Is cramming important for UPSC?

Myth 5: You must cram up umpteen facts One must know that cramming up facts is never the answer. The UPSC does not test your factual knowledge, but your understanding of topics, conceptual clarity, and analytical skills. However, a general knowledge of some basic, building-block facts must be there.

Can I prepare for IAS by self study?

Aspirants must remember that self preparation for IAS is the key strategy to excel in the exam. This is because even after joining a coaching institute, it is the time dedicated individually that gives the desired result. After long hours of study, you must take short breaks to refresh your mind.

What are some tips for IAS exam preparation?

If the candidate is a beginner in the arena of UPSC then the chances of getting misguided by several institutes is huge. A crucial IAS exam preparation tip would be that candidates should do a thorough study of syllabus before starting the IAS exam preparation.

How many optional subjects are there in the IAS exam?

According to the new IAS exam pattern, the number of optional subjects for UPSC exam to be chosen by the candidate for Mains exam has decreased to one. The civil services mains exam General Studies papers account for 1000 marks and the two Optional Papers account for 250 marks each.

Do IAS aspirants need to know everything about everything?

Facts: It is a popular notion that the IAS aspirant must know everything about everything. It is not true. Firstly, the UPSC has defined its syllabus in a very lucid manner, which can be followed in the IAS preparation. Secondly, the topics can be decided on the basis of importance to our nation and society.

Is geography a good optional subject for IAS?

Geography is one of the most popular optional subjects for IAS aspirants. The significant overlap of the Geography optional syllabus with GS 1 and CSE Prelims exam is one of the key reasons behind its popularity. In 2015, AIR 1, Ira Singhal aced the exam with the same optional.