The Civil Services Examination is held every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam offers young individuals an opportunity to join India’s esteemed civil services as an officer. These include Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Revenue Services (IRS), Indian Police Services (IPS), Indian Foreign Services (IFS), and others.
Six Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for UPSC Civil Services Exam
Joining these services would provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actively participate and contribute to our country’s growth and development.
The UPSC Civil Services exam is often considered one of the toughest exams in our country and therefore cracking it requires an intense amount of preparation and focus.
Though your journey to become a civil service officer may have many obstacles in the way, you must remain positive and progress each day leaving no stones unturned with the smallest scope for mistakes during preparation.
On that note, let’s talk about a list of some common mistakes that you need to avoid while preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam.
Referring to Multiple Books and Sources
Referring to multiple books for a single subject or topic can lead to confusion and can waste your valuable time. Secure one or two sources that have updated and relevant information in a crisp, easy to grasp manner.
For Current Affairs, read daily newspapers and you can download the best test preparation apps which offer regularly updated current affairs and GK content.
Choosing the Wrong Optional
This is a common yet major mistake committed by candidates appearing for the UPSC exam. Marks scored by candidates in both optional papers in the Civil Services Mains exam are considered for ascertaining the rank in the final merit list.
Aspirants are advised not to follow the herd mentally or follow someone else opinion but instead choose an optional subject in which they have an interest and must consider some other factors as well such as availability of study material and guidance, education background, and others.
Not Having a Proper Study Plan
The UPSC Civil Services exam has a lengthy and intense selection process. This demands a rock-solid preparation from students which is difficult to achieve without a study plan in place.
Furthermore, The only way you will be able to cover the UPSC civil services syllabus with proper time for attempting mock tests and revision is through creating a proper study plan.
Not Following the UPSC Syllabus
The UPSC syllabus should be used as a guideline while studying for the UPSC civil services exam. It is advised that you adhere to the syllabus as it will save a lot of your time and that you have covered every area on which you will be tested in the exam.
Before starting your preparation, examine the syllabus carefully which will help you in creating a preparation strategy.
Lack of Revision
Due to the huge syllabus of the Civil Services exam, it becomes extremely difficult to remember everything studied earlier. One way to get a hold of everything you have studied is through making short notes and regular revision.
Your study timetable should permit enough time for timely revision before you appear for the exam.
Not Attempting Regular Mock Tests
Practice is crucial for success in any exam including UPSC Civil Services. The civil services prelims exam has a negative marking scheme which makes it even more important for candidates to be more accurate and quick with their answers, which can only be improved through rigorous practice.
On the other hand, Civil services Mains exams are often lengthy and are descriptive in nature which requires candidates to answer questions in a lucid and crisp manner with proper introduction, body, arguments, and conclusion.
This can only be perfected through practice. With that said, attempting mock tests and quizzes can be of great help to ensure adequate practice.
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