How to Crack UPSC in First Attempt?

Cracking the UPSC Exam in the first attempt takes a lot of hard work and dedication, as it is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. The UPSC exam is known for its rigorous selection process, but with the right techniques and mindset, you can increase your chances of success. In this guide, we'll delve into the essential strategies and tips that will help you navigate this challenging journey and secure your position among the top candidates.

How to Crack UPSC in First Attempt?

Cracking the UPSC Exam, often considered one of the most challenging competitive exams, requires a holistic and disciplined approach. Firstly, a thorough understanding of the syllabus is essential, enabling you to focus your efforts on relevant topics. Effective time management is crucial; create a well-structured UPSC study plan that allocates sufficient time to each subject while emphasising regular revisions. Diversify your study sources, combining standard textbooks, online resources, and current affairs updates to gain a comprehensive understanding of subjects. Consistent practice through mock tests and previous year's question papers hones your problem-solving skills and enhances your exam strategy. Equally important is the development of strong writing and analytical abilities, which are vital for the Mains exam. Staying updated with current affairs, both national and international, is pivotal. Lastly, maintain a positive mindset, stay dedicated, and cultivate resilience to navigate the challenges that arise on this demanding journey.

How to Crack UPSC Prelims?

The UPSC Prelims exam is a challenging one, but it can be cracked in one year with discipline and dedication. Here are a few suggested tips to crack UPSC Prelims:

• Familiarise yourself with the UPSC Syllabus.
• Understand the exam pattern.
• Start your preparation with NCERT Books. They will help you build a strong foundation for General Studies Subjects.
• Start reading a newspaper daily for current affairs updates. Watch a daily Newspaper Analysis Video to cover all the important current Affairs.
• Join a Prelims cum Mains Foundation coaching and get hold of all the required UPSC standard books to crack the Prelims Exam.
• Seek guidance from mentors or seniors who are in the phase of preparation.
• Make your own handwritten notes for both static subjects as well as current affairs from Newspapers.
• Practising Prelims PYQs is very, very important to crack the exam. It helps you get familiar with the UPSC Exam Pattern and understand the type of questions being asked in the exam.
• Refer to a Monthly Current Affairs Magazine to cover all the important monthly current affairs from Yojana Magazine, Kurukshetra Magazine, PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, etc.
• In order to crack the exam, join a UPSC Prelims Test series. A test series will help you learn about your strengths and weaknesses and fill in the gaps in your preparation.
• To crack the UPSC Prelims Exam, it is very important to stay fixated on a set of standard books for preparation and not refer to multiple sources for preparation. The more the sources, the more the confusion.
• During the final days of preliminary preparation, focus only on revision. Consolidate all your static and dynamic notes and revise all your books and notes. Don't refer to any new sources for reading in the final days of preparation.

Tips to Crack UPSC Mains Exam

To crack the UPSC Mains Exam on the first attempt, it is very important to familiarise yourself with the syllabus and the exam pattern. While the Prelims Exam is an Objective-based paper, UPSC Mains is a Subjective paper in nature. It has 9 papers in total, which also includes the Essay and Language papers as well as the Optional Paper along with the General Studies one.

• The first and most important thing needed to crack the UPSC Mains Exam is the Daily Answer Writing Practise. Not all of us have a background in writing theoretical answers and hence require dedicated time for its practice in order to crack the UPSC Mains Exam.
• Focus on your Optional Paper, as it carries 500 marks and can significantly impact your ranking.
• Choose a language out of the list mentioned under the 8th Schedule for the Language paper-B.
• Integrate your static answers with your dynamic/ current affairs knowledge. It will help you gain an edge in your answers to crack the UPSC Mains Exam.
• In the Ethics Paper, try to mention about the inspiring famous people in your case studies and in the form of examples to support your answers.
• In the Essay paper, focus on presenting diverse content instead of creative content. The more diverse your essay looks, the more it presents your knowledge.
• Focus on time management. Try to attempt all the questions within the given prescribed word limit.
• Use diagrams and flowcharts to support your answers or explain a complex issue.