Avoid These Common Mistakes in UPSC Prelims Preparation

UPSC prelims preparation
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A small mistake may not fulfil the dream of an aspirant of becoming an IAS officer. As everyone knows the UPSC exam, is way too difficult, there is no doubt that all the students who aspire to become an IAS or IPS, start the rigorous preparation right from the UPSC prelims preparation.

Sometimes, there may be a lack of proper awareness or guidance for most of the students to make mistakes which may take them a step back towards reaching their goal. 

Things to Avoid in UPSC Prelims Preparation

If we look into the statistics of the UPSC exam, we get to know that every year 4-5 lakhs of aspirants appear for the UPSC preliminary examination but hardly only about 11000 students clear it. The question arises of what mistakes they may have done at the time of preparation. 

So, let us discuss the ways to avoid common mistakes to get more clarity on how to clear the UPSC Prelims exam with ease

Preparing Without Time Table

To crack the UPSC prelim exams, preparing a timetable is very important. Experts suggest preparing a proper and detailed timetable. A good timetable should contain the proper break up of 24 hours with time management including time taken for lunch, hobbies, dinner, and proper sleep. 

In the lack of a systematic timetable, students will not be able to assess their UPSC prelims preparation. Along with a daily timetable, they should also get ready with a weekly and monthly timetable. It also generates a sense of discipline when they follow a pre-planned schedule.

UPSC prelims preparation | Kingmakers IAS Academy

Not Taking Mock Tests

One of the most common mistakes students make is taking a mock test for granted. No matter how many books they have read and how well they do in the UPSC exam, taking mock tests will help them find their strengths and weaknesses. 

But they should not be lethargic and give the test because mock tests only will give an idea about time management and improve themselves for preparing for the actual exam. Plus, taking classes from the UPSC training center in Chennai will raise the level of confidence to face the exams.

Not Studying from Previous Years’ Exams

To understand the pattern, idea, and trend of the examination paper, it is mandatory to read and solve question papers from previous years’ question papers with an expert guide. Doing this will help you understand the toughness of the actual exam because the nature of the UPSC exam is very uncertain. 

You may never know what will happen. So, taking ideas from past exam papers by discussing them with the faculty will help you to get ready for facing the actual exams. Complete the whole syllabus during the UPSC prelims preparation and start solving the past exam papers. It can be the best strategy to enhance the chances to break into the mains exam.

Sitting for Long Hours to Study

It is the biggest myth about the UPSC prelims preparation that studying for about 15 hours is compulsory. Each and every individual’s physical and mental stamina levels are different. Instead of experimenting that studying for log hours would help, fix a timetable and study for a maximum of 10 hours. 

This will refresh your mind and body and helps you overcome exhaustion or stress. Also, students should ensure to take breaks but of reasonable time between 15 – 20 minutes and not more than that. Taking short breaks increases retention power and efficiency to perform well in the UPSC exam.

Focussing on Reading & Ignoring Writing

Most of the students only focus on reading and believe that writing would be a waste of time. In subjective exams like UPSC mains, this mindset can be problematic. Writing is equally important and also it deserves time to practice. 

The UPSC prelims preparation should be prepared from the ocean-like syllabus where it can be hard to prepare for each and every subject. So, revision plays a very crucial part in your strategy. Also, don’t always rush to read new topics in a subject without revising what you have already learned.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you want to clear the UPSC exam with a right guidance, you should join the best UPSC training center in Chennai like the Kingmakers IAS Academy. The experts will guide you from the start of UPSC prelims preparation, and help you clear it to crack the UPSC mains exam with amazing scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understand the exam pattern
Make a study plan
Study material
Regular practice
Current affairs
Stay focused and motivated
Remember that UPSC Prelims is just the first step in the UPSC selection process, and it is important to stay focused on your ultimate goal of cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

The answer to this question depends on various factors such as the candidate’s prior knowledge, experience, and the amount of time they can dedicate to preparation. However, in general, 2 months may not be sufficient for candidates who are starting from scratch or have limited knowledge about the UPSC Prelims syllabus.

NCERT textbooks are an excellent resource for UPSC Prelims preparation, and many aspirants refer to them for building a strong foundation in various subjects. However, relying solely on NCERT textbooks may not be sufficient to clear the UPSC Prelims.