Top 5 deadly mistakes to avoid before appearing for the upsc prelims exam

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive examinations. And the Prelims exam is the first hurdle that all aspiring candidates must clear. But with the high stakes and intense competition, making mistakes in UPSC can easily cost you your chance at success. To help you avoid these costly errors, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 deadly mistakes to avoid before appearing for the UPSC Prep 2023.

As you prepare for the UPSC Prelims exam, it’s important to remember that success is not just about having the right knowledge and skills. Also but also about avoiding deadly mistakes that can sabotage your efforts. Whether it’s underestimating the importance of mock tests, not reviewing past years’ question papers, or neglecting the Syllabus, these mistakes during upsc prep can significantly impact your performance.

But don’t worry! With the right mindset and approach, you can easily avoid these common pitfalls and give yourself the best chance of success. In this article, we’ll look closely at the top 5 deadly mistakes to avoid before appearing for the UPSC Prelims exam. We’ll explore each mistake in detail and provide practical tips and strategies for avoiding them.

Top 5 mistakes to avoid before the upsc prelims exam

Here we will discuss the top 5 deadly mistakes students should avoid before appearing for the upsc prelims exam so they can clear the exam in the first go.

1. Not understanding the Prelims syllabus:

Not understanding the UPSC Prelims syllabus is a mistake many candidates make when preparing for the exam. The syllabus outlines the specific topics and subjects in the exam. As you know, upsc is an unpredictable exam, so It is important to understand the syllabus because it guides your preparation clearly. It also helps you focus on the most important topics.

When you don’t understand the UPSC Prelims syllabus, you might not know what to focus on during your preparation. Additionally, you might need to allocate more time to the sections that carry more weight. Also, you need help predicting the types of questions asked on the UPSC Prelims exam.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to review the UPSC Prelims syllabus early in preparation carefully. You should also create a study plan focusing on the most important topics and concepts and stick to it. You can also check the upsc prelims syllabus subject-wise.

2. Not taking enough mock tests:

Not taking enough mock tests is a common mistake that candidates make when preparing for the UPSC Prelims exam. UPSC Mock tests are practice exams that closely mimic the actual exam in terms of format, structure and difficulty level. Taking mock tests is important as it helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses. It also allows you to practice time management and test-taking strategies.

You need to take more mock tests to ensure you get the opportunity to identify areas of improvement and work on them.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to take at least one mock test per week. You should also use the results of the mock tests to identify areas of weakness and focus on them. Additionally, it’s recommended to take mock tests under similar conditions. Likewise, as the actual exam, such as time limits and a test-taking environment, to understand better how you will perform on the day of the exam. Also, check for mistakes in upsc.

3. Not analysing past years’ question papers:

Not analysing past years’ question papers is a mistake many candidates make when preparing for the UPSC Prep 2023 exam. Analysing past years’ question papers provide insight into the types of questions that are likely to be asked on the UPSC Prelims exam. It also gives an idea of the difficulty level and can help identify areas of improvement.

You need to review and analyse past years’ question papers to ensure you get the opportunity to predict the types of questions asked. Additionally, you might not be able to identify areas of improvement, and you might not be able to gauge the exam’s difficulty level.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to review and analyse min last 10-year past question papers as part of your preparation. You should also analyse the types of questions likely to be asked and focus on those areas. You should also solve past years’ question papers to better understand the difficulty level and time management. You can also check for upsc prelims previous year question papers.

4. Avoiding Multiple Revisions

Avoiding multiple revisions is a mistake that many candidates make when preparing for the UPSC Prelims exam. Revising the notes and material you have studied is an important step in the learning process. It helps you retain information and solidify your understanding of the concepts. It also allows you to identify gaps in your knowledge and address them.

When you avoid multiple revisions, you miss the opportunity to solidify your understanding of the concepts. Additionally, you need help to identify gaps in your knowledge and address them.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to schedule regular revisions as part of your study plan. You should revise the material at least once a week and more frequently as the exam approaches. Additionally, you should also try different revision techniques such as flashcards and summarising. Also, to teach the concepts to someone else. Also, using different mediums to revise, like audio, visual aids, and interactive activities, will also help. Also, check for mistakes during upsc prep.

5. Not Taking NCERTs Seriously

Not taking NCERTs seriously is a mistake many candidates make when preparing for the UPSC Prep 2023 exam. NCERTs books provide comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the syllabus. These books are considered the foundation for UPSC preparation and are essential for a thorough understanding of the topics.

When you don’t take NCERTs seriously, you miss the opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the topics. Additionally, you might be unable to cover all the important concepts and miss out on crucial information asked in the exam.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to make sure that you read and understand the NCERTs thoroughly. You should aim to cover all the topics covered in the NCERTs, as they provide a strong foundation for the UPSC syllabus. Additionally, you should also practice solving the questions given at the end of each chapter. It will help you understand the concepts better and also give you an idea of the level of questions that are likely to be asked in the exam. You can also check for ncert books for upsc preparation.

Conclusion

The UPSC Prelims exam is challenging and competitive, and avoiding common mistakes is crucial to your success. From not understanding the exam pattern and syllabus to not taking enough mock tests. Also, not reviewing and analysing past years’ question papers to not have multiple revisions. Also, not taking NCERTs seriously are mistakes you simply cannot afford to make.

But don’t let these mistakes discourage you! With the right mindset and approach, you can easily avoid these common pitfalls and give yourself the best chance of success.

So, as you prepare for the UPSC Prelims exam, remember to avoid these deadly mistakes, stay focused, and stay motivated. With hard work and determination, you can achieve your goal and become a part of India’s Civil Services.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Will it be counted as an attempt if I apply for the Civil Services Prelims Exam but do not appear in any exam?

Ans: No, only if you have appeared in at least one paper then only your attempt be counted.

Q2. I completed my MBBS but still need to complete my internship. Can I take the UPSC CSE Mains?

Ans: Candidates who have passed the final professional M.B.B.S. or any other Medical Examination. But still, they need to complete their internship by the time their applications for the Civil Services (Main) Examination.  They are provisionally admitted to the Examination if they submit a copy of a certificate. From the concerned authority of the University, they have passed the requisite final medical examination along with their application. In such cases, candidates will have to present their original Degree. Including completion of the internship at the time of their interview.

Q3. Can final-year students of graduation apply for UPSC CSE?

Ans: Yes, final-year graduation students are eligible to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). However, they will only be considered for selection if they have completed all the graduation requirements before the exam’s first day. The eligibility criteria for the UPSC CSE include being at least 21 years of age and having a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.

Q4. Will the Preliminary Questions have a negative marking?

Ans: Yes, the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary exam includes negative markings. For each question with four options, one mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer, and each question with five options, 1.33 marks for an incorrect answer.