Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India.

Union Public Service Commission

Rhea Sood

starting mains preparation properly this time. previous attempt i gave random tests without structure. need clarity on test series approach.

my situation:

upsc 2027 attempt. prelims in may 2027. mains in september 2027. currently have about 18 months.

confusion areas:

when to start test series:

some say start test series from day 1. learn by writing. others say complete syllabus first then practice. conflicting advice.

my worry: if i start tests early i wont have enough content. if i start late i wont have enough practice.

how many tests to give:

some toppers gave 100 plus tests. others gave only 20-30 sectional tests. no clarity on optimal number.

which test series:

famous ones are vision insights forum ias gs score. but fees are 15-20k each. cant afford multiple. need to choose wisely.

also heard coaching tests are often harder than actual upsc. is that good or bad for practice?

sectional vs full length:

should i do gs1 gs2 gs3 gs4 separately first? or jump to full length tests directly?

evaluation quality:

heard evaluation quality varies a lot. some tests have copy paste feedback. how to identify good evaluation?

specific questions:

1. for 2027 mains when should i give my first test? like which month?

2. how many sectional tests per paper recommended before starting full length?

3. between vision and insights which has better gs paper evaluation?

4. is it worth giving optional test series or just gs is enough?

5. should i attempt tests for papers i havent completed syllabus for? will that help learning?

6. how to analyze tests properly? just reading feedback or something more structured?

7. are there any good free or cheap test series for those with budget constraints?

8. how much gap between tests is ideal? weekly? fortnightly?

those who cleared mains please share your exact test series experience. especially what you would do differently if preparing again.

test series for mains - when to start and which ones actually help for upsc answer writing practice starting mains preparation properly this time. previous attempt i gave random tests without structure. need clarity on test series approach.

my situation:

upsc 2027 attempt. prelims in may 2027. mains in september 2027. currently have about 18 months.

confusion areas:

when to start test series:

some say start test series from day 1. learn by writing. others say complete syllabus first then practice. conflicting advice.

my worry: if i start tests early i wont have enough content. if i start late i wont have enough practice.

how many tests to give:

some toppers gave 100 plus tests. others gave only 20-30 sectional tests. no clarity on optimal number.

which test series:

famous ones are vision insights forum ias gs score. but fees are 15-20k each. cant afford multiple. need to choose wisely.

also heard coaching tests are often harder than actual upsc. is that good or bad for practice?

sectional vs full length:

should i do gs1 gs2 gs3 gs4 separately first? or jump to full length tests directly?

evaluation quality:

heard evaluation quality varies a lot. some tests have copy paste feedback. how to identify good evaluation?

specific questions:

1. for 2027 mains when should i give my first test? like which month?

2. how many sectional tests per paper recommended before starting full length?

3. between vision and insights which has better gs paper evaluation?

4. is it worth giving optional test series or just gs is enough?

5. should i attempt tests for papers i havent completed syllabus for? will that help learning?

6. how to analyze tests properly? just reading feedback or something more structured?

7. are there any good free or cheap test series for those with budget constraints?

8. how much gap between tests is ideal? weekly? fortnightly?

those who cleared mains please share your exact test series experience. especially what you would do differently if preparing again.  rhea sood question upsc

Test series for mains - when to start and which ones actually help for UPSC answer writing practice

day 1 of upsc preparation. again. this is my fifth restart. sharing my journey not for sympathy but because some of you might relate.

MY HISTORY:

attempt 1 (2022): half-hearted. dropped out before prelims.
attempt 2 (2023): cleared prelims! failed mains badly.
attempt 3 (2024): prelims fail. overconfident from last year.
attempt 4 (2025): took break. came back. dropped out midway due to health issues.

now 2026. 27 batch. this is it.

WHY I KEEP COMING BACK:

people ask: why not try something else?

my answer: because this is what i want to do. not for parents. not for status. i genuinely want to be in civil services. that clarity has not changed despite failures.

some dreams are worth chasing. upsc is mine.

