How to Crack UPSC ? Best Strategies & Tips by Toppers
The Civil Service exam is considered one of the toughest competitive exams in the country conducted by the UPSC. In UPSC there is no shortcut or fixed formula to crack this exam. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the Prelims exam but only a few 100 are finally selected as civil servants.
Cracking the Civil Service exam requires a specialized approach to preparation. In this article, we will provide Strategies & Tips by Toppers on how to Crack the UPSC Exam.
Right time to start UPSC preparation
Generally, 1 year is sufficient to prepare for the IAS Exam. Most toppers give this suggestion due to the mammoth syllabus. It requires proper time to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics involved.
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Stay well informed about the important dates
UPSC releases the notification and dates related to the exam. So it is important to stay updated about the dates, exam pattern and syllabus. UPSC exam is conducted into 3 stages which are basic prelims, Mains and interview. Candidates must have complete knowledge of the exam pattern, and syllabus so that they can make efforts in the right direction.
Choosing the right optional subject
Candidates feel highly motivated to study and put in extra long hours when they start their IAS journey but they don’t maintain this motivation and enthusiasm half of their IAS journey or until the very end. So, it is important to choose the right subjects that you are genuinely interested in so that you can maintain enthusiasm about learning, merely to read about the topics.
Making notes for UPSC
Most IAS toppers recommend this technique of studying. Making notes reinforce what you have learned and also organize your learning content. You can make notes from the newspaper and also refer to Youth Destination’s daily current affairs which are updated on a regular basis. This makes the preparation easier and gives the best analysis of daily news for UPSC. You will also get sample questions for prelims and Mains exam as well.
How to write a great answer
Using diagram flowcharts not only enhances your answer but also reveals a clear understanding of the concept so include them wherever possible to fetch you more marks.
First impression is the last impression. Hence, presentation is very important. Keep your answers neat, simple, readable and compact to get extra marks in the exam.
NCERT books
Students should start their basic reading ideally with NCERT textbooks. Although there are multiple sources of study material for the UPSC exam, toppers recommend reading NCERT books from class 6th to class 12th for all subjects as the concepts are explained in a simple language in these books. You can buy NCERT books or also download them from this link:
Reading newspaper
Reading newspapers is an indispensable part of UPSC exam preparation. If you are an aspiring Civil servant then you should read the newspaper daily for UPSC, most recommended ‘The Hindu’ or ‘Indian Express’.
Furthermore, follow Youth Destination’s daily news analysis and news analysis video that is updated regularly. It will provide you with important news explained in the most lucid manner for the IAS exam.
Solving test series
UPSC preparation is incomplete without taking mock test series for prelims and mains as well. They serve the purpose of giving you a clear idea of what type questions to expect and also help in time management.
Be careful about your health
Apart from reading intensely, you should also eat the right food as a healthy body fuels an active mind. Devote half an hour daily to exercise and also sleep well. It will keep you going to track the IAS examination.
Be positive
Candidates need to believe in their abilities and have a positive mindset for the preparation for the UPSC exam. If someone doubts his ability or keeps a negative approach towards his aim then it only lowers his confidence and takes him away from success. So it is essential to enjoy the preparation phase of the IAS exam.
Conclusion
Last but not least, have a never give up attitude. A lot of successful candidates go through in their third or fourth attempt so never lose heart and focus on your goal. It is good waiting and trying again until you get success.
