Philosophy Strategy by Sakshi Tomar (Rank 369 CSE 2017)
Courtesy Sakshi. Her Philosophy Strategy: Classes- Dr.Ambuj Srivastava (VVR institute) Test series- VVR. Marks- 210(2014), 262(2016), 285(2017) Books Paper 1 Indian philosophy– Datta & Chatterjee, VVR notes. Western Philosophy– Y. Masih,VVR notes. Paper 2 Socio-political philosophy– O.P Gauba, VVR notes. Philosophy of Religion– VVR notes, Y. Masih. The syllabus of philosophy isn’t enormous, however a
Navigating the Nuances of Philosophy: Sakshi's Winning Approach
In the ever-evolving landscape of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, the subject of philosophy has consistently presented a unique set of challenges for aspirants. Sakshi, a determined and focused individual, has navigated these intricacies with remarkable success, earning impressive scores of 210, 262, and 285 in the philosophy section over the years.
Sakshi's Philosophy Strategy
Sakshi's approach to the philosophy paper was multifaceted, encompassing a combination of rigorous preparation, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Classes and Test Series
Sakshi's preparation journey began with attending classes conducted by Dr. Ambuj Srivastava at the VVR Institute, a renowned institution known for its expertise in the subject. Alongside her classroom learning, Sakshi opted for the VVR test series, which not only provided her with a platform to assess her progress but also helped her refine her examination strategy.
Mastering the Books
Sakshi's book selection for the philosophy paper was well-curated and comprehensive. For Paper 1, which focuses on Indian philosophy, she relied on the works of Datta & Chatterjee as well as the detailed notes from the VVR Institute. For Western philosophy, she turned to Y. Masih's comprehensive text. For Paper 2, which delves into socio-political philosophy and the philosophy of religion, Sakshi utilized O.P. Gauba's work and the VVR Institute's in-house notes, along with Y. Masih's writings on the philosophy of religion.
Adapting her Approach
Sakshi's initial approach to the philosophy paper involved writing extensively on every related topic, which, as she discovered, did not yield the desired results. In her first attempt, she scored only 90 marks in Paper 1. Recognizing the need for a more focused and strategic approach, Sakshi shifted her focus to developing a clear understanding of the different theories and concepts, enabling her to deliver precise and tailored responses to the questions asked.
Mastering Paper 1
Sakshi's approach to Paper 1 centered on a methodical and comprehensive understanding of individual thinkers. She meticulously prepared notes from the recommended books and the class sessions, ensuring a thorough grasp of the concepts and theories. After revising her notes, Sakshi delved into previous years' question papers, crafting answers that demonstrated her ability to make insightful comparisons between thinkers, such as Carvaka and Hume.
Sakshi recognized the importance of incorporating sutras in her responses, as they are highly valued in the assessment of Indian philosophy. She maintained a dedicated list of sutras and regularly committed them to memory, further strengthening her command over the subject.
Navigating Paper 2
While Paper 1 focused on the philosophical foundations, Sakshi did not overlook the significance of Paper 2, which encompasses socio-political philosophy and the philosophy of religion. She diligently studied the works of O.P. Gauba and the VVR Institute's class notes for the socio-political philosophy section, and referred to the VVR notes and Y. Masih's writings for the philosophy of religion.
Sakshi's dedication to this section was evident in her extensive practice of answering previous years' questions and VVR test papers, honing her ability to articulate her understanding of these complex concepts.
The VVR Test Series Advantage
Sakshi's decision to opt for the VVR test series proved to be a strategic advantage in her preparation. While the series was known for its strict marking pattern, which often discouraged candidates, Sakshi recognized the long-term benefits of this approach. The rigorous evaluation process helped her refine her answer-writing skills and develop a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter, ultimately contributing to her impressive performance in the final examination.
Sakshi's Answer-Writing Strategy
Sakshi's answer-writing strategy for the philosophy paper was meticulously crafted. She began each response with a brief introduction, followed by a clear definition of the keywords in the question. Sakshi then seamlessly incorporated relevant sutras from her extensive repertoire, further strengthening the depth and precision of her answers. Her responses culminated in a well-reasoned conclusion, demonstrating her ability to synthesize the key concepts and present a coherent and compelling argument.
Sakshi's success in the philosophy paper is a testament to her dedication, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. By adapting her approach, mastering the recommended resources, and leveraging the VVR test series, Sakshi has set a remarkable example for aspiring UPSC candidates, showcasing the power of a well-rounded and disciplined preparation strategy.