WHY DO MOST OF THE ASPIRANTS FAIL IN THE IAS EXAMINATION?

WHY DO MOST OF THE ASPIRANTS FAIL IN THE IAS EXAMINATION?

Every year lakhs of candidates appear for the UPSC Civil Services exam but only few of them are able to qualify the exam. UPSC Civil Services exam is one of the toughest exams of the nation. Every year more than 80% of students fail in the IAS exam. Only few of the candidates are able to qualify the prelims and make it to mains and even after that very few are able to qualify the mains and appear for interview. Only a handful of them are able to qualify the interview.

In this article we will look at some major reasons which become the cause for the failure of candidates in the UPSC exam. Also our expert team has provided some detailed strategies you can follow for better preparations.

Reasons for failure in the UPSC Civil Services Exam-

Below discussed are some reasons which become the cause of failure in the IAS exam-

Not Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern-

The biggest mistake is when candidates start preparing without analyzing the syllabus. A detailed analysis of syllabus before preparation is very necessary. You must stick to the syllabus and understand the exam pattern thoroughly. 

Lack of effective and good strategy –

Most of the candidates do not make a proper strategy for the Civil Services exam and at the end many of them are not able to complete the syllabus or they do not get time for proper revision. A proper strategy making is very necessary before you start preparing for any exam not only for the Civil Services exam. If you lack a direction then it becomes difficult to qualify any exam. For every specific subject you require an effective strategy.

Lack of Revision-

Lack of revision is one of the biggest causes for the failure of so many candidates. The syllabus of the civil services exam is very vast; the syllabus of the prelims is endless. Candidates are not able to complete the syllabus and even if it’s completed they ignore the revision. If you keep learning new things and do not revise it then you will never come to know about your negative points. It is one of the biggest reasons for failure in IAS exams. It is impossible to remember everything if you don’t revise periodically. 

Lack of Proper Guidance-

Along with self study it is necessary that you should have a right guidance. When you have someone to guide you, you realize your mistakes and improve them. You need someone who tells you the right thing so that you do not waste time on less important topics. 

Choosing a Wrong Optional Subject-

Many IAS aspirants choose the wrong optional subject. Most of the aspirants follow a weird way to choose their optional subjects for Mains;they pick the subject which was chosen by the toppers of previous years’ as their optional subjects. Or they look at the statics and pick one of the most popular from them. They do not choose a subject of their interest.This ultimately leads to failure. 

Avoiding Mock Tests-

These test series help you in testing your knowledge and level of preparations. Candidates start avoiding test series. These tests should not be ignored they help you in growing. They give you a clear view on your strong and weak topics. These test series also teach you time management.

Avoiding Notes Making-

Not making helps the aspirants in many ways;  notes making helps them to enhance their pace of writing and enhance their writing skills and what they write is easy to remember for a long time and making short and crisp notes help you during revision process also. Only highlighting the facts will not work you need to remember and revise them and notes make this process easy.

Ignoring NCERT Books-

NCERT books are one of the most important books for any exams. They provide you all the basic conceptual knowledge. Other additional books enhance your knowledge but the base of your subject will be developed by NCERT books only. NCERT book should not be the only study material for your IAS preparation but yes, it must include them in your study material.   

Writing Practice-

For the mains exam the aspirants need to write long essays. If you do not practice answer writing it will become very difficult on the day of examination. Practicing regularly will enhance your skills. But if you do not practice regularly it cannot be achieved on a day prior to examination.

Overconfidence-

Some aspirants get over confident and stop revising the topics. Ignoring a subject by thinking it easy can cause some bad results. Never ignore the topics by thinking that you have learnt them before. There are chances that you can forget them on the main exam day.

TIPS AND STRATEGY FOR BETTER PREPARATIONS-

Here are some steps and strategies you can follow to achieve your dreams-

Step 1- UPSC Exam Pattern-

One should go through and understand the syllabus in detail. All the compulsory subjects and optional subjects should be understood and then only the candidate must make the choice of the subject which are comparatively easy for the candidate and help in scoring better in the UPSC CSE exam.

