The UPSC has announced that there are 980 vacancies for Civil Services 2017 — rated as one of the toughest exams in the country. The exam consists of three stages: Prelims (qualifying exam), Mains, and Interview (score of both Mains and Interview are taken for final selection). Prelims consists of two papers: General Studies (GS) and CSAT (aptitude), each 200 marks, though only marks obtained in GS are counted for the merit list, while CSAT is a qualifying exam, as one needs to get only 33% — 66 passing marks in CSAT — to clear the Prelims.
The qualifying candidates then appear for the Mains exam which consists of papers in English, an Indian language (Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and so on, depending on one’s choice; these are 300 Marks each, but they are just qualifying exams — only 25% marks are required to pass), Essay for 250 marks, GS (Mains) 1, 2, 3, 4 (250 Marks each), and one optional subject having two papers (250 Marks each). Out of this grand total of 1750, the merit list is prepared and the top ranks are called for the Interview stage (275 marks). The final recommended list of candidates is made out of the marks obtained in the Mains and Interview stages (out of 2025 Marks).
The examination takes almost one year to complete and it is a rather interesting journey for the aspirants, since each stage poses a different challenge. Thus a, different strategy must be applied at each stage to attain success.
Plan systematically: Get yourself acquainted with the different aspects related to the exam: It is crucial that one should do extensive planning for the exam right from the choice of optional subject to the careful scrutiny of UPSC syllabus, previous year exam pattern, time available at one’s disposal, sources to be read, etc. Draw up a monthly, weekly and daily plan based on well-defined targets and try to achieve the targets on time.
Cover your basics and don’t juggle books: The questions asked in the UPSC exam are mostly based on fundamentals. The choice of the sources to study is important as there is so much exhaustive reading material available on the market and on the Internet. Without proper guidance one can get lost. The key is to go through the last 10 years’ GS papers and interviews of last year’s toppers. One can carefully delineate the common sources which are recommended by all. For example, for Indian Polity almost all toppers recommend M. Laxmikanth. Once you have carefully chosen the source, try to master it fully rather than getting anxious about covering the topic from ‘n’ other sources.
Prepare a schedule and stick to it: Remember regularity and consistency matter more than anything else. It is far better to invest six to seven hours daily, rather than studying one day for 18 hours and not studying at all the next day. Every morning, set a target about the syllabus you intend to cover in the day and then in the night, audit your output. This will keep you on track.
Practise last year’s exam papers: And as many mock tests as possible: It is of utmost importance that one should practise as many of these as possible to attain clarity and comfort level for the Prelims. One should focus on analysing each test. Try to view these tests not just as mere evaluating tools, but also as learning tools. Try to learn from your mistakes with a focus on avoiding the same mistakes in the Prelims exam. Also, try to take mock tests from institutes or websites whose questions you find on same toughness level as UPSC. There are certain mock tests on the market which are nothing but encyclopedias of information. Don’t fall into their trap. Focus on mock tests which are relatively on the same level as UPSC.
Maintain a positive attitudeall through the preparation: Considering the time-frame of one year for the entire exam, the preparation can be frustrating and depressing at times but you should not let negativity bog you down. Believe in yourself and your hard work.
The writer is the author of Ancient and Medieval India, published for UPSC and State Civil Services Examinations. After serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police for about six years, she has now joined Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax).