The UPSC Mains examination for the year 2018 is scheduled to be conducted from September 28, 2018, to October 4, 2018. The exam will subjective type in nature and will carry 9 descriptive papers, out of which 7 papers of 250 marks each will be considered for the preparation of Final Merit. The remaining 2 papers are qualifying in nature and the candidate needs to obtain qualifying marks in them.
Details of seven descriptive papers:
Paper 1: Essay
Paper 2: General Studies Paper I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History, and Geography of the World & Society)
Paper 3: General Studies Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)
Paper 4: General Studies Paper III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
Paper 5: General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
Paper 6: Optional Subject Paper I
Paper 7: Optional Subject Paper II
Details of two qualifying papers:
Paper A will be a language paper for 300 marks and the candidate is required to select the languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
Paper B will be English language paper for 300 marks.
Simple Tips and Tricks to Crack UPSC Mains 2018:
#Understanding the questions:
Always remember to read the questions carefully and try to understand that what is the demand of the question. Try to understand the motive of the question and why it has been asked. If you are unable to understand the question properly then read it again and again meticulously. Once you understand the logic behind it, you will get an idea about framing your answer. Try to keep your answers concise and logical.
#Simple answers:
The motive of this papers is to check how you explain difficult concepts in a simple language. Try to use the simplest language and avoid using too many slangs. At times the meaning of the message tends to change due to the use of incorrect words.
#Stick to your preparation strategy:
Be confident about the preparation strategy you had been following for months. This is not the right time to change your strategy. Stay focused on your strengths and manage to score maximum marks in those areas. Rather than switching plans, work on your strengths and stick to your preparation strategy.
#Revise:
Rather than worrying about the result, the candidate must regularly revise as many topics as possible. You must have surely prepared separate notes for Current Affair. Revise them regularly and keep those notes handy, so that you can peek in quickly while being engaged in other things.
#Stay Relaxed:
Don't panic. You had been preparing for months and this is the time to convert your months of hard work into good marks. Worrying may affect your state of mind and the nervousness may further worsen your performance in the examination.
We all know that UPSC is one of the toughest examinations in India and it is challenging for everyone who appears for the examination. A right approach will surely help you in cracking the examination. Nothing is impossible, what matters is entirely your willingness to achieve it.
**ALL THE BEST**