Aspirants writing the Main Examination must be at the last stage of their preparation. Just few weeks are left when they write the exam. This examination has such a huge prescribed syllabus that aspirants do never feel they are done with all. Yet, there is a strategy to go for it. As examination gets closer the strategy should also change. Last moments are very crucial for the main examination when the aspirants should be careful about the following important things. Approaching the subject matter: Though aspirants will have to answer questions, the preparation should follow 'area approach'— touching all possible dimensions of it. This way it is easier to answer any question which may be asked related to the area. Being a bit broad: By now aspirants get very 'selective' in their preparation— narrowed down to a selective questions, areas or topics. However, such selective preparation is done quit wisely, by now aspirants should get a bit broad. Looking into some 'off beat' areas and questions may save the day. The method of revision: Till now revision should be done more 'by writing' and less 'by reading'. Practically, by now aspirants must have done writing practice for all selected questions at least twice. As the exam gets closer writing should be cut down and more time should be allotted on reading the notes.
If the aspirant has notes made in 'snippets' nothing could be better. Sustainable writing practice: Writing practice should be cut down by now but still around three hours writing should be done every day. This helps to sustain harmony in pace and quality of handwriting. Aspirants should use the paper of similar quality and type (which is provided by the UPSC) for writing practice. Handling pressure of delivering: Aspirants are supposed to write around 4000 words each paper which is not an easy task. This is why it is suggested to follow an 'objective' style of answer writing.
Wherever it is possible it is advised to keep creating 'points'. By doing so, one can save time and be more informative. If the answer looks complete before reaching the 200 words mark, there is no need to extend the size— the answer should be concluded just there itself—180 to 185 words. If one is running out of time, in that case, there is nothing wrong concluding the answer by 150 to 160 words. Contents matter more than the size. Sleep, food, water & breathe: It is never advisable to keep toiling whole night. It is always advised to use the day time for study being in sync with the natural clock of your body. Light and nutritious food, ample intake of water and deep breathing keep the pressure under control and infuses positive energy. In the examination hall: It is quite essential to regulate oneself in the examination hall.
Few tips have been quite helpful—no question is easy and never start answering without getting clarity about the 'central idea' of the questions (read them repeatedly to find it); sit in after drinking enough water— it forces for toilet which improves your frame of mind; keep drinking water throughout the paper; when you are clueless drink water and walk to toilet to get the correct clue. These tips should be used wisely as per the need. Deep breathing throughout the paper will always energise you.
Wishing all the very best for your forthcoming mains.
