Top 10 Common Mistakes Every UPSC CSE Aspirant Must Avoid!
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article is brought to you by Oliveboard,
an online exam preparation platform for government and banking jobs.
Preparing
for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a challenging task. The syllabus is
as vast as the ocean. UPSC CSE Preliminary exam is the first hurdle that one
needs to clear to qualify for the Main examination. It is an objective type
exam, consisting of two papers and carry a maximum of 400 marks.Marks obtained
in the Preliminary examination will not be counted for determining the
candidates’ final order of merit. To qualify for the Main exam, candidates must
score qualifying marks (as determined by the commission) in the General Studies
Paper I and a minimum of 33% in the General Studies Paper II (CSAT). For each
wrong answer, the candidate loses one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to
that question.
As the
syllabus is vast, many a times UPSC aspirants unconsciously make few common
mistakes. Here’s a list of those that aspirants should make a conscious attempt
to avoid, to crack the UPSC exams next year.
1.
Not Going Through Syllabus
Aspirants
might be preparing for more than one competitive exams at the same time.
However, one should always thoroughly check the syllabus and exam pattern and
prepare for that exam accordingly. The UPSC syllabus is vast and if you do not
refer to the syllabus, you might feel lost in an ocean.
2.
Not Having a Preparation Plan
Are you
preparing for the UPSC CSE next year? If yes, then create a preparation plan
rather than studying topics randomly. Create a plan and schedule for every day
and weekend studies. Try to stick to the plan as far possible. Also, do
dedicate study hours for each section.
3.
Too Many Reference Books
Too
many reference books will just make you confuse and do less help. Instead, you
can stick to 1 or 2 good books for each section. NCERT Books (6-12 standard)
are highly recommended for UPSC exams. Here’s a list of few more UPSCreference books.
4.
Not Reading Newspapers
Reading
newspapers is very important to clear the UPSC exam. The Hindu is the most
widely recommended newspaper for competitive exams. This habit will keep you
updated with the current affairs, social, political and economic state of the
country and more.
5.
Ignoring CSAT
Do not
ignore the CSAT as it acts as a screening test to Civil Services Main
examination.
6.
Focusing Too Much on One Topic
This
will again waste a lot of your precious time. Have a clear understanding of
concepts and practice questions from that topic. As an aspirant, you might have
favourite topics but do not focus on one topic. Instead, dedicate study hours
for each topic.
7.
Not Taking Mock Tests
Clear
concepts would do no good till you practice mock tests. You might know the
answers but due to lack of time in the exam might not be able to attempt. Mock
Tests prepare you well for the exam both knowledge wise and time management
wise. Therefore, practice as many mocks possible and do mock analysis after
every attempt. You can avail Oliveboard’s mocks
to practice and do mock analysis for better preparation.
8.
No Writing Practice
Writing
practice is important in UPSC as the main examination is essay type and one
needs to be capable of writing essay type answers. Practice this while
preparing for the exam to get an edge during the exam.
9.
Not Revising
Plan
time for revision because it is important to brush up all the concepts you have
studied before the exam. Like preparation plan, create a revision plan and
stick to it for efficiency.
10.Last
Minute Preparation
Do not
wait for last minute preparation. Start your study well in advance to get a
good hold over all sections for the exam. Also, do not
learn any new concepts during the last few days. Instead, revise all the
concepts you have already studied.
Hope
this helps. We wish you all the best for your preparation.
