Effective note-taking is vital during UPSC preparation as it aids information retention and understanding. Organized notes help aspirants synthesize knowledge and make quick revisions for vast topics. Utilizing methods like mind maps or bullet points can enhance clarity and focus. Moreover, personalized notes allow for better engagement with content as aspirants summarize and paraphrase readings in their words. By maintaining concise and relevant notes, candidates can systematically revisit concepts, thus optimizing their preparation strategy and efficiency.