Bharat SainiLast Updated on November 2, 2019 by Bharat Saini
Every year the Union Public Service Commission conducts civil services examinations for recruitment to various civil services such as the IAS, IFS, and IPS. Qualifying for the exams results in highly prestigious positions under the Government of India. Out of the several lakhs of students attempting the exams in the end less than a thousand are granted jobs. With a success rate of less than 1%, it is highly helpful for UPSC aspirants to understand what the toppers did right and what is their success mantra.
Numerous nationally trusted sources of study material for the UPSC civil services exam publish interviews and tips for success from toppers of each year. Preparatory books like “Predigital Darpan” and online platforms like “reader buzz” offer exclusive interviews of toppers where they describe their strategy for the exam and their advice for future aspirants.
Here are some preparatory tips from toppers for UPSC civil services exam:
- There is no shortcut to success. Concentration and deep study of the subjects are necessary for successfully solving problems related to them.
- Start early and give your exam preparations at least a year of devoted time. The UPSC exams have a giant syllabus covering a vast range of subjects. Don’t hurry and acquire a comprehensive understanding of the subjects over time.
- Students are offered numerous optional subjects for two papers in the Mains exam. Recognize your interests and choose your optional subjects wisely. Preparing a subject and giving up on it halfway will not only waste your time but also demotivate you. Go through the syllabi of each subject and read more about them so that you can choose according to your past academic background in the subject and your level of ease in understanding the study material.
- Make it your habit to write down notes. The notes not only simplify the revision process but they also help you recall the topics for a longer period of time. It is a scientific fact that we tend to remember things that we have written down more easily and effectively. Add diagrams, flow charts, etc. into your notes and answers in the exam.
- Practice writing down detailed answers using correct grammar in a neat, simple, and readable manner. Keep your answers compact and add flowcharts, Venn diagrams, diagrams, etc. to reflect a clear understanding of the subject material.
- You must always refer to authentic resources like referred standard NCERT textbooks and magazines like, AIR News analysis, Planning Commission Document, Economic Survey Report, and Publication Division Books.
- To be successful you must answer almost every question and for that, you need time management. Practice mock tests and learn to utilize your time effectively over the different sections of the exam. If stuck leave the question instead of panicking and wasting time on one question.
Read newspapers regularly and subscribe to recognised preparatory books and websites for valid updated information and knowledge of current affairs. To get updated information related to the upcoming exam dates, current affairs, and other such relevant topics visit the website. You can also visit here for sample essays and personality development tips.
