Kalpesh Sharma, IAS Prelims Strategy

Introduction

The pursuit of the coveted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a challenging and highly competitive endeavor. For Kalpesh Sharma, who secured the impressive rank of AIR-73 in the CSE 2020, his journey to success was marked by a meticulously crafted strategy that he is now sharing with aspiring UPSC candidates. In this comprehensive guide, Kalpesh delves into the nuances of preparing for the UPSC CSE Prelims, offering a roadmap to make the preparation "FOOLPROOF" and increase the chances of securing a seat for the Mains examination.

Preparation Stage

Strengthening the Fundamentals

Kalpesh emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in the basics. He stresses that candidates cannot afford to miss any questions from the core reference materials like the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books and Laxmikanth's "Indian Polity." He advises candidates to prioritize revising these foundational texts over exploring new study materials on the same subjects. This approach ensures that the candidate's understanding of the fundamental concepts is solid and reliable, which can be crucial in navigating the unpredictable nature of the UPSC CSE Prelims.

Comprehensive Mocks and Question Paper Analysis

Kalpesh outlines a comprehensive strategy for mock tests and question paper analysis. He suggests that candidates should attempt numerous mock tests covering the entire Prelims syllabus. Starting with sectional tests, candidates can develop an in-depth knowledge base for each subject. The insights gained from these mock tests should be carefully documented in the form of notes, as they can provide valuable information that may not be readily available in textbooks.

Furthermore, Kalpesh recommends that candidates thoroughly analyze the UPSC's previous year question papers to identify patterns and understand the areas from which questions are frequently asked, such as Buddhism and Jainism. By having more in-depth knowledge about these recurrent topics, candidates can strengthen their preparation and anticipate potential questions.

Kalpesh also emphasizes the importance of attempting full-length mock tests from different coaching institutes to ensure that the candidate's approach is unbiased and not influenced by any specific coaching institute's approach.

Current Affairs Mastery

Recognizing the significance of current affairs in the UPSC CSE Prelims, Kalpesh provides a detailed strategy for staying updated. He advises candidates to read the newspaper, particularly The Hindu or Indian Express, on a regular basis without missing a single day. To supplement the newspaper reading, he suggests reading a monthly magazine to cover any current affairs that might have been missed in the daily newspaper coverage.

Furthermore, Kalpesh recommends attempting a monthly compilation of current affairs-based quizzes. While he advises against doing this on a daily basis, he suggests that candidates make notes of the one-liner statements from these quizzes and revise them repeatedly, especially during the final stages of Prelims preparation.

CSAT Preparation

Kalpesh acknowledges the importance of the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) paper and emphasizes that candidates should not neglect its preparation. He suggests that candidates attempt at least 2-3 previous year CSAT papers at least 4-5 months before the UPSC exam date. If the candidate is consistently scoring above 110-100 in these practice papers, they can be confident in their CSAT preparation. However, if the scores are consistently below 70-80, Kalpesh advises that the candidate should focus more on CSAT preparation.

In addition to attempting previous year CSAT papers, Kalpesh recommends that candidates also practice full-length mock tests, both for the GS (General Studies) and CSAT papers, in a time-bound manner to simulate the actual exam conditions.

Avoiding Overthinking

Towards the end of the preparation stage, Kalpesh cautions candidates against overthinking their preparation. He suggests that candidates should trust their preparation and avoid excessive analysis, as it can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Paper Attempt Stage

Maintaining Calm and Composure

Kalpesh's strategy for the UPSC CSE Prelims paper attempt stage emphasizes the importance of maintaining calm and composure. He advises candidates to avoid stressing themselves with an excessive amount of information on the day before the exam, as it may interfere with their common sense, which is crucial for attempting the Prelims paper.

Kalpesh recommends that candidates engage in relaxing activities, such as watching a movie, comedy scenes, or talking to friends and family members, after 5 pm on the previous day of the exam. He also emphasizes the importance of getting a sound sleep on the night before the exam, without worrying about the next day's paper.

On the exam day, Kalpesh advises candidates to reach the exam venue well in time and, if they have the urge to revise a few things, to focus on the areas they are most comfortable with, but without losing their calm and common sense.

Strategic Approach to Attempting the Paper

Kalpesh suggests that candidates should attempt the Prelims paper in a calm and systematic manner, preferably in three rounds. He emphasizes the importance of continuously marking the answers in the OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet to avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to marking the wrong bubbles.

Conclusion

Kalpesh Sharma's comprehensive strategy for UPSC CSE Prelims preparation is a testament to his dedication and insights gained from his own success in the examination. By focusing on strengthening the fundamentals, mastering current affairs, practicing comprehensive mock tests, and maintaining composure during the paper attempt stage, Kalpesh provides a roadmap for aspiring UPSC candidates to make their Prelims preparation "FOOLPROOF" and increase their chances of securing a seat for the Mains examination.