MUST-REVISE TOPICS IN THE LAST 50 DAYS BEFORE UPSC PRELIMS

4th April, 2025

Why it is critical to have structured 50 day Plan?

With only 50 days left for UPSC Prelims 2025 aspirants often find themselves caught between fear of forgetting what they have studied over past year & immense pressure of revising vast syllabus within a limited time frame while also ensuring that their conceptual clarity, factual retention & question solving ability remain at their peak.

Many candidates despite having covered syllabus once struggle to revise efficiently because they either lack structured revision plan or do not optimize their approach to mock test practice both of which are crucial for successfully clearing cutoff in a highly competitive exam like UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination.

The biggest challenge during this final leg of preparation is not just reading more material but ensuring that information you have already studied is reinforced systematically through multiple layers of revision while also eliminating weak areas, improving accuracy in answering multiple choice questions (MCQs), mastering elimination techniques & developing rock solid exam strategy that ensures maximum marks in General Studies Paper-I & CSAT Paper-II.

This 50 day revision strategy is divided into three well structured phases ensuring that you cover entire UPSC Prelims syllabus multiple times while also practicing sufficient mock tests to refine your exam temperament, question solving skills & time management which are equally important as conceptual knowledge when tackling a highly unpredictable & analytical exam like UPSC Prelims.

APTI PLUS best IAS coaching in Kolkata understands unique demands of UPSC preparation & offer meticulously designed test series, personalized mentorship & focused revision strategies that have helped aspirants secure top ranks year after year.

50 day plan

It is divided into three phases

Phase 1 (Days 1 to 25) Subject wise systematic revision & MCQ reinforcement

Phase 2 (Days 26 to 40) Mock tests & targeted error analysis

Phase 3 (Days 41 to 50) High speed revision, exam simulation & last minute fine tuning

Phase 1

Objectives

Revise all major subjects systematically with a focus on high weightage areas
Solve 50 to 100 MCQs daily to enhance recall & accuracy
Strengthen conceptual clarity through notes, mind maps & mistake tracking

Day Wise Subject Plan

Day

Subject

High Yield Topics

Practice Strategy

Day 1 & 2

Polity

Fundamental Rights, DPSP, President vs. Governor, Judiciary, Parliament

50-100 MCQs/day with analysis

Day 3 & 4

Modern History

Revolt of 1857, Constitutional Developments, Gandhi’s Movements, INC Sessions

100 MCQs daily + mistake tracker

Day 5 & 6

Ancient & Medieval History

Buddhism & Jainism, Mauryan & Gupta Empires, Vijayanagara Empire, Bhakti-Sufi Movements

Flashcards & timeline-based revision

Day 7 & 8

Geography

Monsoon System, River Systems, Soils, Natural Vegetation, Climate Change

Map-based MCQs daily

Day 9 & 10

Environment

Biodiversity Hotspots, Wildlife Laws, National Parks, Climate Agreements

Flashcards + 80 MCQs/day

Day 11 & 12

Economy

GDP, Inflation, Monetary & Fiscal Policy, Budget, Government Schemes

100 MCQs daily + economic reports

Day 13 & 14

Science & Tech

Space, Biotech, AI, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies

50 MCQs/day + current affairs

Day 15 & 16

Art & Culture

Temple Architecture, Classical Dances, UNESCO Sites

Mind maps + flashcards

Day 17 & 18

Indian & World Geography

Straits, Mountain Ranges, Ocean Currents

Daily map-based practice

Day 19 & 20

International Relations

QUAD, BRICS, G20, India’s Foreign Policy

Reports & indices revision

Day 21 & 22

Government Schemes & Reports

PM Kisan, MGNREGA, Jal Jeevan Mission

PYQ based revision

Day 23 & 25

Full-Length Subject Wise Mocks

Simulate exam-like conditions

Analyze mistakes, reinforce weak topics

Key Strategies for Phase 1

Condense notes Short, crisp summaries for last minute revision
Daily MCQ practice Solve 50 to 100 UPSC style questions per day
PYQ Analysis Revise last 10 years UPSC questions
Memory techniques Mind maps, acronyms, storytelling for better retention

Phase 2

Objectives

Improve accuracy & exam temperament by solving full length tests
Identify weak areas & focus on high impact revision
Master elimination techniques & time management

Day Wise Plan

Day

Task

Focus Area

Day 26
& 27

Mock Test 1 (Full Length GS Paper)

Analyze mistakes, revise weak topics

Day 28 & 29

Mock Test 2 (GS + 50 CSAT Qs)

