UPSC preparation is tough, why won’t it be? It is one of the toughest exams in the world after all. The syllabus is so vast that it feels like you are short on time. But managing your studies in the time you’ve got is what you need to clear this exam. That’s where tips from people who have been through this journey can come in handy. So, here are a few tips from someone who has given the UPSC exams six times – failed prelims twice, failed mains twice and cleared the exam twice.
I’ve given 6 attempts at UPSC CSE
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
I’ve failed prelims twice, failed Mains twice and I’ve cleared the exam twice.
10 things I wish I knew in my first attempt:
1. UPSC preparation is boring
1. UPSC prep is BORING.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
Success in UPSC comes from doing boring things everyday – for months on end.
2. All subjects are not equal – learn to prioritise
2. All subjects are NOT equal.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
In UPSC prep you need to do a lot of subjects, but not at the same time. Learn to prioritise, it will save you a lot of headaches.
Ex: complete polity and economy before ancient and medieval.
3. The syllabus is vast – you won’t be able to complete the entire syllabus
3. You will NOT be able to complete the syllabus.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
Because of the vast syllabus, at best you’ll be able to cover 85 – 90% of the syllabus.
Learn to live with that sense of incompleteness.
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4. Be prepared to fail and learn how to fail less next time
4. Get used to failing. A LOT.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
Controlled failure is essential during prep.
You need to fail in:
• Mock tests
• Mock interviews
• Achieving your daily targets
And then figure out how to fail less next time.
5. Be patient
5. Some things just need time. Be patient.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
You will not improve tomorrow. But in order to improve you need to show up everyday.
Even when you don’t see progress, trust the process.
6. Take things one at a time
6. ONE thing at a time.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
Doing 4 different subjects in a day is a sure way of wasting precious time and effort.
7. Take your studies seriously
7. Take responsibility for your studies.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
UPSC prep is a full time job. If you’re not studying 8-10 hours/day you’re not serious about your prep.
8. You don’t need too much advice, what you need to do is Start
8. Too much advice is bad advice.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
If you keep asking for the best strategy, the best institute, the best books, you will never start.
The people who succeed are the ones who act, not just ask. Make mistakes and then ask how it can be done better.
9. Learn to manage your emotions
9. Learn to manage your emotions.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
During prep you will come across:
• Guilt
• Low self esteem
• Anxiety
Meditation helps but YOU are responsible for managing YOUR emotions. Find out what works for you.
No one else is coming to save you.
10. Set realistic targets
10. You are human.
— Abhijeet (@abhiwhy) August 18, 2022
You are not a machine. Expecting yourself to perform at 101% everyday is a recipe for failure.
Set realistic targets, make it easy for yourself to win.
These tips are great if you are preparing for your first attempt and are equally useful for those at different stages of their UPSC journey.
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