How to excel at UPSC Civil Service Exam

UPSC Civil Service Examination is one of the most difficult exams in India. Most of the students always question, “can an average student qualify the UPSC CSE examination?”. All aspirants should know that there is no link between civil service preparation and previous academic performance. The UPSC exam is a tough exam, and nothing will be able to stop a candidate who is committed to achieving. Every applicant possesses a special characteristic that can make them stand out from the crowd. Marks can only be used as a ticket to qualify for the UPSC test. However, candidates must recognise that success in the UPSC exam is the result of a combination of variables including efforts, rigorous practise, commitment, and dedication.

Every year, more than lakhs of people apply for the UPSC exam, but only a few hundred people are chosen to become IAS officers. The civil services test is unquestionably difficult, and this post is for people who believe that passing the exam in their very first attempt is difficult. UPSC exam has passed by both academically gifted pupils and those who did not excel in high school or college. 

Tricks and Tips for Average Student to Crack the IAS Exam

Go Slow and Steady

If you are an average student, you need to stick to your examination schedule. Do not skip any day during your preparation. Take double the efforts. Go slow but steady.

Read the Newspaper Daily

In IAS preparation, a newspaper plays a crucial role. Reading newspapers every day may seem boring, yet it is a much-needed habit especially for an IAS candidate. Reading the newspaper daily is considered as the ideal source for learning about current events and staying up to date on national & international news. The students should know how to read newspapers for the IAS exam and take notes from them. Candidates can utilise this information to justify their answers on the UPSC main exam and to write the essay. Subjective data is used in the critical evaluation of influential people.

Answer writing skills 

The UPSC mains examination has the most crucial role in determining your rank and recommendation. How you present your answers truly impacts your overall marks. The best way to enhance your answer writing skills is to practice writing answers regularly. Once answer writing becomes your habit, it is easier for you to frame qualitative answers without creating chaos. There are a ton of questions behind NCERT, which you should practice on a daily basis without the help of the book. This will give you an understanding of how to write the answer. 

Syllabus

Students should look at the IAS Syllabus in sections rather than as whole when studying for the IAS test. Although the syllabus might be extensive, it could be separated into sections. Every section might be thoroughly examined by paying close attention. Any systematic preparation begins with a thorough understanding of the syllabus, and it will assist you in your preparation as well as in avoiding issues that are irrelevant.

Right Attitude

In order to succeed in any field, you must have the appropriate and positive mindset. As a result, having the appropriate mindset is essential for success on the UPSC exam. Aspirants who are not afraid to work hard have a better chance of passing the UPSC test. Students who put in continuous long study hours, on the other hand, have a better probability of passing the UPSC exam. Candidates who do not become bored or upset when studying extensive and lengthy themes, information, and resources can be confident of a decent UPSC exam result. A candidate who aspires to be an IAS officer must have self-confidence and a never-say-die mentality.

Developing Personal Skills

To be effective IAS officers, candidates must pass the UPSC exam and demonstrate a variety of personal and interpersonal abilities. Candidates with strong interpersonal skills and communication may readily communicate their views and opinions to others and serve as effective leaders in their fields, making them attractive qualities for civil officials. Future IAS officials should have an analytical mind and be able to come up with inventive solutions to various challenges. As a result, candidates might improve their chances of passing the UPSC exam by reading, listening to, and following newspapers & successful leaders.

Things to avoid as an Average Student

Extra study materials should be avoided

Because there are so many study resources and specialists to follow on the internet, staying focused on what counts the most is a constant challenge. Start with the basics, preferably NCERTs, and work your way up.

Avoiding Taking Notes

During your preparation, you have a huge amount of the syllabus to study, and most of it would be wasted if you didn’t take notes. Your notes are your most valuable asset during the preparation process, and they must be kept for revisions and, more crucially, for information retention. Make notes unless you have a mind trick that allows you to have an eidetic memory. Please!

Ignoring the revision

Several applicants devote all of their time to reading a book one unit after another—but do not revise them on a regular basis. You must accept that whatever you read will fade away after a given length of time unless you update it, which will aid in its retention. It’s crucial to review your course material frequently.

Conclusion

These tips to crack an IAS Exam will definitely be helpful when you start preparing for it and fulfil your dream to be an IAS officer. You must have to believe in yourself, and remember that determination is key to achieving all your goals. If a student is serious about passing the UPSC exam, they should not be concerned about their academic performance in the past. Instead, they should devote all of their attention and effort to studying for the UPSC exam. The UPSC exam has no bearing on a candidate’s previous academic performance. The qualifying candidate’s ultimate selection is based on their ability and commitment to attaining their objective of becoming a civil servant. A candidate can only become a civil servant if he or she has a strong desire to work for the government. An average student can also pass the IAS exam with sheer dedication and hard work.