With this post I intend to lay out a foolproof plan to clear Mains. This is what I did in last 30 days before D-Day that helped me clear Mains 4/4 times, that too with a comfortable margin.

1. Stop reading newspapers about 2-3 weeks before first exam. Papers are most probably set by then.
2. But, do read in advance for events/meets that are pre-planned/scheduled to happen during or post Mains exam week. Once a GS question was asked related to an event that was scheduled to happen.
3. Still, if you want to have a look at news even during last 15 days, then go for daily current affairs on one or other online platform.
4. Revise as much as you can. Don’t focus on reading new things but on revising what you have already read.
5. Make revision timetables. Divide 30 days into 2 sets of 15 each or 3 sets of 15-10-5.
6. Keep in mind the exam schedule while you make timetable. If optionals have more prepratory leaves and you are comfortable with it, then you can revise it only once in 30 days and then in leaves.
7. Similarly, revise GS-4 and GS-1 Society just before essay paper. This helps big time in essay writing.
8. Hence, you can revise entire course material at least twice in last 30 days. It can be thrice if you are already thorough with your preparation. This will allow you to have entire course on tips and you won’t have to think for points during exams. Points will flow by themselves.
9. Practice at least 2 questions daily. I have been guiding Mains Aspirants on telegram with regards to answer writing on daily basis. Link: DecodeCivils Telegram Group.
10. Write full tests to do integrated revision and practice. I hope you all have tried out answer writing strategies by now. Consolidate on one that has worked for you. Follow that in full tests.
11. Complete tests in 1st 15 days. Last 15 days shall be kept only and only for revision and not tests. You can continue with 2 answers per day.
12. I used to revise even during lunch break between exams. What matters at that time is short notes on important issues. The least you shall have with you is keywords list. Keep them ready for GS-2/4 as these are post break papers.

Also, buy and use your favourite pen! I preferred Gel pen.

ATB!!!

Mains strategy for 2020 aspirants: Mains Strategy A2Z.

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