UPSC is one of the toughest exams one can think of while starting with its preparation. No matter how much time one devotes to its preparation, the readiness for the exam cannot be felt at any point before the exam. The exam is not only challenging in terms of the length of the syllabus for UPSC, but it is also daunting because of its highly unpredictable nature.
Aspirants preparing for UPSC encounter numerous strategies and tips to prepare and excel in the exam. However, it is important that they follow the basic and the most effective tips, which are easy to follow and can help them sail through the long-drawn battle of clearing the UPSC exams.
It is always advisable that one should start the preparation for the UPSC exam immediately as one realises to sit for the exam. Hence, through this article, we have come up with a few pointers that aspirants must feed into their brains while starting with UPSC preparation.
6 Pointers to Do UPSC Exam Preparation
- Adopt reading habit – The ideal approach to improve vocabulary and effectively attempt the comprehension or essay segment of the UPSC exam is by reading. Try reading a lot- newspapers, books, magazines, blogs and other online articles. A good reading habit will likewise enable one to expand their reading speed and furthermore develop their comprehension capabilities to understand different questions in the examination.
- Work on cognitive skills – The ability to think critically and logically is really important if candidates are planning to appear for the UPSC exam. The ability to think critically will help one write original pieces and impress the examiner. The answers could stand out from the pile, and this could be the winning factor which will put one straight in the toppers list, while logical thinking ability will help build the IQ, and candidates will be able to tackle any question in the exam as well as in the interview round.
- Build vocabulary- Building a decent vocabulary is a slow process, and it requires a gigantic measure of tolerance and ingenuity. Thankfully, there are many devices and tools to help candidates build their vocabulary, like flashcards, word maps and so forth. These visual guides dependably offer assistance. Reading habits will also help one with building a strong vocabulary.
- Analyse weaker and stronger areas – Before starting with the preparation of any competitive exam, and not just UPSC, it is important to analyse the weak and strong topics from the syllabus. Acquaint oneself with the detailed syllabus, check what topics have always been tough for candidates and sort it out based on their strengths and weaknesses. This way, aspirants can strategise a proper preparation plan and study accordingly. Once they analyse the weaker topics or areas, try converting them to their strengths.
- Mock test strategies – It would not be easy to clear the exam if one does not take regular mock tests. Mock tests will be helpful to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses and effectuate the preparation strategy. Analyse every mock test result and monitor those to ensure that aspirants are making clear progress with every subsequent attempt. Mock tests will help one understand their levels of preparation amidst the massive competition that exists for this examination. Moreover, regular mock tests will help one stay relaxed in the actual examination environment.
- Keep away from stress – To keep oneself stress-free, it is important that aspirants practise meditation, which is a proven technique to induce calmness. Always make sure that one has the right food at the right time. Allocate some time every day for exercise, which will scientifically reduce the stress-inducing hormones and increase the positive vibes. Also, discard the habit of studying non-stop without taking sleep. If the mind and body are not in good health, all the efforts will be lost, and one cannot have the necessary zeal and energy to prepare for the IAS exam.
With these tips, exam aspirants can effectively move ahead with their preparation. Remember, the UPSC exam tests the ability to withstand stress at every stage of preparation. If the preparation is in the right direction, then aspirants stand a great chance of clearing this massively difficult examination.
