O2 IAS academy has been guiding and helping students to realise their goal of becoming a civil servant. Through the experience and insight gained by witnessing the numerous changes in UPSC pattern and various ways by which aspirants cope up with them, in this blog, we have tried to summarize some common issues faced UPSC aspirants and our suggestions on how to overcome them.
1.Average vs intelligent student debate: The root of under confidence
It is a commonly held view that UPSC civil services exam is one of the world’s toughest exams to crack. Thus, even before the actual preparation for the exam begins many aspirants start doubting themselves. Many aspirants have this misconception that one has to be a born genius, a university topper or from IIT/IIM to clear and secure top ranks in this exam. This is one of the biggest issues faced by candidates: lack of faith and confidence in their capabilities.
The truth is just like any other competitive exam, UPSC civil services exam can be cleared with a good strategy and consistent preparation. The students who clear the exam every year are from mixed academic backgrounds: some of them are from reputed universities, some from regional colleges; some have been toppers all their life while many others have been average students, some are doctors, engineers, while others are from commerce or humanities back ground. The only thing they have in common is hard work, perseverance and that they made it to the final list. Thus, you should have faith in yourself since this exam is just like any other competitive exam: can be easily cleared with a sound strategy and consistent time table which is religiously followed.
2.Coaching: to do or not to do?
The next issue faced by aspirants is the choice between studying at a coaching institute or self preparation. Many aspirants waste many precious weeks on deciding whether they will be joining an institute or not and later on the choice of the institute. Our advice to candidates is that they should attend a few demo classes at 2-3 institutes of their choice to see if they prefer studying at an institute or self preparation and then narrow down to their final option. But it is not advisable to waste weeks in this process. Since, in the end your selection depends on the number of times you have revised the taught syllabus and your answer writing skills and not on the name of your institute. If you think that you are not benefiting from the coaching classes and you can complete the syllabus better on your own then you should not join coaching just for the sake of it or because that institute is famous. In present times, if you have initial guidance then you can prepare from your home by using internet resources and standard books. The entire decision of joining or not joining an institute for preparation is very subjective and depends on personal choice.
3.Time: tick tock tick tock
The next biggest issue faced my aspirants is time management. Many students are intimidated by rumors regarding UPSC: you will only clear the exam if you study for 16 hours, in order to clear the exam you have to wake up at 4 am and start studying from 5 am inwards etc. Our suggestion is that it is never wise to follow the mob. What we mean by that is you should follow the time table which works best for you. Your aim should be to cover the syllabus target in time. If you are an early bird then adjust your time table in such a way that you are able to complete difficult topics and major chunk of syllabus in the morning. If you are a student, working professional then adjust your time table to study in between the breaks and evening hours. In the end time table management is not a one size fits all kind of thing and you will have to make a custom fit according to your routine and lifestyle.
