🚫 1. Ignoring the UPSC Syllabus

✅ Why it’s a mistake:

Many students study random topics without even fully reading the official UPSC syllabus.

🔍 Expert Insight:

“The syllabus is your Bible. Stick to it. Frame your notes, questions, and revisions around it,” says a senior faculty at Shankar IAS Academy.

✔ What to Do:

• Print and paste the UPSC syllabus near your study desk.

• Tick topics as you complete and revise them.

• Don’t waste time on irrelevant topics.

🚫 2. Studying Too Many Resources

✅ Why it’s a mistake:

Jumping between 10 books per subject leads to confusion, not clarity.

🔍 Expert Insight:

“A focused list of standard books is better than hoarding materials,” says Ganesh IAS Academy faculty.

✔ What to Do:

Stick to 1–2 standard sources per subject. For example:

• Polity – Laxmikanth

• Economy – Ramesh Singh

• History – Spectrum

• Geography – NCERT + GC Leong

🚫 3. Neglecting Answer Writing Practice

✅ Why it’s a mistake:

Many aspirants postpone Mains answer writing till after Prelims. That’s too late.

🔍 Expert Insight:

“Writing practice is what makes or breaks your Mains performance,” says Officers IAS Academy mentor.

✔ What to Do:

• Practice 1-2 answers per day

• Join a test series

• Get your answers evaluated regularly

• Improve speed and presentation

🚫 4. Not Revising Enough

✅ Why it’s a mistake:

UPSC tests retention more than learning. If you study but don’t revise, it’s wasted effort.

🔍 Expert Insight:

“Your brain forgets over 50% in a week unless you revise,” says Kanchi Valluvan IAS Academy trainer.

✔ What to Do:

• Weekly & monthly revision cycles

• Make short notes & mind maps

• Use apps like Anki for flashcard revision

🚫 5. Skipping Current Affairs

✅ Why it’s a mistake:

Current Affairs influences both Prelims and Mains heavily.

🔍 Expert Insight:

“Every day’s newspaper is a potential question paper,” remarks a senior faculty at Officers IAS Academy.

✔ What to Do:

• Read The Hindu / Indian Express

• Make your own monthly current affairs notes

• Refer to coaching magazine summaries

• Link static topics with current events

✅ Bonus Tip: Don’t Compare Your Journey

Your journey is unique. Comparing your speed or results with others only adds pressure.

Stay focused, be consistent, and trust your process.

🏁 Final Words

UPSC is not just about what you do—it’s also about what you avoid doing. By steering clear of these 5 mistakes, you give yourself a better chance of clearing one of the toughest exams in the country.

At Kanchi Valluvan IAS Academy, we help aspirants like you stay on the right path with:

• Personalized mentorship

• Current affairs workshops

• Weekly answer writing sessions

• Mock interviews and more