UPSC examinations are known as the toughest exams in the nation, and for anyone deciding to crack the exam needs huge amounts of dedication and commitment. Not only do you need to prepare yourself for all the hard work, but also you need to work consistently if you want to be successful at it. Though there is no denying the fact that the exams are tough, it is also true that it is not an impossible feat to achieve if you are motivated and really keen about it. If it is your life’s goal to become an IAS officer, and you are ready to give your all for the examinations, then read on to find out how you can crack the examination and ace the interviews.
Cracking the UPSC exams and inching closer to your dreams
Only deciding to prepare your best for the exam is not enough because you need to move forward in the right way to really make it through. Here is a list of ideas that would offer a definite direction to your preparations for the exams and help you in scoring a good rank.
Know all the requirements for the exam
The first step to making sure that you start your preparations on the right note is to know all the prerequisites to appear for the examination. Check the official website of the Union Public Service Commission to know if you meet the eligibility criteria. Also, make sure you check the syllabus on the website. Knowing the syllabus closely make sure that you only study for what is needed instead of wasting time on preparing anything extra.
Know and get the books that you will need
Once the syllabus is known to you, the next step is getting hold of all the books that you will need for your preparation. You can both buy books and issues them from the library, as per your convenience. However, there are some books that cover the basics, like the NCERT books, which are an absolute must-have for the preparations, and it is better to buy them rather than getting them from the library.
Alternate between studying easy and tough subjects
Most aspirants tend to study either easy subjects or tough subjects in a row, and, both these approaches are wrong. You would completely lose your motivation if you only study the tough subjects in a row. On the other hand, you will be left with a ton of tough subjects to cover if you only read the easy ones in a row. So, you can start your day with a tough subject and then move on to an easy one, and thus, go alternatively.
Make the newspaper your best friend for the preparations
Newspapers are like those must-have pills that can help you prepare well for the UPSC examinations. You will need to stay updated with everything that is going on in the country, and reading newspapers is the best way of doing that. The books and magazines on current affairs will not be able to help you as the daily newspaper does. Do not skip reading the newspapers and make a note of all the important occurrences to revise later.
Make a routine for solving sample papers
Sample papers or the papers from the examinations of the previous years will give you a fair idea of what to expect and how to prepare for the exams. Remember that it is not just about knowing the answers to all the questions, but rather, answering all the questions in time. Once you are able to solve the sample papers in time, it will help in building your confidence. You can check UPSC answer key to know more about what to expect.
Talk to other successful candidates and read interviews
If you know any friends or relatives who have passed the UPSC exams or have taken the exam before, then it would be a good idea to have a discussion with them. You can also read the interviews of the successful candidates that come out in the magazines, newspapers, or on websites. Every person could tell you something that comes in handy for your preparations.
Acing the interviews: the final step to fulfill your dreams
You have reached the stage of the interviews means that you are at the last phase of the journey. Scoring well in the interview needs a combination of smartness, knowledge, and, alertness. Here are some of the golden rules to ace that interview.
First impression: From the moment you enter, your personality and your body language create an impression about you in the mind of the interviewer. You would want to leave a positive impression with your manners and the way you conduct yourself.
Staying calm and composed: It is easy to get nervous and stressed, given the gravity of the situation. But, keep reminding yourself that you have come this far and this is the last leg of the journey. Be calm, composed, and polite throughout the interview.
Communication skills: It is as important to express yourself clearly as it is to listen to the interviewer. Let him complete his question before you start responding to him. Be honest if you are not sure or you do not know an answer. This will be appreciated more by the interviewer than getting a wrong answer from you.
Mock interview sessions: You can appear for mock interview sessions organized at various UPSC coaching centers, or you can form a group of aspirants who will be appearing for the interview and do it amongst yourselves. In addition to that, you can reach out to successful candidates and seniors to help you out with the personality test.
Hopefully, all these tips presented here will help you in acing the UPSC exams and fulfill that dream of becoming an IAS officer. So, wait no more, and start your preparations from today. Good luck and may success be yours soon enough!
