Primer For Prelims

With just a few days in hand for Prelims, dates in the calendar must be appearing deceptive. This is a phase where we often get confused and start losing momentum. Many of us who have worked very hard and smart till now suddenly lose steam at this juncture and eventually throw themselves out of the race. So here are some practical tips to manage stress in these crucial days and to ensure that all the efforts taken are translated into results. (The focus is deliberately on the freshers).

1. Stick to Basics.

This is the phase when you should be able to decide what to read and what not to.  Focus more on revising the minimum basic parts like the Constitution, History-Geography 11-12^th NCERTs etc. Each year there are minimum 55 to 60 questions from the basic core of the syllabus. Do not fall in the trap of going after loads of new information. By going after new reading you may score one extra question, but at the same time you are risking 10-12 basic questions. In the last 10 days stop going after new readings.

2. Use reverse planning method.

Start planning in a reverse way. For instance- 3 days before the exam can be buffer slot, 2 days before that can be for Polity and Economics and so on. This will help you make a more realistic plan.Utilize the buffer slot wisely. In this slot just scan through basics and spend more time on topics which are tough to remember.

3. Keep solving MCQs.

Prelims is all about selecting the most appropriate alternative. Keep on solving MCQs on daily basis, at least till the last week. Don’t evaluate yourself. Use MCQs as a feedback system for targeted revision.

More on Revisions

https://abhijitraut10.wordpress.com/2016/05/25/revisions/

4. Don’t underestimate/overestimate CSAT.

Yes you don’t need to give whole day to CSAT but keep on solving few questions from CSAT. More importantly solve these questions in afternoon post lunch session just to get into the exam mode. And attempt the CSAT paper positively- solve the paper forgetting that it is merely a qualifying one.

More on CSAT

https://abhijitraut10.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/befriending-csat/

5. Set your body clock right.

Well, a lot of us are having own body cycles (I am myself more of a nocturnal reader). But a week prior to exam, set your body clock in tune with the exam schedule. As mentioned earlier, solve MCQs in time slots in which you will be attempting the exam.

6. Keep scanning Newspapers.

Just keep on going through the daily newspapers in this period. This will help you to maintain the link with current happenings. Also keep a watch on pre-determined events like Foreign visits of dignitaries, Satellite launch, Sports events etc. which may appear in Prelims question paper.

7. Manage the D-Day confidently.

Plan the exam day properly. Stay relaxed and confident. Hall ticket, Centre, Lunch: These might be very small or trivial issues- at times funny. But managing such small things can help a lot. More detailed analysis in this regard can be found on

https://abhijitraut10.wordpress.com/2014/08/08/gearing-up-for-the-big-day-prelims-2014/

With all these things in mind, stay confident and keep fighting to achieve your goal. Remember- A relaxed mind can do wonders. Focus on managing the study schedule and planning the exam day properly. UPSC Prelim is just an exam. Don’t get burdened by the hype around. Stay calm and rock the exam! Good Luck!!