Expert Advice for UPSC Aspirants

Expert Advice for UPSC Aspirants – The UPSC Civil Services exam is widely regarded as one of the most challenging competitive exams in India. It requires thorough preparation and a strategic approach to succeed in one attempt. While there is an abundance of tips and strategies available online, we decided to delve into the experiences and advice of successful women candidates who cracked the exam in their first go.

Here are five valuable tips from these women candidates to help you crack the UPSC Civil Services exam in one attempt.

Create a study plan and stick to it

The UPSC Civil Services exam encompasses a vast array of subjects, ranging from history and geography to economics and current affairs. Aspirants must develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all the subjects and topics of the exam. The plan should be realistic and attainable, and it is essential to adhere to it to avoid unnecessary delays or distractions.

Mansi Jain, who secured Rank 83 in the 2019 UPSC Civil Services exam, emphasizes the importance of a structured study plan. She says, “I religiously followed my self-made study plan, which involved dedicating time to reading, writing, and practicing mock tests. I ensured that I covered all the subjects and topics of the exam, which helped me remain focused and utilized my time efficiently.”

Stay updated with current affairs through newspaper reading

Current affairs play a pivotal role in the UPSC Civil Services exam. Aspirants need to be well-informed about the latest developments, both nationally and globally. Reading newspapers regularly is an excellent way to stay updated on current affairs.

Swati Saini, who secured Rank 32 in the 2019 UPSC Civil Services exam, emphasizes the significance of reading newspapers. She advises, “I made it a habit to keep up with current affairs by regularly reading newspapers. I took notes of important news items and revised them consistently. This enabled me to answer current affairs questions in the exam with confidence.”

Emphasize writing practice

Writing practice is a crucial aspect of scoring well in the UPSC Civil Services exam. Aspirants should focus on practicing essay writing, answering questions, and analyzing case studies. Regular writing practice helps improve writing speed, clarity of thought, and the structure of answers.

Ankita Choudhary, who secured Rank 14 in the 2018 UPSC Civil Services exam, stresses the significance of writing practice. She states, “I dedicated significant attention to writing practice. Regularly practicing essay writing, answering questions, and analyzing case studies enabled me to identify my weaknesses and work on improving them. This ultimately helped me write well-structured and concise answers in the exam.”

Consider joining a coaching institute or study group

Joining a coaching institute or study group can greatly assist in preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam. Coaching institutes offer guidance and resources, while study groups provide peer support and motivation.

Divya Prakash, who secured Rank 352 in the 2019 UPSC Civil Services exam, shares her experience, “I joined a coaching institute for guidance and access to resources. Additionally, I joined a study group to receive peer support and motivation. Both the coaching institute and study group played a critical role in helping me stay focused and motivated during my preparation.”

Prioritize motivation and self-care

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam can be an arduous and lengthy journey. It is essential to prioritize motivation and take care of physical and mental health. Aspirants should schedule breaks, engage in regular exercise, and maintain a healthy diet.

Shivani Goyal, who secured Rank 15 in the 2018 UPSC Civil Services exam, Expert Advice for UPSC Aspirants emphasizes the importance of motivation and self-care. She says, “I maintained my motivation by reminding myself of my goals and the reasons why I aspired to become a civil servant. I also took breaks, engaged in regular exercise, and maintained a healthy diet. These practices helped me remain focused and energized during my preparation.”

Cracking the UPSC Civil Services exam in one attempt is undeniably challenging but not impossible. By following these tips, aspirants can significantly increase their chances of success. It is vital to remember that each aspirant’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the best strategy that suits individual needs and make necessary adjustments to the study plan accordingly.

Lastly, it is imperative to believe in oneself and maintain determination throughout the preparation process. The UPSC Civil Services exam evaluates not only knowledge but also mental resilience and determination. By staying focused, dedicated, and motivated, aspirants can crack the exam and accomplish their dream of becoming a civil servant.