The Civil Services Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is simpler to clear than it initially appears. By developing a plan, it is readily cracked.
Since the UPSC prelims and main exam syllabus have so much in common, the idea is to apply an integrated strategy for both levels which will save you time during revision.
Candidates feel mains are easier to crack because of the success rate of roughly 3% in preliminary exams and about 20-25% in mains. However, there is only enough time for revision between these two levels of exams. In the gap between prelims and main exams, there is less time available to cover new topics.
Why is Integrated Prelim and Main Exam Preparation Necessary?
The UPSC Main syllabus is more in-depth and overlaps the Prelims syllabus by approximately 70%. That implies that you can prepare for both by preparing for the first one.
Even though the subjects covered are the same, each exam’s question format is unique. The Preliminary phase emphasizes conceptual understanding because it is an objective phase, while the Mains phase, which is subjective, emphasizes analysis and current events.
UPSC CSAT Exam
The CSAT exam can be simple for you if you have previously studied science or math. The CSAT would need greater preparation for those studying the arts or humanities. Consequently, you must prepare for the CSAT following your background and level of topical knowledge. But even math graduates should keep in mind that CSAT preparation is important. It would be best if you did better than others to get a good rank, therefore practice question papers and increase your speed.
IAS Prelims Exam
It is advised that you begin your mains preparation simultaneously with your IAS prelims preparation. Prioritize going over the material in the UPSC GS prelims paper. Then go to the subsequent stages before the preliminary exams. You may only finish the UPSC syllabus before the major exams in this manner.
Additionally, you will clearly understand the scope of the IAS curriculum once you begin reading for the IAS mains in advance. Reading about politics, economics, history, and current events will also help you prepare for the UPSC IAS exam. You would be well-positioned for the interview if you did this.
- The GS paper IV is typically the most difficult because students only sometimes meet subjects like ethics and philosophy in class.
- Economics is covered in GS Paper III, which by its very name, tends to frighten individuals. However, if you get the fundamentals right, you can breeze through it.
- Finally, GS paper II should be relatively simple because it deals with politics. The ideas should be clear to anyone who regularly reads newspapers.
- Always keep current events in mind. Now, the UPSC is becoming more and more interested in this. Relate anything you read in the news to the UPSC syllabus. In general, questions on the static portion are formulated with current events in mind.
Tips To Prepare For UPSC Prelims & Mains Together
- Divide the syllabus: Dissecting the entire curriculum into micro-levels is the first step in integrated preparation. Then make connections between various levels and topics. This will help you understand the entire syllabus thoroughly.
- Make links between the subjects: The next step is to connect the topics of one subject with another. This is significant because insightful responses consider the relationships between several topics.
- UPSC Previous Year’s Question Papers: Analyze previous years’ question papers to learn how to connect different areas in both the exams: prelims and mains. Understand the exam pattern. Practice these papers from time to time and make a timetable as per that only.
- Develop a solid conceptual foundation: When forming a UPSC-integrated strategy, please make an effort to research each subject thoroughly and comprehend it from every viewpoint. And make notes for prelims and mains exams separately.
- Adopt a realistic and analytical stance: Being an IAS officer requires analyzing problems and coming up with workable answers. Therefore, go beyond theory whether you are studying for the prelims or mains exam. Understand the practical applications of the knowledge. You’ll be able to respond to any question during the Prelims and Mains phases once you’ve done that. Basic theoretical understanding is beneficial, but you should consider the “why” and “how” when researching a subject.
- Strive for a sensible viewpoint: A sound viewpoint considers every aspect of an event or information while analyzing it. Why? So that you can assess its influence or effect.
- News: Every UPSC aspirant does not read the news to gather knowledge. You read it to find out what the long-term effects will be. You read it to find out how the situation will affect the country. In other words, you have a proper perspective when you read the news that goes beyond facts and data.
- Learn to create concise responses: Clarity writing practice is the final component of the integrated prelims and mains preparation. Develop your ability to respond with clarity. You must be able to respond to each sub-question and back it up with evidence or case studies.
Also read: Tips To Prepare For UPSC Exam Without Coaching
What Subjects Should You Study for an Integrated Prelims/Mains Preparation Strategy?
Below is a list of the subjects you should research using an integrated manner:
- All NCERT Textbooks
- Standard Reference Books
- Indian Society – GS Paper 1
- World History – GS Paper 1
- International Relations – GS Paper 2
- Internal Security – GS Paper 3
- Disaster Management – GS Paper 3
The civil Services Exam is not a race. It is a marathon that calls for commitment and perseverance. To clear the UPSC CSE exam, a solid preparatory approach is essential.
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