How to score better Marks in GS Paper III in UPSC IAS Mains?

UPSC always catapult aspirant’s perception and preparation towards dynamism of changes not only by syllabus but also by the structure of examination. So these ongoing changing and demand of UPSC can only be achieved through a proper plan and strategy. As Sir Wiston Churchill states that, “However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” Now the basic question will be arises that, ‘How we should proceed our preparation to score maximum marks in General Studies Paper III of UPSC Mains Exam or IAS Mains Exam.’ Then we should understand what UPSC requires in the candidates. The simple answer will be to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio‐ economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and compact answers.”

The above statement gives you clear picture that UPSC never requires masters of all topics but understanding capability and analysing attributes that come from reading and writing practices. Before moving on to the discussion, firstly know that process of making plan and strategy by knowing fundamentals of preparation which is discussed below:

A. Avoid Traditional Way of Reading: Study the entire syllabus is not possible, so try to mug up topics and sub-topics. So that the entire syllabus should engrave in your memory.

B. Do not Try to invent new Things: Make the syllabus as house-hold object and keep it always nearby you. Collect all study material which you have studied earlier during the course of preparation

C. Do Revision as much as possible: Read thoroughly your study materials and keep practicing of writing. This will not only help you to enhance self-assessment attributes but also enhance your time management

D. Follow your own way of writing: While writing make sure that answer should be compact format and in presentable mode i.e. uses of diagram. This kind of presentation gives massage to the examiner that examinee has good understanding the topic or topics. Lots of coaching centres will suggest you to write your answer in their way which may look not different from the answers of others.

E. Make Outline of the Topic: Before attempting the topic, a candidate should make outline of the whole topic which he/she is going covered in their answer.

F. Put Clear Views: While attempting to write an answer, your views should reflect a clear understanding of the topic and try to put your own remedies for that. An examiner would never like to challenge your understanding of complex theories, so approach should be to write what has been asked in the question instead of writing how much you know about the topic.

G. A Proper Connectivity: A proper connectivity of different points and issues you raised should be there in your answer. A proper remedy of those issues should also be there in your answer before summing up your answer.

H. Avoid Facts and Figures: The UPSC Mains Examination have aim to assess your views and intellectual qualities rather than to check your memorising skills. So, it is better to avoid putting the figures and facts because it may difficult to memorise all fact otherwise your answer will reflects wrong figures and facts. The diagrammatic interpretation in your answer is most preferable because it makes your views more clear.