What are some common mistakes made by candidates during IAS preparation and how can they be avoided?

Here are some typical errors students make while preparing for the IAS exam and tips on how to prevent them:

Lack of direction and focus: Candidates frequently attempt to study too many topics at once without adequate planning. Confusion, a lack of understanding, and poor memory result from this. Candidates should create a study schedule that includes all the topics they need to cover, prioritize them according to significance, and follow it religiously to avoid this.

Neglecting current affairs is among the most frequent errors people make. Because they make up a sizable portion of the IAS exam, candidates must routinely keep themselves informed of the most recent news and happenings, both at the national and international levels.

Overly relying on coaching classes: Although coaching classes can offer organized help, they shouldn’t be used exclusively. To provide a solid basis, candidates should also self-study and rely on reliable study materials.

Undervaluing the value of mock exams: Taking mock exams is a crucial component of IAS preparation as it enables candidates to gauge their degree of readiness, recognize their strengths and shortcomings, and enhance their performance. To improve their performance, candidates should regularly take practice exams and review their outcomes.

A lack of health: IAS preparation can be difficult and stressful, which can result in physical and mental tiredness. Candidates should take pauses, exercise, consume a balanced diet, and get adequate sleep to prevent this.

Procrastination: Delaying studies and waiting until the last minute to complete tasks is another prevalent error. Candidates should divide their coursework into digestible portions, create attainable goals, and stay away from distractions to prevent this.

Candidates can improve their chances of passing the IAS exam by avoiding these errors and adhering to an organised study schedule.