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 Time Management for UPSC Exam Preparation

If you are preparing for the UPSC civil services prelims and expecting to qualify for the mains,

 Time Management for UPSC Exam Preparation

If you are preparing for the UPSC civil services prelims and expecting to qualify for the mains, the million dollar question on your mind is - how can I manage my time efficiently for civil services exam preparation? Cracking the UPSC examinations necessitates, among other things, the capacity to cover a wide range of topics in a very short period of time.

In this post, we will address the significance of time management skills in IAS preparation, as well as a few important recommendations for you to consider.

Why should you learn time management?

Time management entails making the most use of all of your time. There are ways that can help you make the most of your time. The great Frederick Taylor's Scientific Management theory implies that by doing things in a specific way, efficiency may be enhanced. This may also be used for studying for the UPSC civil services. An aimless study will render learning inefficient, and you will wonder, at the end of the day, 'where did all that time go?'

• Time management boosts your productivity and efficiency significantly.
• It is the only method to complete the extensive UPSC curriculum.
• Better time management implies less stress, which makes IAS preparation more pleasant and productive.

Self Awareness is a prerequisite.

According to academic Neil Shipman, the most important attribute required to manage time well is self-awareness. You should be aware of your routines and "means of functioning."

And there needs to be an honesty in your efforts. You should be honest with yourself wrt the time you are spending on a particular task and if you are doing so effectively.

Time management tips for civil service preparation

Develop a routine

Before beginning your UPSC test preparation, make a timetable. Have a daily planner as well as a monthly calendar where you split your time. Your regular regimen should be included in your daily calendar. Allocate a defined time for each task and do not stay longer for any one activity. Procrastination is your worst enemy.

Use an approach called “time boxing” wherein you divide your day into time slots and designate each task in a given slot. Morning slot of 1 hour could be for the newspaper. The next slot of 2 hours could be for a particular subject etc.

Keep in mind if you couldnt complete the designated task in the given slot you should extend the task to the next slot. Instead stop the task and move to the next slot. This exercise will teach you discipline and train your mind to study and memorise more effectively.

Break time

Obviously, you must take short breaks in between and schedule time for this as well. This will aid in your rejuvenation. But keep in mind that a ten-minute stroll on your terrace or a five-minute cup of tea should not be extended into half-hour pauses. Don't succumb to these temptations. Being a timekeeper may mean the difference between winning and losing.

Avoid time wasters

Timewasters are activities or persons that consume your time while providing you with no value. It might be in the form of useless chain emails or texts. It may be your pal who talks about nothing for thirty minutes on your phone. It might also be a topic you need to address and you spend more time than required on it. Understand when to quit. It's pointless to go over anything over and again. When you do something once, do it well. Learn to say "NO" to time wasters. You can't blame them if you don't get your desired job in the civil service.

Do not disturb

When studying, put a 'Do not disturb sign on your door if it helps. This prevents others from accessing your study time,' allowing you to increase your productivity. Only leave the house during your breaks or in an emergency. And, no, a cricket match's final over is not an emergency!

Set aside time for electronic media

Check your emails and WhatsApp, but do it within the time limit. This saves you time. You can also focus more on your academics if you avoid such distractions. Also, tell yourself that you don't have to answer every forward on social media. 'Will my "like" to this article help me attain my civil service dream?' The answer to that question should dissuade you from engaging in frivolous social media activity.

By applying these smart techniques to your UPSC civil services preparation, you may efficiently and optimally manage your most valuable resource, time, allowing you to cover the UPSC curriculum while also gaining confidence. Keep in mind that there are two types of time: clock time and real-time. Everyone's clock time is the same. 

However, time is relative. An excellent UPSC applicant with good time management abilities may complete in half a day what another person can complete in three days. Even five minutes can make or break your chances of passing one of the country's most difficult competitive tests, the UPSC civil services. So, make a plan, organize yourself, and work hard to see your aspirations come true.