Why analysis of UPSC syllabus is important
Students nationwide who choose to study for the UPSC Civil Services Exam frequently encounter a variety of questions. Questions like “How to Prepare?” and “What is the syllabus?” In fact, downloading the syllabus from the UPSC website should be one of the first steps a Civil Services aspirant takes before starting their preparation.
It’s crucial to focus your efforts when studying for the Civil Services Exam. To meet the requirements of the exam and the examiner’s expectations, one must focus their efforts effectively. Let’s think back to our college days. Wasn’t it crucial to carefully read the syllabus copy for each of our semesters? This is also true of the UPSC’s Civil Services Examination.
The Assessment of the UPSC Syllabus is thoroughly explained in this article, and the links below can help you get started on your IAS Exam preparation.
ALSO READ – IMPORTANCE OF NCERT IN IAS PREPARATION , HOW TO PREPARE FOR IAS INTERVIEW
The Significance of UPSC Syllabus Analysis
Many candidates initially believe that ancient and mediaeval Indian history is included in the General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society) syllabus. This is a common misunderstanding. While in reality, these subjects are only covered in the Prelims portion of the test. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of the structure, scope, and size of the syllabus is essential. The objective clarity that results from studying the UPSC analysis gives one the ability to know what to pursue, which material to not read, and what sources one needs to refer to. The optional subjects are also affected by this.
How should one proceed While preparing for UPSC / IAS Exam?
- A paper copy of the Civil Services Examination curriculum, pasted on the closet, is very helpful for aspirants because it keeps them aware of the syllabus and encourages them to at the very least give it a cursory read whenever possible.
- Additionally, it is beneficial for aspirants to break down every concept into subtopics and use particular references for each topic. After establishing this broad framework, it is simpler for candidates to navigate the extensive UPSC curriculum for the Civil Services Examination.
- A review of question papers from prior years also aids in putting the syllabus into better perspective because it is frequently possible to determine the true breadth and depth of the syllabus through examination of questions that have been posed on the relevant subjects.
Examining the UPSC Syllabus & Its Benefits
Exam candidates should review the UPSC Syllabus before beginning their exam preparation for a number of reasons. The benefits of reviewing the IAS Syllabus beforehand are covered below:
- The comprehensive syllabus is announced by UPSC in the official notification. Candidates can review the topics covered in the syllabus, gauge their familiarity with them, and assess their strengths and weaknesses.
- The candidates can follow a predetermined schedule and study plan based on the syllabus, allocating equal amounts of time to each subject’s preparation so that all the topics are fully covered.
- Additionally, it will be advantageous for the candidate to select an elective subject if they review the list of all offered optionals and select the one that best suits their strengths.
Candidates can follow a set timetable and study plan based on the syllabus, allocating time evenly to the order to prepare for each specific matter so that all topics are completely covered.
The Value Of Memorizing The UPSC Syllabus By Heart
A lot of applicants have a propensity to ignore the General Studies Syllabus and believe that the questions the UPSC asked in the exam were not covered in the syllabus. Even some claim that questions on General Studies exams can be asked from anywhere and can be related to anything. People claim that GS is like the ocean and impossible to fully explore.
This impression is entirely incorrect. A careful examination of previous year’s questions reveals that more than 80% of them are taken directly from the syllabus. Actually, both in optionals and general studies, UPSC strictly adheres to the syllabus. Therefore, the most crucial thing for every aspirant is to go through the syllabus as often as they can and learn it by heart.
The new UPSC mains syllabus is considerably more detailed than the old one. The new syllabus is lengthy, but thankfully each topic is clearly covered so that a candidate can pay close attention to each one and take notes while consulting standard texts, websites, and newspapers.
An exam candidate gains clarity of focus while studying from various sources by learning the entire syllabus by heart. For instance, when reading the newspaper, he will concentrate on the syllabus topics that he knows in his subconscious mind are pertinent and significant for the exam. If he is unfamiliar with the curriculum, they will waste time studying irrelevant material.
An aspirant can create questions in his head as he reads by being familiar with each topic on the syllabus. One can quickly learn which parts of the syllabus are more crucial and which are not by studying previous year’s questions.
If the syllabus is ingrained in our minds, we become aware of the various discussions and conversations we hear on the radio or TV each day and pay attention to them.
The syllabus serves as a roadmap for examination preparation. If one ignores it, he will undoubtedly waste time on pointless books.
Strategy for UPSC Exam
Applicants who are preparing for the UPSC CSE / IAS examination must devote careful study time to their preparation. Less than 1% of these candidates are ultimately chosen and accepted into the prestigious All India Service.
- A review of the pertinent books
As opposed to reading numerous books on a subject, candidates should prepare only from the pertinent books repeatedly. For the UPSC preparation, candidates use textbooks, NCERT books, and other cutting-edge study materials.
- Syllabus and previous year’s test questions
The curriculum and prior year’s question papers should only be used as a guide for candidates trying to prepare for the UPSC exam.
- Examining newspapers
We suggest that the candidates continue reading the newspaper each day as a habit. For the purpose of passing the UPSC exam, candidates should be able to read a newspaper. Candidates will only have a limited amount of time, so it’s important to know how to prioritize what to read and what to skip.
- Additional Revision
Revision can be a great mantra for doing the UPSC preparation. They might have trouble remembering the crucial details and facts at exam time if they haven’t done the proper revision and taken multiple copies of their notes. Therefore, be sure to revise using the same study materials. Don’t use several sources to inform the revision.
- Complete practise exams
Candidates must complete the practice exams and assess them. Examined UPSC mock tests must be analysed by aspirants. They will be able to identify their strong and weak areas with the aid of assessment of these exam papers.
- Analysis of the question structure
What happens when you solve problems using test questions from the prior year? You’ll comprehend the types of questions asked for each subject. You ought to be able to evaluate the questions. Examine the vocabulary used in each type of question. The UPSC board frequently employs complex sentences to perplex the students. As a result, even straightforward questions seem challenging.
Only after you have completed the question will you be able to gauge the difficulty level of the UPSC exam. You have completed the primary UPSC preparation as soon as you are aware of their demands. You can later attempt to comprehend what to read and how much to read regarding each topic. All of it occurs automatically while the preparation process is in progress.
- Analyze the Trend
You can determine the pattern used by the UPSC board by having IAS candidates solve question papers from the previous year. For the UPSC Mains exam specifically, you must pay attention to this.
You will only be given a brief overview of the list of crucial subjects. You’ll be able to choose which subjects to emphasise as a result. Additionally, there are some other subjects you can ignore. You won’t waste a lot of time or energy doing this.
Conclusion
Do you possess the necessary analytical skills? There is an approach to take. Your UPSC preparation won’t be complete if you just keep writing them. Equally crucial is the analysis of them. In fact, it’s crucial to set aside more time for analysis. You can practise and try them later.
Spend a significant amount of time solely on studying the question paper going forward. So you can start paying attention to the questions. You can learn from a mistake more quickly by doing this. More significant than the quantity of practice papers is being perfect. Concerning changes to exam paper patterns for these subjects, everything is fine; don’t worry. Concepts won’t change if the pattern does!
Last but not least, be sure to evaluate your level of UPSC preparation. Become stronger where you are weak and be fully prepared. Keep the exam questions from the previous year handy for the day you finish the syllabus. Without pausing, begin your practice!
