From Your Quora Digest

What mistakes did you make while preparing for the civil service
exam?

Pradeep Krishna, Indian Civil service aspirant, interested abt Politics n international
relations
20.2k Views

I am preparing for civil services from 4 long years, given 3 attempts at it. Have appeared
in mains twice, interview once. Rather than giving you dry list of do's n dont's, I'd like to
explain my own mistakes (and I assume that those mistakes aren't unique to be
committed only by me).
1) Before getting into competitive field try to meet serious aspirants (only positive guys,
who has enough humility to accept their own mistakes n who don't demotivate ppl
especially beginner's). Collect all basic info about syllabus, optionals. Also it is better to
start preparing right from your degree day's (as most of the toppers do) like reading high
school texts like history, geography, economics, constitution, basic science etc. start
reading a newspaper everyday (not necessarily The Hindu), just to keep tab of current
affairs n cultivate a reading habit. I did a mistake by enjoying all the years of my life n
thought about future only after finishing my graduation, jumped into this field in haste
without having sufficient knowledge.
2. During first attempt energy n enthusiasm levels will be very high so study hard but
keep in mind that prelims isn't the only hurdle to clear. I studied very hard, never
worried about mains examination as my only aim was to clear preliminary exams.
Always keep in mind that you cannot prepare for preliminary n mains separately, you
need to prepare for both simultaneously. I cleared preliminary exams of 2013 but
couldn't clear mains cos of above mentioned blunders.
3. Preliminary exams require knowledge with a proper strategy, i.e, clarity of thoughts,
repeated revisions, taking a calculated risk (since there is negative cut-off), not leaving or
making mistakes w. r. to any question from ur comfort zone etc. However main
examination requires: writing practice, analytical skills, presentation skills to keep your
answer short n crisp, time management, lateral thinking etc. I realized these things when
i appeared for the mains in my very first attempt. Its better to learn these things before n
prepare accordingly rather than realizing it in examination hall. Join a mains test series
n practice answer writing regularly also try to analyze things holistically rather than
going by an one sided article in any newspaper.
4. Dont relax too much after mains exam, as there will only be 2 weeks gap between
mains result n beginning of interview process. Rest for a week or 2 n start preparing
again, at least study (i said 'studyin' not 'reading') newspapers. Better list out all possible
questions from your DAF (DETAILED APPLICATION FORM, which is yo be filled once
you clear preliminary, be careful n prompt while filling it, dont simply boast about
yourself like mentioning too many hobbies, listing false achievements etc as you may
land you up in trouble ).
5. Take as many mock interviews as possible (only with well known Institutes n people

who really know about the process) but don't take everyone's feedback seriously n try to
inculcate those things in you by force. Things won't work that way cos time would be
very less, also how much ever you practice those things, real YOU will come out in the
pressure situation. It's better to be yourselves rather than pretending to be someone else.
I didn't take up mock thinking that i ain't prepared so couldn't handle pressure during
real interview n ended up getting average marks.
6. If you are planning to go to Delhi for coaching, especially Old Rajinder Nagar, then try
to keep yourself in control as there will be lot of beautiful chicks. Always remember that
college days are over and it's the time to pursue your career seriously. I didn't commit
this particular mistake but i have seen many taking a wrong turn n endup with
disastrous results both in career n personal life.
7. Don't even spare a minute to discuss about rumors about upsc, coaching Institutes etc
as they take you nowhere n fetch you nothing, time is the most valuable asset n never be
late to realize it.
8. Work hard n never compromise with your goals, n stop giving reasons to yourself
when conscience questions you. Be faithful to parents n dedicated towards your goal.
9. Compete with yourself n try to get better every day. Don't study for the sake of it, enjoy
it.
#10. If in case, you fail in any phase, dont lose hope, keep up the spirits n try again.
To summarize,
Revision for prelims,
Analysis n writing practice for mains,
Being yourself for interview,
hardwork, dedication, determination can lead you to success. Success can be delayed but
it cant be denied. This is what i believe. All the very best.