Improve accuracy & question selection

Day 30 & 31

Mock Test 3 + Polity & Economy Quick Review

Strengthen constitutional & economic fundamentals

Day 32 & 33

Mock Test 4 + Geography & Environment Weak Areas

Work on climate, biodiversity & map-based questions

Day 34 & 35

Mock Test 5 + History & Art & Culture Revision

Focus on frequently asked UPSC themes

Day 36 & 37

Mock Test 6 + Science & Tech, Govt Schemes

Revise latest advancements & government initiatives

Day 38 & 39

Mock Test 7 + International Relations & Current Affairs

Revise India’s relations, global indices & international reports

Day 40

Mock Test 8 + Weakest Subjects Rework

Target lowest-scoring areas & clear doubts

Key Strategies for Phase 2

Reverse Learning Solve MCQs first then revise only incorrect answers
Elimination Mastery Practice intelligent guessing for tough MCQs
Mistake Log Maintain an error journal to avoid repeated mistakes
PYQ Based Current Affairs Solve UPSC style current affairs MCQs

Phase 3

Objectives

Maximize recall with rapid revision techniques
Simulate exam like conditions to improve confidence
Optimize last minute strategy & avoid unnecessary stress

Day Wise Rapid Revision Plan

Day

Task

Strategy

Day 41 & 42

Full Revision of Polity & Economy

Revise high yield notes, solve PYQs

Day 43 & 44

Full Revision of Geography & Environment

Map based practice, climate patterns, Indian rivers

Day 45 & 46

Full Revision of History & Art & Culture

Cover frequently repeated topics like Buddhism, Mauryan Dynasty

Day 47 & 48

Full Revision of Science & Tech, IR & Current Affairs

Space missions, defense projects, India’s global role

Day 49

Last 3 Year PYQ Rapid Review + Static Quick Notes

Revise 2015 to 2024 UPSC Prelims papers

Day 50

Light Revision & Mental Conditioning

No new topics, only short notes & relaxation

Key Strategies for Phase 3

No Mock Tests Before Exam Day Avoid self-doubt, focus on revision
Prioritize Core UPSC Areas Fundamental Rights, Climate Protocols, Gandhi Movements, etc.
CSAT Time Management Focus on high-accuracy sections like reasoning & comprehension
Exam Simulation Attempt mock tests in UPSC timings to build stamina
Stay Confident & Avoid Last-Minute Panic Trust your preparation & focus on smart revision

UPSC Prelims 2025 FLT (20 Tests) by APTI PLUS is designed for serious aspirants aiming for top scores.

Suggestive Subject Wise Themes for Last 50 Days Revision

Subject

Themes to Revise

Important Lists to Revise

Why It’s Important?

Strategy to Revise Efficiently

Polity

1. Constitutional Framework  Preamble, FRs, DPSP, FDs. 
2. Governance & Federalism  Centre-State Relations, Emergency Provisions. 
3. Judiciary & Parliament SC, HC, PIL, Judicial Review. 
4. Constitutional & Statutory Bodies  CAG, EC, NHRC, NGT. 
5. Citizenship & Elections  RPA, EVM vs Ballot.

Schedules of Constitution (esp. 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th). 
Important Supreme Court Judgments(Kesavananda Bharati, Golaknath, SR Bommai). 
Recent Amendments (CAA, Triple Talaq). 
Constitutional & Non-Constitutional Bodies List

Direct questions from schedules, amendments & SC cases. UPSC often twists polity statements.

Use mind maps & flowcharts for Articles, Amendments & Bodies. Solve PYQs (2013-2024) for trends.

Modern History

1. British Policies & Revolts Subsidiary Alliance, Doctrine of Lapse. 
2. 1857 Revolt & Reform Movements  Brahmo Samaj, Aligarh Movement. 
3. Freedom Struggle Phases Swadeshi, Quit India. 
4. Constitutional Developments GOI Acts, Montagu-Chelmsford, Cabinet Mission.

Important Congress Sessions(Lahore 1929, Karachi 1931). 
Revolutionary Organizations (HSRA, Anushilan Samiti). 
Major British Acts & Their Impact(Charter Acts, Rowlatt Act). 
Newspapers & Journals (Kesari, Young India).

Predictable questions on movements & constitutional acts.

Revise via timelines & sequence of events. Solve 10 to 15 PYQs daily.

