In my opinion (Passed three prelims, failed two) , Prelims preparation rests on multiple pillars (You've to find which Pillar is weak for you)
1. Static revision: Polity, Economy being the basic structure. You must be able to mug up all the major themes asked. Eg: Important chapters of Laxmikant, BOP/Money & Banking etc from economy
Further, you must do BASIC BOOKS (not coaching material) for Economy, Polity, History, Geography
Coaching material can be used for Science & Tech, Environment, A&C and obviously CA.
2. Intelligent guessing : Not using them, costed me two prelims (2019,2021)
3. Paper attempting strategy : Attempt like an emotionless machine. Don't be happy at an easy question and don't be upset at a tough one.
How many rounds, Will you flip the paper, will you Start from 1, which area will you start from?
What will you do in the time between GS & CSAT. Which pen will you take? What will you do if you're near the window? (I made sure that in Abhyaas, I sat near the window where My city song was being played by the Garbage wagon)
4. Emotional resilience : The paper will evoke many emotions. You must be able to reign your emotions and stay focused to execute whatever you've planned on the exam day.
In 2021, it was my third prelims and I had cracked it in 2020. However one of my close friends secured a Top 10 rank just days before exam. While I was happy, it totally threw me off. All I could think was how will I match that benchmark? Well, I didn't need to.
This emotional turbulence and chaotic revision ensured that I choke in Prelims 2021,merely attempting 67 Q (Yes, you read it right). I missed the cutoff by 4 marks.
5. PYQs :
Are you aware that IR has seen increased presence since 2022, that biotechnology is being asked in great depth, that Oceanography and Climatology will (Likely) make a appearance in 2025.
Not only this, have you researched that Mapping gets you a great deal of marks. Have you made notes of options?
Further looking at the language, can you get in the mind of the examiner?
6. Practice : To hone all of the above skills, you need to practice.
This shall be done using PYQs (Daily practice) as well as Mocks.
I consider Mocks as utile primarily for time management skills. Apart from that I never fret over poorly made economics questions in most coachings. Just stay calm.
I never let myself be worried about the Ramsar site Question I get wrong in month of February because I knew I'll do these lists (Ramsar, Mapping, National park) in April. Similarly, CA questions were marked but never bothered about them.
I didn't become happy when I got 120+ and I didn't get sad when I got 70.
I practiced how OMR had to be filled in the mocks and made sure I finish 15 mins before as UPSC Prelims is usually lengthier. The crux is your must be aware WHY you are giving mocks. Don't be fixated on marks. Follow the PROCESS and you shall be fine.
7. Short notes (Only if you're like me and NEED short notes at any cost to revise)
It helped me revise the syllabus quickly in the last days. I think a lot of facts can be put in your short term memory which helps in increasing the confidence
8. Listicles (Ramsar, National Park, Mapping, Art & culture) : I had created a Playlist of things that had to be mugged up. I used to watch these video everyday starting from April (as no point doing them in January)
By the time May arrives, the facts were cemented due to daily recalls. Also, I studied with a friend so as to make sure my brain remained active and curios while studying for Prelims as well. Curiosity and active reading will take you places.
Mugging up and Rattofying without fun can make the process bland. And for me process is everything!
If you fail even after doing the above due to some factors beyond you, BLAME THE LUCK. Don't be too hard on yourself. But till the D Day make sure, you do everything in your power to conquer the prelims !
P.S: I hope those who have cleared Prelims previously or studied religiously for prelims >2 attempts continue studying for Mains till Jan or Feb. Mains is in August, Don't EVER forget that. It's the REAL MONSTER (for those who think Prelims is hard and Mains Can be "managed")
The above is just an informal post to add value. I'll try and add more descriptive tips with pictures to substantiate in coming days.
All the Best warriors !
