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UPSC prelims 2018: Last minute tips for cracking the exam

The Civil services preliminary exam (CSP) will be held on  June 3, 2018. The marathon efforts that you have put in for the exam will bear fruit very soon. Check the subject-wise preparation tips and what to avoid reading in the last few days of UPSC civil services examination 2018.

Focus more on strengthening your weak points as you have already have a good command over your strengths.The right kind of preparation in the last few days can yield excellent results, whereas unplanned and haphazard revision can cause you to score badly in the exam.

What to do in the last week before the exam

1.  The last minute itch of picking up things that you have not been able to master is a normal reaction. It is best to keep that itch away. It is what you have done till now that will get you through the exam.

2. Candidates should ideally solve at least 40-50 test papers. They can obtain these from any reputed coaching centre or can download them online. It important to revise the questions repeatedly from these papers as about five to 10 questions are guaranteed to come from them.

3. It is important that you read the answers given very carefully, even if you are able to answer them correctly on your own, as the desired format of answering may be different from your own answer.

4. Stop wondering about the pattern of the paper. The paper would only change marginally in real terms (if at all). A few changes here and there could be expected. But the core is unlikely to change. The qualifying marks is unlikely to shift significantly. Keep the 105 - 110 target range to qualify for the UPSC main exam.

5. Don’t change your strategy in exam hall

Stick to what has worked for you. Stick to what you have been doing till now. Do not experiment in the exam. It could backfire and break your deal. I have seen many students going through this agony.

The war is not won till you win the last battle. Do not underestimate the Paper-II (CSAT), make sure it is done and dusted, thoroughly. Just remind yourself how England lost the T-20 World Cup in the last over. Stay focused till the end of Paper II.

Subject wise preparation in the last week

Polity: Revise Laxmikanth or your own notes. Reading new material from NIOS, IGNOU, UGC NET, etc., is not advisable. In the CAPF exam, few questions were asked from Laxmikanth but you need not worry about them.

Economics: You can revise the textbooks you have been referring to, such as Sanjeev Verma, as well revise your own notes. If you have made notes of the economic survey or from newspapers then revise them. Do not read any new topic from unknown or untouched sources as they can only confuse you.

India year book: You should refer to it only if you have been following it from quite some time. If you have not read it before, there is no need to read it now. If you still want to cover the book, study only chapters 1, 2, 12, 20 and 28.

Environment and ecology: You can read NCERT text books and the last four chapters of the Class 12 biology text books from NCERT. If you have made notes of Shankar IAS then revise them.

Science and technology: No need to read static portion except NCERTs. Go through current affairs on SnT video on Unacademy.in and revise them at 2x video speed. Questions will usually come from the topics which are currently in news. Focus on biology and public health type topics first, then cover basics of chemistry and physics.

History: Focus on 20th Century till 1947 then read 1857 till end of 19th Century. After that, start with ancient India. Read Sufism, Bhakti, art, culture etc in the medieval portion. No need to read Bipin Chandra (CBA bad). Read Tamil Nadu Class XI syllabus only if done before.

Defense/International Relations: Touch upon these topics only when the others are done. When revising, focus on DRDO development, missiles, inventions, joint exercise, etc.

Sports: Since the last five years, ever since the CSAT-2 paper was introduced, the UPSC has stopped asking questions on Sports and PIN. Even if one question is asked, the Cost – Benefit Ratio will not be worth the effort.

Personality in news (PIN): These are questions involving prominent persons such as who is CEO of NITI Aayog, who won the recently concluded world cup T20, etc. UPSC has stopped asking such question in CSE but they are very much relevant for other exams such as SSC CGL and the like.

Note: Students should focus on covering current affairs related to Economics, Environment, Science, Defence and International relations. Special emphasis needs to be given to Environment and Ecology sections as the prelims exam has been combined for both the Civil Services as well Indian Forest Services since the last three years.

Last minute reminders:

Do not focus on your strengths. Focus on managing your weaknesses instead.
Do not focus too much about current affairs
Don’t entertain irrational fears
Refrain from reading comments on online forums as they will put fears and doubts in your mind.
Don’t study from 20 different sources. Stick to a few important ones and study them well.
Have faith in your preparation and hard work.