Common Mistakes to Avoid while Preparing for UPSC Exam
The Union Public Service Commission is the body responsible for conducting the IAS exam every year. It is one of the most sought after examinations held in the country with just a few hundred vacancies released every year for recruitment.
The IAS full form is Indian Administrative Services and it is one’s direct entry into the Indian bureaucracy. However, the path to achieving this dream is quite challenging as the competition is very tough and so is the level of the examination.
Generally, what has been observed is that candidates tend to make certain mistakes that cost them a lot in terms of their UPSC preparation. Despite having all the desired study material and resources, they lose their chance of cracking the examination.
Discussed further below are the common mistakes that are committed by aspirants during the course of their preparation and can prove to leave a negative impact on their final result. Thus, to make the aspirants aware and help them avoid committing such errors, we bring to the key points which must not be followed during the exam preparation.
8 Mistakes to Look Out for during IAS Exam Preparation
- Not reviewing the syllabus carefully – Analysing the syllabus and exam pattern is generally the first step of your exam preparation. If a candidate mistakenly reads a different/old syllabus or paper pattern that comprises an un-updated list of topics or an old exam pattern, a lot of time can be wasted in the preparation of irrelevant topics. Thus, spend quality time reviewing the syllabus, subjects and topics within it
- Skipping Revision – A lot of candidates happen to just continue with studying and preparing new topics each day, without focussing on revision. This practice must strictly be avoided. Remembering everything that has been studied just once is not possible and especially keeping the UPSC syllabus in mind, it is not feasible as well. Thus, while making a timetable, devote separate time for revision, regularly
- Not taking mock tests – Just learning things is not enough, testing your understanding of the same is also equally important. This can be achieved by constantly giving mock tests. This will also help candidates comprehend where they stand, what are their strengths and weaknesses and how much more effort do they need to put in to excel in the examination
- Piling up multiple books – Referring to multiple sources can never be of good use. Ensure that you only consider the best set of books that have been referred to by previous year toppers and may comprise the most reliable information with the correct statistical data. Also, consider books that have a few sample questions so as to understand the type of questions that can be asked
- No time management – To cover up the entire syllabus in the given time is a challenge, thus without proper time management, achieving the same can be extremely tough. Most candidates tend to make this mistake. Proper division of time for studying new topics, solving mock tests, reading the newspaper, revising the previous day’s notes, taking breaks, everything must be done in proportion and managed well
- Not Choosing the Optional Subject Wisely – The marks scored in mains are very important as they decide your final merit marks. And of all the subjects included in the UPSC syllabus, optional subjects come in as a boon, so no mistake must be made there. One must wisely choose the optional subject after checking its scope and previous years’ stats and trends. If the optional subject is wisely chosen, it can increase your overall scores but if it is selected carelessly, it can affect your overall scores
- Not Reading the Newspaper Carefully – One of the most recommended tips when it comes to preparing for the UPSC exam is reading the newspaper thoroughly. News and events from all spheres of the world can be learnt along with their backgrounds if a candidate reads the newspaper carefully. Thus, aspirants who fail to focus on reading the newspaper tend to make the biggest mistake
- Not having a mentor – This is not exactly a mistake for everyone, but for those who require assistance but avoid taking it. The entire process of preparation and recruitment can be a bit overwhelming and with the correct guidance, this stress can be relieved a bit. Thus, candidates who are not entirely sure of taking up the preparation by themselves can always look for personal mentor/tutors or coaching institutes
Of all the things mentioned above, one mistake that can effectively impact the entire process is making mistakes while reviewing the syllabus for UPSC. Thus, candidates must refrain from making any such errors and calmly prepare for the exam as once they achieve their goal of cracking the civil service exam, they hold a bright future. And also get to work for the welfare of the country.
