#CareerBytes: Common mistakes UPSC aspirants make that should be avoided
What's the story
Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is one of the toughest exams, but only a few hundreds of them get selected.
Most of the candidates do not get qualified because of flaws in their preparation because of which they pay a heavy price.
Here are some common mistakes UPSC aspirants generally make that should be avoided.
Preparation
Ignoring the basics and lack of practice, revision
One of the common mistakes UPSC aspirants make is ignoring the basics and NCERT books, which are important for IAS preparation as questions based on NCERT books and fundamentals may be asked in the exam.
Not solving sufficient practice papers and previous papers could affect their performance, too.
Also, lack of consistent preparation, regular practice, and revision may impact their preparation process adversely.
Multiple sources
Spending time reading too many books may lead to confusion
Though UPSC aspirants tend to consult various study material and books to prepare for different topics, going through too many books may create confusion and should be avoided.
UPSC syllabus is vast and candidates may need to refer multiple sources to cover it.
However, consulting too many books could be a waste of time. Instead, they should choose the right material/books and revise well.
Planning
Not having a proper study plan is a grave mistake
Not planning the preparation process wisely is one of the biggest mistakes aspirants make. Having a proper study plan and adhering to it is a must.
Lack of proper time management and delaying practice/revision sessions could hamper the preparation.
Also, studying for long hours continuously without taking breaks and reducing sleep time and recreational activities would affect one's health and must be avoided.
Newspapers, Books
Not reading newspapers or spending too much time on them
The importance of reading newspapers and general books in UPSC preparation for enhancing knowledge, reading and writing skills, and current affairs cannot be emphasized enough.
Ignoring newspapers and not spending enough time reading them is a mistake that should be avoided.
However, spending too much time on newspapers and books and delaying other work isn't recommended, too; allotting 1-2 hours for reading is recommended.
Information
Not taking all three stages seriously
IAS aspirants must understand that every phase of CSE - Preliminary exam, Main examination, Personality Interview - is equally important. Taking the prelims or the IAS interview lightly, assuming they don't need serious preparation or thinking it's just a simple interview is a huge mistake.
Choosing an optional
Failing to choose the right optional subject
Choosing the right optional subject is one of the most critical decisions for the aspirants and not selecting the right one could be a terrible mistake.
To avoid this, candidates must take the decision after considering several factors and discuss with their peers or teachers in case they are confused.
Candidates should choose an optional subject they are interested in and comfortable with.