The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Mains exam is difficult.There are simple strategies you can use to improve your answers.To be prepared for the exam, you need to study and take practice tests.Make sure to pay attention to the key verbs in the questions and read them carefully.Understand what types of questions are and how to answer them.
Step 1: Take the exam 3-6 months before you start studying.
English, Math, Politics, and Science are some of the subjects you will be tested on in the UPSC Mains.It's a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to study the material.If you are taking the test in January, start studying in October.
Step 2: The syllabus can be used to help you cover important topics.
If you want to focus on the most in your exam, you should download the syllabus from the government website.Depending on the position for which you are applying, the subject areas of your test may be different.If you are applying for a medical position, your test will likely cover a wide range of medical topics.You may want to practice problem solving skills, memorize key details in the syllabus, and use the elimination process to find the most likely answer.
Step 3: There are sample answers to previous exams on the website.
Sample answers to previous years' tests can be found on the website.Take the time to read through the sample answers for the subjects you will be tested on.Take notes on the answers so you can remember them.
Step 4: Practice tests can help you get used to the time limitations.
Try to take a practice test before the exam to see how you do.You will need to abide by time limits on yourself for the exam, which is 3 hours in total.If you want to gain more practice, repeat this exercise again.You can access practice tests on the government website, as well as some study guides.Writing your answers correctly will be taken into account on your exam.
Step 5: Gain experience for the personality test by socializing in professional settings.
The personality test is the last part of the Mains.The written portion of the exam is worth 250 points, so a high score on the personality test is important.Talk to people in a professional and friendly manner to practice for the interview.Intellectual curiosity is one of the qualities the examiner will be checking during the interview.
Step 6: Before you respond, read the instructions carefully.
Make sure you read through the questions carefully before you answer them on the exam.For each question, identify the directive and the topic.This will help to make sure that you don't make a mistake.Some questions may have more than one directive.If the question reads, "Assess how global warming has impacted the coral life system and provide examples," then the directive is to "Provide examples."
Step 7: It is not possible to write legibly in English or Hindi.
On the exam, mixed language answers are not acceptable.You can record your responses in Hindi or English.To write your answers, use a pen.Practice writing at a slower pace if your handwriting gets sloppy when you write quickly.
Step 8: The provided boxes have your answers in them.
You can record your answers in the exam answer sheet.Do not extend your answer beyond the edges of the boxes and do not write notes outside of them.You should be aware that going outside of the lines may cost you points or invalidate your responses.
Step 9: For each section, stay within the word limit.
Right after the question, each section has a word limit.The limit is either 150 or 250 words.You may lose points if you write answers that are longer than the limit.It's easier to stay on topic if you focus on the directive and topic.Write anything that responds directly to the question.
Step 10: Where appropriate include diagrams, charts, and other illustrations.
You may need to draw a diagram or chart to show your answer to a question.Questions that require this will include the word "illustrate" in the question or specifically ask for a diagram or chart of some kind.To the best of your ability, draw the chart, diagram, or illustration.It's important to keep drawings inside of the boxes.
Step 11: If you make a mistake, cancel the answer and write it down.
Draw a line through each word of your answer and write the word "cancelled" over the section that you don't want counted.Write the new answer below it.If you make a mistake, only do this.If you misunderstand the question and start to answer it one way, you could strike through what you have written and write "cancelled" before responding correctly.Some of the answer can be canceled if it is correct.Don't use up the limited box space with a mistake by thinking through your answers carefully.
Step 12: If asked to "enumerate," focus on giving numbers and facts.
If the question asks you to "enumerate," this means that your answer should include numbers.Don't look at the numbers.Provide them in a straightforward manner.The ratio of women to men is 2 to 1.There are 30 women and 15 men.
Step 13: Explain the events in chronological order.
Explain the historical event in chronological order if the question asks you to do so.Transition words and phrases can be used to make it clear what happened and in what order.If you were asked to narrate the key events that led to a transfer of power from the British Imperials to the Indian people, you would need to explain the events in chronological order.
Step 14: When asked to "define", provide a definition from memory.
Try to use words and phrases from the definition.You will need to memorize key terms and their definitions according to your study guide for the exam.Write the definition from memory when the test asks you to define a term.If you are asked to define the term, "water stress," you could say it's "an inability to meet the human need for water in a region or community."A request to define a term can be followed up with a question.Carefully read the instructions to make sure you don't miss anything.
Step 15: If asked toanalyze, include your opinion and discuss the facts.
Base your opinion on the facts.Explain the situation to both sides and state what the implications are.It's important to keep your opinion positive and based on facts.Don't say unpopular or controversial opinions in your response.It is important to remain diplomatic during the exam.
Step 16: If asked to examine, compare the pros and cons.
Whenever a question asks you to critically examine a topic, you should give a thorough comparison of the positives and negatives.A conclusion about the topic's implications should be written after you explain both sides of the issue.Stay within the word limit for the question.Think through your answer and plan it out before you start writing.
Step 17: There are other common directives in the instructions.
It is important to be aware of what each term is asking you to do, as the mains may include several other directives."Elucidate," "elaborate," or "expand" are some of the common terms to watch for.Explain the parts, characteristics, and other relevant details if asked to do so.