UPSC CSE 2024: Relying on NCERT books for Geography and Economics for Prelims is a safe bet

With UPSC prelims just a month away, a good revision plan is crucial for aspirants to crack one of the toughest exams. While the increasing stress level among candidates is common before any competitive exams, the UPSC CSE Prelims stands apart for having a reputation of being unpredictable and difficult.

 

The UPSC 2024 Prelims is scheduled on June 16, 2024, while the Mains exam will be held on September 20.

 

Aspirants need not worry and can use the following tips to keep matters under control-

 

Prelims MCQs can be tricky, and minimising the error rate is crucial.

Practice Meditation: Spend at least 10 minutes every day meditating at the same time the examination is held. This helps calm your mind and improve focus during the actual exam. For instance, if your exam is scheduled from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, meditate during this period daily. Meditating apps can guide the candidates effectively. Despite last year’s difficulties in prelims, the ones who made it were the ones who kept their cool and managed stress correctly.

 

Focus on revising General Studies (GS) content repeatedly, especially factual information.

Avoid New Content: Reading new material at this stage can overwhelm you. Stick to revising what you have already studied to reinforce your knowledge. For example, if you have notes on Indian Polity or Modern History, go through them multiple times rather than picking up a new book on World History.

 

Simulate the UPSC exam environment to build familiarity and reduce anxiety.

Mock Tests: Practice mock tests at a specific time and in an unfamiliar environment to mimic the actual exam scenario. Create a quiet, distraction-free space and set a timer to replicate exam conditions. A few UPSC-coaching websites offer good mock test series.

Scores: Do not let the scores of mock tests discourage you. Use them as a tool for identifying weak areas and improving them. For example, if you consistently score low in Geography, review those sections and attempt targeted practice questions.

 

 

Regular practice of CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) math and English is essential.

Math questions: Solve a few easy to medium-level math questions daily to sharpen your mathematical skills. Resources like RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude can be very helpful.

 

Reading comprehension and English: Practice these sections daily but avoid overdoing them to prevent burnout. For instance, attempt two to three comprehension passages and a set of logical reasoning questions each day from the previous year's papers or practise books.

 

Do not forget that it is normal to feel under-prepared.

Syllabus completion: Accept that no one can complete the entire syllabus. Focus on what you know and manage your expectations realistically. For instance, prioritise high-yield topics like Indian Polity, Economy, and Environment over less significant areas.

 

Current Affairs is a significant part of General Studies (GS), but revising the static portion is crucial for accuracy.

 

Current Affairs: While important, it is impossible to cover everything. Concentrate on revising the static portions thoroughly to ensure you can handle easy to medium-level questions confidently. For example, review major current events from the last year but do not get bogged down by daily news updates in the final week.

 

Static GS: Use concise materials like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and NCERT books for Geography and Economy or your own notes.

 

Maintaining a healthy routine is vital for optimal performance.

 

Sleep: Ensure you get adequate sleep to keep your mind sharp. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Avoid studying late night as it can disrupt your sleep cycle.

 

Daily Schedule: Keep your daily schedule consistent to maintain a balanced study routine and avoid last-minute cramming. For example, if you study best in the morning, make sure you start your day early and follow a structured timetable.

Preparing and facing the UPSC prelims in the face of cut-through competition is an act of courage and anyone who goes through it should be proud of themselves.