Geography

1. Physical Geography of India Himalayas, Ghats, Coastal Plains. 
2. Indian Monsoon & Climate El Niño, La Niña, Western Disturbances. 
3. Indian Rivers & Water Bodies  Ganga, Brahmaputra, Ramsar Sites. 
4. Agriculture & Soil Types Cropping Patterns, Soil Erosion.

Major River Systems & Tributaries
Location Based Protected Areas
Soil Types in India
Tribes & Their Locations

High weightage map based questions.

Use Atlas & PYQs for location based revision. Solve mapping questions daily.

Environment & Ecology

1. Environmental Acts & Policies WPA, EPA, Air & Water Acts. 
2. Biodiversity & Conservation Programs Project Tiger, Elephant, CAMPA. 
3. Climate Change & International Agreements Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol. 
4. Renewable Energy & Sustainability  Green Hydrogen, Solar Mission.

Endangered & Critically Endangered Species (IUCN Red List). 
Ramsar Wetlands in India
National Parks & Biosphere Reserves
Major Environment Reports (IPCC, State of Forest Report).

Increasing weightage & factual nature.

Memorize Acts, Treaties & Protected Areas. Use flashcards & short notes for quick revision.

Economy

1. Basic Economic Concepts GDP, Inflation, Monetary Policy. 
2. Banking & Financial System RBI, NPA, Repo Rate. 
3. Economic Surveys & Budget Key Schemes, Growth Projections. 
4. Trade & International Organizations WTO, IMF, World Bank, FDI vs FPI.

Important Government Schemes
Major Reports (Economic Survey, Budget Highlights).
RBI & SEBI Regulations
World Bank & IMF Initiatives for India

Static + Dynamic blend; UPSC tests current policies.

Revise Economic Survey Highlights + NCERTs. Solve budget & scheme-based PYQs.

Science & Tech

1. Basic Science Concepts Physics, Chemistry, Biology NCERTs. 
2. Space & Defence Tech ISRO, Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan, PSLV vs GSLV. 
3. Biotechnology & Health CRISPR, mRNA Vaccines, DNA Sequencing. 
4. AI & Cybersecurity Data Protection, Pegasus, Cyber Attacks.

ISRO & DRDO Missions
Nobel Prize Winners in Science
India’s Digital Initiatives
Recent Defence Technologies

More application-based; conceptual clarity required.

Focus on recent developments & applications. Revise current affairs-based tech news.

Disaster Management

1. Disaster Classification Natural vs Man-Made. 
2. Mitigation Strategies Cyclones, Earthquakes, Floods, Landslides. 
3. NDMA Guidelines & Sendai Framework Role of NDRF, Early Warning Systems.

Disaster-Prone Regions of India
NDMA & Sendai Framework Guidelines
Mapping Cyclone & Earthquake Zones

High relevance due to increasing disasters.

Revise NDMA & UN Reports. Link disasters to geography & climate change.

APTI PLUS IAS Test Series for UPSC is designed to replicate real exam covering high yield static topics, dynamic current affairs & CSAT strategies with detailed performance analysis. By integrating quality mock tests with structured revisions aspirants can fine tune their preparation & gain exam like confidence before final day.

Suggestive Important Lists for UPSC Prelims (Last 50 Days Revision)

Geography & Environment

Category

List Type

Examples / Details to Focus On

Why It’s Important for UPSC?

Strategy to Revise

Physical Geography

Mountain Ranges & Peaks

Himalayas, Aravalli, Western Ghats, Guru Shikhar

UPSC tests highest peaks & location-based MCQs

Revise via India Physical Map

Rivers & Tributaries

Ganga-Yamuna, Brahmaputra-Teesta, Godavari-Krishna

Frequently asked in map-based questions

Link rivers to states & basin systems

Lakes & Wetlands

Chilika, Loktak, Wular, Dal, Sambhar

Ramsar Wetlands are high priority

Revise state-wise & importance

Deserts & Plateaus

Thar, Deccan, Ladakh Cold Desert

UPSC asks location & climate impact

Study formation & mineral resources

Environment & Ecology

National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries

Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Periyar, Dachigam

UPSC frequently tests locations & species found

Memorize mapping-wise

Biosphere Reserves

Nilgiri, Nanda Devi, Pachmarhi

UPSC focuses on core & buffer zones

Link flora, fauna & location

Ramsar Wetlands

Loktak, Keoladeo, Bhitarkanika

Wetlands are directly asked in Prelims

Use state-wise mapping

Endangered & Vulnerable Species (IUCN)

Great Indian Bustard, Gangetic Dolphin, Snow Leopard

Direct UPSC questions from IUCN Red List

Memorize using mnemonics

CITES Appendix I & II Species

Pangolin, Indian Star Tortoise, Red Panda

UPSC tests international conservation laws

Revise CITES & WPA 1972 together

Indian Polity & Governance

Category

List Type

Examples / Details to Focus On

Why It’s Important for UPSC?

