5 lessons from 5 prelims attempts for UPSC Aspirants
This blog is an attempt to save UPSC aspirants' precious time and resources. It is unnecessary to learn every time by committing mistakes when someone already does in place of you as there is no incentive in reinventing the wheel again.
First Attempt:
Objective: To gain firsthand experience of the examination environment
Outcome: Scored 82 marks, falling short of the cutoff of 98 marks, thus failing to qualify for the main examination
Mistake:
Inadequate preparation and lack of proper mock practice
Reliance on solving multiple-choice questions (MCQs) without attempting full-length tests
- Lesson Learned: The necessity of comprehensive preparation to ensure success in both the preliminary and main examinations
Objective: To gain firsthand experience of the examination environment
Outcome: Scored 82 marks, falling short of the cutoff of 98 marks, thus failing to qualify for the main examination
Mistake:
Inadequate preparation and lack of proper mock practice
Reliance on solving multiple-choice questions (MCQs) without attempting full-length tests
Second Attempt:
Preparation:
Completion of the General Studies syllabus with the assistance of online resources and coaching
Practice of numerous mock examinations
Outcome: Scored 94.67 marks, falling short of the cutoff of 98 marks
Mistake:
Entering the examination hall with a preconceived notion of having covered the entire syllabus and the ability to answer all questions
Attempting 98 out of 100 questions, resulting in costly negative marking
- Lesson Learned: The importance of assessing the difficulty level of questions and taking calculated risks during the examination
Preparation:
Completion of the General Studies syllabus with the assistance of online resources and coaching
Practice of numerous mock examinations
Outcome: Scored 94.67 marks, falling short of the cutoff of 98 marks
Mistake:
Entering the examination hall with a preconceived notion of having covered the entire syllabus and the ability to answer all questions
Attempting 98 out of 100 questions, resulting in costly negative marking
Third Attempt:
Correction:
Rectified the mistake of overstepping by minimizing negative marking
Outcome: Scored 101 marks, exceeding the cutoff of 92 marks, thus qualifying for the main examination
Mistake:
Lack of integrated preparation for both the preliminary and main examinations, resulting in proficiency in solving MCQs but challenges in the writing component
- Lesson Learned: The need for comprehensive preparation encompassing both objective and subjective aspects of the examination
Correction:
Rectified the mistake of overstepping by minimizing negative marking
Outcome: Scored 101 marks, exceeding the cutoff of 92 marks, thus qualifying for the main examination
Mistake:
Lack of integrated preparation for both the preliminary and main examinations, resulting in proficiency in solving MCQs but challenges in the writing component
Fourth Attempt:
Continuation:
Maintained the same level of preparation as in the previous year
Outcome: Scored 113 marks, exceeding the cutoff of 87 marks
Mistake:
While the preparation for the preliminary examination was adequate, the optional portion was neglected, leading to difficulties in the final PDF
Continuation:
Maintained the same level of preparation as in the previous year
Outcome: Scored 113 marks, exceeding the cutoff of 87 marks
Mistake:
While the preparation for the preliminary examination was adequate, the optional portion was neglected, leading to difficulties in the final PDF
Lesson Learned: The importance of completing the optional portion before the preliminary examination
Fifth Attempt:
Frustration:
Experienced frustration due to consecutive failures in the main examination
Neglect:
Lost motivation for preparation and explored alternative career options, abandoning UPSC preparation two months before the preliminary examination
Outcome:
Performed well in the General Studies section due to past knowledge but failed to clear the preliminary examination
Mistake:
Discontinuation of mock practice and loss of focus
Casual approach towards the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
Frustration:
Experienced frustration due to consecutive failures in the main examination
Neglect:
Lost motivation for preparation and explored alternative career options, abandoning UPSC preparation two months before the preliminary examination
Outcome:
Performed well in the General Studies section due to past knowledge but failed to clear the preliminary examination
Mistake:
Discontinuation of mock practice and loss of focus
Casual approach towards the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
Lesson Learned: The necessity of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the preparation period, including the CSAT section
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