Boost your chances of cracking UPSC by adopting a simpler route
Aditya Prakash Bharadwaj
Toiling for months for the most aspired and prestigious UPSC exam, as day approach the prelims, the last months play instrument role in making or breaking your dream. Just like the tortoise, one needs to be consistent in the final months to steadily win the race against the talented and bright hare participating in the competition.
Counting back the days in the calendar can send chills down your spine. As exam anxiety is very natural among the students, instead of fighting it, one should develop a mechanism to cope up with it. But make sure to draw a line not to exert yourself too much.
Recognising the positive pressure
Pressure and tension to a point can bring out the maximum potential of students but, when it exceeds the limit, it can take a negative turn and wear off the students, seriously affecting their productivity.
Hence, the aspirants need to consider their caliber and plan accordingly. With prelims just around the corner, a well-laid-out plan can work wonders to achieve the goal. Having invested so much time and effort into preparation, making a wise decision in the last months is crucial for the desired outcome.
Revision is the saviour
Understanding the tendency of students to cover the maximum number of courses may be inclined to study new subjects at the last minute to ensure good scores. But contrary to our expectation, this method is a flaw to eliminate you.
Always keep in mind that one topic studied numerous times is better than covering all the syllabus one time. Whatever you have studied up till now, make sure to revise it regularly and make it a point to go through it at least three to five times. Revisions will make your base strong and add on to your capability to correctly answer any kind of question-related to the topic you have studied. Therefore, instead of jumping from one topic to another, thoroughly have a firm grip on the things already studied.
Timing while testing yourself
When taken care of the studying part, it is very crucial to assess your performance. Without taking a test, you will never be able to know where you stand in the competition. Hence, answer as many mock tests as possible. It is practice that makes a man perfect, therefore, create an actual exam scenario while solving the mock tests. Time yourself, pay attention to your speed, set a limit for yourself and try to achieve the bar set by you.
Transparent analysis
The next obvious step in this exercise is to analyse your performance in the tests objectively. While doing so, keep in mind to not be overly swayed by the correct attempt instead divert your attention to mistakes committed. Clear your concepts then and there and ensure not to commit the same mistake again because in the final exam it is not the correct answers that will decide your fate but the wrong answers that will be the key players in bringing the score down.
Don’t sail in two boats
Generally, aspirants prepare for both prelims and mains together. But with the prelims hovering over your head, it is highly recommended to halt the studies for mains and solely focus on the prelims. Whatever left for the mains can be catered to after the prelims. Remember it is the prelims that will open the door for the mains, without qualifying it, you cannot move on to the next step. Hence, concentrate on overcoming the first hurdle.
Prioritising health
While taking care of the preparation part, do not forget to take care of yourself. Considering the intensity of the exam, it is quite an exhaustive process. Be involved in certain activities to heal your mind and soul that can rejuvenate the lost energies.
Going for a short stroll in the neighborhood, listening to music, indulging in your favorite delicacy, etc. these small things can give you break from the otherwise monotonous life and give you a refreshed environment. Rewarding yourself on achieving small goals is also not a bad idea and can keep you motivated throughout the process.
Make sure to stay healthy as succumbing to diseases can mean losing out on the precious time of the preparation. Take care of your diet, try and include green vegetables and fruits and nuts that can feed your brain the required micronutrients and vitamins necessary for its smooth functioning.
Practicing 20 to 30 minutes of mediation daily can enhance your concentration power as well as calm you down, alienating you from all the negativities surrounding you.
Hence, taking some small steps keeping in mind your strength and weaknesses can increase your chances of making it successfully through the exam. Instead of running behind unattainable goals, make feasible changes into your plan for an assured result.
The writer is an IRS officer
