UPSC Civil Services 2016: How to study for prelims and mains together

The success rate of about three per cent in prelims and about 20-25 per cent in mains makes candidates believe that mains are easier to crack. This leads to candidates focusing on prelims only. However, the time gap between the two exams is enough only for revision. There is no time left to start a new subject.

Following are some tips to keep in mind to crack the UPSC Civil Services examination:

– The pattern of the prelim exams has changed since 2015. The GS (Paper 2) or the CSAT has now been made a qualifying exam, giving candidates an opportunity to focus on the GS (Paper 1).

– A minimum of 33 per cent, which is about 66 out of 200 marks or 27 net correct questions out of 80 questions are enough to pass.

Read: UPSC Civil Services 2016: How to spend day before the exam

– The focus in CSAT should be on reading comprehension and reasoning as compared to quantitative aptitude. These areas have a relatively fixed weightage of 40 per cent, that is, 30-33 questions and 30 per cent, respectively. The weightage of quantitative aptitude has been fluctuating over the years.

– Comprehension requires effective and careful reading. The best way to master that is to relate it with previous subjects you’ve read. Answer “what” and “why” to highlights facts and purpose of the text. Also, try to read between the lines of the comprehension.

– The target areas in the reasoning section are syllogism, critical reasoning and puzzles. They will help you attempt 30 per cent of the paper.

– The prelims cum mains approach should begin with completing topics common to both stages. For example, topics like science and technology are covered under both exams.

– The optional subject should be finished before the prelims.

Read: UPSC Civil Services 2016: Tips for last week preparation from topper

– The time between the exams should be for revision and mock tests. Practise writing your answers for speed and articulation.

– Current affairs carry a lot of importance because the approach is to focus on concepts and dynamism. They should be thoroughly understood.

Apart from this, picking up the right books and study material and being regular is important. A thorough reading of NCERT books helps understand fundamental concepts of all subjects.

Newspaper Reading should be part of every candidate’s routine. Also, going for the exam with a relaxed mind will help avoid silly mistakes and give your best shot to the paper.

– This article is written by Piyush Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO, SuperProfs.com

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