UPSC preliminary examination usually takes place in June every year and results are out by the first week of July. So, after clearing the first stage, you get a gap of only 3 months before the Mains takes place. Such a short period is not sufficient for preparation. So, candidates prepare for Prelims and Mains together. UPSC online coaching centers conduct comprehensive test series to facilitate efficient and focused preparation for students.
This article explains how the UPSC mains test series can help with CSE training.
UPSC Mains comprises 9 papers, which are:
Every paper in UPSC Mains requires writing descriptive answers. So, candidates have to practice writing well-structured answers conveying clear ideas.
To succeed in Mains, you must:
A UPSC Mains test series is a set of pre-specified and pre-scheduled practice examinations, designed and developed to mimic the real examination setting and give students feedback. It is based on different Mains subjects and papers. For example, it can have separate simulated exams on each of the Mains papers, like general studies, and optional subjects. Most UPSC online coaching centers provide test series to enhance the exam preparedness of students.
Every serious UPSC candidate prepares for Prelims and Mains papers simultaneously. If you wait for the Prelims results, you won’t have sufficient time left for the Mains preparation. Even if you don’t clear Prelims in the first attempt, your preparation for Mains will give you a better edge in your next attempt.
The preparation strategy for both tests differs. Taking the UPSC Mains test series can help civil service aspirants in multiple ways.
The syllabus of many subjects is similar for Prelims and Mains, but the question patterns and types are entirely different. In Mains papers, UPSC examiners check your ability to think critically and express your thoughts or knowledge in a descriptive way. There will be questions requiring short and detailed or essay-type answers. You cannot expect to get ‘common questions’ in the civil services Mains exam. Exposure to a variety of questions helps you better understand the scope of the syllabus and prepares you for unexpected or unconventional questions. UPSC Mains test series from top institutes provides ample opportunities to practice.
The quality of an answer in UPSC Mains depends on several factors, like:
Framing compelling answers to descriptive questions is a skill that anyone can learn with sufficient practice and guidance. Test series for Mains papers help build your writing capabilities. Reputable UPSC coaching institutes organizing the Mains test series offer feedback on answers you have written in the mock tests and provide complete guidance on the right way to approach a question. This helps you rectify your mistakes and improve your answering skills in subsequent tests. It vastly enhances your chance of success in UPSC Mains.
Number of attempts are finite. Even if some group of candidates has a few more chances than others, it does not mean they can keep appearing for the exam indefinitely, ignoring other life commitments. So, every UPSC candidate undergoes immense pressure to succeed in the exams. It requires tremendous mental strength to survive such a stressful period.
UPSC test series provides opportunities to train your mind to go through similar pressures in the exam hall. Simulated Mains mock tests follow similar time limitations, difficulty levels, and assessment criteria. The more you take such tests, the more resilient your mind becomes.
You can study all the subjects and practice writing answers, but still, you may face difficulties with time management. It is a common problem faced by many of the candidates taking competitive exams. There are different time management techniques, and which will be effective for you depends on your situation. So, it is important to learn such methods. UPSC test series offers enough mock exams to practice multiple techniques and identify the ideal one for you.
You can improve a system or process only when you can measure its performance. It applies to UPSC preparation as well. How you have performed in simulated mock tests helps measure your level of preparation. Based on the examiner’s feedback, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. This helps you to work on your imperfections and strengthen your strong points.
You must check a few things before choosing any specific Mains test series.
UPSC online coaching institutes have made access to Mains test series easier. Now you can take invigilated tests at your convenience. Check https://www.iasgyan.in for the test series for 2024-25 Mains preparation.
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