Preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination, as you must have heard, is a marathon rather than a sprint. It is very important that you minimize your mistakes in order to win the marathon. UPSC aspirants very frequently make some common mistakes in their preparation, like ignoring the details of syllabus, identifying patterns in the Previous Year Questions, and not emphasizing on revision. This article will list the top mistakes that an aspirant should surely avoid to succeed in this examination.

1. Do not Ignore the Syllabus

You must have heard that everything under the Sun can be asked in the UPSC exam. However, it is not at all true. UPSC has a well detailed syllabus which serves as your roadmap. The Syllabus is your guiding light of preparation, especially for mains. Without a clear understanding of its scope, candidates often waste precious time on irrelevant topics. The toppers of UPSC CSE have been very frequently emphasising the importance of syllabus in the preparation.

Break the syllabus down into smaller sections and subtopics to ensure clarity. Use it as a checklist to monitor your progress and keep your preparation on track. When studying any material—whether it’s a book, a newspaper article, or a coaching handout—constantly ask yourself: “Is this relevant to the syllabus?” If not, set it aside.

• It helps you sorting relevant current affairs from Newspapers
• It helps you limiting your study material and resources
• It helps you in writing GS answers effectively

For Example, you will identify after reading the syllabus –

• World History is not a part of Prelims, but of Mains.
• Ancient and Medieval History are part of Prelims, but only the Art and Culture Section of those subjects are part of Mains.

Therefore, read the syllabus very carefully and prepare everything according to it

2. Do not Hoard Study Material

Reading one book a hundred times is far better than reading a hundred books for one time. Referring to an overwhelming number of books or online resources for a single topic often leads to confusion and inefficiency. The abundance of resources available—from coaching materials to online PDFs—can be a double-edged sword. While having access to information is a privilege, excessive reliance on varied sources can overwhelm you.

You should refer to a maximum of two resources for one subject. Focus on revising the concepts you learn, not on reading it from different sources.

• Read the same study material several times to revise very efficiently.
• Reading the same material many times helps you build a picturized memory of certain concepts, which are very helpful while writing answers in Mains or while recalling facts in Prelims.
• Multiple Study material creates confusion and wastes time. Time is Important in this exam.

3. Do not Ignore Previous Year Question Papers

PYQs are your cheat code, and more useful than you can ever imagine. Many fail to realize that analyzing previous years’ papers is not just about identifying important topics; it is also about understanding the examiner’s mindset. This process enables you to identify recurring themes, anticipate potential questions, and align your preparation accordingly.
Start by analyzing at least 5–10 years of question papers for both Prelims and Mains. Use them to create a list of high-priority topics and refine your preparation strategy. Furthermore, practice writing answers to previous years’ Mains questions. You can also visit the topic-wise PYQs, after completing a particular topic. It helps you identify gaps in your preparation.

• Solving PYQs improves your confidence.
• It helps you priorities the important recurring areas. For example, Article 21 has been a recurring theme in Prelims.
• It helps your mind to get accustomed to the difficulty level and quality of UPSC Question Papers.

4. Do not Underestimate Revision

Aspirants very often procrastinate on revising the concepts, while prioritizing the completion of syllabus. While completing the syllabus is a task in itself (after all it’s huge!), not revising what you have read only increases your problems. Continuous studying without revision is akin to pouring water into a leaky bucket. Knowledge, if not reinforced, fades away over time.

• Allocate dedicated time for revision in your daily, weekly, and monthly schedules. For instance, after completing a topic, revisit it within 24 hours, then a week later, and finally a month later.
• Use Mock Tests to Revise.
• Use Previous Year Questions to revise certain concepts.
• Use active recall methods, and not merely passive re-reading of notes.

5. Do not ignore your Mental Health

The UPSC preparation phase comes with high expectations, long study hours, and often, isolation. Aspirants feel the weight of societal and familial expectations, coupled with their own aspirations. In the relentless pursuit of success, the toll on mental well-being can be immense. Stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout are common companions of UPSC aspirants. But ignoring mental health can sabotage not only the preparation but also one’s overall quality of life.

Here are some tips to maintain your mental health during your UPSC journey –

• Always set realistic goals, do not over-expect. 16 hours daily study routine is only a meme material to tease UPSC aspirants. Remember – Marathon, not sprint.
• Techniques like meditation, yoga, or even deep-breathing exercises can reduce stress and enhance focus. Add these things in your routine.
• Stay connected with family and friends.

The 2024 Essay Paper of UPSC Mains had this topic – ‘There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.’ The quote seems fit for your preparation. Priorities your well-being and happiness, and then work efficiently towards your goals. Excessive stress is not a path to your goal, it rather is an impediment.

Keep Working Hard! All the Best!