Top 6 Tips for Civil Service Preparation for Aspirants from Lokesh Jangid

Starting on the journey to become a Civil Servant is like setting off on an exciting adventure. It’s full of challenges, but also opportunities to make a difference. And every year thousands of aspirants appear for highly challenging civil service exam, however only few qualify the exam. Its wide syllabus and dynamic approach makes it more competitive and challenging.

So what makes the qualified candidates different from others?

Well, the answer is their preparation, and strategy. Your process of preparation can make a huge difference. Therefore, following the right strategy is essential.

If you are also one of those aspirants want to serve the country & people, you need to focus on your preparation.

But how you can prepare and make most out of it?

That’s where Lokesh Jangid an IAS officer can help you. Being an IAS, Lokesh understand this journey and shares valuable tips to help you prepare for the civil service exams.

List of Preparation Tips from Lokesh Jangid IAS

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The first step to start preparation is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Civil service exam is one of the toughest exams. Therefore, understanding the exam pattern is essential for a strong foundation. The UPSC exam has three stages – Preliminary, Main, and Interview. In the Preliminary stage, candidates face objective questions testing their general aptitude. Moving to the Main stage, candidates encounter subjective questions assessing their knowledge in chosen subjects. Finally, the Interview stage evaluates candidates’ personality traits and communication skills.

2. Make a Strategy

Every candidate is different so you just can’t follow other’s strategy, may be what works for them may not work for you. Therefore, make your own strategy, as you know your strengths and weakness well. IAS Lokesh Jangid advises making a strategy that gives enough time to each subject and allows for breaks. Also, remember you can change your strategy from time to time to get more fruitful outcomes. There is no ideal strategy, so little changes in your preparation plan can help you get the desired results.

3. Choose Right Resources

Lokesh says having a vast syllabus doesn’t necessarily mean you need a ton of resources and study materials. Quality is more important than quantity. If you’re starting from scratch for the UPSC exam, begin with NCERT books as they provide a solid foundation. Then, move on to books recommended by your teachers or mentors.

There’s no need to buy multiple books for the same subject. Stick to one or two trusted books. This will simplify your revision process since you’ll have less content to go through, and you can focus on quality over quantity.

4. Manage Time Effectively

Time management is essential when preparing for any competitive exam. As an aspiring candidate, it’s important to have an organized and disciplined routine. While it’s good to have a structured schedule, it’s also important to be flexible yet organized.

Your schedule can be adaptable, but it’s important to have focused study sessions with clear goals & deadlines to stay productive. Setting specific goals and tracking your progress helps you stay on track with your preparations.

Lokesh says prioritizing tasks is the key to managing your time effectively. Whether you’re a college student or working while preparing, you may have limited time for self-study. Identify your weak areas and prioritize them to make the most of your time. By focusing on what’s most important, you can maximize your efficiency and improve your chances of success.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Civil service exam evaluates both your personality and knowledge, which makes it essential to stay informed. Keeping up with news, newspapers, and current affairs magazines is essential. Current affairs topics are likely to be asked about in interviews and prelims to gauge your awareness.

Therefore, it’s important to stay updated on news, government schemes, and significant economic and political decisions made by the government, especially during crises or in general. By staying informed, you’ll be better prepared to tackle questions related to current events, demonstrating your awareness and understanding of important issues.

6. Go Through Test Series

You’ve strategized your preparation and mastered time management. You’re studying diligently, but there’s still a missing piece- testing your knowledge. Getting knowledge is only valuable if you put it to the test.

In exams like UPSC, which cover a vast syllabus and multiple subjects, it’s essential to periodically assess your preparation through test series. You can choose a test series that fits your needs and preferences.

Test series serves multiple purposes. They evaluate your readiness and provide an opportunity to compete with other aspirants, simulating the exam environment. Additionally, they offer practice in writing answers and receiving feedback from teachers.

Engaging in test series can significantly enhance your preparation. They help identify your weak areas, allowing you to focus your efforts where they’re needed most. So, don’t overlook the importance of testing your knowledge regularly—it’s an essential part of your UPSC journey.

Conclusion

Civil service exam may not be easy, but following the right time table and strategy can help you. You need to work hard and use the resources effectively to get the best results.  Remember self-discipline and consistency along with these tips from Lokesh Jangid IAS can make your journey easier. With the dedication and self-belief, you can surely achieve your goals and serve the country.