Anyone preparing for the Civil Services Exam will ask this exact question countless times. With a gigantic syllabus coupled with multiple subjects and the distinct nature of exams (Prelims, Mains and interview), it is natural to question whether the preparation that you undertake is sufficient or not. One must always ensure that the preparation is going on the right track, or otherwise valuable attempts and time might get wasted in the process. I will share some tips for the aspirants who feel that they are getting side-tracked while preparing.

Understanding the Nature of Questions – Starting with Prelims, which is the first stage you must crack- ensure that you understand the kind of questions asked in the Prelims exams. Aspirants tend to mug the information rather than assimilate and apply, which is why Prelims has become a big hurdle for them. The questions for the Prelims exam are more derived from the knowledge that you have learned than factual knowledge. To understand whether you are on the right path, join any Prelims Test Series that asks questions set in the UPSC pattern.

Current Affairs – A critical aspect of this exam should be given due respect. Study current affairs daily so that you can finish it off bit by bit instead of having it pile up towards the end. Also, attempt a few questions from current affairs every day to get accustomed to how these current affairs questions are framed. This will help you get filled in on the latest important news. To look at how current affairs questions of importance are being made and to be more prepared, visit the Officers’ Pulse website for our daily MCQ programme.

Getting Ready for Mains – For Mains, you have to follow the same principle as Prelims. Get your Mains answers evaluated by experienced faculties to receive valuable feedback and incorporate these changes into your preparation. Make sure that you answer according to the need of the question and get your answer checked.

Practising the Previous Years’ Questions – Be it Prelims or Mains, try attempting them to know if what you learned can be used to answer the questions and gauge whether your preparation is on the right track.

The Use of a Timetable – A good timetable gives you insight into your preparation, its flaws and what you are missing. You must not only make a timetable that suits you but also follow it judiciously. The deadlines that you miss and the time taken to study a specific topic will tell you your strengths and weaknesses, and at the same time, help you split time correctly for your preparation.

Interaction with the Experienced Ones – It is always good to contact those who have experience in civil services, your teachers, skilled aspirants, etc. Not only would this remove any doubts that you have on your mind, but it would also make sure that you are on the right track and get periodic feedback. Coming from experienced persons, you will also get tips and tricks to crack civil services. Keeping this in mind, Officers’ IAS Academy started the unique Mentoring Program where each student will get personalized mentoring from faculties who are experienced in the field of civil services.

All the above are just pointers to help you with what you want to achieve. More than this, you must always look into yourself and ask the question of whether you are going in the right direction or not. Unwanted outings, excessive social media usage, and half-hearted preparation are the everyday things that aspirants do that ultimately rob them of their desired outcome. Hence, once in a while, ask yourself this, “Am I doing complete justice to myself in the civil services journey?” If you say yes to this question, then you most probably are on the right track!