Often, there are apprehensions
regarding cracking the IAS exam in one attempt. The aspirants are made to
believe that it takes more than an attempt to realize their dream of getting
into the desired service. That being so, the mindset of the aspirants is such
that it is impossible to crack the exam in one attempt. Most of the aspirants spend their precious
time collecting materials from various institutes and trying to byheart the
same. This definitely is not the approach to sail through what is popularly
known as the “mother of all exams”. Smart study and consistency are the key to
cracking the prestigious civil services examination. A prescribed time within
which one can complete the entire UPSC syllabus cannot be defined. It is the
approach and the mindset which matters. For cracking the civil services exam, “one size fits all” approach does not hold good. The
strategy and the approach differ from one aspirant to the other, which is what
makes the exam a challenging one. Nevertheless, here are a few tips that will
help you strategize your own study plan and crack the civil services
examination in your first attempt.
Tip no.1: Have a clear
picture of the examination
Before you start your preparations, it is necessary for you
to know everything about the examination. Visit the Union Public Services
Commission website and get a clear picture about the educational qualification
required for the examination, the eligibility criterion, number of attempts you
are entitled to etc., It is also necessary for you to go through the UPSC
syllabus thoroughly. The syllabus of both the prelims and mains exam needs to
be etched in your memory, so that your preparations can be aligned along the
same lines. The UPSC syllabus, contrary
to the popular belief, is indicative. It does not cover ‘everything under the
sun and beyond’. Stick to the syllabus while preparing for the examination.
Tip no.2: Start your
preparations as early as possible
Just begin your preparations the day you decide to give this
examination. There will never come a “right day” or the “right time” to start
the preparations. Start with whatever knowledge you have. Start with all the
fear and faith.
Tip no.3: Make a study
plan and stick to it
In order to complete the entire syllabus and make room for
revision, it is important to have a study plan. Draft a study plan in such a
manner that you integrate both the prelims and mains preparation. Having things
planned makes it easier to achieve the targets. Prioritise your work and stick
to the plan.
Tip no. 4:Choose a
newspaper of your choice and read it thoroughly
The newspaper is the life and blood of UPSC preparation. Most
of the questions from the recent UPSC exam question papers are based on the
current affairs. Therefore, newspaper reading cannot be ignored. It is
important for you to read the newspaper thoroughly until the last stage of the
examination, i.e, the interview. Make short notes from the newspaper which
would come handy during the revisions.
Tip no.5: Spend
sufficient time on the optional paper
Optional paper constitutes a large chunk of the UPSC mains
exam marks. So, it is important for you to spend enough time on the optional
papers. It could decide your rank in the final list.
Tip no.6: Answer
Writing Practice is important
A candidate is expected to devote not more than 9 minutes per
question in order to be able to attempt the whole question paper in the mains
examination. He/she has to be fast in thinking, writing and presenting the
answer precisely in a simple manner. This is possible, only with practice.
Therefore, it is essential to start answer writing practice as early as
possible. It is advisable not to wait until you have completed the whole
syllabus to start answer writing. Start the answer writing practice from day-1
of your preparations.
Tip no.7: Stay focused
and keep calm
Many such instances could arise where you would want to give
up on the preparations. Patience coupled with dedication and consistency will
only help you clear this exam. Do not burn yourself out with overload of
information or hearsays about the age limit, cut offs, etc. Have faith in your
preparation and belief in your strategy. Staying focused and motivated would
take you a long way in the UPSC exam. Most importantly have belief in yourself.
Always remember why you started, look at the long term picture. Stay motivated
and focused. It is possible to crack this examination in the first attempt with
the right strategy and right attitude.
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