The SM-2 Algorithm
SM-2 (used by Anki): After answering, rate difficulty (Again/Hard/Good/Easy). Card reappears based on ease factor:
- Again: < 1 minute
- Hard: 1-3 days
- Good: 3-7 days (default)
- Easy: 10+ days
Card Design Principles
- One question, one answer
- Max 15 words per card
- Cloze deletion for facts
- Images for visual topics
- NO long paragraphs
Subject Priority
Highest ROI: PSM (many facts), Pharmacology (drug facts), Microbiology (organisms), FSM (straight facts).
Lower ROI: Medicine (complex concepts), Surgery (procedures).
Daily Flashcard Routine
Morning: 20 min review of due cards
Evening: 10 min add new cards from today's study
Weekly: 30 min cleanup (edit/delete stale cards)
References & further reading
Every clinical claim in this article is anchored to a primary source. Click through to verify, and use the same habit in your revision.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
How many flashcards should I make for UPSC CMS?
Start with 500-800 cards covering the highest-yield topics. Focus on: one-liners, drug classifications, clinical signs, and PYQ facts. Quality > quantity — better to master 500 cards than to have 5000 mediocre ones.
Should I use Anki or physical flashcards?
Anki (free, desktop + mobile) is better for large decks because it automates spaced repetition. Physical cards are better for visual topics (anatomy diagrams, histology). Use both for best results.
What makes a good flashcard?
One question, one answer. Maximum 15 words. Use cloze deletion (fill-in-the-blank) for facts. Use images for visual topics. Avoid long paragraphs.
Related reading
Hand this plan to your study group.
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