Framing an Effective IAS Prelims Strategy for 2022

For IAS aspirants, Prelims is the first major step. It opens or shuts the door to enter Civil Services. Prelims preparation is what puts the candidates in the right frame of mind and helps them take one step closer to their dream career. Having a clear direction at this stage is paramount. For prelims the old adage Work smart and not just hard goes a long way. Prelims tests aptitude and temperament and not necessarily the depth of one’s knowledge. So frame an effective preparation strategy that helps you attempt the entire paper on time. At Kamaraj IAS academy, we have combined years of faculty and training experience along with the success stories of candidates to help you frame the most effective IAS prelims strategy. Read on to know more!

  1. Limit your sources

In today’s digital era, there are a multitude of online and offline resources. It can get overwhelming if you refer to too many sources. Identify a few authentic sources and stick to them. Do not burden yourself with a lot of reading material. However little you read it is important to cover the topic well. At Kamaraj IAS academy, to prevent candidates from feeling lost in the maze of online and offline books, we have collated up-to-date and most reliable reading material. It is not just authentic but also written such that concepts are explained concisely and clearly.

  1. Analyze previous years’ papers

A common tip given to students is to attempt many mock tests. But we suggest that even before that go through past years’ papers to understand the nature of questions, marking scheme, exam pattern and weightage for different topics. Without this knowledge any further steps will be futile.

  1. Make your own notes

There are many different kinds of learners. Some students are visual learners, some prefer long notes or flashcards may be useful to some. Making notes that work for your learning style is important. Do not follow your peers blindly. Initially try a few strategies and see what works for you. Make effective notes that can be used for revision instead of going back to the primary sources.

  1. Attempt as many tests as possible

Initially attempt tests to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and structure of the exam. As you move ahead in your preparation, taking a test a day will sharpen your thought process, reduce time required for the answers and help you identify your weaknesses. Tests should be an active part of the preparation. Do not be disheartened if you cannot attempt all questions or you feel you still lag behind. It is for this reason that we provide students multiple sample tests so that their skills are honed and with each sample test they build their confidence.

  1. Understand what you study

Given the volume of information one needs to cover for Civil Services, most students take the path of rote learning. While initially you may get the satisfaction that you have covered a lot, rote learning is counterproductive. Study to attain conceptual clarity and make notes to put down what you understand. We have already mentioned the UPSC exam test temperament. There is no point in learning large volumes of information without knowing where to apply. At Kamaraj IAS Academy we train students to think right from the beginning. We do not believe in learning and then applying. Instead we follow ‘Apply as you learn’. This way you strengthen your fundamentals and develop a good analytical mindset.

  1. Engage in discussions

Discuss what you study and learn from others how they process information. Having discussion groups and participating in forums will take you a long way in the preparation. Peer learning is a tried and tested way to solve doubts. Kamaraj IAS academy provides you a motivated peer group as well faculty who are ever ready to engage with you in these stimulating discussions.

  1. Manage your time

UPSC is a long term commitment. Do not burn yourself out in the early stages of preparation. We constantly tell our students to pace their study schedules. Make an effective schedule that accommodates current affairs, revision, ample time for practice tests and most importantly rest and sleep. Time management and taking enough rest is what helps successful candidates sustain motivation.

  1. Take an integrated approach

Although we believe Prelims is the first step, Kamaraj IAS academy believes in taking an integrated route to preparation. Concepts that help mains can also strengthen your prelims preparation. Taking a linear route of preparing for prelims first and then mains, is not always the most effective strategy. Integrate your preparation and set your eye on the main goal from the beginning.

IAS Officer Ashish Kumar who secured AIR 53 in 2019 failed in his first attempt of prelims. He says, after his first attempt, he took stock of his strengths and weaknesses and analyzed what went wrong. In his second attempt he gave himself clear direction and path that ultimately was fruitful.

At Kamaraj IAS Academy, we believe it is the right attitude and positive mindset that is the difference between the successful and unsuccessful candidates. We have a team of dedicated teaching staff and mentoring staff. This helps us holistically shape students and provide each student a unique approach. We always tell our students that the process is the most important and the results will ultimately fall in place. Our goal is to shape the intellect of students preparing for this challenging exam. The process at Kamaraj IAS Academy is what makes it the best IAS Academy in Chennai. Our individual attention and understanding the needs of every student helps each student make their own exam strategy.

To join this intellectually stimulating atmosphere at Kamaraj IAS Academy, call us at 044 4353 9988, 98403 94477o or email us at kamarajiasacademy@gmail.com