https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

How to Crack Prelims: Hear from the Toppers Themselves

UPSC CSE Prelims 2021 is on October 10 2020 toppers Shubham Kumar, Jagriti Awasthi, Satyam Gandhi and Ria Dabi give their tips on how to ace the exam
Indian Masterminds Stories

With just few hours left for the Union Civil Services Commission (UPSC) Civil Services examination (CSE) Prelims, candidates are experiencing a mixed range of emotions. While some are apprehensive, others are raring to go. However, a little nervousness is quite normal at this point, considering this is the first big hurdle to cross in the CSE race. 2020 toppers who successfully crossed all hurdles to finish strong give their tips and hacks to clear the exam with ease. Read on.

ELIMINATE WRONG ANSWERS FIRST: SUBHAM KUMAR

AIR 1 Shubham Kumar advises candidates to remain calm and composed on the examination day. “Reach half an hour before the exam, relax and meditate before writing. Read questions thoroughly and leave nothing for the last moment,” he said.

He also says that candidates should not read any new topic before the exam and stick to whatever they have already prepared. “Do not look up new topics in the last minute as this will hamper your preparation. Revise your topics thoroughly and read them as much as you can. Attempt mock test and go through the previous year question paper as it will help you to understand the criteria,” he added.

The topper also shared his tricks for attempting multiple choice questions (MCQs).“Eliminate the wrong answers first and focus on correct options. Analyze the correct one and then fill your answers. Read questions thoroughly and don’t panic,” he advised.

DON’T MUG UP NEW CONTENT IN LAST MIN: JAGRITI AWASTHI

The woman topper of 2020, Jagriti Awasthi, lays stress on the importance of revision. “Do not mug up new content in the last minute. Revise, revise and revise your topics thoroughly,” she says. She advises the candidates to sleep well before the exam and spend time with their family members or close friends to be mentally fit and stay motivated.

Jagriti also cautions the candidates to fill their OMR sheets carefully in a calm state of mind and focus completely on the question paper. “Do not start evaluating yourself in between the examination, as this will shift your focus to your mistakes. Your prime focus should be on completing your questions. Be confident, do not panic, and just crack it,” she said.

BE UP TO DATE ON CURRENT AFFAIRS:  SATYAM GANDHI

AIR 10 Satyam Gandhi says that “the most important thing is to keep an eye on every question and write answer confidently.”

He emphasises the importance of Economics, Political Science, History and Current Affairs for Prelims. According to him, candidates should work on those topics the most.

REMOVE ALL DOUBTS, GO FOR IT: RIA DABI

AIR 15 Ria Dabi has a special advice for candidates who get nervous and have second thoughts about appearing in the exam: “If you believe in yourself, if you have worked hard and prepared well, then you should give the exam. Once you make it, you will be proud of your decision and get a chance to do something for the nation and its citizens.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
epfo
ICAS Sanjay Pandey Elevated to Additional Secretary Rank in EPFO
ECI Sadan_ Election
IIS Ashish Goyal Appointed as Director General (Media), Election Commission of India - Know More About Him
Jamia_RCA_resized
32 Candidates from Jamia RCA Clear UPSC CSE 2024, 12 Among Them Women
Eastern Coalfields Limited MoA
CMPDIL and Eastern Coalfields Limited Sign MoA for Implementation of Solar Power Project
REC Limited
IAS Jitendra Srivastava Assumes Charge as CMD, REC Limited - Know More About Him
Uttar Pradesh Police (UP)_resized
3 Senior IPS Officers Reshuffled in Uttar Pradesh, DK Thakur Made ADGP, SSF
IPS logo resized
IPS Officer Satendra Kumar Repatriated to Uttar Pradesh Cadre from NCRB
Satyabrata Sahu IAS
Senior IAS Officer Satyabrata Sahu Empanelled for Secretary Equivalent Post at the Centre
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr Lokesh M IAS
E-Rickshaw Chaos, Waterlogging, Traffic Mess — Can Noida Fix Its Daily Chaos? | Exclusive with Dr Lokesh M, IAS
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
This Collector Finds Happiness In Squeaks Of Children With Hearing Impairment Who Start Hearing After Surgery
UPSC Stories
Shah margi chirag
Fifth Attempt, AIR 4: Shah Margi Chirag’s Steady Climb to Success | Exclusive
After five attempts, Margi Chirag Shah secured AIR 4 in UPSC CSE 2024. Her journey reflects focus, simplicity,...
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-22 at 16.36
How CA Harshita Goyal Carved Her Path to UPSC AIR 2
Haryana-born, Gujarat-raised — meet UPSC star, Harshita Goyal, a CA who's now a national name, as she...
UPSC CSE 2024 Results
UPSC CSE 2024 Results: Women Dominate with 3 Out Of Top 5 Ranks - Know More About the Toppers
In UPSC CSE 2024, three women secured top 5 ranks, highlighting gender progress in India’s civil services....
Social Media
GozJlgrXYAAHoKv
Murals for Cleanliness: Thoothukudi District Launches Art-Inspired Sanitation Drive in Panchayats
Local artists add colour and messages to village walls, promoting hygiene and community pride
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
epfo
ICAS Sanjay Pandey Elevated to Additional Secretary Rank in EPFO
ECI Sadan_ Election
IIS Ashish Goyal Appointed as Director General (Media), Election Commission of India - Know More About Him
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr Lokesh M IAS
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT