The journey to be a civil servant in India is the most demanding and challenging one. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam and its Mains’ is one milestone that can either bar or make the journey for many aspirants. As the UPSC Mains comes near, the heat rises and many aspirants often face the ‘devil in the basement’, which were hidden fears, anxieties and roadblocks that pose threat to our preparation.
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Understanding the UPSC Mains Exam
UPSC Mains examination is the 2nd stage of the Civil Services Examination, conducted by the UPSC. While the preliminary exam is of objective type, the Mains exam is subjective in nature and is meant to test the knowledge depth of candidates, as well as their analytical ability and writing skills. There are a total of nine papers in Mains out of which two are qualifying language papers and seven are merit ranking papers. The subjects or paper that are included for testing candidates can be divided into – Essay, General Studies (4 papers) and Optional subjects.
The Pressure Cooker Environment : upsc mains
The months before the UPSC Mains are often referred to as a pressure-cooker situation. Usually, candidates devote one or two intense years’ preparation involving extensive reading, note-making, taking mock tests and revisions for it. The degree of pressure to do well is immense with competition in UPSC exams being so high and number of vacancies so low.
Fear of Failure: Fear of failure is one of the biggest reasons why most of the UPSC aspirants are ridden with anxiety. The success rate is dismal with only handful candidates making it to the final list and this fear gets multiplied manifold when you factor in the societal pressure, financial stake and personal aspirations.
- Information Overload: The syllabus of Union Public Service Commission for Mains Exam is very wide and incorporates myriad areas of knowledge. Candidates often get hyped up just because they have to memorise a lot of information. This can cause perplexity, stress, and the continuous concern of not catching essential things forever.
- Time Management: Proper time management is necessary during the preparation. It becomes really difficult to manage the other subjects, regular revision and mock test studies all at one time. But however best you may plan your activities, somehow the things remain uncovered and you are left for last minute studies thus increasing stress.
Health Issues: The rigorous study schedules, erratic sleep patterns and unhealthy eating habits can have an adverse impact on the physical and mental well-being of candidates. Fatigue, anxiety and even depression are not unheard of during this phase.
Strategies to Tame the Devil
While the challenges are many, a lot of candidates make it through this phase and you can do that too by adopting right strategies and positive frame of mind. Here are few ways to tame the ‘devil in the basement’:
- Structured Study Plan: Precisely planned study is the core in the UPSC preparation. Dividing the syllabus into tiny parts, setting attainable targets and following a timetable gives you clarity and direction While the challenges are many, a lot of candidates make it through this phase and you can do that too by adopting right strategies and positive frame of mind. Here are few ways to tame the ‘devil in the basement’:While the challenges are many, a lot of candidates make it through this phase and you can do that too by adopting right strategies and positive frame of mind. Here are few ways to tame the ‘devil in the basement’: