Smart Steps for an Effective IAS Exam Preparation in 2019

As per UPSC calendar, the notification for Civil Services Examination 2019 is expected on 19th February 2019 for top-of-mind Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and 2 dozen odd categories of services for which this combined examination is going to be held on June 2, 2019. 

It's not that serious candidates wait for the notification to commence preparation; still, there are few candidates who take up the challenge at this moment. 

It could be a mix Of serious and non-serious Candidates; but, some talented and focused candidates make use of the opportunity and foray into Civil Services Examination with accumulated knowledge and awareness and put forward a decent show of their intellect that helps them bring into being desired success. '

No denial. It is tough; but, those who argue that the Civil Services examination is beyond the reach of common aspirants are not genuine. After all, there is something special that attracts youngsters in such a large number who dream to have a career in 'IAS'. 

But, now a new trend is visible and many candidates keep first preference matching their aptitude and many such instances are getting observed. 

Whatever your choices are, for all of you aspiring to appear in CSE 2019, the time has Come to act on your dream and make efforts to convert it into reality. In real terms, the authenticity of your dream is under check. How real your dream is and how much you have shown seriousness towards it! 

Get excited and enthusiastic about your own dream; this excitement is like a forest fire - you can smell it, taste it, and see it from a mile away -Denis Waitley 

This quote strikes a chord with the situation you are in and to be successful in Civil Services Examination you have to show eagerness to reach the desired destination and remain passionate with the things you take up as part of preparation. 

It is your own imagination and you have to make the best use of each day you have at your disposal. It is a big challenge and with courage, you have taken up the task in hand. You have the caliber to match the standard this examination entails and would have been moving forward with a well-planned strategy. 

Being energetic and remaining positive will help you in managing preparation well and thrust should be on giving all you have so that you are able to crack it in this attempt. 

When the rewards are big, you should always keep your goal in sight so that you are constantly reminded of taking charge of the endeavor and remain focused. Always think that this is the only opportunity you have and you have to make the best out of it. 

Be it, beginners or consistent campaigners, the decision about appear- ing in Civil Services Examination is big and the first hurdle is in front of you.

And as the sight gets set on June 2, 2019, Preliminary Examination - your first encounter with this mega- examination, you have to focus your attention on the ultimate goal and step up your efforts to come out as a champion. 

Now, you have to concentrate on Preliminary Examination related requirements and take necessary actions that lend a hand in reaching the next level. 

From the beginning itself, candidates are surrounded by lots of myths and apprehensions and, many doubts and reservations surround their mind. 

To tackle the initial hesitation, you need to reach out to your friends, seniors, teachers and other experienced persons who can guide you about the requirements and can give a reasonable idea about the diligent effort you need to put in. 

The next thing to do is to look at the syllabus, previous years' question papers (both Preliminary & Main Examination) and the books/ study material you require for preparation. 

UPSC has really worked hard with Preliminary Examination and has made it simple yet tough. It has been an observation in the last few years; but, many candidates did not understand the UPSC's objective behind such move. 

Majority of smart candidates who recognize the importance of adopting an integrated approach for General Studies preparation Score higher marks. 

Impression smart candidates' pick is by looking at the synergies between Prelims and Main Examination and making the best out Of it. Who knows the idea behind this was that probably UPSC wanted to make candidates aware of the whole examination scheme and understand that it is a big and tough exam-plan and it would be prudent for candidates to 100k at this examination as a complete unit not stagewise. 

So, it would prove to be sensible to commence Main Examination oriented preparation as it can enhance your prospects and after Preliminary Examination, you will have a grip on Main Examination related requirements and will find it easier to handle in limited time-span. 

For more such insightful stories, IAS toppers' experiences and information about Civil Services Examination preparation, you may visit IAS Shiksha.

 

The coverage Of contemporary issues has made a newspaper reading a must. Be it Prelims or Main examination, you cannot undermine the value Of current events and contemporary developments. 

One thing that can be predicted about General Studies with surety is that only comprehensive preparation covering all aspects of the syllabus can help you in General Studies paper - be it Prelims or Mains. 

Even in Main Examination much depends upon the performance in 4 papers of General Studies. The might of General Studies (1000 Marks) in Main Examination (Written) says it all.

There is a definite shift in UPSC approach where questions are being asked even from traditional areas but with focus On Contemporary Developments. The best way to deal with effective preparation is to divide the syllabus into areas where traditional knowledge is at work and the other which are dynamic in nature. 

Now, it is all about back to basics, the knowledge gained in past years, awareness and life experiences. With some conceptual, analytical and application-based questions, General Studies is not easy to handle as many candidates do not understand the way question papers are framed. 

To start with, one can start with basic books; NCERT books which help in laying foundation and help in making basic concepts clear. After this first step of learning, one has to raise himself to the next level through focusing on contemporary issues and developments 

Few constituents like Indian Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, History, Art & Culture and Current Affairs/ General Awareness are figuring in both Prelims and Main Examination General Studies syllabus. so, any preparation aimed at Main Examination would automatically cover the Preliminary Examination requirements and will help you perform better. 

As we discussed, the most important factor while preparing General Studies is adopting an integrated approach. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of what you are reading, and developing clarity on issues and their application is the essential aspect which should be clear to the candidates from day one. 

Your target right now should be to revisit the topics you have prepared till now and figure out how you have to move ahead keeping in mind Prelims specific requirements. 

As we Often hear, it is beneficial to have limited sources; but, multiple revision of the same for better clarity. You would have a better understanding once you look at previous years' question papers where you need knowledge of the basics as well as conceptual clarity. 

This comes handy when you are stuck with some tricky question or have to make consideration of basics while making a guess. You have to be in learners' shoes and have to cover static as well as dynamic portions of the syllabus and ensure that the last 4-5 weeks just before Prelims go into multiple revision.

You have to adopt a comprehensive preparations approach with interlinking concepts within and across the disciplines. Sometimes, you come across questions that are really new and seem unknown. For such situations, you need to have a wider coverage of topics, and active use of the internet as a resource during preparation can lend some help.

Mock-Tests is quite a handy tool in evaluating preparedness and covering areas that need attention. With such practice, you spot areas that are strong and portions where you fumble. With prioritizing, you can work on weak areas and improve your information and understanding of such topics. 

It is a big examination, big chance; so enter this arena with big plans in mind. Making proper preparation work for this examination requires a delicate balance of long and short term strategies.

The kind of euphoria witnessed in a number of applicants in recent years should be replicated again. I am sure a record number of candidates are going to try their luck. 

Your fortune in Preliminary Examination is solely built around your performance in General Studies Paper I as Paper II is mare qualifying. Preparation for Civil Service Examination is a long journey. Make a beginning, and as you move On, you will gain lots Of insights, learning newer things would make things alive and make your voyage pleasant. So, leave aside all worries and keep preparing. God willing your efforts will bring positive results! 

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