The UPSC Mains Test is an entirely different ball game from preliminaries. To be good at the IAS mains, candidates must have the knowledge and analytical skills and the ability to write responses within the specified time and place limits. Writing answers is an art, and no matter how knowledgeable and wise a candidate is, passing this exam is a long way to go unless the answer booklet expresses what is expected. Therefore, studying all the materials suitable for the IAS exam is essential and practicing writing answers in a simulated test environment.
Here are some essential tips for learning answer-writing skills and getting good grades on the civil service mains exam:
Register for Mains Test Series
One of the most critical steps after building a basic understanding of core topics is to enroll in a Mains or Essay test series and assess your level of preparation. The mains test series helps applicants practice writing answers and understand test patterns and provides clear ideas for potential questions and, most importantly, specializations in this area. It offers the opportunity to be evaluated by the home.
Focus on each topic
All subjects in the Civil Service Exam are equally important, even optional subjects like psychology, sociology, etc., so applicants should ensure that they are appropriately scheduled, divided simultaneously, and focused on each subject along with electives. They can also enrol in test series like sociology test series for better preparation of optional subjects.
Learn about the curriculum
Please read the syllabus of each subject carefully and study only the appropriate ones. However, it is assumed that you have made a thorough preparation during the preparation of the background knowledge and have sufficient background knowledge on the GS topic.
Read NCERT and then look for a standard book
Most of the GS curriculum is covered by NCERTS levels 6-12, so always use NCERTS first to build a stronger foundation. Standard books cover the elective curriculum from level 12 to graduate level. Once you have created a stronger foundation, shift your focus to standard books and study only relevant ones.
Check all current sources
The first and primary source of information for studying the current situation and covering the dynamic parts of the research program is reading newspapers. Indian Express and Hindu are the most recommended. Therefore, sources such as Rajya Sabha TV, Lok Sabha TV, AIR News, editorials, current affairs, budgets, and economic research are essential sources for catching up with current events, which are an integral part of the preparatory process. More than half of the public service network curriculum focuses on current issues.
Practice writing an answer
Writing responses is one of the essential parts of the preparatory process. It is recommended that applicants always begin to practice writing responses daily after acquiring a basic understanding of the topic. UPSC has a time frame for each exam, and applicants must practice writing correctly constructed answers that cover all aspects within the given time.
Continue to revise regularly
Applicants should ensure that at least one day per week is reserved, only for reviews of what has been studied during the week. Thoughts are essential in maintaining the broad syllabus of major civil service lines and creating appropriate notes quickly reviewed even at the last minute.
Write short, precise notes
As mentioned in the previous point, it is always advisable to take short, precise, and valuable notes on essential topics to make a quick, weekly, and last-minute cup. Make a separate note for each topic, including the current situation. Also, the notes should be designed to remind you of the entire topic you researched during the review. So we emphasize the critical points in the note.
Solve the questionnaire from the previous year
Once you have a solid understanding of the syllabus and a good knowledge of the subject through the NCERT and standard books, the next important step is to solve the last five years questionnaire. Not only will it help you practice your answers, but it will also help you analyze fair ideas of test patterns and question trends.
Participate in essential discussions and change your perspective from an ordinary man to that of an administration
UPSC not only looks for candidates who have in-depth knowledge of the given theoretical subject primarily, but also candidates who have a problem-solving approach and a management perspective, and who have adequate decision-making ability. All this can be incorporated into the character by engaging in meaningful discussions about society’s problems or national and international importance issues. Then find a solution. This should also be reflected in response to the central civil service exam.
Remember, after completing UPSC coaching in Delhi, almost all Civil Services aspirants go for various test series. It is essential part of preparations and not the choice, so be serious while writing your test papers.