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How to prepare for UPSC mains after prelims exams

What serious UPSC applicants should do now to gain an edge in the Mains exam

AT-Campus
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Sakshi VermaUpdated: 6/19/2024, 6:00:00 AM

UPSC preliminary 2024 is done, but the hangover stays. Many applicants have already predicted their cut-offs based on the answer keys provided by coaching institutes. After the dust has settled, serious UPSC candidates have already begun preparing for the upcoming Mains exam, which, like the Prelims, is an elimination stage. The scorecard received in the main exam decides the rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam merit rankings.

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Stop studying the UPSC Prelims Paper

According to the results of this year's preliminary exams, no one can pass the UPSC exam without qualifying for the mains, so you might as well do it well when you have the time.The time between the preliminary exam and the final result is the most likely to be wasted. Especially for first-timers. The reason for this is the human psychology of anticipation and anxiety around the UPSC Prelims result. While this is typical, this time is valuable and should be used.

 

Practicing answer writing

In contrast, the UPSC Mains exam is a positive examination designed to pick the top applicants for various services. It assesses your knowledge, mental process, analytic abilities, and capacity to be creative and think outside the box.


The UPSC prelims, the main test is not factual. You must overcome the prelims attitude of becoming obsessed on every minor factual element and begin to see the big picture of the topic. However, all of these characteristics must be expressed in your written words in the Mains exam, which is difficult because most candidates are not prepared.

 

UPSC mains syllabus

The UPSC Prelims cover a wide ocean of information. Every year, there are a few questions in the preliminary exam that even the most prepared students do not understand. There will be no such deceit used on you in the main examination. The UPSC Mains syllabus is precisely stated, and the questions offered are directly related to the syllabus.

 

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FAQ

After clearing UPSC prelims, the first step should be to thoroughly understand the syllabus for the mains exam. Divide the syllabus into manageable parts and create a study plan.

Answer writing practice is crucial for UPSC mains. Focus on writing clear, concise answers that directly address the question asked. Practice time management and ensure your answers are structured with an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

it's not necessary to revise the entire prelims syllabus, candidates should revise key concepts and current affairs that are relevant to the mains syllabus. Focus more on depth rather than breadth of knowledge.

Current affairs are extremely important for UPSC mains as many questions are based on contemporary issues.

Time management is crucial during UPSC mains preparation. Allocate specific time slots for each subject and adhere to your study schedule.

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