Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the final results of Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2019 on 4th august 2020. Recently, UPSC Prelims 2020 took place on 4th October. The results of the IAS Preliminary examination are expected to be released in Mid-November 2020. When the results come out, both smiles and tears are born as few candidates clear the examination and few don’t. This article will help aspirants to be on the successful side by following five important steps to clear the IAS exam and smile when the results are out.

As a quick reminder, the UPSC Civil Services Examination takes place in three stages. The first stage is Prelims followed by Mains and Interview. After each stage, the commission releases the UPSC Result announcing the number of candidates who pass on to the next stage. The entire CSE process completes in one year. 

Now, let’s read the tips that will help you shine in the country’s one of the most difficult examinations:

#1 Know the Syllabus from A to Z

There are times when candidates think that some subjects are more important than others and with this mistake, they ignore a few topics that are mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. However, we suggest that a candidate should instead of ignoring such less-weighted topics altogether; make succinct notes of these using the internet wisely and revise them often. IAS syllabus is the most important source of information and each and every topic entailed in it is equally important. Hence, remember the following things w.r.t to CSE syllabus:

1. Always carry a hardcopy of UPSC syllabus with you.
2. Know the broad topics of Prelims Syllabus and all sub-topics of Mains syllabus.
3. You should have a clear understanding of each paper of the syllabus. 

#2 Filter out your resources

Today, the markets are filled with a plethora of materials for UPSC preparation. One can easily get distracted or confused while starting with the preparation. However, one must know that the UPSC examination is not the test of who knows the most; but it is of who knows it right. Hence, candidates should always contain their excitement and enthusiasm; and are advised to not buy stocks of notes and materials from the market which they are perhaps not going to even touch throughout their UPSC journey. So what exactly needs to be done? Read below:

1. For each subject, stick to one resource. 
2. To fill in the lacunae, learn to use the internet judiciously. 
3. Notes-making can’t be undervalued. 
4. Revision of the notes is the key. 

#3 Make a practical timetable 

Usually the excitement to prepare for one of the most coveted examinations leads aspirants to make unrealistic targets. Gradually, the excitement subsides and so does the planning. Hence, it is always advisable to make practical timetables. A candidate has to analyse his/her strengths and weaknesses before he/she implements them. For example, one doesn’t forcefully need to wake up at 4am just because another topper suggested so. It is of pivotal importance that a candidate learns to modify his/her preparation as per his/her strengths. Do the following:

1. Make a weekly plan in the beginning of the preparation and see the results of your plan. Were you able to achieve most of the targets? If yes, follow it for a month; if not, modify and bring some changes.
2. Always give yourself some time to rest.
3. Keep a check on your timetable and try to meet at least 80 percent of your targets.

#4Make Revision Plans

There is no alternative to revisions of the notes that you have made all along your UPSC preparation. Many times aspirants fail to revise as they get distracted with multiple resources. However, one must note that these mistakes can cost you one attempt in the examination. Hence, follow the tips listed below:

1. Frequent revision is important. 
2. Segregate topics for revision. Subjects like history should be revised often as it contains a lot of information. Similarly, economic terms, polity articles, geographical places and environmental developments should be revised often.
3. Revise to relearn and unlearn. By the time candidates start revising, they would have accumulated a good knowledge of the exam pattern and demand; hence they can easily unlearn what is not required for the examination. 

#5 Take Mock Tests Before it’s too Late

Mock tests and previous year question papers are one of those resources which help the most before the examination. With both of these, aspirants can learn from their mistakes.

1. Subscribe to a test series from any good coaching institute or get mock tests from markets.
2. Every month, two mock tests can be taken as it will help to analyse the performance.
3. Reverse learning can be done with the answer keys with each mock test. 

Conclusion

Aspirants who are sitting for Mains 2020 should start revising their notes and keep taking mock tests as the exam is due from 8th January 2021 onward. IAS notification for the year 2021 will be out on 10th February 2021 which will entail all the information for CSE 2021 examination.