prelims

“Explore the length and breadth of the optional paper you opt for,” says Surabhi Gautam, AIR 50, CSE 2016

“Try and stay focussed only on the prelims at this point. While it may be very tempting to pick up and study your optional subject as well, do not do that," says IAS Officer Naveen Kumar Chandra.

He says that aspirants must remember that the interview not only checks your knowledge but your aptitude towards service.

While the preparation progresses smoothly, Sonalika suggests changing the strategy three months before the prelims—applying the factual aspects of the basic subjects and revising current affairs. She shares how time seemed to fly for her after the prelims.

“I had made up my mind on this. During the first two times, I was still working so did not have enough time to prepare. Many people work full-time and manage to clear the exams, but that did not work for me.”

The interview is ultimately a test of your personality and not your knowledge. So, don’t spend your time learning new things, suggests Ashutosh.

While good command over English helps, candidates have cracked the exam and given the interview in their regional languages as well.

“It is extremely important for aspirants to be prepared for the failures and the learnings that come with it. One would rather do something and regret the failure, rather than not doing it and regretting that.”

Emphasising how important it is to manage time well, Rema says, “Being aware of how much time you have will save you from wasting crucial time and have an undivided focus on what needs to be read.”