LESSONS FROM FOUR FAILURES:

lesson 1: CONSISTENCY BEATS INTENSITY

old me: studied 12 hours one day, nothing for three days
new me: 6-7 hours daily, no exceptions, no marathons

what changed: realized burnout cycle was killing my preparation. slow and steady approach now.

lesson 2: BASICS BEFORE ADVANCED

old me: jumped to answer writing without finishing syllabus
new me: complete foundation first, then practice

what changed: answer writing on weak foundation means repeating mistakes. building strong base now.

lesson 3: ONE SOURCE MULTIPLE REVISIONS

old me: read everything, remembered nothing
new me: limited sources, multiple revisions

what changed: depth over breadth. mastering fewer resources better than skimming many.

lesson 4: HEALTH IS NOT OPTIONAL

old me: sacrificed sleep, exercise, social life
new me: 7 hours sleep, daily walk, weekly family time

what changed: fourth attempt health crash taught me. no exam worth losing health over.

lesson 5: COMMUNITY MATTERS

old me: isolated preparation, competing with everyone
new me: found my tribe, supporting each other

what changed: realized this journey is lonely. having people who understand helps.

MY 2026 PLAN:

optional: sociology (completed once, revising)
gs: focusing on weak areas (history, geography)
prelims: test series from march
mains: answer writing twice weekly

timeline:
- jan-march: foundation completion
- april-may: prelims focus
- june-august: mains intensive
- sept: prelims month if needed
- oct onwards: depending on result

MENTAL PREPARATION:

accepting realities:
- i might fail again. prepared for that.
- this is last serious attempt. age catching up.
- backup plan exists. not putting all eggs in one basket.
- family support has limits. appreciating whatever i have.

what keeps me going:
- small wins (completing chapters, good test scores)
- community support
- remembering my why
- knowing that one day this struggle will be story

TO FELLOW MULTI-ATTEMPTERS:

you are not failures. you are still trying. that takes courage.

some things i want you to know:
- your worth is not defined by upsc result
- taking breaks is okay
- changing optional is okay
- even quitting is okay if that is what is right for you
- but if you still want this, keep going

THE STIGMA:

people judge multi-attempters:
- what are they doing with life
- why dont they get a job
- clearly not smart enough

my response (internal, not to their face):
- this is my choice
- i have considered alternatives
- intelligence is not only thing needed
- my timeline is not theirs

WHAT I HAVE GAINED:

even without clearing:
- knowledge about governance, polity, economy
- reading habit
- writing ability
- analytical thinking
- discipline (improving)
- perspective on life

the journey has value even if destination is not reached.

HERE WE GO AGAIN:

day 1. fifth attempt. same dream. different approach. more wisdom. less arrogance.

if you are starting again like me, know that you are not alone. we got this.

wish me luck. i will need it.

starting upsc preparation again for the fifth time - lessons learned and why i refuse to give up day 1 of upsc preparation. again. this is my fifth restart. sharing my journey not for sympathy but because some of you might relate.

my history:

attempt 1 (2022): half-hearted. dropped out before prelims.
attempt 2 (2023): cleared prelims! failed mains badly.
attempt 3 (2024): prelims fail. overconfident from last year.
attempt 4 (2025): took break. came back. dropped out midway due to health issues.

now 2026. 27 batch. this is it.

why i keep coming back:

people ask: why not try something else?

my answer: because this is what i want to do. not for parents. not for status. i genuinely want to be in civil services. that clarity has not changed despite failures.

some dreams are worth chasing. upsc is mine.

lessons from four failures:

lesson 1: consistency beats intensity

old me: studied 12 hours one day, nothing for three days
new me: 6-7 hours daily, no exceptions, no marathons

what changed: realized burnout cycle was killing my preparation. slow and steady approach now.

lesson 2: basics before advanced

old me: jumped to answer writing without finishing syllabus
new me: complete foundation first, then practice

what changed: answer writing on weak foundation means repeating mistakes. building strong base now.

lesson 3: one source multiple revisions

old me: read everything, remembered nothing
new me: limited sources, multiple revisions

what changed: depth over breadth. mastering fewer resources better than skimming many.

