Crack UPSC Exam in First Attempt

Cracking the UPSC exam in their very first attempt is a dream for many, but the sad truth is that only a few lucky people are able to crack the exam in their very first attempt. Only one out of 10 aspirants are those who crack the exam in their first attempt. A report by the UPSC itself states that most selections occur via aspirants who are in their third or fourth attempt.

Courtesy: UPSC 64th annual report (2013-14)

There are many reasons why most UPSC aspirants fail to crack the exam in their first attempt. Some of the common reasons include:

1. Lack of proper planning and strategy: Many aspirants do not have a clear plan or strategy for their preparation, which leads to a lack of focus and direction. A proper plan should include setting realistic goals, dividing the syllabus into manageable chunks, and allocating sufficient time for each topic.
2. Insufficient preparation time: The UPSC exam is a highly competitive exam and requires a lot of hard work and dedication to prepare for. Many aspirants do not allocate sufficient time for their preparation, which can lead to a lack of thoroughness in their preparation. It is important to allocate sufficient time for each subject and practice enough mock tests to familiarize oneself with the exam pattern.
3. Lack of understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus: It is important to have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus in order to prepare effectively. Many aspirants do not pay sufficient attention to these aspects, which can lead to a lack of focus and direction in their preparation. Aspirants should familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and the weightage of each subject to allocate their time and effort accordingly.
4. Lack of discipline and consistency: The UPSC exam requires a high level of discipline and consistency in order to prepare effectively. Many aspirants struggle to maintain a consistent routine, which can lead to a lack of progress in their preparation. It is important to maintain a fixed schedule for studies, allocate sufficient time for rest and recreation, and avoid distractions to maintain focus and consistency.
5. Lack of motivation and perseverance: The UPSC exam is a long and challenging journey, and it is important to stay motivated and persevere through the tough times. Many aspirants lose motivation and give up, which can lead to a lack of progress in their preparation. It is important to set short-term and long-term goals, seek support from friends and family, and stay motivated by reminding oneself of the reasons for pursuing the exam.
6. Poor time management skills: Many aspirants struggle with managing their time effectively, which can lead to a lack of progress in their preparation. It is important to prioritize tasks, avoid procrastination, and allocate sufficient time for each subject to avoid running out of time during the exam.
7. Lack of revision and practice: Revision and practice are crucial for retaining the knowledge gained during preparation and for familiarizing oneself with the exam pattern. Many aspirants do not allocate sufficient time for revision and practice, which can lead to a lack of confidence and readiness for the exam.
8. Health issues: Poor physical and mental health can significantly affect an aspirant’s ability to perform well in the exam. Many aspirants neglect their health during the preparation period, which can lead to a lack of energy and concentration during the exam.

To prevent yourself from committing the above-mentioned mistakes and increase your chances of clearing the exam in your first attempt, you should consider joining a foundation course for UPSC.

Wishing you the best of luck!