Six Smart Tips To Follow for Better Performance at UPSC Prelims 2021 Exams

Less than a month for UPSC 2021 (Prelims)! Confused with the last-minute preparation? Find here some simple yet smart tips to boost your confidence?

Well, there’s no such thing as being over-prepared for the UPSC exams! But misguided preparation can deter a student’s knowledge, confidence and overall readiness to attempt the examination. Here are a few guidelines or suggestions to look for if you’re preparing for the coveted UPSC Prelims 2021. 

First of all, let’s quickly check the UPSC syllabus once:  

General Studies Paper-I Syllabus: It has 100 questions broadly covering the following topics carrying a maximum of 200 marks to be solved in 2 hours. 

• Current events of National & International importance. 
• History of India & Indian National Movement. 
• Indian & World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India & the World. 
• Indian Polity & Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. 
• Economic & Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. 
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity & climate change – that do not require subject specialization. 
• General Science.

General Studies Paper-II Syllabus: It comprises 80 questions from the following topics carrying a maximum of 200 marks to be solved in 2 hours. 

• Comprehension. 
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills. 
• Logical reasoning & analytical ability. 
• Decision making & problem-solving. 
• General mental ability. 
• Basic numeracy (numbers & their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)  

You must be aware that, General Studies Paper-II is a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks set at 33%.

While at the eleventh hour of preparation there are some small but essential points you should follow to approach the exam in a more confident way.

Point 1- Say No To Books & Yes To Your Self Notes

Instead of going through the books of 600-700 pages all over again just go through the self notes, you have already prepared throughout your preparation for UPSC Prelims 2021. Because now at the eleventh hour neither you can read the whole book nor does it help. 

Point 2- Focus On the Questions Before Jumping To Answers 

This is very important! There are simple questions with tricks and twists and this is a common practice in competitive exams.  That’s why students are always advised to read the questions carefully. You should go through previous years’ question papers more often.

Point 3- Practise Mock Tests More and More

To determine the right balance between your speed and accuracy during the exam, mock tests are the only solution. Right answers if not given in the prescribed time will be useless and vice-a-versa! So keep on practising the mock tests.

Point 4- Select the Best Suitable Study Practises For You

You should find out the best time (morning or night) at which you can pay the highest level of concentration. It’s up to you and no others can decide this for you. You can opt for group study or studying with any friend for tough subjects. Also, find yourself the place you’re comfortable studying in.

Point 5- Revise and Revise

UPSC Prelims requires you to memorise a lot of facts, figures and numbers and the only way to remember them is to revise more and more. This is why students are advised to keep the last few days to reserve for revisions only.

Point 6- Eat, Sleep & Breathe

Just because you have to prepare for UPSC Prelims, do not neglect your health, especially mental wellbeing. Having good food is very essential to provide your body and mind with the right nutrition. Adequate sleep is vital for keeping your concentration right. And taking breaks is like a cooling exercise for your mind! Plan your breaks accordingly to do your favourite things like listening to music, gardening, dancing or even chatting with dear ones. The point is to give your brain a break from the monotony for its better performance.

To conclude, do not be stressed with past results and focus on your upcoming exams only. Keep a tab on your weak areas and work on them. Find yourself a comfortable place away from all distractions to pursuing your everyday studies and do not leave anything for tomorrow! For more such articles on APSC, UPSC, and study-related tips and suggestions, refer to the blog given on Borthakur’s blog page. Wishing you the best of luck.