The most important thing that all UPSC aspirants need to take care of while doing exam preparations is to maintain a correct strategy. Undoubtedly, the UPSC examination is considered the toughest exam and thus rigorous and consistent practice is needed to score high. No matter whichever preparation strategy candidates follow, referring to the previous years' question papers is the key element. Practice papers must be included in all the preparations as many times, UPSC asks the same kind of questions.

Solving the last years’ question paper helps candidates in getting an overall idea about the type of questions asked in the UPSC IAS exam 2021, whether questions are based on the static part or dynamic part can be understood. Some of the major reasons to include UPSC’s previous years' question papers as a part of the preparation strategy are mentioned below.

Most authentic source of information

IAS practice papers are the most authentic source to check the pattern of questions asked in UPSC prelims and mains exam. By solving previous years’ papers, candidates can get a fair idea about the kind of questions that are asked from different topics, and they can formulate their studying and revision strategies accordingly.

It helps know the UPSC Exam Pattern

Understanding the UPSC exam pattern is the bottom line for all the candidates as it helps crack the exam easily. Candidates can get all the relevant information about the syllabus and types of questions by referring to the previous years' papers. Moreover, topic-wise weightage can also be checked by referring to the last UPSC previous year papers.

Detailed understanding of type, nature, and style of the questions that are asked in the exam can be known by referring to the last years' question paper. Moreover, the level of complexity can be judged particularly for different sections. Once candidates get the hold of the question format, it will take no time to complete understanding the question paper.

Familiarity with the Latest topics

This becomes very important for general studies papers, which have a vast syllabus and topics from current affairs of both national and international importance. Solving last year’s question paper gives a better idea about the trending topics and thus can be prepared accordingly. This will help aspirants to focus on those topics from the starting phase only.

Improves time management skills

Doing the previous year’s questions is beneficial for the candidates as it helps improve their time management skills too. Practicing the previous year’s questions help candidates in managing the available time accurately and answer all the questions within the allotted time.

Practice papers help focus on weaker areas

It is only through practice, candidates can assess their stronger and weaker points. Candidates practicing more UPSC practice papers, can easily track their performance. Moreover, solving previous years' question papers help with the revisions as well. Revising from last year’s IAS Question Papers allows candidates to evaluate their preparation and track their progress.

So all the candidates preparing for the UPSC or other competitive exam must do more practice papers to focus on the areas that need improvement.

Each year the UPSC exam is conducted in three stages including Prelims, Mains, and the interview. UPSC is one of the most competitive exams given by lakhs of IAS aspirants, but only a few candidates get selected for the IAS post. The reason for not qualifying for the IAS exam is aimless preparation for UPSC by the candidates. Preparing for the Civil Services Exam requires consistency and rigorous preparation and on top of it a detailed and well-defined preparation strategy.

Thus, for all the IAS aspirants, it is important to understand the importance of UPSC Previous Years Question Papers and start doing them to accomplish their goal of becoming an IAS officer.

To know about the topics that are asked in the UPSC Prelims and Mains, candidates can refer to Prepp.in to get the relevant exam-related preparation materials and other important study tips.