Common Mistakes in State PCS Exams to Avoid
There is a challenge in the preparation of State PCS exam itself. It needs the development of a deep understanding of the syllabus, consistent effort, and a smart strategy. Still, there are so many aspirants who fall prey to some common mistakes which go on to become an undoing. Not only should pitfalls be recognized but learning how to avoid them is very important for success. In this blog, we are going to talk about the most common mistakes made in State PCS exams and how you can avoid them to increase your chances of success.
- Ignoring State-Specific Syllabus
One of the most crucial mistakes in State PCS exams is the negligence of the state-specific syllabus. While there is enormous overlapping with the UPSC syllabus, State PCS exams focus more on state-specific topics such as local history, culture, geography, and current affairs. It is amongst the most common mistakes in State PCS exam.
Avoiding the Mistake: Clearly see what the State Public Service Commission has provided in the syllabus. Set apart time for the study of state-specific subjects. One can avail facilities like state board textbooks, government publications, and local newspapers to further reiterate this focused approach so that one is ready for the examination. In this manner, each candidate shall be better equipped with regard to answering the specific needs of the examination.
- Dependence on a Single Source
Another prevalent mistake that most aspirants make in State PCS exams is dependency on a single source of study material—whether a single book, online course, or coaching notes. The result may be limited insight and a lack of preparedness for the different nature of questions that may be asked in the examination. It is amongst the most common mistakes in State PCS exam.
Avoiding the Mistake: Diversify from sources. Prepare from a mix of NCERT books, state-specific kit, and standard reference material. For example, although Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity is really good on the polity, one should definitely refer to state government publications on topics related to the State Government. Online courses on platforms like Sleepy Classes offer bundled packages for both UPSC and State PCS candidates, ensuring their preparation is very balanced.
- Negligence of Current Affairs
Current affairs form an intrinsic part of State PCS examinations, and many aspirants either start preparing very late or don’t follow any structured approach towards covering them. This negligence on their part can bring about missed chances at opportunities in both Prelims and Mains. It is amongst the most common mistakes in State PCS exam.
Avoiding the Mistake: Make current affairs a part of your daily routine. You can use national newspapers such as The Hindu or Indian Express for general issues and regional newspapers for state-specific current affairs. Similarly, monthly magazines, like Yojana and Kurukshetra, will also be helpful for this part. Furthermore, you can enroll in Sleepy Classes’ State PCS courses, specially designed to give you regular updates and provide you with courses systematically developed for covering current affairs.
- Inadequate Practice of Answer Writing
Answer writing is, therefore, an art which most aspirants ignore till it is too late for the Mains examination. This results in mismanaged time and poor responses during the exam.
Avoiding the Mistake: Start the answer writing practice right from the beginning of your preparation. Allocate some time every day for answer writing, keeping in mind the structure, content, pace, and other components of the answer. Keep taking consistent revisions of the old papers and the test series. Sleepy Classes’ courses are lucid in nature to make you a master of this very skill.
- Skipping Revision
Due to the vast syllabus of State PCS exams, one easily gets into the trap of covering new topics at the cost of revision of the material already covered. This normally leads to poor retention and recall during exams.
Avoiding the Mistake: Make revision an integral part of your study plan. You should replicate key concepts through summary notes, flashcards, and mind maps. You should have a revision timetable, set up with increased frequency closer to the exam, so that whatever you have read actually sticks.
- Ignoring Physical and Mental Health
The pressure of preparation for State PCS exams can be really compelling, wherein candidates forget to take care of their physical and mental well-being. This will lead to burning out phenomena, with a decrease in productivity and hence performance. It is amongst the most common mistakes in State PCS exam.
Avoiding the Mistake: Strike a balance between good exercise and healthy food intake, with enough rest, punctuated with regular breaks to rejuvenate. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, help in keeping focus on one and really avoid unnecessary stress to be sure of being able to work at your best while in preparation.
- Delaying Mock Tests
What many aspirants do is take mock tests just a few days prior to the actual examination. In this way, one could not leave enough time for the performance analysis, identification of weak areas, and making improvements. It is amongst the most common mistakes in State PCS exam.
Avoiding the Mistake: Start attempting early mock tests, and attempt them regularly. Your performance analysis after every test will help you realize flaws and build your confidence. Sleepy Classes offers customized mock tests for different State PCS exams. This infinite, real-time exam experience can definitely boost up your preparation.
