Study method

• A simultaneous study can be done for Prelims and Mains.
• Few months before the prelims examination, the candidate should focus on prelims.

Understand the syllabus

• It is very important to understand the syllabus for the Mains. It is advised to get a printout of the syllabus and read it carefully.

Writing practice

• For preparing the mains examination answer writing practice is a must and it should be coupled with taking regular tests along with preparing appropriate notes (Personal Notes).

PYQs

• Candidates should go through the previous years’ question papers to understand the level and dimensions of the questions asked in the papers.  It’ll give a good perspective of what’s important and what’s not.

Tests

• Test series helps in accessing the level of preparation and gives an examination hall experience.

Analytical study

• The focus should be kept on all the GS papers, Essay as well as Optional subjects.
• Candidates should link their preparation with Current Affairs topics as most of the questions are Current Affairs based.
• In mains speed and depth of analysis are required.
• General Studies demands only a peripheral understanding of topics. So it’s recommended to gain minimum sufficient knowledge over a diverse set of subjects rather than obsessively focusing on one topic.

Use of Internet

• Candidates may update the knowledge base by using the internet extensively, especially for topics like Science and Tech. A candidates’ target must be to gain knowledge, be it through books or through the internet.

Revision

• Give adequate time for revision. Without revision, candidates will not be able to recollect whatever they have read.

The above strategy would help you to develop confidence which is a must and one should have enough confidence to get good marks in the examination. But at the same time, there is no shortcut to success one needs hard work, determination, dedication, focus, passion, and compassion to ace this Marathon Examination.