Some of the common, and seemingly complex, problems that UPSC aspirants face while preparing for the CS exam have been simplified and remedies explained in an easy manner by someone who has gone through the same stages and tackled each one of them with practised ease.
IAS officer Manuj Jindal has his own YouTube channel, where he addresses UPSC-related doubts like what book to read, how to remain focus, and so on. The ex-NDA cadet is now an IAS officer and is currently serving as CEO, Zila Parishad in Jalna, Maharashtra. His videos are getting popular among youngsters and have become a go-to solution for UPSC CSE aspirants.
Indian Masterminds spoke to Mr. Jindal to get more information about his YouTube channel.
REACHING OUT THROUGH YOUTUBE
Mr. Jindal said that YouTube is a good way to reach to thousands of students who live in far-flung corners of the country.
“Some of my earliest happy memories are from school or my parents teaching me about various things, or even learning to ride a bicycle from my neighbour. I feel learning is a fantastic experience for kids and young students. Through this channel, my aim is to share that joy of learning and teaching.”
ADDRESSING DOUBTS OF ASPIRANTS
The syllabus is too big, how to start studying, how to remember all those? Coaching is required or not? Can UPSC CSE preparation be done while doing a 9-5 job? How to deal with all the disappointments and failures during the course of preparation?
These are but a few of the questions that trouble CSE aspirants during their preparation journey.
Mr. Jindal attempts to address such questions and more through his channel.
Most aspirants have questions regarding which books and which chapters to read for getting good marks. In one of his videos, Mr. Jindal explains that they should focus more on ‘how’. Like how to read a newspaper, how to read an editorial or any book. This will help them more.
In another video, he talks about the strategies. “Everyone talks about strategy and will discuss which one will work and which won’t. According to me, there is only one strategy that works for everyone. Know your syllabus, figure out the sub-topics, plan it out (subject and timeline) and get it all done.”
FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS
CSE preparation requires a lot of time and dedication. Many people believe that this is not possible for someone working on a 9-5 job. In one video, Mr. Jindal busts this myth and gives an eight-points solution to this problem. It includes managing time well and giving 2-3 hours daily for the preparation without a miss. Besides this, he says that those with job should concentrate on the core subject, stick to syllabus, and use all extra time like travelling for engaging in preparation in an entertaining way.
TIPS FOR UNPRODUCTIVE PHASE
During the long journey of preparation, an aspirant might get demotivated and not feel like studying at all. They might lose the flow and consistency. In one video, Mr. Jindal deals with this issue and says that there can be a number of reasons behind this. One can be burned out or may have some other personal issue.
“During this situation, they should break their routine and start read something they like or find easier. Casual reading or going through old notes could also help. Besides this, taking a walk or listening to music can also work like a therapy.”
Mr. Jindal has also shared the booklist for each subject and also given tips for answer writing in his videos. He says, with these videos, he wants to help those who might be facing similar situations as him, while he was preparing. He is hopeful that more and more aspirants could be helped through his YouTube videos.
