Answer writing Basic

It’s very important to understand the exam, 

as it will help in writing a better answer and preparing for it. 

For this, one needs to go through the PYQs and Syllabus properly and regularly to develop an awareness of the exam pattern.

From the PYQs, find the Themes which keep repeating. For example, questions on local self-government are very common in GS2 papers:

In the absence of a well-educated and organised local-level government system, `Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss. (2015) 

“The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (2017)

To what extent in your opinion has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (2022)

Then find what all Dimensions are being asked under that theme. For example, the effectiveness of Local Self-government has been asked multiple times (as can be seen in the above examples)

In this manner find important themes for each subject. This will help in doing a targeted study of the syllabus. You will not only understand what topics are important, but you will also get an idea of what exactly has to be read under those topics once you analyse the PYQs.