The ratio of questions on static vs. dynamic topics in UPSC Prelims is 60:40. It means current affairs carry a minimum weight of 40% in the marks’ tally directly. If we consider the indirect questions, the tally may reach as high as 70%. So, it is important you give your best efforts on UPSC current affairs.
This article explains the 5 common mistakes many UPSC aspirants make during current affairs preparations and how you should avoid them. Stay with us.
The 5 common mistakes
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Trying to cover everything at a time: UPSC current affairs syllabus includes too many areas of focus. Many UPSC candidates find it overwhelming and try to cram in as much news and information as possible. It creates cognitive fatigue. For studying current affairs, create a daily study routine and follow it judiciously over a long period.
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Relying on too little or too many sources: It is one of the most common mistakes. Select only a few authentic sources for UPSC current affairs. The standard practice is to read 2 English daily newspapers, 1 or 2 UPSC magazines every day. Along with this, watch authentic TV channels like SansadTV for panel discussions and in-depth news analysis.
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Trying to cram news and information: Memorizing facts and figures is essential. But for clearing UPSC, you also need to analyze and understand the implications of current affairs on society, policy making and economics. Take the example of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important to know on which date the government declared a nation-wide lockdown or when it was relaxed. But you also need to learn how it affected subsequent policy decisions and their implications on people at large.
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Avoid or forget making notes: When you take notes while studying a newspaper, magazine or watching news programmes, it helps you in multiple ways. First, making notes helps memorize facts and figures. Second, you establish connections between different pieces of information. It helps you analyze better. Third, your notes can help you quickly check the key factors for any particular event while doing your revisions. So, don’t forget to take notes.
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Not attempting enough quizzes and mock tests: The only effective way to practice current affairs is attempting quizzes and answering simulated Prelims and Mains. They help you recall correctly. So, take as many current affairs mini tests and quizzes as possible. There are several free mock tests for UPSC available on the internet. But for an in-depth assessment of your preparation, try to take mock tests and quizzes from top online UPSC coaching institutes and publishers only.
Finally
It is common to get stressed considering the huge UPSC current affairs syllabus. Many civil services aspirants suffered from such problems. The only way out is to take a long term planned approach to studying and practicing. It’s important to maintain your focus. Thousands of candidates succeed in UPSC every year. You can too. Don’t procrastinate. Check https://www.iasgyan.in/ for daily and free mock tests for UPSC.
