UPSC Essentials | Experts talk : Pranay Aggarwal on early prelims result declaration, what it means, next steps, and more

Manas: While many of the candidates were still analysing their Prelims paper or were on a break before diving into Mains Preparation, UPSC ‘unpredictably’ declared the Prelims 2023 results. What is your personal view about such quick Prelims results this year?

Pranay Aggarwal: I sense that the primary trigger for such a quick result may be the plea filed by some of the candidates before the Central Administrative Tribunal seeking a lowering of the CSAT cut-off from thirty three per cent to twenty three per cent. To avoid any stay, UPSC with all its wisdom might have declared UPSC results so quickly. Having said that, one cannot be sure.

Whatever the case may be, it also means that UPSC can evaluate and declare results earlier than it usually does. It also says that the long-drawn examination cycle which leads to unnecessary mental burden, can have a solution. So, unwittingly it is a welcome step on the part of UPSC. One only hopes that UPSC brings into its regular practice the process of quick results.

Manas: What is your general take on this year’s Prelims?

Pranay Aggarwal: It was certainly tougher than usual even for the ones who have given multiple attempts and cleared prelims in the past. Many aspirants have argued that many questions in the CSAT paper were of JEE level. This is a disadvantage for many aspirants, particularly from a Humanities background. I have personally been told by many students who have cleared the JEE exams that they were taken aback by the difficulty level of this paper. A student who has cleared a math olympiad also confirmed the same.

Questions in the GS paper were also a significant break from the past. Therefore, it reinforces the image of UPSC, as many students call it, the Unpredictable Public Service Commission. However, students must understand that one year does not make a pattern. So, from next year onwards similar difficulty levels may not appear. As a word of caution, do not take this exam following a general pattern. It is truly unpredictable.

Manas: What should students expect from the Mains, looking at the nature of Prelims this year?

Pranay Aggarwal: The two need to be seen separately. The preparation strategy and approach should be different as the nature of the questions is different. That distinction will always remain.

Aspirants should make a note that the level of competition and number of candidates will keep on rising every year. So Mains preparation will require a lot of answer writing practice, analytical skills, and a fair dose of current affairs base for attempting the questions.

Manas: We cannot deny the situation of panic among aspirants. Students who have qualified for UPSC Main Exam 2023, what should they do now?

Pranay Aggarwal: I would like to begin by congratulating all those candidates who have cleared this year’s Prelims. This Prelims paper was challenging, so they must celebrate for a while but this celebration should not be very long. Mains can be as unexpected as prelims this year. Do not panic. At the same time, realize that there is no time to stand and stare. Therefore, some basics that they should start focusing on are:

1. Undertake significant answer writing practice.

2. Ensure comprehensive syllabus coverage of all the topics of the syllabus of GS.

3. Use time judiciously for Optional subjects and Essays.

Manas: Some students who have not prepared for Mains well, what should they do?

Pranay Aggarwal: In an ideal case scenario, students should have covered large chunks of their Mains syllabus by December last year for this year’s Exams. But we do not live in an ideal world. All is not lost if you find yourself less prepared for the upcoming Mains and qualified for this year’s Mains. Students are advised not to waste any more time and get down to preparation right away. Follow the conventional way of preparation with a little smart work.

(a) Cover the syllabus.

(b) Know and apply do’s and don’ts of answer writing practice. A candidate may do it through a test series. Any new learning from the test series should be incorporated into the knowledge base.

(c) Give due attention to Ethics, Essay, and Optional papers. They will play a very crucial role in your final marks tally.

Manas: What about students who haven’t cleared prelims?

Pranay Aggarwal: It is only natural to feel upset and down for once. But don’t let that down yourself into the dumps for a prolonged period. This year’s Prelims was particularly challenging. Eventually, you have to pick up from where you left off and continue with the preparation journey. Before restarting your preparation, take a breather and relax. Rejuvenate! Aspirants you deserve a break.

Try to figure out the areas where you lacked. Your weaknesses and strengths should be recognized. Talk to your mentors and teachers. Take reviews from your peer group. And finally, return to the mission mode.

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