The UPSC Preliminary exam is an incredibly competitive and time-consuming exam. Even the most prepared candidates are prone to losing marks, not due to lack of knowledge, but due to avoidable silly mistakes in UPSC Prelims. Gallant IAS shares some essential strategies in this blog that will help you reduce these errors and boost your performance on the exam day.
1. Read the Question Carefully
Many candidates often find answers to questions quickly and misinterpret them. UPSC loves tricky phrases like “not true,” “false,” “only,” or “all of the above.” It is very important to take your time and read each question carefully, paying attention to these keywords. A little extra focus will help you avoid losing valuable marks.
2. Read the Question Carefully
Time pressure might tempt you to finish the questions quickly. However, being busy can lead to mistakes. Even if you know the answer, take a moment to check it out. A calm and steady approach is more effective than a rushed approach.
3. Use the Elimination Technique
If you’re ever unsure about an answer, a good strategy is to start by crossing out the wrong choices. This will increase your chances of finding the correct answer.
4. Be Careful While Marking the OMR Sheet
Many candidates lose points due to mistakes made while filling OMR sheet. Make sure to double check the question number and the bubble you are about to mark. Fill in the bubble only if you are confident in your answer and remember not to select multiple options for any question.
5. Avoid Changing Correct Answers Unnecessarily
Impulsively changing answers often leads to wrong choices. Unless you have a compelling reason or recognize a genuine mistake, it is best to stick with your first response.
6. Do Not Get Stuck on One Question
Spending too much time on a question can really affect your overall performance. If you get stuck on a question for too long, it’s best to skip it and come back to it later if you have time. Focus on managing your time wisely and try to answer as many questions as possible correctly.
7. Practice Mock Tests Under Exam Conditions
Mock tests play a crucial role in detecting and reducing errors. At Gallant IAS, we strongly encourage our aspirants to regularly take full-length mock exams in a live environment. This practice not only increases accuracy and speed but also boosts overall confidence.
Conclusion
Passing UPSC Prelims is not about what you know; it is also about avoiding small but costly mistakes. By taking the time to read carefully, managing your time wisely, and practicing with mock tests, you can minimize errors and increase your chances of clearing the exam. Gallant IAS provides well-structured online coaching, test series, and expert mentorship to support you at every step. Keep your focus sharp, stay alert, and success will surely follow.