The Writer’s Block-How to write an Essay

Expression is an essential skill for anyone hoping to be in public service. Where every word we say is under scrutiny, the skill of expressing our opinions in a manner that is palatable to all, becomes very important. The essay paper in the Civil Services Main exam tests this skill. I have been in the habit …

In the Abode of Snow, In the Valley of Spiti-Part Two

So Vyas and I waited for the trekking party for another hour and then decided to head to Komic and return to Hikkim on our way back to check for Shreya and Parakram. I was hoping that some how they reach Komic on their own, because in such a terrain, with low oxygen and no clue of the …

Planning and Time Management for the Civil Services Exam

If there is one thing I pride myself for, it is my skill of meticulous organization and this really made my life easier during my years as a student. From juggling ticket sales at Janfest 2009 alongside 8 academic papers, to studying everything under the Sun for the Civil Services Exam, my detailed plans for …

In The Abode of Snow, In the Valley of Spiti…

After much delay (of over a month), here is a reproduction of my diary entries that I made during my Spiti trip. Let me give you some context. I took a trip to Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, with one of my very close school friends (henceforth Vyas), her sister and her cousin brother. The trip happened between …

Political Science Practice Answers

Hi everyone, here are the answers I wrote to practice writing for the Political Science optional. I did not take any test series for Political Science. The answers are not perfect but should give you an idea of how I have written in the exam. Each answer is two pages and there are four answers …