Best Strategy to Score Good Marks in the UPSC Prelims Exam

Best Strategy to Score Good Marks in the UPSC Prelims Exam

UPSC Prelims Examination also known as preliminary examination is the first stage of civil service examination. It consists of 2 exams, Paper 1 (General Studies) and Paper 2 which is known as CSAT. The exam is of objective type and is of 400 marks.

To crack the Prelims exam along with hard work the thing which makes a difference is the best strategy to score good marks in the UPSC Prelims Exam which one follows. So, to ace the examination, having the best strategy is a must. Here in this blog, we will be listing some of the “best preparation strategies to boost your score in the Prelims exam“.

Tips To Maximise Score in the UPSC Prelims Examination 2025

  1. Knowing the Exact Syllabus of the Examination: Many students start their preparation but they don’t have knowledge about the exact syllabus of UPSC prelims exam. So, it is important to prepare a handwritten list of the syllabus. This will help in the coverage of all the topics systematically.
  2. Multiple Revision Strategy: Instead of referring to more books for UPSC Prelims, it is better to revise from one source only but much more frequently. This will make the concept stronger and the grip of the student over that particular topic will become better. 
  3. Avoid Cramming: It is of great importance to understand the concepts thoroughly. Cramming the concepts will not help at all. Instead, it will create confusion in the mind at the time of the final examination that is why UPSC faculties at ALS Edunation explain the topics with an in-depth understanding so that you can retain it for a longer time.
  4. Reliable and Accurate Study Material: The study material for Prelims or the notes have to be to the point and accurate. Preparing the precise study material for UPSC prelims will not only save your time but also offer a way to revise topics on the go. The ALS Prelims study material is designed in the same way to make it easier for UPSC aspirants to revise for prelims in no time.
  5. Practising Mock Tests: This is a major part of the preparation strategy. Giving as many mock tests for Prelims as you can improves confidence and helps in knowing about the weak portions. Students must work on their weak areas to get success in the examination. ALS provides a UPSC Prelims test series to students which helps them know their actual level. 
  6. Avoid Stress: There is no need to panic and take unnecessary stress for the examination. Students need to stay calm through their UPSC Prelims preparation phase and most importantly on the day of examination. A lot of students panic which results in their poor performance. So don’t panic and stay relaxed.

UPSC Toppers Habits that Made Them Crack the Prelims Exam

Here are a few habits that UPSC toppers followed which made them crack the prelims examination:- 

  1. Stay Updated:- It is very important to stay updated about the examination. Also, one must have complete knowledge of the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus before starting their preparation. 
  2. Be Consistent:- It is essential to be consistent. Any kind of nuisance will lead to a drop in the results. On average it is necessary to devote a minimum of 8-10 hours to studies in order to crack the prelims exam.
  3. Previous Year Questions:- It is of utmost importance to practice the previous year’s UPSC Prelims paper in an exam-like environment. This will help highlight the important concepts. 
  4. Believe in Yourself:- Aspirants must believe in themselves that they have studied well and can attempt the prelims examination well. They need to give their best and trust their preparation.

Conclusion

A consistent mind and the best-followed strategy are important to pass the UPSC prelims exam. Some key points that must be paid attention to are having the relevant study material for UPSC Prelims, focusing on prelims previous year’s papers, having complete knowledge of the syllabus, and focusing more on concepts. One can have all of these by enrolling in the top UPSC Prelims coaching institute which is ALS Edunation.

Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Prelims Exam

UPSC allows a total of 6 attempts for prelims to general category students and a maximum of 9 attempts for other backward class students

The difficulty of the examination is due to the fact that it requires in-depth knowledge of the topics and covers a wide range of subjects. But it is not impossible to crack the examination. One can easily crack the examination by being consistent and having faith in himself.

To boost your score in the prelims examination study smart, use the elimination technique, go through the notes multiple times and be confident. 

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