10 days to UPSC Prelims 2024: Score above 100 in CSAT with these exam strategies
UPSC CSE Prelims admit card: The UPSC CSE Prelims exam just around the corner and only 10 days remaining, it’s crucial to make the most of your preparation time. The Union Public Service Commission is expected to release the UPSC CSE Prelims Admit Card 2024 anytime soon.
The UPSC Civil Services Exam, renowned as one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in the country, attracts lakhs of candidates each year, all vying for esteemed positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central services.Here are 10 strategies to help you score above 100 in the CSAT and ensure you clear this qualifying paper with ease.
Understand the CSAT paper requirements
The CSAT (Paper II) is a qualifying paper, and you need to score only 33% of the total marks, which equates to 66 out of 200. While you do not need to score over 100 marks, aiming for a higher score ensures you are well above the qualifying threshold. The CSAT paper consists of 80 questions, with each question carrying 2.5 marks, and the total time allotted is 2 hours.
Revise key topics and shortcuts
Focus on revising the key topics that frequently appear in the CSAT reasoning section, such as data interpretation, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, syllogism, and coding-decoding. Learn and practice shortcuts and tricks for solving these questions faster. Use Venn diagrams for syllogism questions, elimination methods for data sufficiency questions, and diagrams for direction and blood relation questions.
Improve your reading comprehension skills
Reading comprehension is a vital part of the CSAT paper. Spend time reading newspapers, journals, and magazines to enhance your vocabulary and grammatical understanding. This practice will help you handle complex questions more effectively. Focus on summarizing articles and identifying key points to improve your comprehension skills.
Revise important mathematical concepts and the basic formulas
Revise essential mathematical concepts such as linear equations, number systems, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion, variation, speed, time and distance, work and averages, allegations, data interpretation, and geometry including area, volume, and perimeter. Ensure you understand the basic formulas and can apply them quickly to solve problems.
Remember to manage your time effectively
With 80 questions to answer in 120 minutes, efficient time management is key. Divide your time wisely among the questions, ensuring you do not spend too much time on any single question. Practice completing questions within a stipulated time frame to improve your speed and accuracy. Prioritize questions based on your strengths to maximize your score.
Practice with Mock Tests and Previous Papers
Regularly attempt mock tests and go through previous years’ question papers. This will not only familiarise you with the exam pattern but also helps identify your strengths and weaknesses. Time yourself while practicing to ensure you can complete the questions within the allotted time.
Maintain a healthy mindset
Lastly, maintain a calm and confident mindset. Stress and anxiety can hinder your performance, so take regular breaks, stay positive, and approach the exam with a clear mind. Engage in activities that help you relax and stay focused. Ensure you get adequate rest and maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels up.
ALSO READ: UPSC CSE Prelims admit card expected soon, here’s what we know
The UPSC Civil Services Exam, renowned as one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in the country, attracts lakhs of candidates each year, all vying for esteemed positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central services.Here are 10 strategies to help you score above 100 in the CSAT and ensure you clear this qualifying paper with ease.
Understand the CSAT paper requirements
The CSAT (Paper II) is a qualifying paper, and you need to score only 33% of the total marks, which equates to 66 out of 200. While you do not need to score over 100 marks, aiming for a higher score ensures you are well above the qualifying threshold. The CSAT paper consists of 80 questions, with each question carrying 2.5 marks, and the total time allotted is 2 hours.
Revise key topics and shortcuts
Focus on revising the key topics that frequently appear in the CSAT reasoning section, such as data interpretation, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, syllogism, and coding-decoding. Learn and practice shortcuts and tricks for solving these questions faster. Use Venn diagrams for syllogism questions, elimination methods for data sufficiency questions, and diagrams for direction and blood relation questions.
Improve your reading comprehension skills
Reading comprehension is a vital part of the CSAT paper. Spend time reading newspapers, journals, and magazines to enhance your vocabulary and grammatical understanding. This practice will help you handle complex questions more effectively. Focus on summarizing articles and identifying key points to improve your comprehension skills.
Revise important mathematical concepts and the basic formulas
Revise essential mathematical concepts such as linear equations, number systems, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion, variation, speed, time and distance, work and averages, allegations, data interpretation, and geometry including area, volume, and perimeter. Ensure you understand the basic formulas and can apply them quickly to solve problems.
Remember to manage your time effectively
With 80 questions to answer in 120 minutes, efficient time management is key. Divide your time wisely among the questions, ensuring you do not spend too much time on any single question. Practice completing questions within a stipulated time frame to improve your speed and accuracy. Prioritize questions based on your strengths to maximize your score.
Practice with Mock Tests and Previous Papers
Regularly attempt mock tests and go through previous years’ question papers. This will not only familiarise you with the exam pattern but also helps identify your strengths and weaknesses. Time yourself while practicing to ensure you can complete the questions within the allotted time.
Maintain a healthy mindset
Lastly, maintain a calm and confident mindset. Stress and anxiety can hinder your performance, so take regular breaks, stay positive, and approach the exam with a clear mind. Engage in activities that help you relax and stay focused. Ensure you get adequate rest and maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels up.
ALSO READ: UPSC CSE Prelims admit card expected soon, here’s what we know
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