UPSC ESE Mains 2024 Last Minutes Strategy, Check 12 Best Tips

UPSC ESE Mains 2024 Last Minutes Strategy: The UPSC ESE Mains 2024 exam is set for Sunday, June 23rd, and will be conducted in two shifts: morning (09:00 AM to 12:00 PM) for Paper 1 and afternoon (02:30 PM to 05:30 PM) for Paper 2, covering Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Telecommunication Engineering. The Union Public Service Commission conducted the preliminary exam on February 18, 2024, and results have been released. Applicants who passed the preliminary stage are now eligible for the mains. As this highly competitive exam nears, it’s necessary to understand and implement the UPSC ESE Mains 2024 Last Minutes Strategy and Tips to excel and perform at your best.

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UPSC ESE Mains 2024 Last Minute Strategy- Highlights of the Exam

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UPSC ESE Mains 2024 Last Minute Strategy

Revise Important Topics

• In the last few days, focus on revising subjects and topics with the highest weightage in the exam. Prioritize core concepts and frequently asked questions. Skim through summaries, key points, and highlighted sections in your notes to reinforce your understanding.

Practice Previous Years' Papers

• Solving past ESE Mains papers is important. It familiarizes you with the exam pattern and question types. Time yourself while solving these papers to get a realistic sense of your pace. Identify weak areas and focus on improving them. This practice helps in building confidence and reducing exam anxiety.

Time Management

• Effective time management can significantly enhance your performance. Practice completing papers within the allotted time to improve your speed and accuracy. Break down your time allocation for each section and stick to it. Use a timer during your practice sessions to ensure you stay within the time limits.

Mock Tests

• Taking mock tests under exam-like conditions is one of the best ways to prepare. Regular mock tests help you simulate the actual exam environment, making you more comfortable and less stressed on the day of the exam. Analyze your performance in these tests to identify areas where you can improve and fine-tune your test-taking strategy.

Focus on Strengths

• While it's important to work on weak areas, don't neglect your strengths. Ensure you have a strong grasp of subjects you excel in, as they can help you score higher. Reinforcing your strengths will boost your confidence and balance your overall performance.

Short Notes and Formulas

• Prepare concise notes and formula sheets for quick revision. Summarize key points, important formulae, and critical concepts in a compact format. These quick-reference notes can be invaluable in the final days before the exam, when you need to revise efficiently.

12 Best Last Minute Tips for UPSC ESE Mains 2024

1. Begin By Carefully Reading the Instructions

• One of the most vital aspects of any exam is understanding the instructions. Upon receiving the exam booklet, spend a few moments thoroughly reading and comprehending the guidelines. Pay attention to details such as the number of questions to be answered, any special instructions for specific sections, and the correct method for filling out the answer sheet. Misinterpreting instructions can lead to unnecessary mistakes and a significant loss of marks.

2. Understand How to Use Non-Programmable Calculators

• Non-programmable calculators are allowed in the UPSC ESE Mains 2024 exam, and being well-versed in their functions can be a game-changer. Familiarity with your calculator's basic and advanced functions can save precious time during complex calculations and prevent errors. Practice using your calculator while solving sample problems to ensure you can use it efficiently under exam conditions.

3. Carefully Fill Out the QACB

• The Question Answer Cum Booklet (QACB) must be filled out meticulously. Errors in the QACB can lead to confusion; therefore, fill out your entries, including your roll number, question numbers, and other details, actively, before strategizing the exam booklet. Correctly filling out the QACB ensures that your answers are evaluated properly.

4. Use Blue and Black Ballpoint Pens

• It is advised to use only blue and black ballpoint pens for writing answers. Using other colors or types of pens may lead to the disqualification of those answers. Ensure you have plenty of blue and black pens ready to avoid any interruptions during the exam. This small but crucial detail can prevent unnecessary penalties.

5. Frame Your Answers Carefully

• Given the limited space provided in the QACB, it is vital to frame your answers confidently and concisely. Practice writing precise and to-the-point answers during your revision sessions. Avoid verbose explanations and focus on delivering clear, well-structured responses that directly address the questions.

6. Attempt Only the Required Number of Questions

• Stick to the number of questions asked and do not attempt more than required. Attempting extra questions can lead to wasted time and effort, which could be better spent refining the answers to the required questions. Focus on quality rather than quantity to maximize your marks.

7. Avoid Using Pencils for Writing Answers

• While pencils can be used for drawing diagrams, avoid using them for writing answers. Answers written in pencil may be erased or considered during evaluation, leading to a loss of marks. Stick to using blue and black ballpoint pens for all written responses to ensure they are evaluated.

8. Write Neatly and Clearly

• Good handwriting is critical for ensuring that the examiner can read your answers without difficulty. Poor handwriting can lead to a deduction of up to 5% of the marks, and in extreme cases, the examiner may reject poorly written answers altogether. Practice writing neatly and legibly to avoid this penalty.

9. Use One Medium – English

10. Provide Relevant Answers

• Superficial answers that do not address the question directly will not be awarded marks. Ensure your answers are precise, relevant, and to the point. Focus on understanding the question thoroughly before attempting an answer. This approach helps in providing high-quality responses that meet the exam's requirements.

11. Effective Expression

• Credit is given for orderly, effective, and exact expression combined with due economy of words. Practice writing concise and clear answers that are easy to understand and logically structured. Effective expression not only makes your answers more readable but also showcases a clear understanding of the subject matter.

12. Understanding Minimum Qualifying Marks

• Prelims: 15% for non-PwBD, 10% for PwBD in each paper.
• Mains: 20% for non-PwBD, 10% for PwBD in each paper.

UPSC ESE Mains 2024- Exam Schedule

UPSC ESE Mains Exam Pattern 2024