The UPSC Prelims are round the corner and students are knee-deep in books, study materials, mock tests and coaching institutes. AK Mishra gives a few tips to ensure that the candidates are spot on before the D-day
Civil Services Examination is conducted every year by UPSC for selection of officers for the top most civil services of the country is scheduled for May 26. While the pattern of Prelims was changed in 2011, that for the Mains changed from this year. To ensure success in Prelims students need to be focused. The UPSC does not ask any irrelevant question. Most of the candidates jump into books in the name of thorough preparation without understanding the orientation of the exam and nature of the prescribed syllabus. There is no use of unwanted irrelevant preparation in the name of thorough studies.
Nature of the exam
Students must read the notification of the UPSC carefully and it’s clear guidelines. Students must go through previous year questions carefully. This will enable students to get insight of how questions are framed and will orient their mind.
Better understanding
Candidates should not leave any topic untouched. They must have a clear understanding and some basic information about every topic. This is because, even if a question is not asked directly on a topic, understanding and clarity of that topic may be required or may be helpful in selecting the most correct answer related to another topic.
Key areas
A repeated and thorough study of previous years’ questions will help a lot in identifying the most relevant, frequently touched areas and issues of the question setters. Accordingly, students can focus more on the topics with both intensive and extensive studies.
Previous year questions
The trend of questions in the last few years show that there is more and more emphasis on concepts. Majority of questions are conceptual. Hence a candidate should identify the important concepts and theories of a topic and get clear understanding of that. It is a must to be accurate in selecting the most correct answers out of the given options.
Retain memory
A good retention power plays a very important role in the Prelims. The success depends a lot on how much of relevant facts and information one can retain. This power can be enhanced with practice. A wise technique of noting down important points and a periodical revision of that is very essential. Every candidate can develop their own method to retain maximum information at the last moment.
Speed & accuracy
Time in the Prelims is very limited as compared to number of questions and their twisting nature. This becomes very important specially because there is negative marking for wrong answers. Hence, a lot of practice on model tests is a must before going in for the exam.
Manage time
This is very big issue for the Prelims — right from preparation days to the final day. There are multi-disciplinary subjects to read. While preparing one needs to be clear with what to read and what not to read and should be wise enough to allot the time to different subjects proportionately. One must have balance of time for reading, writing, thinking/memorising and practicing on model tests.
Check your health
Taking care of health and mental balance is just as important. As exams draw closer there is tendency to neglect health. It’s important to remember that a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Proper eating habits, exercise, rest and proper sleep are a must for good studies and efficient performance in the exam.
Focus
As far as possible, avoid studying any new information or chapter. There should be more and more focus on organising and revising whatever has been read so far. A good sleep and positive thoughts towards self will play very important role. Avoid company of negative thinkers completely. A visualisation of success will increase the belief system.
(The writer is Managing Director, Chanakya IAS Academy)