UPSC Exam: Dos and Don’ts for Prelims and Mains Preparation |2024

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Dos and Don’ts for UPSC Prelims and Mains Preparation

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India, requiring a balanced approach. Here are the Dos and Don’ts for preparing for both Prelims and Mains.

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For Prelims Preparation:

Dos:

1. Understand the Syllabus:
   • Thoroughly read and understand the syllabus. It’s your guide to knowing what to study and what to skip.
2. Stick to a Limited Set of Books:
   • Quality over quantity. Choose standard books like NCERTs, Laxmikanth for Polity, and one current affairs magazine.
3. Regular Revision:
   • Continuous revision is essential. Create short notes for quick revision and review them regularly.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers:
   • Solving the past 10 years’ papers will help you understand the pattern, important topics, and manage time better.
5. Take Mock Tests:
   • Take regular mock tests to assess your performance, accuracy, and speed. Join a good test series for evaluation.
6. Focus on Current Affairs:
   • Stay updated with daily current affairs through newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express. Supplement this with monthly compilations.
7. Time Management:
   • Allocate time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Develop a daily and weekly timetable and stick to it.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Over-Reading Material:
   • Don’t collect too many books or resources. This will confuse you and waste time.
2. Don’t Ignore CSAT:
   • While GS Paper I is crucial, neglecting CSAT could cost you. Practice CSAT regularly to ensure you clear the qualifying marks.
3. Don’t Memorize Everything:
   • Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning. UPSC questions often test analytical skills.
4. Avoid Last-Minute Cramming:
   • Do not attempt to learn new topics just before the exam. Focus on revising what you have already studied.
5. Don’t Panic Over Difficult Questions:
   • In the exam, if you face tough questions, skip them and move on. Come back later if time allows.

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For Mains Preparation:

Dos:

1. Answer Writing Practice:
   • Mains is about expression. Regularly practice answer writing, adhering to the word limit, and structuring your answers well with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
2. Focus on GS Papers:
   • Go in-depth for each GS paper. Be thorough with topics like Ethics (GS Paper IV) and International Relations (GS Paper II), which require detailed study.
3. Use Diagrams and Flowcharts:
   • Wherever possible, use diagrams, charts, and maps in your answers to enhance presentation and clarity.
4. Refer to Government Sources:
   • Utilize government publications like Economic Survey, PIB, and NITI Aayog reports for authenticity and better content.
5. Prepare Notes for Optional Subject:
   • Make concise notes for your optional subject, and ensure regular revision. Previous year’s questions should be practiced for a better understanding.
6. Essay Preparation:
   • Practice essay writing, focusing on structure, coherence, and content. Choose diverse topics for practice, including current affairs, philosophy, and socio-political issues.
7. Revise Extensively:
   • Keep revising your notes and the topics you’ve covered. Writing mocks for Mains will help you manage time and refine your answers.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Write Irrelevant Answers:
   • Stick to what the question asks. Avoid writing unnecessary details to fill the word count.
2. Avoid Bias in Answers:
   • Be objective, especially in GS Papers related to politics, ethics, and governance. UPSC looks for balanced perspectives.
3. Don’t Ignore Optional Subject:
   • Your optional subject carries significant weight. Treat it with equal importance and don’t neglect it while focusing on GS papers.
4. Don’t Skip Mock Tests:
   • Many candidates fail to give enough attention to mock tests. Answer writing under timed conditions is critical for success in Mains.
5. Avoid Superficial Reading of Topics:
   • Don’t skim through topics. Mains requires in-depth knowledge, especially for analytical questions.
6. Don’t Neglect Ethics Paper:
   • Ethics Paper (GS Paper IV) is scoring if prepared well. Don’t assume it can be done without preparation.

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General Dos and Don’ts for Both Prelims and Mains:

Dos:

1. Maintain Discipline and Consistency:
   • Consistency is key to cracking the exam. Create a realistic study plan and stick to it diligently.
2. Keep Yourself Motivated:
   • The preparation journey can be long and taxing. Stay motivated through regular breaks, physical exercise, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
3. Take Care of Your Health:
   • Maintain a balanced diet and get adequate sleep. Good health ensures better focus and energy during preparation.
4. Stay Positive:
   • Develop a positive mindset. Believe in your preparation and stay optimistic, even during challenging times.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Compare Yourself with Others:
   • Everyone’s preparation journey is different. Avoid unnecessary comparisons and focus on your own progress.
2. Avoid Studying for Long Hours without Breaks:
   • Taking breaks is essential for mental clarity. Studying without breaks leads to burnout.
3. Don’t Neglect Answer Writing Practice:
   • For Mains, practice writing answers regularly, as this is what ultimately scores you marks.
4. Don’t Procrastinate:
   • Start your preparation early and avoid delaying tasks like revision, mock tests, and note-making.