How to Successfully Tackle the UPSC Prelims Exam

I am here to guide you through the crucial months leading up to the UPSC Prelims exam, which is approximately 151 days away. Many of you are working tirelessly to qualify for the UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam. The dream you’ve nurtured for the past several months or even years is to clear the Prelims and get the opportunity to write the Mains.

However, the unpredictability of the 2023 exam took many aspirants by surprise. Despite their hard work, they couldn’t perform as expected. So, how can you ensure that this time, your attempt at the Prelims is successful?

Understanding the UPSC Prelims Exam

The key to tackling the UPSC Prelims lies in understanding that your goal is not to top the exam but to meet the cutoff score. Predicting the cutoff beforehand is challenging due to variations in the exam’s difficulty level and the number of questions from different subjects each year. In 2023, the cutoff was 75 marks, which means you needed to correctly answer about 37-38 questions. Given the negative marking, aiming to attempt 50-55 questions correctly could be a safer strategy.

Strategy for GS Paper

1. Focus on Core Subjects:
   • Polity: Expect around 12-15 questions.
   • Economy: Anticipate 15-16 questions.
   • Geography: Usually has 10-12 questions.
   • Environment: Approximately 15-16 questions.
   Together, these subjects can provide around 55 questions. Prioritize these areas as they are relatively easier to prepare and score.
2. Current Affairs:
   • Questions often come from predictable areas such as international organizations, reports and indices, military exercises, and places in the news.
   • Focus on these sections to cover 15-20 questions.

Preparing for CSAT

CSAT has been a stumbling block for many aspirants. The key to overcoming this lies in practice:

1. Reasoning and Comprehension:
   • These sections were easier last year compared to the Quantitative section.
   • Focus on practicing these extensively.
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
   • Identify the easier topics such as profit and loss, probability, time, distance, and speed.
   • Analyze the last five years’ papers to identify repetitive and simpler questions.

Effective Revision Techniques

1. Utilize Available Resources:
   • Join study groups and follow relevant channels such as “Mains Answer Writing by Ankit Sir” on Telegram for regular updates and practice questions.
   • Review PDFs and materials shared in these groups to strengthen your preparation in Polity, Economy, Geography, and Environment.
2. Mock Tests:
   • Take at least 5-7 CSAT mock tests.
   • Review and understand the solutions to build confidence and identify weak areas.

Final Thoughts

Approach your preparation with the mindset that you only need to meet the cutoff. Be strategic in your study plan and focus on areas that are likely to yield higher returns. Remember, thorough preparation of core subjects and current affairs can significantly boost your chances of clearing the Prelims.

Wishing all the 2024 aspirants the best of luck! For those preparing for 2025 or 2026, start your preparations early to avoid the stress and anxiety that come with last-minute cramming. Join the new batches and ensure a steady, confident approach towards achieving your goal of becoming a UPSC officer.

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