Here we explained what is a smart study for UPSC. Studying smart means studying effectively, studying efficiently, studying in a planned manner, studying more in less time, studying by self-study without studying like everyone else. Reading selective books, and using selective study material means smart work/study. Basically smart study means what to read and what not to read.
Smart study cannot be defined in one sentence but self-study without studying is like all student’s study methods. When you are studying in any college or preparing for any government exam you need to study smart. Just sitting in front of the computer and studying online does not mean smart study and smart work. How planned, how analytically, and how patiently you study is a smart work type.
The smart study also saves your time, the speed of study increases, the understanding level increases in the study, and comprehension power increases in the study. According to Cambridge University research, students who study smart remain fearless. And pass any exam easily. You have heard many times that you need to study smart while preparing for UPSC. Now we are going to tell you how to study UPSC smart and how to do study work.
You don’t have to read a book of 1500 pages, but what exactly you have learned and understand in that subject from 1500 pages of books is part of a smart study. You don’t need to read a long book just reading with a syllabus topic is important.
How to study smart for upsc –
1. Swapping technique – Studying one subject for the whole day is wrong. Because of this, you may find studying boring. You can get bored reading the same topic all day long. You need to study at least two to three subjects in a day while studying smart. The technique of studying two or more subjects in a single day is called mind-cultivating reading habits. Studying 3-4 subjects every day can improve your memory and cognitive ability. Studying two or three different subjects in one day gives you some interest in your studies and does not divert your mind. In countries like China and China, every student gets used to studying two to three subjects in one day while studying in schools and colleges.
Studying two to four subjects in a single day can increase your multitasking habit. The human brain is capable of multitasking. Your mind is designed for multitasking. Studying two to four subjects in a single day will be a bit difficult but once you get used to it, it will benefit you. Studying the same subject all day can make you feel bored and lazy. This way you will enjoy your studies and you will be able to score good marks in every subject. Studying two to four subjects in one day will not tire your mind. While preparing for UPSC or any other competitive exam you should do a self-inquiry for each subject. That is, you will understand which books are good for a subject and which should not be read. Self-inquiry will tell whether there is a need to join coaching classes for upsc or not. Self-inquiry will increase awareness.
2. Short notes – While studying for UPSC you should prepare your own notes. And you should prepare such notes that you carry anywhere. For each subject, you should prepare a maximum of 10 to 15 pages of notes. Instead of ready-made notes, you need to create your own notes. You should read and revise all the subject notes at least two to four days before the exam. History is considered to be the most extensive subject in the UPSC exam. Because for this subject you need to read a lot of books. No matter how broad a subject like history is, you only need to prepare ten to fifteen pages of notes for this subject. Having short notes allows you to do quick revisions.
Rather than making notes on a computer or laptop, you should have paper notes in physical form. So that you can read those notes anywhere in your free time. If you don’t understand the concepts of any topic then you have to write only those difficult concepts in these notes. Making your own short notes and reading them is a form of smart study and smart work. You must read these short notes before revising the books as it will surely help you.
3. Short reading habits – Short reading habits mainly consist of a book list that you create for yourself. Short Reading Habits means that you should have certain important books in your booklist. You don’t need to create your own library. Reading only one book for a subject is smart work. One basic book and one advanced book need to be referred to for any subject. So let’s say if you are preparing for Polity then you have to read a basic book plus an advanced book. Make material that is easy to read like notes, mindmaps, and charts. Reading or revising short notes is a short reading habit.
4. writing practice – If you don’t understand any concept and you read repeatedly, then you need to write some information about that concept in your own language. This will help you understand the concept quickly. You have to do writing, not just thinking. Studying is not just reading and revising, but writing what you understand is important. If while studying a subject you don’t understand a concept at first but later if you do and then you write, that concept can remain in your mind forever. In an exam like UPSC, you have to practice writing the most. In any other competitive exam, you don’t need writing but especially for UPSC, you need to practice writing.
5. Revision – Not only reading means studying but it is also important for you to revise. While preparing for UPSC or any other competitive exam one must keep in mind that revision is the key to success. Writing and revision can make any subject easier for you. Some students focus only on reading. Merely reading does not lead to study. You have to spend at least one hour a day on revision, at least 7 hours a week, and at least one day a month full time you have to reserve for revision. If you have listened to an interview with any upsc topper, they have said that revising is the most important thing. The more often you revise, the more concepts and understanding stick in your mind. While reading, many times you may not understand the concept immediately. For that, you need a multiple revision.
6. test practice – not only reading is important but also you need to practice the test paper. By practicing you understand the mistakes you make in the paper. Studying is not only done by giving test papers, but for that, you have to analyze the test papers. For the UPSC exam, you have to solve at least 50 test series before pre-examination. By practicing the test papers, decision-making becomes stronger, perception increases and analysis power increases. Reading builds your confidence but solving test series helps you understand where you stand in your studies. The test paper acts like a mirror i.e. the test series shows where you are going wrong and where you are right.