Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is one of the most sought after and prestigious examinations in India. With the 2023 exam scheduled to be held on May 28, candidates have started their preparation with the registration starting from February 1. To crack this highly competitive exam and secure a coveted position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Police Service (IPS) or other elite civil services, it is imperative to have a well-crafted preparation strategy Which includes both hard work and smart planning.
UPSC CSE exam consists of three stages – preliminary stage, mains exam and interview. It is important for the candidates to take time to analyze each and every step and develop a plan of action before starting their preparation. Here is a detailed strategy and things to keep in mind for the aspirants aspiring to crack the UPSC exam:
preliminary stage
The first stage of the journey in the Civil Services Examination (UPSC) is the Preliminary Examination (Preliminary), which acts as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. In the initial phase, proficiency and understanding of factual information and conceptual understanding are assessed. A comprehensive and essential study plan includes reading NCERT, a standard textbook for each subject and a national newspaper to stay informed about current events.
The preliminary examination consists of two objective type papers, General Studies I and General Studies II or Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) for a total of 400 marks. An important aspect of UPSC preparation is choosing the appropriate study material for both preliminary and mains examination. To establish a solid foundation, NCERT textbooks are essential because of their credibility and clear concepts. The syllabus for the preliminary exam is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics including Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Geography, History, Environment and Ecology. It is important to study the syllabus thoroughly and ensure a good understanding of all the topics.
UPSC preliminary exam lays a lot of emphasis on current affairs. Therefore, it is important to stay updated with the latest developments in politics, economics, science, environment and international relations. Candidates should aim to be familiar with current affairs for 12 to 15 months for this stage. Important facts and figures like economic survey, union budget, reports of various central ministries, UN heritage sites, newly discovered plant and animal species etc. can be found in the sources. It is advised to note down and revise the important facts and figures. them regularly. Regular revision will boost confidence and reduce exam anxiety, which will enable candidates to attempt exam questions with ease. Practicing with previous UPSC exam papers is the most effective way to evaluate one’s exam performance.
It is beneficial to strive for minimum passing marks rather than exceptional scores in Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The minimum passing marks, which correspond to a score of 66.66 out of 200, require precise answers to questions, each carrying 2.5 marks. If a candidate is unable to answer any question, it is advised to leave it. The key to success in UPSC Civil Services Exam is not the quantity of material studied, but the quality of revision. It is important to focus on in-depth understanding and review of the material, rather than simply relying on rote learning.
To crack the Civil Services Examination, a candidate must focus on two important documents: the syllabus and previous years’ question papers. The syllabus provides a comprehensive understanding of ‘what to study’, while previous years’ question papers guide the candidate in ‘how to study’.
upsc mains
UPSC Mains 2023 is scheduled to be held on September 15 and will consist of nine theory assessments including an essay and general studies. Of these, only seven will factor in the merit-based ranking, English compulsory paper and Indian language paper will be excluded. Strengthening analytical skills is essential for the preparation of mains and preliminary round exam. It is also recommended to lay more emphasis on GS IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude), Essay component and optional subject chosen by the candidate, without neglecting the importance of other subjects. Proficiency in answer writing techniques is essential. To achieve this, it is advised to keep practicing by attempting mock exams.
The test is designed to assess the knowledge of the candidate in depth. Hence, marks will be awarded for relevant, meaningful and concise answers only. Before writing, it is important to review the question thoroughly and plan an appropriate answer structure. Writing should be legible, and answers should be supported with diagrams and flowcharts, wherever applicable. Reducing the number of unnecessary words will not only help the candidate to complete the paper on time, but it will also help the examiners to evaluate simple and concise answers easily.
Choosing the Ideal Optional Subject
The Civil Services Examination is a highly competitive and prestigious exam in India, and a candidate’s overall score and selection can be greatly influenced by the optional subject they choose. That is why it is important for the candidates to thoroughly read the list of optional subjects and analyze the syllabus for each before making a final decision. The optional subject consists of two papers, each of 250 marks.
There are three major factors that prospective candidates must consider while selecting an optional subject in the UPSC exam. First, the level of interest in the subject is paramount. Secondly, the brevity of the syllabus ensures completion within a reasonable time frame of three to four months. Lastly, the prestige of the subject for higher marks, as some subjects have a greater tendency to produce favorable results. From a range of subjects such as Political Science and International Relations, Public Administration, Statistics, Law, Management, and Literary subjects, it is advised to focus on Political Science and International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology, or Literary subjects because of their high scoring . Possibility.
Another strategy is to choose a subject that the candidate has studied in his/her graduation. This can be an advantage if the person has a strong liking for the subject and finds it intriguing. However, before making a final decision it is important to consider other factors such as the recent trend of marks, difficulty level and familiarity with the subject. In the end, the best strategy is to choose a topic that you find intriguing while taking into account the other factors mentioned above.
interview stage
The final hurdle in clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam is the Personality Test/Interview stage. The marks obtained in the main examination along with the marks obtained in the interview carry a weightage of 275 marks in the final ranking. Successful performance in the interview can significantly enhance a candidate’s chances of getting a higher rank and securing their desired service.
Personality test is different from mains and preliminary exam as it assesses the personal traits of a candidate rather than his/her knowledge. Thus, self-assessment is important for the preparation and should be the primary focus for the candidates. It is important to prepare thoroughly for the mains exam to discuss topics like your optional subject, educational background, place of residence, motivation to become an IAS/IPS officer and current events. Additionally, it is essential to familiarize yourself with each element of your Detailed Evaluation Form (DAF). The DAF serves as a comprehensive summary of your personal and professional information and is shared with the interview panel.
The key to success in UPSC exam lies in thorough knowledge of the syllabus, informed decision making in selection of optional subject and consistent practice and revision. Remember, a holistic approach involving both mental preparation and self-care is important to get the desired results in this highly competitive exam.
– Written by Sarmad Mehraj, Educator & VP, Product (UPSC) at BYJU’S
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