Every year, thousands of candidates take the UPSC examination, one of the most reputed examinations in the country. The UPSC examinations can get overwhelming for some candidates for having a humongous syllabus and the general myths that float around the examination.
The UPSC examinations are divided into prelims, mains and the interview round. While several premium coaching centres aid in preparing for this reputed examination, some UPSC candidates believe in self-study. Several success stories of IAS aspirants achieved a high rank by depending solely on self-study.
If you are a UPSC candidate practising self-study, here are some do's and don'ts of self-study that you should follow to boost the productivity of your study sessions.
Do's
Making study plans: While covering the syllabus of UPSC, it is essential to stick to a schedule as it helps complete the syllabus effortlessly.
Prepare short-term and long-term study plans according to your requirements. Regular study plans will also prevent last-minute preparations for the exam.
Also, if you have not studied a chapter, do not think of studying the chapter a few days away from the exams. The few days before the examination should be solely dependent on revising.
Choosing optional subjects: Deciding optional subjects for the examination plays a crucial role as it is a determining factor for passing the examinations.
Consider your optional subjects keeping factors like interest in the subject and educational background in mind.
Solving previous year's question papers: As you start studying for the examination, go through last year's question papers to understand the type of questions asked on that subject.
It not only helps in preparation, but frequent mock tests also help to assess your progress and manage your time more smoothly.
Giving special attention to current affairs: It is essential to remain up-to-date with current affairs. You should read newspapers, magazines and news blogs to stay updated on current affairs.
For better preparation, you should practice developing opinions on the latest current affairs topics as such questions are often asked during the interview.
Time Management: It can be mentioned that the UPSC syllabus is manageable. Therefore, time management becomes essential for completing the syllabus. You can use effective time techniques like the Pomodoro technique to balance time effectively to prepare all the subjects equally for the exam.
Don'ts
Ignoring the syllabus: It would be foolish to ignore the syllabus of UPSC. It should be of utmost importance to complete the syllabus foremost as most questions are based on the syllabus provided to the candidates.
The NCERT textbooks should be addressed as questions on fundamental topics are frequently asked. You should also focus on all the subjects equally.
Focus on something other than general studies papers and leave out the optional papers. Try to keep a balanced approach for all the papers.
Studying too many materials: An aspirant can procure loads of online and offline study materials. However, the primary concern should be to complete the syllabus and focus on learning and grasping the essence of the chapters. A thorough understanding of the different topics will help you in the long run.
UPSC examinations gauge your attitude along with your knowledge. Therefore staying positive during your self-study preparation is extremely important. Perseverance, discipline and staying motivated will help you to cover the syllabus and prepare effectively.
We understand the UPSC examination can become overwhelming for some, but working your way through the struggles will set you apart from the rest. Take your time, and manage your time efficiently to reap the maximum benefits.