Monthly Targets for UPSC 2020 Preparation: A Simplified Approach

When preparing for the UPSC exam, especially from scratch, it's important to set realistic and achievable monthly targets. One common mistake is to make less intensive efforts in the initial days, assuming that the remaining time will compensate. However, successful candidates often emphasize daily targets and consistency to ensure steady progress.

1. Simplifying Your Approach

The UPSC exam, particularly the preparatory stage, can be overwhelming with its comprehensive syllabus. To avoid unnecessary complexity, it's essential to break down your preparation into manageable components.

1.1 Daily Targets

One effective strategy is to set daily targets rather than monthly ones. By doing so, you can quickly identify any lapses in your study routine and make immediate adjustments. This ensures that you maintain a consistent study schedule and avoid protracted delays in your preparation.

1.2 Focused Book Selection

Given that the UPSC Prelims typically require around 50 questions from core books, it's crucial to focus on a manageable number of books per subject. My recommendation is to study only 6-7 books per important subject, as this suffices to address the required questions effectively.

2. Practical Study Schedule

To implement a more efficient study schedule, let's consider a practical approach for one of the most important books - the Polity.

2.1 Time Management

Assuming you study for 6-8 hours a day, here’s a breakdown of how you can manage your time effectively:

Finish 5 pages of the Polity book in an hour. This means you can complete 30-40 pages in a day. A single book of Polity would thus take around 15 days to cover completely.

This consistent and focused approach will significantly reduce the time needed to cover all required books. Adopt this strategy for a few days, and you'll be well on your way to completing all your necessary books within 6 months.

3. Building Confidence and Consistency

To overcome the uncertainty and challenges of the UPSC exam, consistent study habits are crucial. Here are some additional tips to help you build confidence and maintain motivation:

3.1 Regular Reviews

Periodically review what you've studied to reinforce your understanding and retention. This will help you map out areas that need more attention and solidify your knowledge base.

3.2 Practice Tests

Practice mock tests and previous year question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management. This will also help you identify your weak areas, allowing you to focus your efforts accordingly.

3.3 Stay Updated

Stay informed about current affairs through daily news reading. This will not only enhance your general knowledge but also help you cover the GS papers more comprehensively.

4. Conclusion

Setting realistic and achievable monthly and daily targets, focusing on core books, and maintaining a consistent study schedule are key to success in the UPSC exam. By following these strategies, you can simplify your preparation and build the confidence needed to tackle the UPSC exam.