IAS Mains exam is called the mother of all Exams because of its quality answer writing skills required to answer Mains questions. Today, we share some essential tips & techniques that would help those who are appearing for Mains this year and also students who are preparing for 2020-2021.
Tips To Crack UPSC Mains Exam
UPSC preparation Requires more physical and mental strength. You want to ensure that your practice should be dedicated and focused. Here, we have listed some essential tips for Mains exam preparation.
1. Be Aware of UPSC Mains Syllabus
You should know all the topics specified in the UPSC Mains syllabus. By way of remembering the mains Syllabus topics, you can differentiate the irrelevant and essential topics to be covered for the Mains exam. Develop a habit of having IAS syllabus on your study table; it will help you read important subject issues.
2. Strike a Balance b/w GS and Optional Subject
In the UPSC Mains examination, you should give equal importance to all the exams. Try to balance your Optional subject preparation and GS Mains exam. Few candidates focus only on all GS papers and leave optional and vice versa for others.
3. Work on your Answer writing skills
UPSC mains exam is all about writing good Skills. To get good marks in the Mains exam, you require to practice a lot of questions. So, try to develop a habit of answer writing 1 or 2 answers regularly to improve your answer writing skills.
4. Stay updated with Current affairs
Be it prelims, Mains, or Interview, IAS gives importance to events and current issues. You should always be updated with all the current affairs happening around the world. In the Mains exam, GS Paper 2 & 3 ques asked are based on current issues. Further, current affairs and events will be helpful in writing your Mains optional subjects.
5. Equal importance to all topics and questions
Many candidates cover certain aspects of the syllabus and leave few topics in GS & optional. Always try to cover all the topics covered in the mains syllabus. It is generally believed that you should know something about everything mentioned in the UPSC syllabus.
Even in the UPSC Mains examination hall, give equal importance to all ques & try to answer all the questions given in the paper.
6. Be Aware of UPSC trends
You should be aware of UPSC IAS Mains question trends. For this, you need to refer the last 3 – 4 years’ mains question paper, both GS & Optional. Once you know the type of questions asked by IAS, you can prepare accordingly.
7. Work hard on the Essay section
Develop a habit of writing one essay section topic on a weekly basis. The essay paper plays one of the determining factors in the UPSC Mains exam. To score well in Ethics, Essay paper, you require to practice a lot of essays on various topics.
8. Give due importance to Time Management
Time management is essential in UPSC mains exam preparation. Plan your week, month, and year-long plans in exam preparation with achievable targets. Apart from studies & reading, spend some quality time on extracurricular activities.
9. Stick to selective books & materials
Minimum books & Maximum benefits. You don’t want to read the same subject from various resources. Rather, read the subject topic from one reliable source as many times as possible.
10. Daily Study Plan
Schedule your study plan and stick to those plans. It is not required. You should read 9 to 10 hrs on a regular basis. But try to have a study plan accordingly; it will guide your UPSC exam preparation.