With the release of UPSC IAS 2020 prelims exam date, preparation to crack one of the toughest examinations of the country also begins. The prelims examination of UPSC IAS is scheduled to be held on October 04, 2020, and it is expected that the admit card will be out 03 weeks before the exam i.e. September 2020. Last year more than 17 lakh candidates applied for UPSC IAS examination and only 829 were able to qualify the exam. This proves how much of preparation is needed to get a place in the merit list. With only 02 months in hands, it is the need of the hour to start the preparation now.
First and foremost, gather everything that takes to start the preparation. Begin with the syllabus and exam pattern of prelims examination. Once candidates get acquainted with the scheme of examination they can prepare a time table. For this, they can refer to the topper’s guide, youtube videos and set time table accordingly. There are several youtube video available where UPSC toppers discuss their preparation strategy. Candidates should listen to them but ensure that they have their own preparation plan, that suits their strong points.
While preparing the time table, ensure that candidates do not overburden themselves. Along with the preparations it is also important to enjoy the day to keep the mind fresh and ready to intake knowledge. Try to cover each topic equally, be it the General knowledge, Comprehension, Reasoning or Numerical problems. In addition, time-table should also include some fun activities to enhance comprehension skills, knowledge of current events, strong calculation powers and others.
Only studying and accumulating all the knowledge does not encourage the chances of selection. Candidates must practise what they study. to ingrain the concepts and get better-understanding. For this, various online platforms offer paid services of mock tests and questions papers. However, candidates can utilize the free UPSC IAS Mock Test and Question Papers offered by Aglasem and other online portals. As much as the practice is important, Revision is also important. One day in a week should be dedicated to the revision of what one has studied through the week.
It is very common to prepare for mains examination along with the prelims exam. Preparing for mains exam parallel to prelims is encouraged but not at this point of time when the exam is only 02 months away. We suggest aspirants to now focus primarily on the UPSC IAS prelims exam preparation.
Last but not the least, candidates should stay motivated. Everything and anything can be surpassed with positivity and hard work. UPSC Civil Services aspirants should see the example of Anmol Jain of Bhopal who in his last attempt secured 14th AIR in UPSC 2019 exam. Moreover, keep the words of Alexander The Great in Mind – “There is nothing impossible to him who will try”.
