Regarding the UPSC Mains preparation, an exact and orderly approach is really vital. The first phase of the Civil Services Examination is the UPSC CSE Prelims. Once you have passed the initial challenge of this esteemed test, the most important stage of your preparation process starts: UPSC Mains. Prelims are qualifying in nature, hence your score in that round will not decide your final result. Conversely, your choice and ranking will be much influenced by the UPSC Mains Answer writing.
Consequently, it is imperative to create a strong UPSC Mains preparation plan that will raise your score and increase your chances of getting a decent rank. Raj IAS Academy determines a good strategy for you to get ready for the Civil Services Mains exam.
About UPSC answer writing
UPSC answer writing is an art. And the best thing is that you can learn any art if you are dedicated to it. All it requires is will and effort, consistent practice along with some direction. Raj IAS Academy is here to assist you with the guidance component. Hopefully, you will effectively apply the advice we are going to offer in your preparation and get the desired results.
Essential paper specific tips for UPSC mains you need to know about:
General studies paper I
In this paper topics are covered: History ,Indian heritage and Culture. For these topics your answer should be to the point and it should include dates and timelines according to the questions.
If your topic is related to Geography of the world and Society. Add flow charts, diagrams and maps.
General studies paper II
For topics like Governance, Constitution, Polity and Social Justice – add SC verdicts, cite articles, relevant quotes, new policy and schemes, national survey reports and findings.
For International Relations you can add recent developments, International relationship, maps if needed and highlight terms featured in the newspapers.
General Studies paper III
For Economic Development your answer must have recent statistics highlighted in economic survey, global ranking and reports, scheme and policies.
In Technology you can draw figures and add multiple dimensions and talk about innovations in technology.
For Biodiversity and Environment you can relate your answer with recent happenings like environmental reports and ranking and add flowchart to increase understanding.
For Security and Disaster Management you can add recent highlighted issues to make it more engaging.
General studies paper IV
In this paper we have three topics; Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. You can add keywords, cite logical solutions and also add cite quotes whenever needed.
Apart from this your planning for the mains answer writing can be divided in three levels:
Level 1 or basic tips
Understand the question fully
The Mains exam questions have specific instructions like “discuss/critically discuss” etc.; you should be able to properly understand what that particular direction is asking you to accomplish. For good answer writing, this is also the most fundamental and yet rather vital ability you should possess.
Build a basic Mental framework of the response.
You must learn this really vital ability in a war footing. It should be that you start building the framework for the response in your thoughts the instant you have read and comprehend a particular inquiry. Practice makes this simpler and more natural; if necessary, note (with a pencil) whatever you recall as and when you remember it.
Try not to overreach your creative ability.
Any UPSC expert will suggest that you should have a strong awareness of a certain problem and that the same should be easily understood when stated. One should avoid allowing ideas, thoughts, or arguments that are not strictly required for producing a given response slip into influence. Philosophising and overbroking could cause uncertainty and hence should be avoided in Mains response writing. Furthermore, this can save you time and effort that you could better apply in addressing other questions.
Always write in a proper structure and format
Write your answer in structured form like it should have an introduction around 200 words which briefly narrate the central premise of the answer. Divide the main body of the answer into paragraphs and bullet points. Discuss both positive and negative aspects of an issue. Lastly wrap up your answer with a well balanced conclusion.
Level 2
Stick to word limit
The general studies paper IV has 150, 250 and 300 as word limit. In big answers like essay writing the word limit is 1000 to 1200. So write according to the requirements of the question within the specific word limit. It helps you in writing an answer in an attractive way.
Time Management
Knowing how to distribute the appropriate time to every question will help you to manage time when trying the Mains examination. It will also enable you to finish all the questions in three hours. Practice should help you to become proficient in the Mains examination’s time management components.
Level 3
Practice answers writing
Remember that answer writing mostly requires three things even when you are practicing. These are the skills to remember, organize, and how to remain time-bound to write down all your ideas. You must develop a habit of being fast in information processing. Start with open-book answer writing so that, when responding to a question, you will have the source or reading material in front of you and refer to the same when required.
Most Important Reminder
Always remember that UPSC Mains Answer Writing enables us to identify areas of our preparation that are lacking. It also enables us to have a glimpse of the examiner’s perspective concurrently. Therefore, you should learn answer writing since it will enable you not only in knowing what is left in the topic for you to prepare but also what the examiner is searching for in any given topic.
In bottom line
Constant practice combined with these helpful tips can help you to achieve effective UPSC Mains Answer Writing. Examiners are searching for exact, orderly, multidimensional responses that, within the specified word count, demonstrate knowledge, critical thinking, and context interpretation skills. Plan, organize, and powerfully deliver your answers to pass this last test of your ability. Being the future of the country, Raj IAS Academy strives for your all around development; so that you must think and act appropriately.
