Mnemonics: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts several examinations, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE), to recruit candidates for prestigious posts such as IAS, IPS, and IFS. The vast syllabus for the IAS exam is a challenge for every aspirant, and retaining all that is studied becomes even more daunting.
To tackle this, aspirants need a solid strategy, proper guidance, and a method to simplify revision. Mnemonics, a memory-aiding technique, can be a game-changer in this regard. Let’s explore how mnemonics can make UPSC preparation easier and more effective.
What is a Mnemonic?
A mnemonic is a pattern, phrase, or idea designed to help you remember information more easily. You can create your own mnemonics tailored to your learning style, making retention and revision effortless.
Here are some mnemonics tailored for UPSC preparation:
1. G-20 Countries (Total: 20)
Mnemonic: A, E, I, BFGM CJ RSTv
Explanation: Combine vowels and consonants, along with a story for easy recall.
- A – Argentina
- Au – Australia
- EU – European Union
- Id – Indonesia
- In – India
- It – Italy
- B – Brazil
- F – France
- G – Germany
- M – Mexico
- Ca – Canada
- Ch – China
- J – Japan
- Ru – Russia
- Sa Ar – Saudi Arabia
- So Af – South Africa
- SK – South Korea
- Tu – Turkey
- U – U.K.
- U – U.S.
2. ASEAN Countries (Total: 10)
Mnemonic: PToVLICMBBS
Phrase: “Please Turn oVer Left In Cambodia to meet the MBBS.”
- P – Philippines
- T – Thailand
- V – Vietnam
- L – Laos
- I – Indonesia
- C – Cambodia
- M – Malaysia
- B – Brunei
- B – Burma
- S – Singapore
3. G7 Countries (Total: 7)
Mnemonic: JUICE GF
Phrase: “G7 countries are wealthy and drink juice with their girlfriend.”
- J – Japan
- U – USA
- I – Italy
- C – Canada
- E – England
- G – Germany
- F – France
4. SAARC Countries (Total: 8)
Mnemonic: MBBS PAIN
- M – Maldives
- B – Bangladesh
- B – Bhutan
- S – Sri Lanka
- P – Pakistan
- A – Afghanistan
- I – India
- N – Nepal
5. Rainbow Revolution (7 Sectors)
Mnemonic: HFPASHF
Phrase: “It’s hard to find Fish, Pig, and a Sweet Husband in the Forest.”
- H – Horticulture
- F – Fishery
- P – Poultry
- A – Agriculture
- S – Sugarcane
- H – Animal Husbandry
- F – Forestry
6. Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Countries (Total: 6)
Mnemonic: LIMCa TV
- L – Laos
- I – India
- M – Myanmar
- Ca – Cambodia
- T – Thailand
- V – Vietnam
7. Core Industries in the Indian Economy (Total: 8)
Mnemonic: CCC FRENS
- C – Coal
- C – Crude Oil
- C – Cement
- F – Fertilizers
- R – Refinery Products
- E – Electricity
- N – Natural Gas
- S – Steel
8. Countries Bordering the Caspian Sea (Total: 5)
Mnemonic: ATRIK
- A – Azerbaijan
- T – Turkmenistan
- R – Russia
- I – Iran
- K – Kazakhstan
9. Countries Bordering the Red Sea (Total: 6)
Mnemonic: YES DES
- Y – Yemen
- E – Egypt
- S – Sudan
- D – Djibouti
- E – Eritrea
- S – Saudi Arabia
10. Horn of Africa Countries (Total: 4)
Mnemonic: SEED
- S – Somalia
- E – Ethiopia
- E – Eritrea
- D – Djibouti
11. Countries Bordering the Black Sea (Total: 6)
Mnemonic: BuRGURT
- Bu – Bulgaria
- U – Ukraine
- R – Russia
- G – Georgia
- R – Romania
- T – Turkey
12. Countries Bordering the Baltic Sea (Total: 9)
Mnemonic: SELLurRGD&PF
Phrase: “SELL your Recurring Deposit & PF.”
- S – Sweden
- E – Estonia
- L – Latvia
- L – Lithuania
- R – Russia
- G – Germany
- D – Denmark
- P – Poland
- F – Finland
Using these mnemonics will not only make your revision smoother but also enhance your retention for the UPSC exams.
Read more: PMAY-U 2.0
