UPSC prelims is the first step towards getting into one of the most elite services in India and the final one month plays a pivotal role in determining the success or failure. Most candidates are always curious to know what those who scored high marks do during this critical period. Here is a detailed guide to help the aspirants with the final one month strategy based on the suggestions provided by the toppers of UPSC prelims.
How Should I Revise in the Last Month Before UPSC Prelims?
Toppers also stress that the last month is only for the revision. This means that no new material should be picked up at this time. The effort should be on re-reading of the general studies book that you have been using for UPSC preparation and ensure that as much information as possible is retained.
A structured daily plan can help, like this:
Days Left |
Task |
---|---|
30-20 Days |
Revise core subjects like Polity, Economy, History, Environment thoroughly. |
19-10 Days |
Attempt a full-length UPSC IAS prelims mock test series and analyze mistakes. |
9-5 Days |
Work on weaker areas using UPSC prelims previous year question papers for practice. |
Last 4 Days |
Light revision of notes, formulas, and important facts only. |
Last Day |
Relax and stay calm; only glance through short notes. |
Read More: Crack UPSC Prelims 2025 with Just 30 Days of Smart Preparation
How Important is Solving Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests?
As per the toppers, there is no way one can skip solving the previous year question papers of UPSC prelims. They assist in realizing the pattern, exclusion of wrong answers, and time control. However, it will be beneficial for a student to practice with sample UPSC prelims books that contain solved papers to have a feel of the actual exam.
Also, taking UPSC IAS prelims mock test series prepare the temperament of the candidate. It prepares you to deal with a lot of pressure and also enhances your interpersonal decision-making skills.
Should I Focus More on Strong Subjects or Weak Subjects Now?
A balanced approach is best. According to toppers, you need to build your strengths in such a way that you can get maximum out of them. Nonetheless, weak areas should not be neglected all together.
Use this checklist:
• Devote 60% of the time to reviewing strong topics.
• Devote 30% of your time to improve the areas that are considered to be the weakest.
• Make provisions to spend about 10% of your time in the analysis of mock tests.
This balance assist in achieving good grades while incurring least risk.
For UPSC Online Mock Test Sample Papers and Latest Courses for 2025 Exam
For UPSC Online Previous Year Question Papers for the 2025 Exam
What Are Some Final Month Tips Toppers Swear By?
Here are some final tips of gold:
• Attempt 25-30 full length UPSC IAS prelims mock test papers.
• Keep revising short notes daily.
• For quick practice, refer to the UPSC prelims books that have divided the questions topic-wise in the form of MCQs.
• While revising, stick to the general studies book for UPSC and do not start with new books.
• While solving questions, try to regularly eliminate answers wisely.
• Stay calm, sleep well and keep on the right attitude.
To sum up, the last month is focused on smart revision, practice, and relaxation. Stay updated on the topics that are likely to yield more marks, solve previous year question papers of UPSC prelims, and attend mock tests of UPSC IAS prelims. Stay loyal to what you are doing, have faith in your training and do your best.