How to Crack UPSC in the very first attempt?
Many candidates have scored the rank in their very first attempt. And, that’s a great motivational proof that clearly demonstrates the point, contrary to the candidates’ belief and statistics that says UPSC at least demands three attempts, that it’s possible to crack it in one go.
There are broadly two ways:
ONE: you consistently appear for the exam, year after year—generally three times, get an assessment, and then accordingly work on your score. It’s an excellent methodology for a long-term shoot.
TWO: you appear for the exam when you are ready and then score a rank on the very first go.
Here, in this article, we are focusing on the second approach—appearing when one is READY. This, in no manner, indicates that one-time attempt is equivalent to one year of preparation. We CANNOT generalize the statement for every candidate—simply because different candidates start their preparation at different level—and where one might take a year to prepare—another could stretch it for three with his day job—with a new family or with a new disability.
Does that make sense?
Good!
This article is broadly to help people with their mundane dilemmas—their numerous personal crisis; their nonsensical self-estimations, various distractions, their skepticism and so on.
We also wittingly acknowledge that UPSC stands for Un-Predictable Service Commission and there are several factors that determine one’s success in UPSC which are not in control of an average aspirant. But, who said you are an average student?
THERE ARE SEVERAL MISTAKES THAT ONE MAKES AS AN AMATEUR ASPIRANT. SO, BEFORE WE DISCUSS WHAT SHOULD BE DONE—LET’S SEE WHAT ONE SHOULD AVOID.
1. Avoid extra study material
Since there are so many study materials and so many experts to follow on the internet—it’s ever challenging task to stick to what matters the most. One must start with the basic books, preferably NCERTs and then go
2. Having unrealistic goals
It might be tempting to look at the candidates like Tina Dabi and Roman Saini and wonder about your chances of clearing it on the very first attempt. Wishfully thinking and daydreaming and investing ample amount of time on planning— ‘how you are about to do it’—is the number one reason why candidates lag. Don’t! There is a saying that explains this phenomenon – ‘All hat, But No Cattle.’
3. Opting a popular optional instead of your favorite one
Getting a subject that is popular among the community but doesn’t fall under your interests could hurt you inevitably. Your trendy optional would not help you in scoring well in the exam—rather go for a subject which you trust you can study in detail—which you would want to read in detail. After all, no matter what you choose—there is a vast syllabus adjoined to that subject. It’s your keen interest that would sail you through, not its trendy nature.
4. Avoiding Notes Making
During your preparation—you’d devour a plethora of course material, and most of it would go waste if you’d not make notes. Your best asset during your preparation is your notes and it’s must to make them for your revisions and importantly, for your information retention. So, unless you know a mind trick which enables you to have an eidetic memory—make notes. Please!
5. No revision slot in you Time-Table
There are several candidates who invest all their time in reading books—crossing one module after another—but not revising them periodically. You must acknowledge that whatever you read evaporates after a certain period unless you revise it which helps you in its retention. It’s highly advisable to revise your course material at regular intervals.
The reasons that keep the majority of the candidates from the pinnacle ranks of UPSC are their petty mistakes and lack of an appropriate strategy and guidance.