The Study Format Of UPSC Exams
The UPSC exam syllabus is undoubtedly one of the toughest to crack. It is an ever-expanding syllabus that requires a systematic form of study. The most daunting thing about the UPSC syllabus is remembering everything. It is extensive, in-depth and filled with minute details. Even veterans who have committed their time to mastering the syllabus find it hard to keep everything in memory. In this article we give you effective ways to boost your memory and improve your retention power.
5 Tips To Help You Expand Your Memory
1. Write and learn
This is an age-old practice that will never go out of trend. This method is highly recommended by the All India Civil Service coaching centre, Chennai. It is the tendency of the human mind to retain information when it is written down. Writing while reading or saying it aloud while writing are two ways that are equally effective. Numerical skills cannot be simply memorized. So are the aptitude tests. Putting pen to paper makes a world of a difference when preparing for the UPSC exams.
2. Revise
Revision is a mandatory requirement that cannot be emphasized enough. Consistent revision simplifies the retention and recollection of details at the right time. A well-planned revision schedule is the first step in the UPSC study format. By revision, we also mean in-depth revision. You cannot afford to skim over subjects. It is the details that matter here. Adopt a strategy that suits your way of learning and stick to it diligently.
3. Learn visually
Our mind is trained to remember graphics and representative images as opposed to studying plain texts formats. Here are ways to do that:
Use maps and the atlas to remember details in Geography.
Watch historical documentaries.
Use graphs and charts.
Draw representational diagrams wherever necessary.
Use audio-visual content from the internet.
4. Teach and learn
It is a rarely used but effective method of studying. Aspirants can choose a particular topic to teach other members of their study group. They will put extra effort to make others understand the topic. The teaching process will automatically reinforce the finer details of the subject in the aspirant’s mind. Teaching is also a great way to prepare for interviews and group discussions.
5. Mind-mapping and co-relating
When you are studying topics in History, it will be easier to relate important details with other data. For example, studying about the emergency period along with the details of the 4th and 5th five-year plans will help to co-relate one with the other. While covering the topics of rivers, it is wise to remember the dams across each river. This is another correlation that helps to retain multiple details.
Simple Tricks To Keep The Details In Mind
The UPSC exam preparation is an opportunity to implement creative methods that will ensure you remember the tiniest of details. Take a look at these simple tricks:
Prepare a detailed questionnaire and take self-quizzes. You can also quiz your study partner and vice versa. It will help you evaluate your study methods.
Take mini-tests and evaluate your progress.
Use mnemonics, abbreviations, acronyms, and palindromes to help you remember names of organizations, rivers, dams, dates in history, etc.
Avoid distractions like the social media platforms and streaming platforms.
Schedule shorter study sessions and take breaks to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Exercise regularly and eat healthy food. You will need all that energy to ace the UPSC exams!