Is six hours a day study-plan enough for an effective CSE preparation?

Civil Services Exam(CSE) is one of the toughest exam in the country. A lot of aspirants wonder how many hours of studies are required to clear this demanding exam. Some aspirants are there who claim to study 15-16 hours per day and are others who clear the exam studying 6-7 hours in a day.

Is six hours a day study-plan enough for an effective CSE preparation?

Civil Services Exam(CSE) is one of the toughest exam in the country. A lot of aspirants wonder how many hours of studies are required to clear this demanding exam. Some aspirants are there who claim to study 15-16 hours per day and are others who clear the exam studying 6-7 hours in a day. There is no perfect answer to this question and the candidates should decide themselves the number of hours of studies per day considering their own capabilities and requirements.

Read this article to know further “how many hours of study is sufficient for CSE preparation”.

First thing to remember is CSE exam is a long process and you have to invest at least one year to it. To successfully prepare for CSE exam you must feel motivated throughout the year. Candidates start off studying for more than 12 hours a day. And they continue this for about a week or may be 10 days. But after that it is tiring to continue with this study schedule. Gradually intensity fades off and decline in enthusiasm. This tenure is a learning process and you must enjoy it. studying for long hours makes the process boring and one losses interest after a while.

Candidates should assess their own strengths and mental stamina to set routine for themselves. It is important to sustain interest and energy throughout the preparation time. That is why it is suggested to focus on quality of preparation instead of quantity of preparation.

Follow these tips to maintain quality of studies

• Study smart is new mantra of success.
• Conceptual learning.
• Study as per the demand of the UPSC exam.
• Take breaks at regular intervals.
• Study with intense concentration. Avoid distractions.

 Though it is a fact that UPSC has huge syllabus and it needs time to prepare it. Most of the time is needed gathering information, preparing notes and studying. But in the era of smart phones and internet things have become easy. Information gathering and notes preparation takes less time than before. Information you need is available in single swipe. Beginners also have no need to get scare with the myth of 18-20 hours’ study plan for CSE.

Here’s how to divide your day.

• Sleep – 7 hrs.
• Physical Activity – 1 hr.
• Study Time – 12 hrs.
• Study Time – 12 hrs.
• Daily Chores – 2 hr.
• Rest/Leisure time – 2 hrs.

Sleep:

It is proven scientifically that sleep is essential for learning. For a consolidating memory and fresh start for next day preparation plan a good night’s sleep is necessary. Make sure to get 6-7 hours of sleep. Never compromise on your sleep which will affect your performance in long run.

Physical Activity:

While preparing for CSE mostly you will be sitting for long hours while studying which has adverse effects on health. It is absolutely necessary to take care of your health and also keep up your energy level. Schedule your day with some physical activity and make it a routine. Minimum of 1 hr. is mentioned but you can definitely adjust the time as per your requirement.

Study Time:

Here it is mentioned 12 hrs. of study but you can adjust and schedule it according to your need. Quality time for study is more fruitful than just scheduling it for long hours. Always take break between studies. You must plan for 2 hours block with 15 min break after 2 hours. This will help you in being fully attentive and will refresh you for next block.

Leisure time:

While handling pressure of studying it is necessary to find some leisure time. Talk to your loved ones, have some interactions, pursue your hobby, listen to music or do anything that eases your mood and rejuvenates you to swing back to routine.

Whether you are an early riser or a night owl, schedule time according to tour body clock. As you have to follow it for long time and it is advisable before you chalk a plan analyzes your activity phases and time spent on chores and plan accordingly. Most important is to sticking to your plan. We may have made the point that spending 12 hrs. a day to study is enough but again it varies from individual to individual. If you are highly attentive 6 to 8 hours are also enough. Be consistentin your efforts and you will achieve what you aim for.