UPSC CSE Topper by Vikas Dhayal

Pro Tip For those who have written Mains-26 and finding it difficult to decide how to go ahead from here As of today we can expect the Mains results to be out by around 10th November. That leaves about 50 days before the results are out, perhaps the most difficult period to pass. Watching movies, travelling, spending time with family and friends may not feel as exciting as before. Being productive also will be challenging for most. In this case the best way forward will be the following: 1. Try and guess the marks you would be getting in every Mains paper and calculate the total, if you’re not getting 810+ in this rough estimate then you must: 2. Start reading two newspapers daily and start making notes from Mains perspective. You can read important articles shared in the Indian Express channel daily(resuming tomorrow) 3. Find out the areas where your Optional notes are not upto the mark. If possible form a group with peers with same optional and make notes from reference books like IGNOU- Watch the Medha Anand interview to understand the importance of it(she improved her Optional score from 250s to 310+ by doing this) 4. If you believe it will be difficult for you to cross 410 in GS, you must start content enrichment and answer writing for GS Mains. This is the only and right time to do so, in case you have to attempt the paper again. Please note: These days, scoring less than 800 in Mains in any category means not securing the top services. Therefore, you must use these 50 days wisely to improve yourself. Newspaper reading at this stage will also help build a strong base for the Interview if you qualify. Additionally, try to spend at least one hour daily on the hobby you have mentioned in your DAF. More focused preparation for the Interview should be taken up after the results are out, you will still have sufficient time for it.

And There isn’t a better window of time to prepare for next mains and Prelims both even if you begin from tomorrow. What to prioritise: 1. Compile topic wise notes for GS papers, fill gaps in notes and build the requisite writing skill by writing daily on the topics completed. 2. Devote a 2.5-4 hour session daily for refining your optional notes and few PYQs(1-5) should be written on a daily basis along with it. Even if you’re writing 1 answer, it adds up. 3. If you’re lacking confidence in Prelims, start doing 20-30 Prelims questions daily from 2nd half of October and make short notes from solutions. This is optional, it won’t take much time and will boost confidence and improve content. Make a schedule for revision, notes enrichment and writing answers before you begin and finish GS and Optional before end of the year. 3 months is enough time.