“The beginning is the most important and difficult part of the work.”
I often get the question of how should one start from scratch. I will try to cover some of the pertinent question that is being asked.
To start from scratch one should make their mind about appearing for the exam. Half-hearted effort in the initial days of preparation may not lead to places one might want to reach.
One should judicially utilize their time. One might face difficulty in studying for long hours initially. But that is the issue each one of us faces. The mantra is to keep oneself motivated and taking breaks at appropriate interval. One might get bored with one subject so one can study more than one subject. I used to listen to instrumental music a lot while studying. Helped me a lot concentrating. Infact I made a playlist on Spotify while I was preparing. (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6L8Uf5IUu7oXd48t8FaIys?si=Dh6LJXG5Q7mgZkokb1lkLQ)
Choosing an optional – It is important to choose a ‘right’ optional. The choice should be based on objective evaluation. Several criteria one may consider is – interest in the subject, graduation subject, availability of books or notes, previous year questions, performance of the optional with respect to other optional, utility in GS etc.
For example I took Psychology because of interest in the subject. People with engineering background take their parent subject like Civil Engg, Mechanical Engg, etc. Although it is denied by UPSC, it has been observed that number of selection from Anthropology was higher so people opted Anthropology. This might change also. Utility of some optional like Geography, Sociology, History is more, so people opt for them.
Coaching – I personally took coaching for both GS and optional. But IMHO one can avoid taking GS coaching. With proper guidance and following the basic books GS can be prepared on own. But if person feels otherwise and has resource one may go for coaching.
Regarding optional coaching, it’s also personal choice. But if the subject is new, as in my case, it becomes a bit easier. Also, if the notes and material available, one can prepare optional on own.
Materials to follow – one should focus on basic books and materials. It is important to minimize sources. Many of the toppers have recommended several read list before. I will also post my list soon.
Newspaper - It is also important to develop the habit of reading newspaper. The Hindu &/ or The Indian Express can be considered. Very elaborate note making can be avoided as most of the information would be available in the current affairs magazine one may follow. But yeah one can note down stuff which might be missed in these material.
Number of hours – there is no fixed number of hours that is needed. More than quantity, quality is important. It is important to have concept clarity and good understanding. While one studies, one should minimize distraction.
Notes making – Note making should be considered as a means of achieving ones goal and not an end. It is totally a personal choice and should be made based on ones need. I would recommend to make notes (only if there is a need) once something is read atleast twice so that only important things goes in the notes and the notes become short. Also, one can make notes for optional, that would be handy.
Use of Social Media – The use of social media should be minimum. I personally even deleted Whatsapp in the initial year of preparation. I would not recommend anyone to delete the app. But it should be used only to extent that one is not distracted from the goal.
Evaluation – Assessment of one’s effort is really important. So it’s important to solve test for prelims, write answers for mains. It will also help in corrective action.
Keeping up the motivation – The goal itself is motivating. But the motivation might decrease in due course which is normal. One seek support of families and friends. Take a break now and then, go out and meet people. Travel once a while. Listen to music. Pursue a hobby.
The mantra, according to me, is hard work, patience and perseverance.
“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.”
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