UPSC Essentials | Expert Talk with Ravi Kapoor: Prelims 2024 is over, what next?

About our Expert: Ravi Kapoor, IRS (R), has now ditched his coveted rank of deputy commissioner and has offered free quality mentorship to UPSC aspirants, drawing upon his ten years of experience to create customised and productive curriculum. Through a free mentorship programme, he integrates tailored educational materials, psychological principles, visual learning techniques, and a strong emphasis on mental well-being into his teaching skills granting aspirants a chance to learn from his expertise.

Manas: UPSC conducted the prelims exam on June 16. The candidates are still messaging us with their queries related to prelims. What do you have to tell them? 

Ravi Kapoor: UPSC prelims 2024 is over, but the hangover remains. Many aspirants by now would have estimated their cut-offs based on answer keys provided by coaching institutes and are wondering what to do next.

Even though the question paper was perceptibly easier this year, the cut-off is likely to be higher as compared to the past year, adding to the uncertainty and anxiety of many. Due to the competitive nature of the exam, regardless of the cut-off, most aspirants will not qualify for the prelims.

Manas: Broadly, there are two groups of candidates messaging:

1) Those who are either sure of clearing the cut-off or are determined for the next attempt — what should be their strategy?

2) Those who had this attempt as their last and need advice for plan B.

What will be your advice to them?

Ravi Kapoor: Here is practical advice tailored to aspirants at different stages of their journey.

If  you expect to clear prelims OR if you are not sure of clearing it but you plan to be in the race for this attempt and the next.

Here’s what serious UPSC aspirants should do after Prelims:

1. Stop obsessing about the cut-off. While you cannot change the past, you can determine your future. Choose what you do in the next few weeks carefully.

2. Assume that you are writing Mains this year because you will have to write it sooner or later to qualify for the exam. Unlike Prelims, your score in the Mains will determine your final rank.

3. Start practicing answer writing daily. Writing is a skill that takes time to develop. The UPSC demands in-depth and highly analytical answers which require substantial writing practice especially due to word limits and time constraints.

4. Focus on Essay writing separately. The scores in essays can jump or dip more radically than any other subject in Mains. It can be either make or break but is often taken lightly. Don’t make that mistake.

5. Gain knowledge about ethics and practice case studies. Half of the ethics syllabus is purely academic and can be prepared easily and is easy to score in.

6. Dive deep into your optional subject while you have the luxury of time. Optional subjects require in-depth academic expertise on subjects which can take time to develop.

If you need to start thinking about plan B and/or need to become financially independent OR if this was your last attempt. 

The UPSC exam is not the end of the world. If anything, it can be leveraged to take you into the next phase of life.

Here’s what you need to do if you are in this situation:

1. LinkedIn – create a profile and start networking. LinkedIn is the most robust professional network available and should be used not only for seeking jobs but also to grow your social capital. Network and connect with people you know in life. Network with people who are doing well in your school or college. You should also post relevant and thoughtful content that showcases your expertise and strengths. All of this adds to your profile and will come in handy later.

2. Stay connected to the UPSC niche- with so many businesses operating in the UPSC niche, you can find part-time employment especially, if you can create your own content and have followers. This option can help you stay connected to your preparation while earning some money on the side.The additional benefit is that you can strengthen your resume.

3. Look for lateral entry internships and jobs in the government – Unlike the UPSC and other popular exams, lateral entry internships are often not publicised or centrally announced. This makes them difficult to track but if you keep an eye out, you will find more vacancies to work in the government via lateral entry than you imagine. Look for state government websites, autonomous bodies like Niti Ayog, PSUs and the like.

4. Obtain a Masters or degree/certification in something of your choice or optional subject – While this option does not allow you to earn money, it is a good investment for your future. While choosing your certification or course consider a distance learning option with good credibility and employability. Also, consider if the subject can overlap with your optional subject.

5. Finally, you must realize that this is also a good time to ask fundamental questions like what you are good at, why you were really doing the UPSC exam, what your true personality is like, what makes you happy, etc. While the answers are not easy to come by, they are essential for your future whether you work in the government or outside it.

Remember that you can choose a combination of the above options but whatever you do, you should invest in your future and take ownership of it. Do not let the UPSC exam define who you are as a human being and find your true potential.

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