Struggling with Prelims Results? How to Boost Your Preparation
Hello there,
Lets go back to the time when I was in your place—those school days filled with numerous syllabi and exams. Whether it be your 10th, 12th boards, or even pre-boards, no one’s syllabus is ever completed. That's perfectly normal. However, the time that comes after the preboards is a crucial period to utilise smartly. See, in my friends' group, what we actually knew till pre-boards were just a few chapters from half-yearly exams. Each of us had the same level of knowledge, but we enjoyed the process. Believe it or not, I even had to give Economics again just to get my admit card during pre-boards. So, it is completely normal.
I had a friend who approached our preparation in a smart way. We checked out the whole syllabus and subjects and identified the chapters I knew versus the subjects he excelled in. We made a schedule to cover the syllabus. We divided our preparations based on our strengths. Then, we taught each other the chapters and subjects we covered within the allocated time. Afterward, we enjoyed the whole process. Remember, it's normal to fail in pre-boards. They are just sample papers where you feel the pressure of the actual exams. So, don't worry; you won't feel that pressure when you actually sit for the main boards. Take a chill and cover the syllabus thoroughly. Practice answer writing and check out the previous year questions (PYQs). You can do this, and you have to do this. Make sure to believe in yourself.
Change Your Strategy or Study Plan
Remember, the key is to identify where you made mistakes and how to rectify them. It could be in your study habits, areas of weakness, or even time management. Once you have pinpointed the issues, tweaking your study strategy or plan can make a significant difference. Effective study strategies, such as dividing the syllabus into manageable parts, regular revision, and focused practice, can greatly improve your performance.
Financial, Age, and Motivation Considerations
It totally depends on your situation. If you have financial support, age, and a strong motivation by your side, you can certainly continue with your preparation. However, if any of these factors are lacking, you may need to reassess your plan. Evaluate what is going wrong in your prelims and work on it for your next attempt. This might involve focusing on weak areas, improving study habits, or even switching to a different study approach. All the best, keep hustling, stay focused, and you will make it.
Lessons from My Own Journey
This year's paper was tough, and I've always scored more than 90 marks in full-length tests from many coaching institutes. However, it was my first attempt, and I'm scoring around 92-93 marks according to various unofficial answer keys. Although my score might not be enough to clear prelims, it doesn't dictate what you should or shouldn't do.
If I don't clear the exam after two attempts, I will probably start looking for a Plan B. I'll start preparing for the UPSC after getting a job and will try to analyze the mistakes I committed in my preparations and during the prelims. For instance, I'm very weak in history and current affairs, so I'll probably focus on these areas in my next attempt. Remember, there's always a way forward, and you can improve with the right mindset and strategies.
Conclusion
Whether you're in school or preparing for UPSC, it's important to take a step back, evaluate your situation, and make necessary changes. Believe in yourself, stay focused, and keep striving. Good luck with your studies, and remember, every step counts towards your goal. Thank you for reading.