Ace UPSC Prelims 2023: Steer clear of these 5 pitfalls- Sriram Srirangam
The Civil Service Examination (CSE) is a comprehensive exam administered by the Union Public Service Commission for the recruitment of civil servants.
The Civil Service Examination (CSE) is a comprehensive exam administered by the Union Public Service Commission for the recruitment of civil servants. The examination consists of two stages - the Preliminary and Main Examination. The Preliminary stage is an elimination round. It is a multiple choice type of questions and passing it is a must to go to the Main Examination stage. Cracking the UPSC Prelims is a daunting task for first-timers. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. You need to have a good strategy, be well-prepared, and have a positive attitude towards the exam. However, certain mistakes that first-timers make hinder their success in the Prelims. These mistakes are avoidable. This article will discuss five common mistakes first-timers should avoid while attempting the UPSC Prelims 2023.
Not Reading the Syllabus Thoroughly
The UPSC Prelims syllabus is vast and covers a variety of topics. So it is crucial to be aware of the various topics and sub-topics that are included in it. Aspirants must read the syllabus thoroughly and understand how all the topics are weighted. It will help you strategise your preparation and focus on essential topics, as not knowing the syllabus can lead to wasting time and energy on topics not included in the syllabus.
Not Knowing Which Part of the Syllabus to Emphasize
While the syllabus indeed is oceanic, the part of the syllabus that actually matters to the examination-the part from where most questions appear is clear from the previous years` question papers. One must read these questions well.
Not Setting a Time-Table
Setting a timetable is an essential element of your preparation phase. It helps you to make the best use of the time available and plan your study schedule accordingly. You should allocate time for each subject and stick to the plan to ensure that you have enough time to cover all the topics.Daily and weekly timestamping is essential. That is, how much time is to be allotted to which part of the syllabus.
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
26 Sep '25 - 16 Oct '25
25 Sep '25 - 24 Oct '25
7 Oct '25 - 7 Nov '25
22 Nov '25 - 23 Nov '25
31 Dec '25
Not Practicing Previous Years' Papers
Substantial preparation by means of answering MCQs is necessary. The best way is to see the previous years/ questions. Also, state public service commission examination questions must be practiced. Similarly, other exams like UGC NET questions are at times very relevant and revealing. However, it should be done selectively. These questions are set by professors and civil servants and so are very helpful. It will help you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions you can expect in the actual exam. By solving these papers, candidates can gain valuable insights into the types of questions asked in the examination. It will also help you assess your preparation level and improve.
Aspirants can also stay motivated and focused during their preparation..Dont enroll for mock tests that lack quality.
Not Utilizing All Resources
The UPSC Prelims is a competitive exam, and it is vital to use all available resources to prepare effectively. There are various books, online courses, and online forums available that can help you in your preparation. So, make use of these resources to get a better understanding of the topics and to stay abreast of any updates. While making use of the online and offline resources, make sure that you do not acquire erroneous information.
Final words
Cracking the UPSC Prelims is a challenging task. It requires rigorous preparation and the ability to stay focused and motivated consistently. Thus, first-timers must be aware of the above-listed common mistakes so that they can crack the UPSC 2023 and pursue their dream of becoming a civil servant.
Read more:
The IAS prelims result is declared based on the marks secured in the General Studies Paper-I only. The General Studies-Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only and the candidates need to score 33% marks in the General Studies Paper-II. The candidates who do not score 33 per cent marks in the General Studies paper -II (CSAT), such candidates do not clear the IAS prelims exam. The marks secured in the IAS prelims are not counted for the final merit list.