Important tips for Prelims 2022

By BYJU'S IAS|Updated : April 25th, 2022

The UPSC Prelims examination not just tests one’s knowledge but also one’s ability to perform under pressure as there will be questions which will come as a surprise irrespective of the amount of preparation. This article will provide you with a few tips to ace UPSC prelims 2022. 

Table of Content

How to Clear UPSC Prelims?

 

  • With less than 50 days remaining for UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2022, the preparation must mainly be centered around revision, attempting the previous year’s question papers and taking mock exams. 
  • Revision: Without proper revisions, it is difficult to accurately remember the points in the examination hall. 
    • Regular revisions will also boost the confidence levels and increase the possibility of recollecting vital information to answer a question thereby eliminating any kind of confusion that may arise during the exam.
  • Attempting previous year question papers: Solving previous year question papers

is also extremely important during this phase of the preparation.

  • Attempting UPSC previous year questions will give an idea about the type of questions that have been asked in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
  • Along with regular revision, solving the previous year question papers will boost the confidence levels of the aspirants.
  • It will also help you understand which areas are the most important and need more focus.
  • Attempting mock tests and analysing the performance: Aspirants must try and solve as many mock tests as possible, since help in assessing one’s memory and understanding
  • Mock tests also help in practicing various elimination techniques and intelligent guessing methods.
  • Post-test analysis will help assess one’s accuracy, strengths and weaknesses.
  • Focus on CSAT: Aspirants often tend to ignore the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) and miss out on the CSAT despite clearing the General Studies cut-off. 
  • It is important to attempt mock tests and practice important topics of CSAT.
    • Adequate Sleep and Right food habits: Without adequate sleep, it is difficult to get the required energy to carry out preparations effectively, it will lead to reduced productivity and frustrations. 
  • It is also very important to maintain a healthy food habit, reduce intake of junk food and avoid eating food at odd hours to remain healthy and energised during this phase of preparation.

 

Various elimination techniques

 

The Art of Elimination - If one cannot get the correct answer, one can try guessing the answer by making an intelligent guess. Through the method of elimination, it is possible to arrive at an answer.

  • Science and Technology based questions - Keep an eye on the options/statements with the words which indicate a “possibility” such as “can, could, may, might, etc.”.
      • These options are usually correct as it is very difficult to rule out the “possibility” and requires the strong support of evidence or reports.
  • Extreme statements - Extreme statements have a high probability of being wrong. 
    • These statements include words such as “never, all, every, must, none, cannot, always, only, etc.
  • Numbers and Facts - Always keep an eye on the options/statements which have factual data and numbers, most often these could lead to right answers.
    • Altering the facts in the statements is said to be the easiest method to frame a question.
  • Applying shortcut methods in the CSAT paper

 

Last-minute revision strategy

  • Follow a Static-Dynamic revision plan
  • Revise the entire subject at a stretch in a planned manner
  • Stick to the syllabus and revise basic topics from NCERTs without fail
  • Avoid reading any new topic
  • Attempt as many mock tests as possible and analyse the performance
  • Relax and stay Positive

 

Important areas to cover for Prelims 2022

 

Ancient and Medieval Indian History

  • The Linguistic Background
  • Harappan Culture
  • Jainism and Buddhism
  • The Maurya Age
  • Northern India: Age of the Three Empires (Circa 800 – 1000)
  • South India: The Chola Empire (Circa 900 – 1200)
  • The Delhi Sultanate
  • The Age of Vijayanagara
  • Mughals and Afghans

 

Modern History

  • Socio-Religious Reform Movements
  • The Revolt of 1857
  • Peasant and Movements 1857 – 1947
  • Beginning of Modern Nationalism in India
  • Phases of Revolutionary Activities
  • Indian National Movement

 

Geography

  • Volcanism and earthquake
  • The Earth’s crust and various Landforms
  • Islands and coral reefs
  • Weather
  • Climate
  • Physiography of India
  • Places in News

 

Environment and Ecology

  • Biodiversity
  • Agriculture
  • Environmental Pollution and Climate Change
  • Conservation Efforts and Mitigation Strategies
  • Institution and Measures
  • Environmental Organisations and International Environmental Conventions

 

Polity

  • Salient Features of the Constitution
  • Citizenship
  • Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties
  • Amendment to the Constitution
  • Federal System and Centre-State Relations
  • Emergency Provisions
  • President, Vice President, Parliament of India and State Legislatures
  • Supreme Court, High Courts and Subordinate Courts
  • Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Government
  • Constitutional and statutory bodies

 

Indian Economy

  • National Income Accounting
  • Money and Banking
  • Income Determination
  • The Government: Functions and Scope
  • Macroeconomics

 

Science and Technology

  • Health and Diseases
  • Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
  • Space Technology
  • Defence
  • ICT and Computer
  • Nuclear Science

 

Current Affairs

The UPSC Prelims examination not just tests one’s knowledge but also one’s ability to perform under pressure as there will be questions which will come as a surprise irrespective of the amount of preparation. We hope that these tips and strategies will help you prepare better,  boost your confidence levels and help you to remain positive during the course of preparation.

 

All the Best…!!!



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