Pranav Kanitkar IRS: Prelims last 10 days strategy

The Secrets to Mastering the UPSC Civil Services Prelims: A Comprehensive Guide from Rank 166 Achiever, Pranav

In the highly competitive world of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, securing a top rank is a testament to one's dedication, perseverance, and strategic approach. Pranav, a rank 166 achiever, has graciously shared his insights and wisdom to guide aspiring civil servants in their final week of prelims preparation.

The Mindset Shift: Embracing the Prelims as a Mental Challenge

Pranav emphasizes that the UPSC Civil Services Prelims is primarily a "mind game" rather than a mere test of knowledge. It is not merely about accumulating vast amounts of information, but about honing one's mental acuity and emotional resilience. The way a candidate carries themselves in the final week and during the two-hour examination can make all the difference.

Cultivating Confidence, Calmness, and Clarity

Pranav advises candidates to maintain an adequate level of confidence, but cautions against becoming overconfident. He suggests reducing the pace of study and taking time to relax, as a fresh and focused mind is essential for success. Pranav also acknowledges that it is normal to feel a sense of nervousness during this critical phase, as it can actually be beneficial in helping one stay alert and attentive.

Revising and Reinforcing Knowledge

Instead of exploring new material, Pranav emphasizes the importance of revising the solutions to full-length mock tests and thoroughly reviewing both static and dynamic content from the sources already studied. The goal is to keep every part of the brain activated, ensuring a seamless recall of information during the examination.

Strategies for the Final Stretch

Pranav provides a comprehensive set of strategies and tips to help candidates navigate the last week of prelims preparation effectively.

Mastering Question Comprehension

Paying close attention to how the questions are framed is crucial. Pranav advises candidates to read the questions carefully, understanding whether they are asking for correct or incorrect statements. This attention to detail can help avoid silly mistakes that can have a significant impact on the overall performance.

Leveraging Intuition and Discipline

Pranav encourages candidates to trust their intuition, as oftentimes the initial answer they arrive at is the correct one. However, he cautions against overthinking and making unnecessary changes. Developing a disciplined approach, such as using specific marking codes, can help minimize these errors.

Optimizing Time Management

Pranav emphasizes the importance of proper time management during the examination. He advises candidates not to wait until the last 30 minutes to fill in the bubbles, as this can lead to rushed and careless mistakes. Instead, he suggests having a well-thought-out plan for the last day of preparation and sticking to it.

Embracing the Exam with Dedication and Perspective

Pranav's words of wisdom culminate in a powerful message: embrace the UPSC Civil Services Prelims with unwavering dedication and the right perspective. He reminds candidates to focus solely on their target of attempting the maximum number of correct answers, rather than being consumed by the desire to become an IAS officer or fulfill their parents' dreams. Pranav believes that by concentrating on the task at hand and loving the examination process, success will naturally follow.

Pranav's insights provide a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring civil servants to navigate the final week of prelims preparation. By cultivating the right mindset, implementing strategic approaches, and maintaining a balanced perspective, candidates can increase their chances of clearing this crucial hurdle and take a step closer to their dreams of serving the nation.