The UPSC CSE exam is conducted in three phases: 

1- THE PRELIMS- a preliminary examination which consists of two objective-type papers 

2- MAINS- a main examination that consists of nine papers that include essay writing, in which two papers are qualifying and only marks of seven are counted

3- An interview round

STEP 2- Strictly Adhere to the Syllabus

The UPSC exam syllabus is tough and very lengthy. One must stick to the syllabus so that you can complete it on time and also get adequate time for revision. Make a list of important topics, difficult topics and topics you have completed so you know what to study next. Plan your schedule well so you can complete everything on time. Analyze the syllabus properly before starting the preparations.

For your convenience we have provided a general overview of the syllabus which will give you a basic idea of your strong and weak topics.

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern​

The candidates should understand the exam pattern of the UPSC Prelims, for better understanding a table is given below-

The subjects in Prelims are common and compulsory to all the students. But there are optional subjects in the mains exam.

Syllabus for Paper-1 (GS-1)

Listed below is the syllabus for GS-1 that is General Studies Paper -1

• Current events of national and international importance

• Current affairs

• Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World

• Indian History 

• Indian National Movement

• Economic & Social Development (Poverty, Demographics, Sustainable Development, Social Sector Initiatives)

• Biodiversity

• General Issues on Environmental Ecology

• Climate Change

• General Science

• International Relations

• Indian Polity

• Indian Governance

UPSC Prelims Syllabus Paper-2 (CSAT)

Listed below is the syllabus for GS-2 that is General Studies Paper -1 or CSAT- Civil Services Aptitude Test.

• Interpersonal skills including communication skills

• Comprehension

• Decision-making and problem-solving

• Logical reasoning and analytical ability

• General mental ability

• Basic numeracy (orders of magnitude, numbers and their relations & others)

• Data Interpretation (Charts, Tables, Graphs Data Sufficiency, etc. Class 10 level knowledge would be sufficient for these topics.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern-

• After clearing the Prelims the candidate is eligible to appear for the main exam which is the second phase of the UPSC exam. 

• The Mains examination constitutes of  total 9 papers

• Two papers of language out of 9 are the qualifying papers of 300 marks each

• These two qualifying papers are English Language Papers and Any Indian Language

• The papers on General Studies, Essay and Optional Subjects of only those candidates are evaluated who get 25% marks in both language exam papers. If a candidate fails to do so the marks are not counted.

Paper 1-

Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English

Structure of the language papers:

The types of questions asked are –

1. Essay – 100 marks

2. Reading comprehension – 60 marks

3. Precise Writing – 60 marks

4. Translation:

• English to compulsory language (e.g. Hindi) – 20 marks

• Compulsory language to English – 20 marks

Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks

The rest of the seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India or in English.

The pattern of the papers is as follows-

English Language:

• Comprehension of given passages.

• Precise Writing.

• Usage and Vocabulary.

• Short Essays.

Indian Languages:

• Comprehension of given passages.

• Precise Writing.

• Usage and Vocabulary.

• Short Essays.

Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.

II. Paper-I: Essay

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics.

They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. The more exact and efficient the writing is the better you score.

General Studies -1 Syllabus

Also known as Paper-II of UPSC Mains.  The syllabus here includes- Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

Let us have a look at the detailed syllabus of General Studies-1:

The topic Indian culture includes Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Mains GS-II (Paper III) Syllabus 

Mains GS-III (Paper IV) Syllabus

Mains GS-IV (Paper V) Syllabus

Mains Optional Paper (VI & VII) Syllabus-

It is very necessary to choose an optional subject which is right for you and helps you score better marks. Many candidates do their graduation in fields that they wish to choose their optional subjects in the UPSC exam or even you can choose the subject which you are most familiar to.  Choose a subject which you feel is easy for you and has less syllabus to cover. Many applicants adopt the overlapping technique, in which they select an optional subject that is also a significant component of General Studies. Optional choice should be made correctly as this can boost your marks in the final exam.