Strategy to Revise

Indian Constitution

Schedules of Constitution

5th & 6th (Tribal Areas), 7th (Union, State, Concurrent List), 9th (Land Reforms)

UPSC frequently asks schedule-wise provisions

Memorize using flashcards

Important Amendments

42nd (Mini Constitution), 73rd & 74th (Panchayati Raj), 101st (GST)

UPSC loves matching amendments with provisions

Memorize year, article & effect

Indian Governance

Constitutional & Non-Constitutional Bodies

EC, CAG, NHRC, NITI Aayog

UPSC tests function, power & appointments

Compare constitutional vs statutory bodies

Election-related Provisions

Delimitation, VVPAT, Model Code of Conduct

UPSC loves electoral process-based questions

Revise with current affairs examples

Economy & Reports

Category

List Type

Examples / Details to Focus On

Why It’s Important for UPSC?

Strategy to Revise

Economic Surveys & Budgets

Key Highlights

GDP Growth, Fiscal Deficit, Social Welfare Spending

UPSC asks about trends & key terms

Revise summary versions only

Reports & Indices

Published by India

Economic Survey, ASER Report (Education), State of Forest Report

Direct UPSC questions on report-publisher match

Memorize index + publisher

Published by International Bodies

HDI (UNDP), Ease of Doing Business (World Bank), Global Hunger Index

UPSC asks about India’s rank & progress

Use 1-page summary notes

Government Schemes & Programs

Agriculture & Rural

PM-KISAN, MNREGA, PM Awas Yojana

UPSC tests ministry + eligibility

Revise through PIB compilations

Health & Education

Ayushman Bharat, PM e-Vidya, National Education Policy (NEP)

Frequently asked in GS Paper

Focus on objective + implementation

Science & Technology

Category

List Type

Examples / Details to Focus On

Why It’s Important for UPSC?

Strategy to Revise

Space & Defence

ISRO Missions

Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, Aditya L1

UPSC asks recent developments in space

Focus on mission objectives

DRDO Technologies

Agni, BrahMos, S-400 Air Defence System

UPSC tests India's defence capabilities

Revise along with India's Defence Policy

Health & Biotechnology

Vaccines & Discoveries

mRNA Vaccines, Genome Editing (CRISPR)

UPSC sometimes asks about recent Nobel Prize topics

Memorize only breakthroughs relevant to India

International Affairs & Organizations

Category

List Type

Examples / Details to Focus On

Why It’s Important for UPSC?

Strategy to Revise

Global Organizations

UN Bodies & Their Functions

UNSC, WHO, IMF, World Bank, WTO

UPSC loves matching organizations with their functions

Memorize HQ, roles & India’s stake

International Relations

India’s Membership in Global Groups

Quad, BRICS, G20, SCO

UPSC asks about India’s strategic role

Revise latest summits & agreements

Major International Treaties

CTBT, MTCR, Paris Agreement

UPSC tests India’s stance on global policies

Memorize treaty objectives

Disaster Management & Mapping

Category

List Type

Examples / Details to Focus On

Why It’s Important for UPSC?

Strategy to Revise

Disaster Management

Disaster-Prone Regions

Earthquake Zones, Flood-Prone Areas, Cyclone Risk Zones

UPSC asks about location-based disasters

Use India Disaster Atlas for mapping

NDMA Guidelines & Sendai Framework

Role of NDRF, Early Warning Systems

UPSC links these to India’s disaster preparedness

Revise with NDMA website

Mapping-Based Questions

Recent Cyclones & Earthquakes

Fani, Amphan, Tauktae, Bhuj Earthquake

UPSC asks about origin & impact zones

Use India Physical Map

Conclusion

By following this 3-phase strategy you ensure that you revise every subject multiple times, practice 1000+ MCQs, strengthen high weightage areas & simulate real exam environment all of which are critical factors in clearing UPSC Prelims 2025 with a high score.

At APTI PLUS IAS Academy Kolkata mission is to provide aspirants with right mentorship, test series & structured revision plans that bridge gap between preparation & selection. 

Give your best effort, trust your preparation & stay focused in these last 50 days—success is within reach!

Best Wishes!