How can I score above 120 in UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is regarded as the most difficult of the three phases of the IAS Exam since it eliminates the majority of students, with just 10,000-13,000 applicants chosen out of a million who fill out the form each year, depending on the number of vacancies, to write the UPSC Mains exam. Starting in 2014, candidates must pass both the UPSC Prelims and the Mains. However, it should be remembered that knowledge alone will not get you past the UPSC Prelims, nor will elimination strategies. It is the combination of knowledge and the ability to remove options based on application of knowledge that allows one to get more than 120 points in the prelims examination.

In this article, we will go through various strategies for improving your GS Prelims score so that you would pass the exam far above the cut-off marks.

Strategy to Prepare for Prelims

It is important to begin preparing for Prelims at least 3 months prior to the exam. Since, the nature of prelims is different from the UPSC Mains and it focuses more on the facts, it is important to revise the whole syllabus with sufficient time to practice a lot of mock tests. The general strategy to prepare for prelims is given below:

1. Make a study plan with dedicated time to revise a subject, current affairs notes and solve at least 50 questions daily. You can start with the toughest or the lengthiest subject first.
2. Focus on the NCERT books and revise what you have already read.
3. After covering the basics, revise sources other than the NCERTs.
4. Revise at least one year of current affairs.
5. Practice previous years’ papers.
6. Practice mock tests.
7. Don’t ignore the CSAT paper and practice well in advance.

Note- Read about UPSC Prelims preparation strategy in detail in the linked article.

Tips to Improve Prelims Score above 120

All aspirants, for the most part, learn from the same sources and take the same mock tests. Then why do all candidates obtain different scores? This is due to the fact that not everyone is able to apply the knowledge gained while answering the questions. To get a score of 120 in the preliminary exam, you must correctly answer 60 questions. However, it is not as simple as it sounds because each incorrect response results in a -0.66 mark penalty. Here are some pointers to help you improve your prelims score:

1. Analyse- Irrespective of whether you are a fresher or a veteran in the UPSC journey, it is important that you analyse your mistakes and the types of questions asked. Go through the previous year’ question papers and try to understand what type of questions are asked from what subjects, are they factual or conceptual in nature. Analyse your prelims score or mock test score, find out why you got a particular question right or wrong. It is very important to know the mistakes that you are making and not repeat those mistakes.

1. Minimise Sources, Maximise Revision– It is true, you should not look for multiple sources for one particular subject, rather revise one source multiple times. In the examination what you have learnt multiple times will help you understand the question and eliminate the options. So revise all the sources at least 3 times.

1. Focus on Concepts– Do not make the mistake of cramming facts while revising for prelims. Build concepts and try to connect and interlink what you learn . Some of the exam questions may be answered with minimal knowledge and just by applying common sense, which is nothing more than clarity of the concepts.

1. Avoid Blind Guessing– Some people use elimination methods to solve all the questions. It is not the right approach. Please understand the demand of the question and avoid attempting the question if you have no idea about it. Making blind guesses will cost you a negative of 0.66 marks.

1. Maximise your attempt– Some people attempt only the questions they are sure of and leave the rest. If you are 100% sure of at least 60 questions, which is very unlikely, you can leave the rest of the questions. But in the examination, you will need to attempt questions for which you are not 100% sure. It is always advisable to attempt maximum questions using intelligent guessing. Always attempt the questions, in which you have eliminated 2 options.

1. Mock tests– Apply all the above techniques in the mock tests and develop your own strategy. Take as many mock tests as you can and learn from your mistakes.

1. Be Confident– On the day of the exam just be in a calm state of mind. Good marks are the consequence of more than just knowledge and hard work. Many other elements come into play as well. In the exam hall, don’t doubt yourself or overthink. Attempt all the questions with full confidence.

We hope the above tips will help you increase your score and perform better in the exam. UPSC CSE prelims is one of the most difficult exams but hard work and a well-planned approach can help you get a score of 120 or above on your GS-I exam.

Note– Follow Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper by BYJU’S to augment your UPSC preparation.

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