lesson 4: health is not optional

old me: sacrificed sleep, exercise, social life
new me: 7 hours sleep, daily walk, weekly family time

what changed: fourth attempt health crash taught me. no exam worth losing health over.

lesson 5: community matters

old me: isolated preparation, competing with everyone
new me: found my tribe, supporting each other

what changed: realized this journey is lonely. having people who understand helps.

my 2026 plan:

optional: sociology (completed once, revising)
gs: focusing on weak areas (history, geography)
prelims: test series from march
mains: answer writing twice weekly

timeline:
- jan-march: foundation completion
- april-may: prelims focus
- june-august: mains intensive
- sept: prelims month if needed
- oct onwards: depending on result

mental preparation:

accepting realities:
- i might fail again. prepared for that.
- this is last serious attempt. age catching up.
- backup plan exists. not putting all eggs in one basket.
- family support has limits. appreciating whatever i have.

what keeps me going:
- small wins (completing chapters, good test scores)
- community support
- remembering my why
- knowing that one day this struggle will be story

to fellow multi-attempters:

you are not failures. you are still trying. that takes courage.

some things i want you to know:
- your worth is not defined by upsc result
- taking breaks is okay
- changing optional is okay
- even quitting is okay if that is what is right for you
- but if you still want this, keep going

the stigma:

people judge multi-attempters:
- what are they doing with life
- why dont they get a job
- clearly not smart enough

my response (internal, not to their face):
- this is my choice
- i have considered alternatives
- intelligence is not only thing needed
- my timeline is not theirs

what i have gained:

even without clearing:
- knowledge about governance, polity, economy
- reading habit
- writing ability
- analytical thinking
- discipline (improving)
- perspective on life

the journey has value even if destination is not reached.

here we go again:

day 1. fifth attempt. same dream. different approach. more wisdom. less arrogance.

if you are starting again like me, know that you are not alone. we got this.

wish me luck. i will need it.  rhea sood topic-discussion upsc

Starting UPSC preparation again for the fifth time - lessons learned and why I refuse to give up

yes you read that right. this is my 5th "day 1". and no im not ashamed. sharing my journey because maybe someone needs to hear this.

MY RESTART HISTORY:

2022: started after graduation. lasted 2 months. gave up because "too hard"

2023: started again in january. reached till prelims. didnt qualify. quit for 6 months.

2024: march restart. more serious. prelims cleared. mains prep incomplete. wrote badly.

2025: january restart. family issues. stopped in april.

2026: current attempt. finally feel ready.

WHY DID I KEEP QUITTING:

1. UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

initially thought 6 months enough. then 1 year. each time reality hit hard:
- syllabus is massive
- consistency is difficult
- life happens

now i know: minimum 18-24 months of CONSISTENT prep needed.

2. COMPARISON WITH TOPPERS

watched topper interviews, felt inspired for 2 days, then depressed:
- "i studied 14 hours daily"
- "cleared in first attempt"
- "ncerts were enough"

their journey is not my journey. stopped comparing.

3. NO SUPPORT SYSTEM

first 3 attempts were solo. no one to share struggles with. loneliness kills motivation.

now i have study group and mentor. game changer.

4. TREATING IT LIKE SPRINT

burned out every single time because:
- 10 hour study sessions initially
- no breaks no entertainment
- ignored health

now treating it like marathon. sustainable 4-5 hours daily.

5. NOT ACCEPTING SETBACKS

each failure felt like end of world. wasted months in self-pity instead of analysis.

now: failure is data. analyze and move on.

WHAT CHANGED THIS TIME:

1. REALISTIC TIMELINE

target: upsc 2027 (not 2026)
giving myself full 18 months of proper prep.
no rushing.

2. SUSTAINABLE ROUTINE

morning: 2 hours study
afternoon: break + light work
evening: 2-3 hours study
night: rest + recreation

weekends: one day off mandatory.

