Mistakes to avoid in UPSC preparation: beginners guide

UPSC exam is known as one of the most challenging exams in the country. One can clear this exam with the help of guidance and being focused on the exam.

The Civil Services Examination is conducted each year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). UPSC recruits officers for various posts such as Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Foreign Services (IFS), Indian Revenue Services (IRS), Indian Police Services (IPS), etc.

While preparing, even a small mistake could lead to all the hard work being wasted. If you want to work for the country, you need to be dedicated and not make a single mistake. To avoid making mistakes, in this article, we will discuss some of the aspirants' common mistakes while preparing for the UPSC exam.

Mistakes to Avoid in UPSC Preparation

1. Preparing without a Study Plan

This is a common mistake that UPSC aspirants make is that they start preparing for the exam without a study plan. They start reading the books without looking at the topics and not having a good strategy which in turn obstructs the preparation. Aspirants should create a one-year study plan and stick to it. In this manner, it will allow the aspirants to follow a routine, complete the syllabus on time and revise the topics.

2. Referring to a lot of Books for Preparation

While preparing, most of the aspirants end up referring to many books for studying and then, because of that, fail to revise the topics in the end. So to avoid this kind of mistake, it is best to refer to only the standard books suggested for the preparation.

3. Not Checking out last Years' Papers

Many aspirants don't check out last years' papers, as they contain a lot of questions that are repetitive and help get an idea of the exam pattern and what kind of questions are asked. So make sure to get a copy of last year's question papers for preparation. 

4. Don't Avoid Taking Mock Tests

After doing a lot of studies, it is essential to take a test and see where you stand among others and your progress in the exam stage. For that, join a good IAS coaching institute that offers mock test series and get feedback from the teachers.

5. Manage Time

Make the most of the time you have. It means that the aspirant gets a lot of time preparing for the UPSC exam, so it is important to manage the time and make the most of what you have got in hand. It is very important as having a proper time management strategy will help you clear the exam on the first attempt. 

6. Not Reading Newspapers

It is seen that most of the aspirants find reading newspapers a cumbersome activity so they end up not keeping track of the current events. Current events play a crucial role in the UPSC exam. So, it is advised to read the newspaper every day for at least 30 minutes. Also, watch the news read blogs and magazines. 

7. Not Making Notes while Studying

Not making notes while studying is a mistake and should be avoided at all costs by the aspirants. All the students must make it a habit of making notes, highlighting important points to help in revision and focusing on the topic much easier. 

8. Don't Forget to Practice

The syllabus is so vast, so it is suggested that after being done with a certain topic, it is important to practice and see what your strengths and weaknesses are and work on them. 

9. Don't Forget about the Optional Subject

Along with other subjects, give equal emphasis to the optional subject. Also, don't give all the time to the optional subject only. Divide the time and prepare according to your grasping power.

10. Take Care of your Health

A saying goes like this: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." It means that while preparing for this difficult exam, it is seen that most of the aspirants study all day and all night for focusing on the exam. This, in turn, can cause emotional damage and lead to being tired and not being able to recollect the information during the exam. So it is suggested to get good sleep, eat properly, do exercise or go for a walk as it will allow you to freshen up and lift your spirits.

Final Word

So to wrap up this topic, I hope that this article was helpful to you. While preparing for this exam, it is important to have a clear plan and know what you want since even making a small mistake will lead to all the efforts in vain. Have self-confidence, be focused, and avoid making the mistakes listed above.

If you wish to clear the IAS exam, then The Thought Tree (T3) is here to help you. T3 is a well-known and reputed institute in Jaipur, Rajasthan. T3 offers the kind of assistance required to clear the UPSC exam. It offers teaching concepts from ground zero, mentorship, weekly test series, mock tests designed according to the latest exam pattern, and interview guidance.