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Common Mistakes Done by UPSC Aspirants in Prelims

10th April, 2023

Common Mistakes Done by UPSC Aspirants in Prelims

 

According to APTI PLUS, the civil services exam coaching in Kolkata (click here), the UPSC Prelims exam is the first step towards a career in civil services. Aspirants have to clear the Prelims exam to move on to the next stage, the Mains exam. While the exam is challenging, many aspirants fail to clear it due to common mistakes made during the preparation process as suggested by the civil services exam coaching in Kolkata (click here).

In this blog, we will discuss the common mistakes done by UPSC aspirants in Prelims and how to avoid them.

  1. Not Following a Proper Study Plan

 

According to APTI PLUS, the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here), one of the most common mistakes made by UPSC aspirants is not following a proper study plan. Many aspirants begin their preparation without a clear plan or schedule, which can lead to confusion and inefficiency. A study plan helps aspirants to allocate time to different subjects, revise and practice regularly, and keep track of progress. Without a proper plan, it is easy to get side-tracked, lose focus, and fall behind schedule.

Solution: Create a study plan that is realistic and achievable, with sufficient time allocated to each subject. Set daily, weekly, and monthly targets and work towards achieving them. Regularly revise and practice previous year's papers to assess your progress as suggested by the civil services exam coaching in Kolkata (click here).

  1. Neglecting Current Affairs

Current affairs are an essential component of the UPSC Prelims exam. Many aspirants neglect this aspect of the exam, assuming that it is not important or relevant. However, questions on current affairs can constitute up to 40% of the exam, and neglecting this section can severely impact your chances of clearing the exam as noted by the.

Solution: The best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here)encourages to read newspapers, magazines, and other relevant sources regularly to stay updated on current affairs. Make notes and revise regularly to retain the information.

  1. Ignoring Basic Concepts

UPSC Prelims exam tests aspirants on their understanding of basic concepts and principles. Ignoring or underestimating the importance of basic concepts can lead to a lack of understanding and confusion while attempting the exam.

Solution: According to APTI PLUS, the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here), focus on understanding and mastering basic concepts before moving on to more advanced topics. Use textbooks and other reliable sources to build a strong foundation.

  1. Lack of Practice

Practice is crucial to succeeding in the UPSC Prelims exam. Many aspirants make the mistake of not practicing enough, assuming that theoretical knowledge alone will be sufficient to clear the exam. However, practice is essential to build speed, accuracy, and confidence while attempting the exam as recommended by the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here).

Solution: Practice previous year's papers, mock tests, and other practice materials regularly to assess your progress and build confidence.

  1. Not Managing Time Effectively

 

The UPSC Prelims exam is time-bound, and aspirants must manage their time effectively to attempt all the questions within the given time limit. Many aspirants fail to manage their time effectively, either spending too much time on one section or rushing through others.

Solution: Practice time management techniques such as setting time limits for each section, prioritizing questions based on difficulty level, and quickly moving on from difficult questions as recommended by the civil services exam coaching in Kolkata (click here).

  1. Neglecting Physical and Mental Health

The UPSC Prelims exam is a stressful and challenging process, and neglecting physical and mental health can severely impact your chances of clearing the exam. Many aspirants neglect physical exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet, leading to fatigue, stress, and burnout.

Solution: According to APTI PLUS, the best UPSC coaching in West Bengal (click here), take care of your physical and mental health by incorporating regular exercise, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and getting sufficient rest and sleep. Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress and increase focus.

  1. Not Understanding the Exam Pattern

 

The UPSC Prelims exam has a specific pattern and structure, and understanding the pattern is crucial to preparing for the exam effectively. Many aspirants make the mistake of not understanding the exam pattern, leading to confusion and inefficiency in preparation.

Solution: Study the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly, understanding the marking scheme and weightage of each section. Focus on areas with higher weightage and practice previous year's papers to get a sense of the exam pattern.

  1. Getting Distracted by Extraneous Information

UPSC aspirants often fall into the trap of getting distracted by extraneous information and details that are not relevant to the exam. This can lead to confusion, lack of focus, and inefficiency in preparation.

Solution: Focus on the relevant topics and materials that are part of the exam syllabus. One must avoid getting distracted by extraneous information, and instead, prioritize studying the core concepts and principles.

  1. Lack of Revision

 

Revision is an essential aspect of preparing for the UPSC Prelims exam. Many aspirants neglect revision, assuming that studying the material once will be sufficient. However, revision is crucial to retaining information and improving accuracy and speed.

Solution: Schedule regular revision sessions in your study plan, focusing on areas that need improvement. Use flashcards, mind maps, or other revision techniques to aid retention.

In conclusion, clearing the UPSC Prelims exam requires diligent preparation and avoiding common mistakes. Aspirants must focus on understanding the exam pattern, allocating time effectively, practicing regularly, and taking care of physical and mental health. By avoiding the common mistakes mentioned above and following the solutions, aspirants can increase their chances of success in the UPSC Prelims exam as suggested by the best civil services exam coaching in Kolkata (click here).