Last Minute Hacks and Tips for UPSC Prelims

UPSC Prelims is the gateway to civil service examination. It’s an elimination round with the sole purpose of screening serious candidates from lakhs of applicants. So, if you are committed to your civil service dream and have sufficient preparation, clearing Prelims should not be difficult. Many candidates choose to take the UPSC Prelims test series to measure their level of preparation.

This article explains the last-minute hacks and tips that will help you improve your readiness to ace Prelims papers.

Last-minute Hack and Tips

UPSC Prelims usually take place in June every year. However, it takes at least a year’s preparation to clear the exam, if not more. But don’t worry if you are just a few months away from the Prelims exam. We have got you covered with the following hacks and tips.

Follow them in the order they appear on the list.

1. Take a Prelims mock test - Top UPSC online coaching institutes regularly organize Prelims mock tests. They imitate question trends, patterns, and difficulty levels as per the UPSC standard. You attend these exams under strict time limits. So, taking such a mock exam can give you a tentative idea about your level of preparation. It means you will understand how much you can score if you have to sit in UPSC Prelims the next day.  
2. Analyze your performance in the test - UPSC institutes organizing simulated mock tests offer detailed feedback on your performance in these exams. Go through such reports and analyze your performance. Identify your areas of strength and weakness as per the UPSC Prelims syllabus and the areas that you have skipped entirely. 
3. Rework your study plan - An effective study plan includes how you allocate your time between studying, revision, and practicing different subjects and topics. For example, how much time you invest daily in current affairs, or when you plan to study CSAT, etc. The objective behind taking a mock test is not just to measure your level of preparation, but also to gain confidence in your skills. The key insights you gained from the feedback on your performance in the mock test must also reflect on your study plan. Make necessary changes in the plan accordingly.
4. Revise topics in which you have a better grasp - There will be topics on which you have a fair understanding. These are your strength areas. However, complacency is not good. Any strength can become weaker if you ignore them for too long a time. So, continue revising subjects and topics you have performed well in the simulated UPSC Prelims mock test.
5. Revise your current affairs note - Do you take notes in your own words while reading daily newspapers or UPSC magazines? This is essential for effective preparation for current affairs topics. Keep revising your notes from time to time, at regular intervals. It helps you track updates on important events or incidents. You also get different perspectives on news updates.
6. Devise a plan to work on your weaknesses - Every UPSC candidate has some weak points. These are subjects or topics you have studied but failed to score marks in the mock tests. Don’t be afraid. It is better not to leave them completely as you have already invested time studying them. Try taking UPSC online coaching in those areas. You can also check online study materials. 
7. Avoid studying new topics at the last moment - the UPSC syllabus is vast and taking a mock test can reveal the topics you have left untouched. If you have only a few months or weeks in hand, it is better to leave them as they are. It’s a risk to study them last moment as that can consume time which you can invest in revising topics you have already studied. Studying new topics when the exam is near not only costs more time but may also increase your cognitive stress. 
8. Increase the number of practice tests - Practice makes one perfect. It applies to UPSC preparations as well. With mock tests, you can practice with any UPSC questionnaires. Take as many simulated exams as possible. They will help overcome performance anxiety. You will also be able to practice time management effectively. Many free test series for UPSC are available online. However, only the UPSC Prelims test series from top institutes are effective. They offer valuable feedback, remedial sessions, and relevant guidance to candidates.
9. Enhance your time management skills - It has been repeatedly observed that many candidates find questions in Prelims papers easier to answer. However, they still fail to complete answering the entire paper because of the time shortage. So, the key to success in UPSC Prelims is your time management skills. It involves improving your focus in the exam hall, eliminating distractions, and following the right answering strategies in the exam. 
10. Learn strategies to answer Prelims questions - Often candidates answer question papers from the beginning. This may not be an effective strategy. If you face a few tough and uncommon question types at the beginning, it can hamper your confidence. So, go through the paper once quickly. Mark the questions that you can answer confidently. Attempt them first. Next in the line will be questions that require educated guesses. Try to minimize answering questions that will require blind guessing. It will help to reduce negative markings.
11. Stay physically fit and mentally positive - A healthy mind in a healthy body! It’s an adage very much applicable to CSE aspirants' success. Avoid taking physical and mental stress before the exam. Stay positive and do not doubt your ability. You have already invested a lot of effort in preparation. You just need to write the exam confidently.   

Conclusion

Civil service is an excellent career option for graduates in any field. It allows satisfactory financial stability with ample opportunities to take part in developmental activities for fellow citizens. Check https://www.iasgyan.in/ to learn more about the latest UPSC Prelims test series.