Here is a list of total 48 optional subjects in the UPSC Mains exam, which includes 25 core subjects and 22 Literature optional.

For a more detailed syllabus you can visit the official website of UPSC.

STEP 3– Choosing an Optional Subject

Once you have analyzed the syllabus rightly choose the optional subject before starting the preparations. It is very necessary to choose an optional subject which is right for you and helps you score better marks. Many candidates do their graduation in fields that they wish to choose their optional subjects in the UPSC exam or even you can choose the subject which you are most familiar to.  Choose a subject which you feel is easy for you and has less syllabus to cover. Many applicants adopt the overlapping technique, in which they select an optional subject that is also a significant component of General Studies. Optional choice should be made correctly as this can boost your marks in the final exam.

STEP 4– Right guidance makes path easier

To succeed in an exam it is necessary that you are guided rightly so that you don’t waste time on unnecessary stuffs and topics. If you are not attending any coaching it is necessary that you find a right guidance whether it is a mentor or any you tube channel. 

STEP 5– Making Strategies

Once you have read about the detailed syllabus, make strategies and plan on how to start and from where to start. Start finding the necessary reading material, books, newspaper reading should be made a habit, read the magazines for current affairs and general knowledge. The NCERT books should not be ignored. The notes made in Class 11, 12 and graduation level should also be used. Organize everything like books, notebooks, text books, magazines etc. so you they become easy to access.

STEP 6- Making a time table of the daily routine

UPSC exam is a tough exam and requires a great level of preparation. You should make a time table so you can make every day productive and don’t end up wasting your time. You can also make a to-do list for the next day before you go to sleep this will help you work in an organized pattern. Make a list of topics to be done on a particular week so at the end you know what is left and what is done. You can also work in a pattern like difficult topics first and easy topics later or vice- versa, whatever suits you.

Making a time table is not enough; you must adhere to the schedule you have made for yourself. It would certainly be difficult in the starting but once you do it on a regular basis it will become a habit and easy to follow.

Step 7- Make Notes

Making notes of the topics makes it easier to revise and memorize the important points. Make notes of the topics you find difficult so during revision you need not refer to many other books.

STEP 8– PYQs

Analyze PYQs, that is, Previous Year Questions. Analyze the previous year papers thoroughly, practice the questions, make a list of repeated topics or the topics which make the highest weightage and are repeated almost every time. This will help you mould your preparation in the right direction and will help you in working smartly.

STEP 9– Practicing Questions and Answer Writing

You should practice the questions from every topic you read. A proper time should be dedicated to practice the questions daily. This helps in clearing the confusing topics and memorizing important points. 

You should analyze the exam writing pattern followed by UPSC. You must practice writing sample answers and try to use all the information you have gained to answer the questions in the most efficient manner.Compare your answers. Ask someone to judge them. Make improvements if needed. Practice more and more.

Step 10- Attempting Mock Tests

Mock tests are a very important factor that boosts your exam preparation. You can buy test series and mock tests from a renowned institute. Do not skip tests because they help you in analyzing your preparations. These tests help you in keeping a check about your progress. This also helps in limiting the negative marking.

STEP 11- Revision is the KEY

Revision is the key to success. Reading once and covering a topic is not enough until and unless you revise it again and again. The number of times you revise is important but at the same time how well you revise is the most important thing. Revision is the main thing that gives you success in a competitive exam. Make a weekly or daily schedule of topics that are to be revised. The difficult topics should be revised again and again. One must not ignore the easy topics as sometimes those easy topics get ignored and then they create problem while writing the exam. Revision should be done effectively and efficiently.

STEP 12– Interview Preparation

Once you clear the first two phases of the exam then you must start preparing for the last round that is the interview. Be prepared for questions related to your education, the optional subject that you chose. You can even join coaching classes for this as there they have experience panel and they create a perfect environment for practice. Do not take this round lightly. In the interview do not mention anything that you do not have enough information about. Be confident and prepared for each and every question that is asked.

