By Owais Ali Bhat, Director, Chanakya IAS Academy, Jammu
With over 15 years of experience mentoring countless aspirants for the Civil Services Examination, I’ve come to realize that while the Preliminary exam may seem like a hurdle, it’s actually a launchpad. The prelims don’t just test your knowledge — they test your temperament, strategy, and discipline. If you get these three aligned, success becomes predictable.
Let me share some practical and experience-backed tips that can help you crack the CSE Prelims with confidence.
- Understand the Nature of Prelims — It’s a Game of Elimination
The prelims is not about writing long essays or showing deep analysis. It’s about choosing the most accurate option from four close choices. Often, it’s not about how much you know, but how smartly you can eliminate the wrong ones. Cultivate that skill. It comes with consistent practice.
- NCERTs Are Non-Negotiable
Too many aspirants try to jump straight to big reference books. I tell every beginner — “Don’t build your house on weak ground.” NCERTs from Class 6 to 12, especially in History, Geography, Economics, and Polity, build the foundation. Master them. Revise them.
- Current Affairs: Relevance Over Quantity
Reading newspapers daily is good — but what’s better is smart reading. Focus on understanding implications rather than memorizing facts. Supplement your reading with monthly current affairs compilations from trusted sources. Always link current affairs to static concepts.
- Master the Art of Revision
In prelims, it’s not the person who studied the most that clears — it’s the one who remembers the most. That only comes through revision. Design your study schedule to include at least three rounds of revision before the exam.
- Mock Tests: Your Best Reality Check
Every topper I’ve guided has taken at least 40-50 mock tests. But don’t just give them — analyze them. Understand where you went wrong. Was it a knowledge gap, or did you misread the question? Build a register of mistakes and revise it regularly.
- Polity, Environment, Economy, and History — Focus Areas
These subjects dominate the prelims paper. Prioritize them. For Polity, stick to Laxmikanth. For Environment, align your reading with current developments and key conventions. Economy should be approached conceptually — understand basics like inflation, GDP, fiscal deficit.
- CSAT: Don’t Take It Lightly
Each year, I’ve seen brilliant aspirants miss out due to CSAT. Start practicing it early, especially if you come from a non-maths background. Focus on comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic arithmetic. Even if it’s qualifying, treat it with full seriousness.
- Your Health is a Hidden Asset
In my early days, I ignored talking about this. Now I don’t. Physical fitness, regular sleep, and mental calmness are crucial. A stressed and sleep-deprived brain won’t recall facts on D-day. Meditation, walking, or light exercise helps enormously.
- Trust the Process
Many aspirants fall into the trap of comparing themselves. Remember, preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your eyes on your goal. Have a mentor, join a discussion group if needed — but avoid negative comparisons. Everyone’s journey is unique.
- The Last 30 Days: Go in Battle Mode
Cut down on new material. Revise what you already know. Practice 2 mock tests every week. Focus on high-probability topics. And most importantly — keep your morale high. The last month can make or break your attempt.
Final Thoughts
Clearing prelims is the first step to your larger dream of becoming a civil servant. Don’t overburden yourself — be smart, strategic, and consistent. I’ve seen students from every background succeed — some from humble villages, others from metros. What united them was not privilege, but discipline and belief.
You can do it too. And when you do, I’ll be the first to congratulate you.
With dedication and belief,
Owais Ali Bhat
Director, Chanakya IAS Academy, Jammu