• India
  • Apr 04
  • Remya Roshni

Things to do for prelims amid lockdown

While you are reading this, some more cases of COVID-19 would have tested positive in some part of the world. This is the biggest collective challenge we are facing in history. For the elected representatives as well as the civil servants, the task ahead is massive. 

There were two more weeks of personality tests scheduled which had to be stopped till further notice. This has put tremendous pressure on those who have attended the personality test and who were waiting to face the board. The uncertainty regarding the final result could be very demotivating.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has not made any decisions  on the 2020 preliminary examination, which is scheduled for May 31. So, this could be depressing to all others who have been preparing for years for this opportunity. Particularly for candidates who will be crossing the age barrier or exhaust the number of permissible attempts this year. 

As the coaching institutes and libraries are closed, one has to remain at home or hostel. But as the whole world is facing the crisis, one should not feel heart-broken or get into the “why me?” mood. 

Let me just share certain things a civil service aspirant should do during this time. 

Utilise time productively

People who are preparing for the preliminary examination should utilise this time productively to revise both the basics as well as current affairs. If you are a person who sticks to basic books, you can also check videos of classes to avoid boredom of repeating the same thing.

As part of revision, one can create powerpoint presentations with interesting pictures. Making videos of specific topics is also possible. One can use all the possibilities of audio-visual tools to make learning an interesting experience.

One should clearly set targets and divide portions to be finished within stipulated time. A weekly time table works best as one can have a day of rest after six days of study.

The practice of solving question papers is very important for the prelims. So, solve question papers regularly. There are many credible online sources for test series. But recently many students pointed out a few fake test series links. So, one has to keep in mind this while choosing online sources. One can use WhatsApp groups also to share questions and answers. Social media can be used effectively for discussions too. 

Those who are waiting for the final result should be optimistic about the outcome. But if, one is planning to write again in case of not clearing, the preparation for prelims should go in parallel.

Those who are waiting for their interview schedule need to do a balancing act of preparing for both the personality test and preliminary examination. In the snake and ladder game of UPSC examination, one has to start from the first stage if something goes wrong.

Points to remember

It is important that one eats properly and drinks plenty of water as it is summer time. Try to do some indoor physical activities too to remain healthy. Take adequate breaks to pursue hobbies, if they can be done at  home.

My most important suggestion to all civil service aspirants is to keep track of how the government is managing the crisis at different levels. Particularly, how the district administration and local self-governments are ensuring the supply chain as well as coordinating the preventive measures. 

This will help you understand the enormous responsibility entrusted with Indian civil service, particularly during a huge crisis. One could put oneself in the district administrator’s shoes and imagine what all things could be done. This could be a motivating exercise. Use the time and resources productively. 

(The author is a former IPS officer and a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)

This article originally appeared on OnManorama.

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