Philosophy Strategy Juhi Jalota IFS

Juhi Jalota's Approach to Scoring 300+ in Philosophy

Introduction

Juhi Jalota, a philosophy enthusiast, shared her method to achieve a score of 306 in the UPSC CSE exam. Despite the delay in sharing her secret, her approach offers valuable insights into successfully navigating the philosophy section. This post will delve into the steps and sources Juhi utilized, providing a structured approach to understanding and scoring in philosophy.

Selection of Subject

Juhi chose philosophy out of genuine interest, having studied diverse subjects even during her B.Tech courses. Although she acknowledges the subject's advantages, she emphasizes that her interest was the primary driver. This genuine passion for the subject set the foundation for her successful preparation.

Preparation Strategy

Juhi's preparation strategy revolved around understanding and clarifying philosophical concepts rather than memorization. She emphasizes reading extensively and focusing on one primary source repeatedly to gain clarity. This method helped her understand the core ideas and critiques of philosophers deeply.

Indian Philosophy

Primary Source

• CD Sharma's Book: CD Sharma's work served as the primary resource for Juhi, providing a comprehensive understanding of Indian philosophy. She recommends this book for its depth and clarity.

Reference Books

• Mitra and Patanjali Notes: Juhi relied on notes from Mitra and Patanjali for deeper insights and additional perspectives.
• Radhakrishnan’s Volumes: Juhi found Radhakrishnan's two volumes on Indian philosophy to be invaluable resources. She particularly recommends them for their well-organized structure and detailed analysis.

Additional Resources

• Dutta and Chatterjee: Although Juhi did not read this book extensively, she finds it a useful resource and recommends it for those seeking additional perspectives.

Western Philosophy

Primary Source

• NPTEL Lectures and IGNOU Material: Juhi utilized NPTEL lectures and IGNOU material for a fundamental understanding of Western philosophy.
• DM Dutta's Book: She also draws from DM Dutta's book for contemporary philosophy.

Reference Books

• Donald Palmer: Juhi finds Palmer's book to be a useful reference for understanding key concepts and themes in Western philosophy.
• Mitra and Patanjali Notes: These notes were also useful for cross-referencing and gaining additional insights.

Additional Resources

• Stanford Encyclopedia, SparkNotes, and Wikipedia: Juhi used these resources for quick reference and to understand the broader context of philosophical ideas.
• Random YouTube Videos: She utilized YouTube for supplementary content and to keep her learning interactive.

Philosophy of Religion

Primary Source

• Mitra and Patanjali Notes: Juhi's notes from Mitra and Patanjali provided a solid foundation for understanding the philosophy of religion.

Reference Books

• John Hick: This book was a valuable resource for understanding various perspectives on the philosophy of religion.
• Y masih: Juhi's notes from Y masih's lectures provided additional insights and practical applications.

Socio-Political Philosophy

Primary Source

• Mitra Notes and Gauba: Juhi's notes from Mitra and OP Gauba were essential for understanding socio-political philosophy.
• Rajeev Bhargawa: Bhargawa's work was also a significant resource for her preparation.

Preparation Tips and Techniques

Writing Practice

• Daily Writing: Juhi recommends writing answers daily to improve clarity and coherence.
• Mocks and LAWS (Live Answer Writing Sessions): She practiced with Mitra's mocks and participated in LAWS sessions to develop her writing skills.
• Feedback: Juhi highlights the importance of seeking feedback to improve her writings, especially for Paper 2.

Note Making

• Crisp and Brief Notes: She made concise notes containing major terms and central ideas to help with quick revisions.
• Practical Application: These notes were particularly useful for revision and ensuring that her answers were relevant and well-structured.

Conclusion

Juhi's approach to philosophy preparation was focused on gaining deep understanding and clarity through extensive reading and consistent practice. Her method emphasizes the importance of understanding philosophical concepts deeply rather than just memorization. She recommends following structured sources and utilizing practice sessions to improve writing skills. Her score of 306 in philosophy underscores the effectiveness of her approach.