Step13– Discipline and consistency is the Key

For qualifying a competitive exam and even for achieving anything in life discipline is must. One must remain consistent throughout the preparation period. The schedule should be followed in a disciplined manner.

We have also provided some top coaching institutes who proper guidance for the IAS exams. These institutes have been working in this sector for a number of years and give appreciable results every year. If you wish to join a coaching institute you can refer to the contact details provided.

Top coaching institutes for UPSC

Vision IAS | Best IAS Coaching

Vision IAS is one of the best IAS coaching in India. It was establishes in 1997. It has given a number of IAS to our nation. It is one of the most reputed coaching institutes for IAS in Delhi. Its amazing faculty is always present for helping students. 

Vision IAS Academy often gives the Great Strategies to approach the IAS Prelims and Mains Question paper. They even provide free demo classes. Vision IAS Coaching Delhi is also best online IAS Coaching in India. They have a detailed study material, regular tests are conducted, and mock tests are provided for a better preparation. Every year Vision IAS provides appreciable results. 

  They have branches in pan India. Vision IAS has centers in the following cities-

• Ahmedabad

• Chandigarh

• Hyderabad

• Jaipur

• Lucknow

• Pune

• Delhi

• Guwahati

Detailed fee structure- 

Address and Contact Details-

          Vision IAS| Best IAS Coaching Institute

2- Vajiram and Ravi | Best IAS Coaching Institute 

It was established in 1976. They have astonishing infrastructure. It has an experience of many decades. With good infrastructure they have skilled facilities. They have catchy notes and a study material that covers almost topics. Offline as well as online coaching programs are available. Vajiram and Ravi is also known for their Weekend Batches. It is one of the best online IAS coaching in India.

They have class timings which are convenient to the candidates. Their study package is highly effective.

Detailed Fee Structure-

Address and Contact Details-

 Vajiram and Ravi | Best IAS Coaching Institute 

3- Khan Study Group |Best IAS Coaching Institute 

Dr. Khan who is the founder of this institute has taught numerous candidates, present day IAS. In the past 3 years, the Khan Study circle is emerging as good coaching for IAS in Delhi. They have the best and very supportive faculty. They have given impressive results in last few years. They provide effective study material, lectures and mock tests. The batch size is also not very large. Their study material is updated on a regular basis in order to align with the changing pattern of IAS. They cover all the aspects of IAS from prelims to interview.

Detailed Fee Structure-

Address and Contact Details-

4- Drishti IAS | Best IAS Coaching Institute 

Drishti IAS is one of the most famous IAS coaching of India. It is one of the best Hindi medium coaching in Delhi. They provide best strategies and study material for IAS exam. They help in Solving Previous Year Question Papers which is very beneficial for every aspirant. They have one of the best faculties for IAS in India. If you want to take History as an Optional Subject in UPSC Mains then do consider Drishti IAS for History.

Drishti IAS is the best IAS coaching in Delhi if you want to boost your current affairs preparation. They provide daily current affair notes in PDF format. They have both online and offline batches which can be joined by candidates as per there comfort.

Detailed Fee Structure-

Drishti IAS Online Coaching Fees

Address and Contact Details:

5- Next IAS| Best IAS Coaching Institute 

Next IAS is one of the best coaching centres in Delhi. They have highly experienced faculty members who provide a good guidance throughout the preparations. It offers a blend of classroom coaching and online resources, making it convenient for aspirants. The institute’s online platform provides access to study materials, mock tests, and interactive sessions. One of Next IAS’s unique features is its emphasis on mentorship. Aspirants are assigned mentors who provide personalized guidance and support throughout their preparation journey. 

Detailed Fee Structure-

Address and Contact Details-

These are some the best coaching institutes of Delhi, for more details about the coaching institutes in your region you can visit our website.

Hope this articles gives you an idea about the mistakes other aspirants commit and serves you as an eye opener. The strategy and steps of preparation have been thoroughly prepared by our experts to provide you proper guidance so that you conquer your dreams.

Our team wishes you a Good Luck!