Why it is important to take up a mock test?

 IAS Examination is the toughest exam among all the competitive exams in India. A candidate has to cover lots of subjects and syllabus in order to crack the examination. Mock test is a sample or a practical test taken by the aspirants before attending their exam. This is to make sure about their knowledge and capabilities. Exams like UPSC definitely need mock tests for appearing for the examination. A candidate can attend a mock test either online or offline.

Offline Mock test

Offline mock tests will be mostly conducted by some organizations or IAS Coaching centers. One needs to reach a center to attend the mock test. Candidates will be provided with a question paper and an OMR sheet to color their answers correctly.

Online Mock test

Online Mock test is the easiest method to attend the mock tests. This requires a computer or laptop with an internet connection. One needs to log on to the website and start the test. This will also be conducted by the best IAS coaching centers.

Why should you take a mock test?

1. Before appearing to the examination, the aspirants can get the feel of the exam by taking up the mock tests. This gives more confidence when they appear on the real examination.

2. By taking a mock exam, one may able to know their own capabilities through it. If they are not satisfied with the results, they can prepare more and train themselves more efficiently.

3. It will help to identify the places where common mistakes are done so that they can be improved next time or during the examination.

4. Taking up more mock tests will increase the ability to solve the questions quicker thereby increasing your time management skills.

5. Practising mock tests regularly will increase the speed in the exam.

6. During the mock tests, you will get to know the important topics which will be easy for your preparation.

7. Aspirants will know the type of questions and the pattern of the examination which can be asked in the main exam.

8. Aspirants will get to know the mistakes that are made and it can be learned and resolved in the upcoming examinations.

Advantages of taking up an online mock test                         

1. Candidates who appear for IAS will be mostly working or studying. Online mock tests will be easier for them to attend the exam from where they are.

2. In offline mock tests, candidates fill their answers in an OMR sheet which can't be changed further. But in an online mock test, the answer can be changed n number of times before the time period.

3. Time management is the most important factor to clear the examination. It is important to answer each section within the time limit provided. Attending more number of mock tests will increase your chance of clearing the examination.

4. The result of the mock test will be provided instantly which helps to analyse one's ability over the examination. This helps the candidates to push furthermore and motivates them to study well.

5. In Online tests, after completing the exams feedback will be provided which will boost the candidates to work harder even more before.

Time management tips for IAS preparation

A goal without a plan is just a wish. Time is the most valuable one in our lives. A proverb says, "Time is gold" which suits much for everyone. Once the time is lost, it's lost forever, you can't get more than 24hours in a day. So, time management is pretty much important while preparing for the IAS examination. Here are a few tips for the IAS aspirants that will make you reach heights.

1. Create a sensible timetable

Aspirants at times prepare a tough and a strict timetable for themselves because of their overconfidence. Setting the tough timelines and rushing to complete the topics in a shorter period of time will end up in memorising the subject.  Always keep your timeline simple and realistic. Prepare a timetable true to your self, after understanding your capabilities.

2. Long and short term goals

Divide your goals into long term and short term in order to cover a vast subject. Plan accordingly and break the whole syllabus into smaller sets. Then prepare a long term and short term goals allocating the topics with them.

3. Divide your topics

Divide the larger topics into subtopics so that it will be easy to cover all the topics easily within your planned time. Always start with easy topics or topics which you can understand soon. And further, move on with the complicated topic. If you choose the tough topics at first, you will be struggling a lot to complete and moreover, you will lose the interest to continue. So, always start with an easy topic.

4. Manage your time

It's a clear fact that the UPSC exam is the toughest one and its syllabus is the vast among other syllabi. It will be a greater achievement to complete the syllabus in a shorter period of time and clear the exam. It can be achieved by organizing the time with the right strategy then one can complete the portion easily. Decide when you are going to study, what you are going to study, how much time you have allocated for a topic and when you are going to finish it. Fix these goals for a day and continue this trick regularly. It is also important to have all the required notes and books near you while studying, else you would consuming your time by searching for it.

 5. Make an effective way to complete a topic

It is important how you read a topic. Since the syllabus is vast you can't read a topic and leave it as it. You will definitely forget in the long run. Consider following the steps below to read effectively.

• Read completely covering a topic.
• Take notes once you complete reading.
• Revise regularly through your notes.
• Involve yourselves in mock tests to know your progress and move further.

 6. It's time to give up

Don't cling to the same topic for a long period, it makes you feel disinterested to continue more. Don't stress yourself on the topic just because you have to finish it before time. It's nothing bad if you couldn't cover a topic or if you don't understand the topic clearly. Stop it at that point, refresh it with some old topics or easy topics. Later, start afresh with the same topic either by some guidance or by yourself.

7. Stay healthy

It is important to stay healthy throughout the process. Only if you are healthy you could be able to prepare well and attend your examination well.  Don't stress yourself mentally and physically while you are in the urge to complete the syllabus. Also, sleep is the most important factor, never skip your sleep time or food just to prepare for the examination.