The UPSC Prelims exam 2024 is going to be conducted on June 16. This Civil Services Exam (CSE) for the appointment of top-notch government officials across various departments sees lakhs of applicants every year. In 2023 alone, around 13 lakh candidates appeared in the UPSC Prelims exam. During the preparatory stage of this sought-after exam, aspirants undergo severe anxiety and self doubt.Moreover, they experience a lot of confusion about what to prioritise and not during this stage of revision. In case of many UPSC aspirants, performance pressure and stress blow out of proportion in the last leg of preparation. With less than 15 days remaining for the UPSC Prelims 2024 exam, Shubham Aggarwal, Director and Chief Mentor, Vidyapeeth IAS Academy, shares smart strategies to stay calm, make the most of this crucial period of revision with the right priorities and ace the exam.
Trust yourself
If you know that you have been guided well with your conceptual clarity, covered most topics judiciously, practised enough mocks and revised your course enough, you have ticked all the boxes that you need to. Just have faith in your ability and you will do it.
Negate the negatives
Avoid negative people, the ones who doubt your abilities, including your peers, friends, family, and even mentors who only criticise, but never inspire. Instead, surround yourself with people who have a positive mindset. They can help you see beyond the negative thoughts that may surround you during this phase of UPSC preparation.
Meditate
A sound mind is the top most priority for any tough exam, including UPSC Prelims. In this stage of preparation, when anxiety looms large, your mind should be clutter free and full of positive thoughts. You should feel happy and jubilant about yourself and the hard work that you put in so far for this exam. The best way to achieve this is taking out 20 minutes from your schedule every morning and evening for breathing exercises like anlom-vilom, bhastrika and kapalbhati among others. Stay hydrated, eat well and take short walk breaks.
Do not try to grasp new topics
In the last phase of your Civil Services Exam preparation revise topics that you are conversant with. Do not pick up a new topic, a new book, or unsolicited study material that pops up in your inbox by a coaching centre trying to woo aspirants with the last-moment free stuff. Revise 1 book 10 times, instead of 10 books once.
Set your priorities right
Focus on important areas like Current Affairs, Environment, International Relations (with mapping) to maximise your output. Do not forget to go through the mistakes committed during your UPSC mock tests and review them.
Don’t focus too much on newspapers
It’s okay to devote 15 minutes every day to reading newspapers. Quickly go through all relevant headlines and editorial subtitles, which give you the gist of new happenings around you. This will allow you to attempt a factual question if any, and will also boost your current affairs knowledge for the UPSC Mains exam.
ALSO READ:UPSC Prelims admit card: Check last 10 years’ hall ticket release date for CSE
Take mocks tests once in a while
Do not completely remain out of touch with mock tests. Practise one mock test in the week before your UPSC Prelims exam for both GS and CSAT. Choose a full syllabus mock for GS, instead of a sectional one.
Talk to your mentors
A good mentor will never hesitate to help you out at any phase of the UPSC exam. Hand holding during the last few days is crucial. Remember, good mentors are always there.
Best wishes!
(The expert can be reached at [email protected]. His specialisations include General Studies, Political Science and International Relations Optional)
Trust yourself
If you know that you have been guided well with your conceptual clarity, covered most topics judiciously, practised enough mocks and revised your course enough, you have ticked all the boxes that you need to. Just have faith in your ability and you will do it.
Negate the negatives
Avoid negative people, the ones who doubt your abilities, including your peers, friends, family, and even mentors who only criticise, but never inspire. Instead, surround yourself with people who have a positive mindset. They can help you see beyond the negative thoughts that may surround you during this phase of UPSC preparation.
Meditate
A sound mind is the top most priority for any tough exam, including UPSC Prelims. In this stage of preparation, when anxiety looms large, your mind should be clutter free and full of positive thoughts. You should feel happy and jubilant about yourself and the hard work that you put in so far for this exam. The best way to achieve this is taking out 20 minutes from your schedule every morning and evening for breathing exercises like anlom-vilom, bhastrika and kapalbhati among others. Stay hydrated, eat well and take short walk breaks.
Do not try to grasp new topics
In the last phase of your Civil Services Exam preparation revise topics that you are conversant with. Do not pick up a new topic, a new book, or unsolicited study material that pops up in your inbox by a coaching centre trying to woo aspirants with the last-moment free stuff. Revise 1 book 10 times, instead of 10 books once.
Set your priorities right
Focus on important areas like Current Affairs, Environment, International Relations (with mapping) to maximise your output. Do not forget to go through the mistakes committed during your UPSC mock tests and review them.
Don’t focus too much on newspapers
It’s okay to devote 15 minutes every day to reading newspapers. Quickly go through all relevant headlines and editorial subtitles, which give you the gist of new happenings around you. This will allow you to attempt a factual question if any, and will also boost your current affairs knowledge for the UPSC Mains exam.
ALSO READ:UPSC Prelims admit card: Check last 10 years’ hall ticket release date for CSE
Take mocks tests once in a while
Do not completely remain out of touch with mock tests. Practise one mock test in the week before your UPSC Prelims exam for both GS and CSAT. Choose a full syllabus mock for GS, instead of a sectional one.
Talk to your mentors
A good mentor will never hesitate to help you out at any phase of the UPSC exam. Hand holding during the last few days is crucial. Remember, good mentors are always there.
Best wishes!
(The expert can be reached at [email protected]. His specialisations include General Studies, Political Science and International Relations Optional)
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