4 UPSC Toppers share strategy on how to attempt UPSC Prelims MCQs? by Disha Publication

1. Introduction: 4 Toppers’ Strategies to increase UPSC score!
2. SHRESTHA ANUPAM (Rank 19, UPSC 2019)
3. DIPANKAR CHOUDHARY (Rank 42, UPSC 2019)
4. SHUBHAM BANSAL (Rank 43, UPSC 2019)
5. MUKUND KUMAR (Rank 54, UPSC 2019)

Introduction: 4 Toppers’ Strategies to increase UPSC score!

Disha Publication has always been a frontrunner in terms of guiding students to succeed in various entrance exams. Recently we have interviewed 4 IAS Toppers to discover the secrets of their success. We spoke to them for full 1 Hour each around their methodology and strategies which made them successful. Below you will find excerpts from these interviews which will help you in shaping your last few days preparation for the IAS Prelim Exam 2020.

What should be your strategy for IAS Prelim few days before the exam?

What should be the strategy to attempt the Prelim Question Papers to maximise your score?

Click me to download the 40+ pages PDF File detailing the strategy!

SHRESTHA ANUPAM (Rank 19, UPSC 2019)

What to do in the last month before Civil Services (Prelims) examination?

• Practice numerous test papers before the prelims; it is quite effective strategy to get success in prelims.
• It will also help in analysing your accuracy and speed.
• Note-making is an important strategy of revision. Minimum 3-4 revision is essential before the exam – a week after reading, a month later and at least once before the paper.
• Ecology and Environment also constitute an important part in prelims as the section demands approximately 20 questions.
• In geography, it is important to focus on map-based questions and has a greater weightage
• From modern history, there will be 7-10 questions in prelims
• In the case of Economy, the questions are very conceptual.
• Every year, Polity covers 12-15 questions.

What should be your strategy to attempt Civil Services (Prelims) question paper?

• There are no hard and fast rules for the total number of questions to be attempted.
• If the paper is too tough then your strategy should be towards attempting lower questions and balance the accuracy rate.
• Do not forget negative answers can also hold you back

DIPANKAR CHOUDHARY (Rank 42, UPSC 2019)

What to do in the last month before Civil Services (Prelims) examination?

• Prelims are very dicey and unpredictable, though this is the first stage of the exam; the margin of error is minimal.
• Even a small difference of 2 to 4 marks can entirely change the probability of success into failure.
• 1-2 months before the prelims exam, switch on completely to prelims only.
• It is important to prepare for Prelims in such a way to keep a margin of 6-7 marks on a minimum from the predicted cut off.
• Focus on the highlighted and burning news.
• Prepare all major data of major government schemes.

• For prelims, keep only a basic knowledge of economic survey.
• Focus on budget and update any additional information on important current topics

What should be your strategy to attempt Civil Services (Prelims) question paper?

• Focus on two points, the number of questions to be attempted and how to attempt these questions.

• You can change the answer solving sequence by attempting easy questions first.
• Don’t panic if you fail to attempt the first few questions, keep a linear approach while solving questions.

SHUBHAM BANSAL (Rank 43, UPSC 2019)

What to do in the last month before Civil Services (Prelims) examination?

• Revision of self prepared notes several times before prelims works well
• Make sure your notes are effective, quick and precise containing all data and that can fit in with any questions asked in the exam.

• Practice Test Series before Prelims Exam will help you a lot. Set a target for each day.
• Keep your micro targets and practice the test series after very 10-12 days and make sure to complete your set targets before appearing for prelims examination.
• For prelims focus more on subjects like Polity and Modern History as these subjects cover a large number of questions.
• Current trend also includes questions on Ecology and Environment as several questions are being asked from this section and one need to keep this in mind
• Prepare a list of micro topics from which questions are frequently asked to get an edge in the prelims.
• Keep track of current affairs by following a newspaper regularly. You can also browse through a reliable website for few hours
• Prepare current affairs not merely in the form of news but keep all the important points around that topic without deviating from it

What should be your strategy to attempt Civil Services (Prelims) question paper?

• First attempt the familiar questions and leave the doubtful ones for later.

• Apply method of smart elimination while solving prelims questions and figure out the correct answer
• Do not try to solve all the questions and need to select your questions wisely

MUKUND KUMAR (Rank 54, UPSC 2019)

What to do in the last month before Civil Services (Prelims) examination?

• For last few months before Prelims study only for prelims and nothing else.
• Invest in some quality mock tests religiously which will help you in tracking the progress.
• Skip deep analysis and start learning crude facts.
• Civil Service Prelims is risky because only a few questions can pull you back.
• Prelims cut off have fluctuated a lot over the last few years which make it a tricky situation if you not prepare it well.

What should be your strategy to attempt Civil Services (Prelims) question paper?

• Attempt only those questions where you can eliminate two out of four options. It’s the safest risk.
• Never attempt a question where you have zero ideas; don’t guess, it’s not that kind of exam.
• There are always 10-15 questions in UPSC that you’ll be surprised with, no matter how much you study or how many attempts you have had.
• Don’t go for the trap of attempting all 100 questions.