So, you’re dreaming of cracking the UPSC exam? You’re not alone. Lakhs of aspirants dive into this competitive ocean every year, but only a few make it to the shore. Why? It’s not always about talent or hard work—it’s often about making the right decisions and avoiding the wrong ones. That’s what we’re going to talk about today.
Let’s dive into the top mistakes students make while preparing for UPSC—and more importantly, how to not fall into the same traps.
This might sound basic, but a lot of people skip this step. They download the syllabus once, read it like a novel, and forget about it. Big mistake.
The UPSC syllabus is your map. If you don’t study it carefully and repeatedly, you’ll end up studying a whole bunch of stuff that’s just not needed.
Here’s how to fix it:
You’ll be surprised how often this mistake students make while preparing for UPSC.
Another classic one. Some students collect resources like collectable items. NCERTs, coaching notes, YouTube playlists, PDFs from Telegram channels… the list never ends.
Eventually, they spend more time choosing what to read than actually reading.
Avoid this by:
Honestly, less is more. The exam tests depth, not breadth.
Starting your day without a plan? That’s like setting out on a road trip without a GPS.
The top mistakes students make while preparing for UPSC often include not creating a practical schedule. Some students go all in for 12 hours a day, burn out in 2 weeks, and then take a “short” break that lasts a month. Others spread themselves too thin and don’t cover enough ground.
Tips to manage this:
And, make sure you schedule time for breaks. Don’t be a robot.
“I’ll start writing answers once I finish the syllabus.”
Famous last words. Writing good answers is an art—and a skill that needs regular polishing. If you delay this, you’ll struggle big time in the Mains.
What can you do?
In the list of top mistakes students make while preparing for UPSC, this one’s a silent killer. You won’t even notice its damage till the last moment.
Some students love their Polity and History books so much that they forget the world outside. Bad idea.
UPSC doesn’t just want bookworms—it wants aware citizens.
Here’s how to stay in the loop:
Current affairs isn’t a separate subject. It blends into GS, Essays, and even your optional sometimes.
Here’s a fun fact: What you study today, you’ll forget in a week if you don’t revise. Don’t believe it? Try recalling what you studied last Monday.
Not revising is one of the top mistakes students make while preparing for UPSC, and it’s totally avoidable.
Simple tricks to revise better:
Trust me, revision is not boring when done right. It’s like re-watching your favorite web series—you discover new things every time.
Fear of scoring low or “not being ready yet” makes many students avoid mock tests like the plague.
Let me break this gently: you’ll never feel ready. Ever. You just have to start.
Mock tests show you where you stand. They teach time management, accuracy, and help handle exam pressure.
Don’t skip them. Instead:
Among the top mistakes students make while preparing for UPSC, this one can seriously mess with your prelims score.
What worked for a topper may not work for you. Maybe they studied at night and you’re a morning person. Maybe they were good at memorizing, and you’re better with concepts.
Figure out your own path.
It’s okay to get inspired, but don’t become a clone.
Surprisingly, many people fail Prelims due to CSAT. Yes, even engineers.
And don’t even get me started on optional subjects. Students often leave them till the end, thinking “I’ll manage.” But optional is a deal-breaker in Mains.
Best approach:
Avoiding these subjects is one of the most common top mistakes students make while preparing for UPSC, especially among repeaters.
This one’s underrated but super important. All-nighters, skipping meals, zero exercise—some aspirants think suffering is part of the process. Nope. That’s not smart preparation.
You’ll perform well only if your body and mind are in sync.
Take care of yourself:
Taking breaks is not laziness. It’s strategy.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that UPSC preparation isn’t just about hard work—it’s also about the right direction. And that’s exactly why Radiance Institute Dehradun is started.
We’ve seen countless aspirants struggle—not because they didn’t study enough, but because no one showed them how to study smart. At Radiance, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method. We focus on building a strong foundation, encouraging smart thinking, and guiding each student based on their unique strengths and weaknesses.
We genuinely care about our students. It’s not just about finishing the syllabus—it’s about making sure each student thinks like an officer and carries the confidence to crack one of the toughest exams in the country.
So, if you’re someone who’s looking to avoid the usual mistakes and wants a coaching institute that treats your dream as seriously as you do—Radiance Institute Dehradun is here to help you every step of the way.
Feel free to drop by or get in touch. We’re always ready to guide another future officer.
Preparing for UPSC is tough, no doubt. But it becomes even harder if you unknowingly sabotage your own progress. The top mistakes students make while preparing for UPSC are often rooted in lack of awareness, unrealistic expectations, and poor habits.
But now that you know what to watch out for, you’ve already gained an edge.
Stay consistent. Be honest with yourself. And remember—everyone makes mistakes. It’s how quickly you learn from them that counts.
Top 10 Mistakes Students Make While Preparing for UPSC – And How to Avoid Them So, you’re dreaming of cracking the UPSC exam? You’re not
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