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UPSC prelims exam strategy : 7 Day Best plan
The UPSC prelims exam is the first hurdle that every aspirant has to clear in order to become a civil servant in India. This exam is a gateway to the UPSC Mains Exam, which is the next stage of the selection process. The prelims exam is known for its rigorous and competitive nature, as lakhs of aspirants apply for a limited number of vacancies.
Therefore, it is crucial for aspirants to have a well-defined UPSC prelims exam strategy in place to crack this exam. In this blog, we have provided effective tips that can help aspirants to prepare for the UPSC Prelims exam strategy and improve their chances of success. Explore here to know some key strategies for preparing for the UPSC prelims exam, as well as important subjects to focus on during your preparation.
UPSC prelims exam strategy plan
Understand the Exam Pattern
Before starting your preparation, it is important to understand the exam pattern of the UPSC Prelims Exam. The exam consists of two papers – General Studies Paper 1 and General Studies Paper 2 (also known as CSAT). General Studies Paper 1 comprises 100 questions from various subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science and technology, while General Studies Paper 2 comprises 80 questions on topics such as Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Analytical Ability.
Build a Strong Foundation
It is essential to build a strong foundation in the core subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, and Economics. NCERT books are a great source for building a strong foundation in these subjects. Make sure to read these books thoroughly and revise them multiple times.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Current affairs play a crucial role in the UPSC Prelims Exam. Keep yourself updated with the latest news and events happening in the country and around the world. Read newspapers, magazines, and other relevant sources to stay updated.
Practice Mock Tests
Practice mock tests regularly to gauge your level of preparation. Also, analyze your performance and work on your weak areas. Additionally, mock tests will also help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
Revision is Key
Revision is crucial for the UPSC Prelims Exam strategy. So, make sure to revise your notes and books regularly. Therefore, this will help you retain the information and recall it easily during the exam.
Important subjects for UPSC prelims exam strategy
- History: Indian history is an important subject for the UPSC Prelims Exam. Focus on topics such as Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, and World History.
- Geography: Indian and World Geography is another important subject for the UPSC Prelims Exam. Focus on topics such as Physical Geography, Economic Geography, and Environmental Geography.
- Polity: Indian Polity is an essential subject for the UPSC Prelims Exam. Hence, focus on topics such as the Constitution of India, the Indian Parliament, State Governments, and Local Governments.
- Economics: Indian Economy is an important subject for the UPSC Prelims Exam. Therefore, focus on topics such as Macro-Economics, Micro-Economics, and Economic Reforms.
- Science & Technology: Science and Technology is an emerging subject in the UPSC Prelims Exam. So, focus on topics such as Space Technology, Biotechnology, and Information Technology.
UPSC prelims exam strategy study timetable
Creating a study timetable for the UPSC Prelims Exam can help you to manage your time effectively. Consequently, ensure that you cover all the important topics. This is just a sample timetable and you can modify it according to your requirements. Also, make sure to allocate enough time for revision and practice tests. Additionally, taking breaks and engaging in recreational activities are important to keep yourself motivated and focused during your study sessions.
Monday to Friday:
6:00 am – 8:00 am: Revision of the Previous Day’s Notes
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Current Affairs
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Core Subject 1 (History/Geography/Polity/Economics)
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Core Subject 2 (History/Geography/Polity/Economics)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Break/Recreation
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Core Subject 3 (History/Geography/Polity/Economics)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Revision of the day’s study
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: CSAT (Reading Comprehension/Data Interpretation/Logical Reasoning)
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Optional Subject (if applicable)
Saturday
6:00 am – 9:00 am: Revision of Previous Week’s Notes
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Test (Paper 1)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Break/Recreation
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Test (Paper 2)
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Optional Subject (if applicable)
Sunday: 6:00 am – 8:00 am: Revision of Previous Week’s Notes
8:00 am – 10:00 am: Current Affairs Quiz
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Core Subject 1 (History/Geography/Polity/Economics)
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Core Subject 2 (History/Geography/Polity/Economics)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Break/Recreation
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Core Subject 3 (History/Geography/Polity/Economics)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Revision of the week’s study
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: CSAT (Reading Comprehension/Data Interpretation/Logical Reasoning)
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Optional Subject (if applicable)