I cleared prelims this time & the last time, after failing in 18-19 & 17-18. I think back to the basics strategy helped me, I.e
1. Making my own notes for current affairs, from Hindu+ extensive googling.
2. Standard sources: NCERT of all subjects + I) Mrunal for economics ii) laxmikant for polity iii) spectrum for modern history iv) TN board ncert for ancient & med v) own notes from Hindu & Googling for env & science+ tech.
3. Solving mock tests at the same time as that of the examination. Developing the apporach of doing one question at a time, in the sequence from 1-100. (Not returning back). Helped me I) keep my nerve during exam, which was important considering I've got anxiety issues. II) to avoid silly mistakes & overthinking.
I was getting ~110 as per vision, 118 as per Vajiram. Luck definitely has a role to play but by eliminating options, we increase our chances of getting lucky.
Hope this is of help to everyone!
Basically to attempt the question afresh, irrespective of how the last question was. Previously if I got 2-3 consequtive questions which I didn't know the answer of, I panicked.. all sorts of random thoughts come in; another year wasted & all that. This impacts the thinking while doing the next one, especially when it comes to elimination. So to get round it, i basically went in with the following: 1) even if I eliminate 1 option, I'm attempting it, with the best guess, based on subconscious knowledge, gut feeling from the rest 3 choices. (PS: I should be 100% sure that 1 option is eliminated).
2) as you rightly said, I didn't revisit the questions. Basically, think about the question, eliminate the wrong options, arrive at the best possible option according to you, mark it on the paper -->bubble on omr. Start again with next question, rinse, repeat *100. Don't think of the outcome during the 120 mins.
I hope this helps you :)
