The notes help you in fast revision when the time comes. Please realize that each aspirant is different, and hence, some prefer to study with minimal notes, and others would go for extensive note-making of what they have learned. Depending on what method works for YOU (minimal or extensive note-making), you should go for it. Hence, I request you not to blindly follow someone else’s style as it can get counterproductive. But, completely averting notes are also not advisable since notes help you consolidate important points and allow quicker revision before the exam. In essence, note-making can be called an art, and various tools can be used. Below given are some of the tools that one can use:

1. Bullet points are the simplest of all as they are sentences constructed with minimal words that convey the maximum information. Aspirants should make sure that they include keywords into these notes so that the quality of the notes increases and they can reproduce it directly in the exam.
2. Flowcharts are useful to consolidate points when there is a clear flow of events/processes to be put forth. Here, the flowchart can express the maximal information with the least words. Flow charts should also be used for the Mains exam to save space and neatly communicate information.
3. Diagrams are pictorial representations of data and information that can be expressed in various formats like graphs, diagrams such as fishbone, block, cluster diagrams, etc. These are used to use information that acts as a value addition to your main points. Hence, please make use of them extensively in your Mains exam. These are very much needed to improve your Mains exam marks. Therefore, you may use the same in your notes when necessary.
4. Mind-maps can be used when a wide range of information around a single topic covers various dimensions. Mind-maps cannot be directly used in the Mains exam as they take considerable time and space, making it unfeasible. But, you may use mind-maps in your notes to cover the various dimensions of a single topic in the least amount of space with complete information. But, the time taken to make such mind-maps can take away some of your precious time. You may click this link to make use of the mind maps created for essential topics so that you can use them right away.

As I have mentioned before, note making is an art, and it can be your best weapon in making our revisions and getting marks. Hence, work on creating efficient notes to save time during revisions. You can always make your notes with just bullet points with the least number of words. Please ensure that your revision notes are as concise as possible. You can choose whether to use flowcharts, diagrams, and mind-maps in it. But it would always be better to incorporate them into your notes as you can use the same ones in your Mains exam. This helps you save time in constructing them while writing the exam, and as they are already used in your notes, it will be qualitatively better. Hence, you may use them accordingly for your preparation. Please make sure that the revision notes you make, suit your needs, and I request once again not to copy someone else’s style of note-making, even of a topper. All the best!