Do’s And Don’ts for UPSC Prelims

Do’s and Don’ts for UPSC Prelims: Preparing for the UPSC Prelims requires a smart strategy, consistent practice, and the right approach on exam day. Knowing the key dos and don’ts can help you avoid common mistakes and focus on what truly matters for scoring well. 

These guidelines not only improve your accuracy but also help you stay calm, manage time better, and approach the exam with confidence. Understanding these essentials sets a strong foundation for clearing the Prelims.

Do’s And Don’ts for UPSC Prelims Preparation

Effective preparation for the UPSC Prelims requires a disciplined and smart approach, rather than just hard work. 

Here are the Do’s and Don’ts for UPSC Prelims preparation strategy:

Must-Do's for UPSC Prelims Preparation

• Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern Religiously: The syllabus is the soul of the exam and acts as your roadmap. Thoroughly understand the UPSC Prelims syllabus and the nature of questions asked before diving into any books.

• Build a Strong Foundation with NCERTs: Begin your General Studies preparation by covering the NCERT textbooks from classes VI to XII. These books provide the basic concepts and theories in a coherent and reliable manner.

• Integrate Current Affairs Daily: Dedicate at least an hour every day to current affairs, as the static portions of the syllabus often have a current affairs twist. Read one standard newspaper like The Hindu, and refer to government resources like PIB (Press Information Bureau) and RSTV (Rajya Sabha TV) analyses.

• Make Topic-Wise and Chronological Notes: Note-making is essential for quick revision and consolidating information. For current affairs, maintain a separate file or notebook and make notes topic-wise to help with the timeline of events.

• Practice Mock Tests and PYQs Consistently: The most important factor in preparation is practicing mock tests and analyzing the results to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Solve at least the last 10 years’ UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) for both GS and CSAT.

• Revise, Revise, Revise: Timely and regular revision is a must to avoid forgetting the vast and diverse syllabus content. Schedule revisions every 10 days to consolidate knowledge.

Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't Overload with Too Many Resources: Sticking to a set of reliable study materials is crucial. Avoid buying multiple books for a single subject, as this can overwhelm you, cause confusion, and waste time.

• Do Not Ignore CSAT: The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is qualifying in nature, but neglecting it can severely impact your chances of clearing the prelims. Allocate dedicated time for CSAT, solve previous years' papers, and take mock tests.

• Don't Spend Excessive Time on One Subject: Allocate time proportionally to all subjects. Focusing too much on your favorite subject at the expense of weaker areas can leave you unprepared for the entire syllabus.

• Don't Isolate Yourself Completely: Engaging in discussions with fellow aspirants can help broaden your understanding, clarify doubts, and provide new insights.

• Do Not Compare Your Preparation with Others: Every aspirant's journey is unique. Focus on your own progress and tailor your strategy according to your strengths and weaknesses to avoid needless anxiety.

Do’s And Don’ts for the Day Before UPSC Prelims

The day before the exam is crucial for mental and physical preparedness. Aspirants need to maintain calm and composure to prevent stress from affecting their performance.

Key Actions to Take

• Keep All Essentials Ready: The day before, organize all the materials you will need, including your printed e-Admit Card (make sure your photo is clear), a valid government Photo ID proof (Aadhar Card, Driving License, etc.), a few black ballpoint pens, and an analog wristwatch.

• Check the Route to the Exam Centre: If possible, visit the examination centre a day prior or thoroughly check the route using a map to estimate the travel time required. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled reporting time to avoid any last-minute rush.

• Revise Short Notes Only: Avoid engaging in hard study. Only revise your hand-written, short, crisp notes or one-pagers that you’ve already prepared for quick reference.

• Eat Light and Sleep Well: Eat a light and healthy meal prepared at home and ensure you get a good night's rest. Adequate sleep (6-8 hours) is vital for your brain to focus and recollect information on the exam day.

• Stay Positive: Relax and meditate. Trust in your preparation and work on removing negative thoughts, such as worrying about failure.

Things to Strictly Avoid

• Do Not Learn Anything New: Avoid picking up new topics, materials, or current affairs on the last day, as this can lead to unnecessary stress and information overload, which you won't be able to retain.

• Do Not Stay Awake Late: Do not study till late at night, as lack of sleep may make you drowsy and sleepy on the day of the exam.

• Avoid Unhealthy Food: Do not experiment with new or outside food, as an upset stomach can ruin your exam.

• Avoid Negative Friends and Comparisons: Do not ask your friends what they have studied or have not, and avoid discussing the paper after the GS paper. This can create needless anxiety.

• Do Not Carry Prohibited Items: Avoid carrying any electronic gadgets, mobile phones, or digital/smartwatches into the exam hall.

Do’s And Don’ts for UPSC Prelims Exam Day and Hall Strategy

Success in the Prelims also depends heavily on how you manage the crucial hours inside the examination hall.

Crucial Steps Inside the Exam Hall

• Reach On Time: Plan your travel to ensure you reach the centre before the gates close, as admission is generally not allowed 10 minutes after the scheduled commencement.

• Fill OMR Sheet Carefully: Fill in all the details on the OMR sheet calmly. Do not leave the OMR sheet filling to the end; fill it up periodically (e.g., after every 45-50 minutes or batch of questions) to prevent last-minute blunders.

• Decide Your Attempt Strategy Quickly: Do a quick reading of the question paper to assess its difficulty level and decide on your attempt strategy.

• Attempt Questions You Are Sure About First: Start by solving the questions you are completely sure about. For the rest, utilize the process of elimination to make an educated guess, but use this method in moderation.

Mistakes to Avoid During the Examination

• Do Not Panic Over Tough Questions: UPSC papers often contain tricky questions. If the paper seems difficult to you, it is likely the same for other candidates. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and move to the next question.

• Do Not Waste Time on One Question: If you get stuck, move on and return to it later. Wasting time on a single question can severely affect your overall attempt.

• Do Not Over-Attempt: There is no predetermined number of questions you must attempt. Do not feel compelled to attempt 90-100 questions; a good attempt is based on the paper's difficulty and your accuracy.