UPSC Prelims Strategy - Dos and Don'ts

1. UPSC Prelims Strategy- Dos and Don’ts In this article, I am going to discuss a detailed strategy for UPSC prelims 2021. First of all, you should have a thorough overview of the UPSC prelims syllabus. Dos The following instructions should be followed by the candidates while appearing for UPSC Prelims 2021. * Revision: The last 20 to 30 days of the prelims are to revise the full syllabus. If you have not revised the preparation you have done in the last 3-4 months, there is no study point. Revising helps you retain the subject in your memory for a long time. It also helps in rapid recall during the exam. Thoroughly revise all the notes, pointers, paper cuttings and whatever study material you have used in your preparation. Whatever subject and subject you are studying, are sure to revise and remember it. Without proper revision, you will probably carry more confusion into the exam and end up with a higher -ve score that will undo all the hard work you have otherwise done. Stay focused on the UPSC prelims syllabus. * Keep current affairs strong: Many aspirants make the mistake of picking up the current affairs booklet in the last few weeks, hoping to complete it. The reality is that this will be an overload of information, and your memory may not be able to withstand a sudden load. So spend a few hours a day from now on current affairs and ensure regular revision. Even if you are unable to finish all the daily current affairs for upsc, do not worry. Study and revise only what you can do. * Practice a reasonable number of Test papers: Regardless of your level of preparation, choose some test series and try them out. This will help you assess your level of preparation, your ability to finish on time, and the basic mistakes you make, such as an improper reading of questions or options. UPSC previous year question paper is a good option. * Evaluate facts vs concepts: UPSC examinations have become quite conceptual in the last few years in core subjects. Therefore, look at question papers of the previous 4-5 years and assess the type of questions to be asked in each subject. Economy paper is now conceptual and high scoring. So focus on understanding the basics. Evaluate all subjects. If there is a mismatch in your preparation exam pattern, then you will only be wasting time. * Do not surround yourself with negative people: Avoid such people; Stay away from paranoia and believe in yourself. In addition, a family member or distant relative may be harassed and should be avoided. Avoid talking to strangers in the subway or bus in the exam hall; people generally see more about UPSC and IAS and may unnecessarily praise or admire you.

2. Don'ts: * Do not be afraid: Paper is the same for everyone. Trust your preparation and give your best. Close your eyes, close everything and take a deep breath for a minute to find peace. Even if the paper looks tough at first glance and you think you don't know anything, don't be afraid. Keep calm and go paper by the question, and you will get enough questions that you can answer. * Don't try too much: Never think that you have to try the number of predetermined questions. If the paper seems too difficult and your preparation has been good, it may be sufficient to attempt around 70 questions (Paper-I). Therefore, again, there is no fixed number, but do not feel compelled to try 90-100 questions because some toppers did it. * Do not think that you are unprepared or weak: Once you decide to give the paper, do not let your preparation ideas come to your mind. Focus on what you know and try the paper smartly. * Do not lose tempo going into the exam hall: You need to concentrate and study as much time as possible in the days leading up to the exam. The mental state leading to the exam is very important. * Do not read more books for the preparation of UPSC CSE: Amid the ocean of knowledge that a UPSC aspirant finds himself surrounded by, it is very natural to plunge deeper and deeper into the books, but looking at the vast UPSC syllabus, it is not a very wise move. Specifically, focus on the UPSC previous year paper.