It is no secret that UPSC Civil Services is one of the toughest examinations in India. Every year lakhs of students sit to acquire a job as a civil servant. However, only a few of the candidates get their names in the UPSC CSE Final Result list. There are manifold reasons to not get qualified, such as less dedication, poor preparation, lack of consistency, revision, etc. Â
Moreover, as we all know, the preparation for UPSC is like a marathon that requires consistency and the vast syllabus demands significant revision. So, in this blog, we list down 4 major techniques that help you in quick revision. Also, there will be some strategies to remain consistent during the UPSC preparation.
Table of Contents
First Work on strengths rather than weaknesses
Practice Previous Year Questions and Solve Mock Tests
Choose Any Good Online Platform
How to Stay Consistent During the UPSC preparation?
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in the Civil Services Preparation
4 Techniques for Revision
Make Notes/ Mind Maps
Studying with notes is one of the best ways of revision. The notes can be prepared in the form of mind maps, small paragraphs, short notes, rhymes, etc. However, it is advised to make notes per the aspirant’s learning style.
For instance, if an aspirant is comfortable with making notes in the form of pointers, they can go for that. There are many other techniques of revision that you can search online.
First Work on strengths rather than weaknesses
Though many advise working on weaknesses first, ideally, it is better to work on strengths and then work on areas that require much effort and attention. For example, if an aspirant is good at logical reasoning, then working on the question related to that is more profitable than moving to a topic or subject that is challenging.
This way, you can utilize your time effectively and expect your name in the UPSC CSE Final Result list.
Practice Previous Year Questions and Solve Mock Tests
For revision of the vast syllabus of UPSC, previous year pa[ers are the holy grail because past year’s papers familiarize you with the type of questions, exam format, exam pattern, and structure.
Additionally, giving mock tests help analyze your actual weaknesses and strengths, and later on, one can work on them.
Choose Any Good Online Platform
Well, the online platform is quite an affordable and convenient option to prepare for the competitive exam. Though you can also opt for offline coaching, many UPSC aspirants knack over others with online classes.
Moreover, proper UPSC courses are available online, and if followed properly, one can ace their preparation.
How to Stay Consistent During the UPSC preparation?
Consistency is one of the keys to getting the name in the UPSC CSE Final Result list. Below given are some strategies one can adopt to maintain consistency in their preparation:
Make Realistic Goals: Setting realistic goals is the first step towards consistency. In order to maintain the focus, you need to set real and achievable goals which can be accomplished in a finite amount of time.
Design a schedule: A schedule and study plan are crucial to staying consistent in the preparation. So, make a plan, follow it properly, and take breaks if you are feeling burnout.
Follow the Approach of Dynamic Programming: It works on the principle of divide and conquer. Firstly, you have to break the topics into smaller chunks that enable you to understand the concept better and then learn them whole.
Make use of Available Resources: There are many offline and online resources available, and if utilized correctly, they help understand the topics much better. This helps you stay consistent in preparation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in the Civil Services Preparation
Knowing about common pitfalls is as necessary as knowing about the positives. Below given are some of the pitfalls which you need to avoid:
- If the proper plan is not followed, then it can lead to a disorganized and chaotic approach to your UPSC preparation
- Lack of proper assessment leads to poor learning. Regular assessment help understand the areas of improvement
- If adequate breaks are not taken, then it can make you feel monotonous and can lead to less focus and burnout
Final Thoughts
Preparing for an exam like Civil Services is an arduous process that requires a lot of effort and time. However, with a significant strategy, one can get their name in the UPSC Civil Services Final Result. Moreover, in this blog, we made you understand the importance of revision and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What Do You Mean by the 7-3-2-1 Method of Revision?
Ans. The 7-3-2-1 is the technique to revise things faster. For instance, if you are preparing for the topic today and want to retain it in your memory for the long- term, then you should study the topic today, tomorrow, the day after, then on the seventh day from when you study the topic first.
Q2. What Are the Techniques of Revision for the Civil Services Exam?
Ans. There are many techniques of revision that are available; you can search for them online. However, there are some well-known techniques as follows:
- Solve previous year’s question papers and mock tests
- Make use of shortcut method or rhyme to remember points
- To revise important topics or points, use sticky notes
- Technique of flashcards
Q3. How to Maintain Consistency in the UPSC Preparation?
Ans. Consistency in the UPSC examination can be accomplished by setting up achievable goals, creating a study schedule, and following it properly. Moreover, you can also join a group of people who are preparing for this exam. Doing this will also help you stay accountable and motivated.
Q4. How to Stay Focussed During the Preparation of UPSC?
Ans. There can be many ways to stay focused while studying for UPSC. For instance, you can make use of techniques like exercise or meditation to increase your focus. Additionally, you can use different methods of study and switch them if needed.
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