!

https://youtu.be/wlVvHmZS4KA

Was getting a lot of questions about the Prelims Revision Program that we had planned at Sarrthi IAS. This video talks in detail of all the features of this program!

https://youtu.be/rpJwqmgc2TA?feature=shared

This video contains the instuctions to use this analyzer spreadsheet on google sheets
Go to file -> settings -> calculation tab -> Iterative calculation (change to Yes) -> Save settings (bottom right)

This excel sheet is prepared as per set A. To understand how to fill this and generate a customised study plan, please watch the video above!


Ps : please open in excel, not in google sheets :)

https://youtu.be/0k3liueFYEE

Clarity for UPSC by Dr.Shivin (AIR - 297) pinned «Economy Foundation Module for UPSC CSE 2025/26! https://youtu.be/UpB8dHYnv-0»

Economy Foundation Module for UPSC CSE 2025/26!

https://youtu.be/UpB8dHYnv-0

Happy diwali, from my family to yours :)
🪔✨✨

Some Important Lesson for Everyone to keep in mind :

https://youtu.be/2Sh6bpVdN-c

How I solved my Laziness problem!

https://youtu.be/nhlP0fm2bVo

UPSC 2026 Aspirants – Start Early!

Success in UPSC is not just about intelligence; it's about starting early.

Building a strong foundation now means smoother revisions and a head start on Prelims later.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to have everything figured out today. The journey is long, but the key is to start.

Don’t let fear or excuses hold you back. Every successful candidate started when it was uncomfortable.

The perfect moment doesn’t exist—just start.

Take the leap. Begin reading, note-taking, and building momentum.

Your UPSC journey begins now.

***
I will be conducting a Webinar on UPSC 2026 Preparation Strategy
🗓 Date: 26th October (Saturday)
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM
🔗 Registration Link: [Here]
(For 2026 aspirants only)

Was getting a lot of questions about my upcoming modules for 2025/26 on economy, science and tech and environment. This Video Explains all of what I'm going to do in the next few months :

https://youtu.be/7y99I4WMZvU

6 attempts in UPSC. Missed the final list by 6 marks. He did not make it to the final list, but his spirit was indomitable. He refused to bow down. Mentored countless aspirants, I’m happy to say I was one of them. I owe him my selection and so much more. This series is about the story of Varun Jain sir, someone who has inspired me to no end. This exam can teach you how to keep working and always work to your fullest.

This series is all about his journey. We’ve seen a lot of series on UPSC success, but this one admits that failure is just a temporary setback, if you don’t stop working.

https://youtu.be/9i1nMJ9qnLA?si=jfX7WN12XDjmO9z1

A family of 3 Lakh on YouTube. Wouldn’t be possible without you. This makes me so happy. Thank you for your trust. As always, I shall do my absolute best to repay it.

Forever grateful
Shivin.

Happy vijayadashmi to all!

In this video, I have talked of a realistic plan to december and when to switch to prelims with different approaches for :

1. People who did not make it in prelims this year
2. People giving their first attempt in 2025
3. People who gave mains 2024
4. People who have given mains before 2024

https://youtu.be/pCvS9UOGuOk

How to *Ruin* your UPSC CSE 2025 Attempt with *EASE*
https://youtu.be/QmAbwsfcWKk

Detailed Analysis of GS3 Mains 2024 :
https://youtu.be/qNkPTop3wXs

Starting today, I will be posting the analysis of the Mains papers of 2024.
I will be analysing GS1, GS2 and GS3.

Gs4 and essay papers have already been analysed by mudit sir on his YouTube channel.

In these analysis videos, I will be exploring the Marks Distribution, Difficulty, Sources and Interlinkages between the papers.

First video will be up today at 6pm for Gs-3 analysis!

If you are appearing in Mains 2024, PLEASE listen to this.

GS-3 Mains 2024

Lots and lots of repetition from PYQs and Write Smart. 3 Questions of Gs-3 have been asked in Gs-2, some questions of Gs-3 have been asked in GS-1 also. Will do a full analysis video in the upcoming week.

To everyone who gave mains today, please focus on Gs-3 and Gs-4 now. Do not discuss these papers. All the best, keep going, remember to stay in the moment and look ahead!

Gs-2 Mains 2024

GS -1 Mains 2024

Essay paper, CSM 2024.
In my opinion, a bit easier than before. Atleast 1 non philosophical topic in each section (social media / forests).

To all those who gave this paper today :
Please don’t discuss it on telegram. Focus on tomorrow’s GS1 and GS2 papers.

Personally, i would have chosen topic 4 (doubter - man of science) and topic 5 (social media)

All the best to everyone appearing in UPSC CSE Mains tomorrow onwards!
It’s a long exam, stay in the moment and don’t stop until the optionals are done.

What I’ve understood is, most of us aren’t studying at the moment. Mark my words, this time will cost you. The moment december comes, everyone startes studying for prelims. It’s only till then that you can gain a competitive edge.