The best approach is to have a clear bent of
mind that you can clear the exam. That is first and foremost! To start with,
get a complete idea about the exam pattern, the syllabus(through UPSC website)
and the nature of questions asked in previous years and see if you are able to
comprehend them.
When you find yourself abreast with the above
information start with reading a newspaper, preferably Indian Express if you
are not a regular reader of editorials and news which is required in this case.
You can also go on with The Hindu. Parallely start finalizing the optional
subject which can be done by reading a thin book(preferably NCERT Class 11th
and 12th) that gives you an idea about the subject. There are
several other factors to be considered while choosing the optional; such as
Availability of material; Proper guidance and
your comfort in approaching the subject/personal interest.
Start preparing the optional. Optional is the
game changer in Mains! Completing the optional should take around 3 to 5 months
at max.
Again the question is whether to take coaching
or not. It depends upon you, but I would suggest if you choose a completely new
subject(which was not in your graduation/post graduation) coaching will be
beneficial. Now the phase is that you study your optional on priority, read the
newspaper daily. Now you can gradually build in reading General studies from
NCERT (old books, which can be brought online from Delhi). But read NCERT of same subject from class 6th
to 12th. When that is done pick up the next subject and so on. You can easily
complete 2 subjects of General studies and optional in 5 to 6 months at max.
Give a revision to all you have read, update your notes and start making
comprehensive notes for the GS subjects and start new subjects for GS. Also now
you can start answer writing for optional and also for GS if you wish to. When
the prelims is near only revise now and attempt papers. Write an answer or two
of optional to stay in touch.
Slowly the knowledge base would start to build
up. Things would look messed up but keep going on. Definitely find some time to
revise the previously read subjects.
I hope this helps. All the best
Sir , studying optional on daily basis is better or at a stretch,completing and moving on to the general studies is better ?
ReplyDeleteI preferred giving time to both during my day as it brings some diversity in studies, avoids boredom, as well as helps to co relate the information. At times I used to devote one or two full days to the optional to prepare for the mock.
ReplyDeleteBut sir i am in a traffic jam on limited words.means i can not make note on stipulated word.
ReplyDelete