Putting effort to achieve something is crucial, but you need to know exactly where you are expected to put your effort. Smart studying means covering more topics in a lesser time. Another term for it is ‘efficient studying.’
A candidate might think if he sacrifices his sleep to prepare, then he will succeed. But that hardly works. Cramming topics all night long does not help you crack IAS. It would be best if you studied systematically. You need to follow some tips and tricks that help you to grip and memorize quickly.
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Hard Workers and Smart Workers
In the different phases of our life, we have come across numerous people. Some of them were smart workers, and some were hard workers. The hard workers used to study the whole year, prepare notes, and devote themselves entirely to prepare for examinations. But smart workers were those who usually used to emerge as the toppers, startling everybody. Smart workers know what to prioritize and what not to.
Smart Study Methods
There is a famous saying about successful people, “The most successful men work smart, not hard.” So you don’t need to work super hard to achieve your goal. All you need is a smart way of studying. Know the syllabus, the age limit of taking the exam, the exam pattern, and work out your routine accordingly.
You can also take help from the apps and internet for preparing a routine. If you are attending any coaching classes, you need not worry. They will surely provide you the perfect routine. Start smart study today to crack IAS. Here are some hacks to help you study efficiently.
Read Multiple Topics in a Day
Studying only one subject might get monotonous. So it is smart to study multiple subjects a day. But keep in mind that multiple subjects do not mean all the subjects. Try to read 2-3 subjects daily. This strategy curtails monotony and diminishes the probability of getting muddled with similar topics.
Learn in Varied Methods
The brain learns better when it is made to think about any stuff in different ways. Audio-video is an incredible way to learn. It allows you to use multiple sense organs to learn a thing. Therefore it is suggested that after you complete reading a topic, watch videos on that same topic. This boosts your understanding capability and helps you to retain more.
Do Not Multitask
Multitasking means devoting a period to several tasks. This reduces your efficiency, and there is a high probability of you getting distracted easily. To avoid distraction, it is highly suggested to limit your screen time and avoid watching television while studying. You can also consider keeping your mobile away from you.
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Revise Periodically
While preparing for any exam, you must revise each topic you have already studied periodically. You need to make a routine where you must include revision periods every weekend. Revision is a very vital part of your preparation. Revision helps you to memorize all the topics you have studied.
Make Smart Notes
Making notes is different from making smart notes. Smart notes are precise and must encompass simplified information, diagrams, figures, flow charts, infographics, and mnemonics. These help your brain to learn fast and better.
Learn to Prioritize
While preparing, you will get a lot of book recommendations. But that does not mean you have to go through each line of each chapter from each book. Always avoid following multiple books for one subject. Know which topics to prioritize more than the others. Filter out what to study and what to avoid.
Time is very precious, so while preparing for IAS, you cannot afford to waste any minute studying the topics you are supposed to avoid. When it comesto reading newspapers, you do not need to go through each line. That is not a smart way to study. Just stay updated about the world around you. Do not mug up lines from newspapers.
Read Books Effectively
As it was mentioned earlier, you do not have to read each line of a textbook. You can follow the popular SQ3R Method. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. This is considered to be a very effective way of retaining information.
Understand Instead of Cramming
When you cram topics without understanding them, you tend to forget after a few days. So it is highly suggested to understand the topics rather than cramming them.
Readout Loud
While studying, make sure you highlight the keywords. After finishing that topic, read out the keywords loud. This will help you to retain information for a more extended period.
Take Breaks
You do not need to stay awake the whole night or study for 20 hours a day. Do not become a hermit. Eat healthy foods and sleep enough. You must take short breaks. Go for a walk or treat yourself to your favorite snack or listen to some soft, soothing music.
Practice Writing Answers
It is very crucial to practice writing answers and essays within a fixed time. After completing your syllabus, you must practice writing answers every day. Take mock tests to enhance your writing skills and insight into the exam pattern and practice.
Statistical Report
Approximately only 50% of candidates appear for the prelims exam out of the total number of candidates who apply. Out of this 50%, only 5% of candidates make it to the mains exam. Around 20% of those who appeared in the main appear for the Interview Round, and only 40% of the 20% qualify and get their dream job.
Conclusion
The ‘Mother of all exam’ that is the Civil Services IAS Exam is about being disciplined. It does not require you to become a machine or a hermit. It instead requires you to be bound in a disciplined routine and handle all the realms of life efficiently. Study smart, take breaks, live your life, pursue your hobby, have a balanced personality, avoid being a solitudinarian, and prepare to achieve your goal with zeal and enthusiasm.
Happy preparation!
