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My prelims story till now-
My scores were 86.67, 61.96, 88 to 92 in 2022, 2023, 2024 respectively. I have cleared CSAT in all 3. I have dedicated 5-6 months for prelims in all three attempts.
In 1st attempt, I followed 1 test series with a few open tests, PYQs but not in-depth, and did my basic books.
In my 2nd attempt, I did in-depth PYQs. Along with that, I was too enthusiastic about other UPSC exam papers ie. CDS, CAPF, Geoscientist. In 2nd attempt, I compromised on mocks, [also a bit misguidance from YouTube on this aspect]. Also, my marks as per my markings on the question paper should have been 70, but I got 61.96. I have probably made a few bubbling mistakes there [However, I used to mark on OMR along with solving every single question]
In my 3rd attempt, I buckled up to solve daily mocks, which I did. I solved around 78-80 mocks with analysis.
I have not read Spectrum and Lakshmikant. Rather I chose Subhash Kashyap for polity [also helping in my optional PSIR], and Bipan Chandra NCERT and new NCERTs for Modern history. However, my polity performance in prelims was fine except for 2023 when I couldn't solve the legal questions. Also, for current affairs I read newspaper The Hindu and make my own notes. I haven't read Pt365. In current affairs also I have scored well. The problem mostly lies in ancient and medieval [for which I devoted 50% of total revision time - from NCERTs], and 5-6 silly mistakes where I couldn't recall or made reading errors [even after so many mocks]. I do realize intense revision should help.
My mains story till now-
I did my optional notes and 1 round of revision before my 1st attempt. I have written mocks for GS, PSIR, and essays.
So, after 1st prelims failure, I completed my optional short notes, GS 2, ethics value addition.
After the 2nd prelims failure, I revised optional, worked on GS notes.
What should be my way forward? My parents are suggesting I should take up a foundation course since I haven't taken any. Any mentor I talk to, suggests me to work on optional, ethics, essay or very mains specific things till November. I have done much of it in the last 3 years.
My mental state now
In my first attempt I analysed PYQs and traced them to source. Based on which I selected my booklist and decided not to rely on Pt365. I was quick in my decision-making and took bold steps like reading Subhash Kashyap over Lakshmikant. However, with each attempt my confidence has been going down. My strategy in 2023, 2024 was all wrong and for that only I am to blame. This time I am unable to take any decision whatsoever. Should I move to Delhi, should I take up some foundation course, should I do prelims from now only, should I go for conventional mains till Nov dec.