3. SUPPORT SYSTEM

- joined offline study group
- weekly mentor calls
- family finally supportive
- active in online communities

4. HEALTH PRIORITY

- morning walk daily
- proper sleep (7 hours minimum)
- healthy eating (mostly)
- no guilt about rest

5. PROCESS OVER OUTCOME

not obsessing about result. focusing on daily tasks:
- did i read today? yes
- did i make notes? yes
- did i practice mcq? yes

result will follow.

WHAT I LEARNED FROM FAILURES:

1. everyone has different timeline. respect yours.
2. consistency > intensity always.
3. mental health matters more than any book.
4. its okay to restart. its not okay to never try.
5. upsc tests endurance not just knowledge.

FOR FELLOW MULTIPLE RESTARTERS:

youre not alone. so many people restart multiple times. the ones who eventually clear are the ones who didnt give up permanently.

each restart teaches something. use those lessons.

no matter how many times you start, the only failure is not starting again.

MY SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL:

chose it because:
- overlap with gs and essay
- theoretical framework helps thinking
- past interest in social issues

starting from ncerts this time. not jumping to advanced books.

2027 BATCH:

if youre targeting 2027 and want accountability partner, lets connect. we can do weekly check-ins.

this time im not quitting. whatever it takes.

starting upsc preparation for the 5th time - what i learned from 4 restarts and why this time is different yes you read that right. this is my 5th "day 1". and no im not ashamed. sharing my journey because maybe someone needs to hear this.

my restart history:

2022: started after graduation. lasted 2 months. gave up because "too hard"

2023: started again in january. reached till prelims. didnt qualify. quit for 6 months.

2024: march restart. more serious. prelims cleared. mains prep incomplete. wrote badly.

2025: january restart. family issues. stopped in april.

2026: current attempt. finally feel ready.

why did i keep quitting:

1. unrealistic expectations

initially thought 6 months enough. then 1 year. each time reality hit hard:
- syllabus is massive
- consistency is difficult
- life happens

now i know: minimum 18-24 months of consistent prep needed.

2. comparison with toppers

watched topper interviews, felt inspired for 2 days, then depressed:
- "i studied 14 hours daily"
- "cleared in first attempt"
- "ncerts were enough"

their journey is not my journey. stopped comparing.

3. no support system

first 3 attempts were solo. no one to share struggles with. loneliness kills motivation.

now i have study group and mentor. game changer.

4. treating it like sprint

burned out every single time because:
- 10 hour study sessions initially
- no breaks no entertainment
- ignored health

now treating it like marathon. sustainable 4-5 hours daily.

5. not accepting setbacks

each failure felt like end of world. wasted months in self-pity instead of analysis.

now: failure is data. analyze and move on.

what changed this time:

1. realistic timeline

target: upsc 2027 (not 2026)
giving myself full 18 months of proper prep.
no rushing.

2. sustainable routine

morning: 2 hours study
afternoon: break + light work
evening: 2-3 hours study
night: rest + recreation

weekends: one day off mandatory.

3. support system

- joined offline study group
- weekly mentor calls
- family finally supportive
- active in online communities

4. health priority

- morning walk daily
- proper sleep (7 hours minimum)
- healthy eating (mostly)
- no guilt about rest

5. process over outcome

not obsessing about result. focusing on daily tasks:
- did i read today? yes
- did i make notes? yes
- did i practice mcq? yes

result will follow.

what i learned from failures:

1. everyone has different timeline. respect yours.
2. consistency > intensity always.
3. mental health matters more than any book.
4. its okay to restart. its not okay to never try.
5. upsc tests endurance not just knowledge.

for fellow multiple restarters:

youre not alone. so many people restart multiple times. the ones who eventually clear are the ones who didnt give up permanently.

each restart teaches something. use those lessons.

no matter how many times you start, the only failure is not starting again.

my sociology optional:

chose it because:
- overlap with gs and essay
- theoretical framework helps thinking
- past interest in social issues

starting from ncerts this time. not jumping to advanced books.

2027 batch:

if youre targeting 2027 and want accountability partner, lets connect. we can do weekly check-ins.

this time im not quitting. whatever it takes.  rhea sood topic-discussion upsc

Rhea Sood

Posts