Revision Techniques: How to Retain and Recall Information for UPSC Mains
Preparing for UPSC Mains is no child’s play. With such a lot to cover and so little time, efficient revision has its own importance at this stage. But how can you make sure all the information that was worked really hard on stays in your head? Let’s discuss some practical revision techniques that can help you not only retain but also call back the information when it will matter the most.
- Active Recall: Engage Your Brain
Active recall is a game-changer when it comes to revision. You won’t need to read over your notes time and again, but instead, you can actively recall all that’s written there. For example, once you’re done reviewing the material, shut your book and try to recall everything on the subject. Testing yourself like that is pretty effective because your brain had to retrieve the information.
Pro Tip: Make flashcards with a question on one side and an answer on the other. Run through them at regular times to continually test your memory.
- Spaced Repetition: Space Out Your Learning
Cramming all night before an exam is something best avoided. One alternative is a technique called spaced repetition, which involves reviewing material at ever-longer intervals. This exploits the way our brains work, allowing you to remember things over a longer period.
Pro Tip: You can use apps like Anki to automate this process. It schedules your revisions at just the right times in order to reinforce what you’ve learned.
- Mind Mapping: Visualise Your Learning
One great technique to organise subject matters in any visual format is through mind mapping. Start with a central topic, then break down the subtopics. This really helps you to memorise the links between different chunks of information.
Pro Tip: Use mind maps for anything as complex as Indian polity or economics. They’re especially useful for last-minute revisions.
- Interleaved Practice: Mix Things Up
Don’t study the same thing for hours at a time; switch things up in the same session to study different subjects. This is called interleaved practice, and it supports retention. That might feel a little harder at first, but that’s kind of the point. It’s really forcing your brain to work a little bit harder, which will then help you remember it better.
Pro Tip: Learn a bit of history, then jump to a bit of geography, and then perhaps a touch of ethics. This novelty keeps your brain engaged.
- Teach What You Learn: The Feynman Technique
When you teach someone, learning deepens. The Feynman Technique is a way that you can explain literally any concept as though you were speaking to a layman. The technique forces you to simplify and clarify your thinking, and it makes you understand and retain it even better.
Pro Tip: explain the concept to your friend, or better to a non-UPSC aspirant. If they get it, you rock!
- Regular Review: Consistency Over Cramming
The key to revision is consistency. Make a habit of going through your notes daily, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes. This kind of regular review will keep the information fresh in your mind and will avoid last-minute panics.
Pro Tip: Allocate time daily for a quick review session. Even 20 minutes a day can make a big difference.
- Active Note-Taking: Engage with the Material
Highlighting text just doesn’t cut it. Make active notes—summarise information in your own words, establish relationships between ideas, and raise questions. It keeps you engaged and helps your study/review sessions to be very productive.
Pro Tip: Implement the Cornell Note-Taking method to make it easier for you not just to take but to revise notes by organising them into summaries, key points, and questions.
- Mock Tests: Practice Under Pressure
Mock tests are your best friends in UPSC preparation. They simulate exams; hence, they enable you to manage time and stress. Plus, it’s one way to test your recall under pressure.
Pro Tip: Take full-length mock tests regularly. Do an error analysis and revise those weak areas.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Fuel Your Brain
Healthy lifestyle will never be underestimated. Right sleep, a balanced diet, and exercise can greatly improve your cognitive functions, such as making your revision so optimum.
Pro Tip: Manage stress with mindfulness or meditation. A calmer mind will be better able to retain and recall information.
- Have a Plan: Structure Your Revision
Finally, have a strong revision plan in place. Do not leave anything to the last minute. Instead, divide the syllabus into chunks that can be managed accordingly, focusing first on those things you find most challenging.
