K.N. Chandana Jahnavi Prelims Marksheet

Both times, I was comfortably above cutoff by a decent margin.

My 5 point strategy for the same:

Point 0- Basic NCERT + 1 standard book for each main subject ( Laxmikant, Spectrum, 11th and 12th NCERT for geography + selective reading of Vivek Singh for economics and Shankar IAS for environment)

Point 1- Multiple Revisions of standard books for Static Subjects (3-4 times) + doing subject wise sectional tests from various freely available resources

I did Vision IAS first level test and then next the tougher test along with Insights subject tests in my first attempt

By third attempt, my focus was only solving FLTs

Moral: every attempt, change your strategy a little, according to your level of preparation

Point 2- Current Affairs- 1:1:1 strategy: 1 Newspaper (Hindu)+ 1 Coaching Centre app for daily quizzes + 1 Month end compilation to be upto date

I followed Hindu newspaper, Vajiram App which I still see everyday and solve those 10 questions as it has become a good habit and Vision monthly current affairs booklet

Point 3: 100 Mock Test Strategy ( Devise based on self needs), Error Register and revisiting PYQs of last 5-7 years

I’ll share my google sheet link you can view; Please add column of number of attempts and correct number of questions to it.. take an average of it to get you the most optimal attempt you need to score above 90-100

Also, I did 100 because I was never prelims confident. You may need 30-45 tests only for confidence. So please choose what works for you

Point 4: CSAT: only 1-2 mocks before main exam; (CAUTION: Need more practice)

I Slogged for GRE and CAT and hence never prepared for CSAT. But this year CSAT was on tougher side and I’m sure I’m below 80-90 too. Hence, do not take it lightly.

Point 5: Last One month of remaining calm, stress free: Walking, Music, Meditation, Exercise or anything for staying confident

Make small notes, pick a repeat soothing music and have 1-2 people on speed dial if you feel anxious. All in good time it is!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1I7JEBWm8LuS8wSUdvmZ0kERqCRPdM_7VJ54-BFM4mvI

This is my prelims tests sheet. I made a sheet for mostly consistency perspective and to try diversify tests

Most of it is from FREE UPSC Test material of 2020.

If you make a sheet, please focus on number of questions attempted and improvement in number of correct in that (accuracy rate)

This can help in scientifically deciding number of questions to attempt for optimum marks

I attempted 85-89 questions in my first two attempts

92 in 2023 attempt