The Civil Services Preliminary Examination, is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. This year, the Prelims exam is scheduled for 28th May 2023, and aspirants across the country are getting ready to take the first step towards realizing their dream of joining the Indian Civil Services and serving the nation.

Preparing for the UPSC Prelims can be an enormous task, especially in the last few weeks leading up to the exam. Some of the most significant challenges that students face are time management, revising the vast syllabus and memory retention while appearing in Mock Tests.

These challenges are compounded by the added pressure to perform well in this exam, lack of confidence in one’s abilities and preparedness, the uncertainties accompanying the final outcome and the fear of failure.

Practicing Mock Tests and continuous improvements thereof have proven to be highly effective in addressing the above challenges. Tests not only result in targeted revision, better retention and recall, time management across and within subjects but also build the confidence of students to perform well in the final examination.

Abhyaas Test 3 scheduled to be held on 7th May, 2023 provides an excellent avenue for students to not only assess their preparation level before the UPSC Prelims Examination but also provides them a way forward for the remaining three weeks before the UPSC Prelims.

The earlier two tests in the Series were held on 2nd and 23rd April respectively. Students were able to assess their preparedness in different domains such as General Studies, Current Affairs and CSAT. With the help of post-test analysis, students were able to identify the learning gaps and areas that needed focused attention.

At the same time, these tests also provided students with an opportunity to validate revision techniques, test taking approaches, and different strategies for boosting the performance. The All India Ranking of students released with test results is reflective of their attainment and acts as a motivating factor for further consolidation.

Abhyaas tests are designed to simulate the civil services prelims examination conducted by UPSC. By appearing in these tests, students develop a better understanding of the demand of the examination, their natural responses when under pressure. The combined effect of these experiences enhances physical and mental preparedness for the upcoming Prelims examination.

The Abhyaas Test 3 would be the final opportunity for students to assess their knowledge, skills, score maximization strategies, and enhance their psychological readiness. The outcomes and experiences from this test would determine the learning path for the remaining time before the prelims examination.

Consequently, the areas of strengths need to be further consolidated by adopting quick revision techniques with the help of short notes, practice questions and its explanations, and post-test analysis.

Core subjects like Modern Indian History, Economy, Polity, Environment, Geography and Current Affairs should find a central place in the learning plan to be followed now.

Regular practice of questions, revision of key concepts in different subjects and integration of Map work in Geography, fundamentals of Environment, and applications of concepts in Economy must be undertaken to improve the command over the content and reduce the likelihood of missing out on questions from these topics.

Other subjects such as Art and Culture, Science and Technology should be given due attention and solving questions on these subjects can deliver better results and outcomes.

In recent years, CSAT has become a make-or-break paper for many students. Various instances have been observed wherein despite scoring well above the cut off marks in the GS Paper-1, students were not able to qualify for the Mains stage as they failed to score the minimum qualifying marks in CSAT Paper.

A strategy designed to score the minimum qualifying marks in CSAT carries the risk of falling through if the nature of questions is not on expected lines which is a possibility as UPSC is known to challenge the students with surprising elements.

Abhyaas Test is an innovative assessment solution by VisionIAS which aims to equip students with necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively face these challenges and surprises posed by UPSC and ensure their success in the Prelims examination.

With a continued thrust on research and innovation, VisionIAS has established itself as a pioneer research and training organization for UPSC Civil Services Examinations. Over the years, it has helped thousands of aspirants in realizing their dream of joining civil services.

Its innovative assessment system, a comprehensive classroom ecosystem, dedicated student mentoring platform, and adherence to organizational ethos and value system, have played a significant role in achieving this outcome.

As the UPSC Prelims 2023 draws closer, it’s natural to feel overawed by the occasion. However, it’s crucial to remember that success is not just about the outcome but also the journey. Every day of your preparation, every mock test you take, and every mistake you make is an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, there’s no substitute for hard work and dedication, and with the right mindset, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. So, stay motivated, stay positive, and give it your best shot. We wish all the UPSC aspirants the very best for the upcoming exam!

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

Visit us at: www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

VisionIAS, a premier research and training organization, conducted the 2nd test of its annual nationwide test series, Abhyaas, on 23rd April. The Abhyaas Tests are designed to mimic the UPSC Prelims exam experience for students. They are administered in two shifts morning and afternoon (GS & CSAT paper) in more than 170 centers across the country in the offline mode.

The test witnessed the participation of more than 28000 aspirants who put their knowledge, abilities, and efforts to assess their preparedness for the upcoming UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination scheduled on 28th May 2023.

The period of one month before the UPSC Prelims examination is the most critical phase as this is the time when students give a final shape to their preparation by working out the chinks in their armor and fine-tuning their score maximization strategies.

In a simulated environment, students got the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of their problem-solving skills and exam-taking temperament. Through Abhyaas Tests, they were able to test various strategies for maximizing their score, such as increasing the number of attempted questions, smart question selection, utilizing elimination techniques, and intelligent option selection to arrive at the most probable answer.

Such techniques can significantly impact the final score and improve the likelihood of passing the Prelims examination.

Regularly solving mock tests is crucial for UPSC prelims success as it helps students comprehend exam patterns, identify their strengths and shortcomings, and gain confidence. They also assist in efficient time management and enable better revision and retention of syllabi.

Abhyaas Prelims is an innovative assessment solution that precisely simulates the UPSC exam environment, including the challenges that candidates commonly face during the exam.

In a short span of time, this Test Series has become the gold standard for UPSC prelims preparedness assessment and readiness with its rigorous testing and assessment framework at the student doorsteps.

In addition to assessing students’ knowledge, skills, and aptitude, the test series also evaluates their mental and psychological readiness for the prelims exam by helping them manage exam-induced stress and anxiety, leading to improved performance on the day of the actual exam.

Students came to Test Centres from distant and neighboring regions. They were accompanied by their friends and family who not only waited for the completion of the exam but also provided motivation and emotional support to the students.

Post-exam, students shared their exam experience and equated Abhyaas Test 2 close to UPSC standards with adequate focus given to important syllabus themes including current affairs.

One visible change that was observed was the increased confidence and comfort level of students taking the Abhyaas Test- 2. The fear of the unknown was removed from students’ minds as they had become familiar with and used to the exam conditions and its requirements during the previous test.

They also realized the significance of holistic preparation with adequate attention to all the papers and subjects for better performance in the exam, especially the CSAT Paper which often gets relegated to second place in front of the GS paper.

Abhyaas Test-2 results would be declared on the VisionIAS website at 10:00 PM on 27th April 2023. This would provide the All-India Rankings of students reflecting their comparative standing among their peers which works as a motivating factor for further improvement in the upcoming tests.

Test discussions will be conducted separately for English and Hindi medium students, covering both the papers, i.e the General Studies and CSAT from 28th April to 1st May 2023. This can help students gain valuable insights into their preparation approach and validate its effectiveness.

VisionIAS offers a dedicated and high-quality mentoring program that provides personalized and effective solutions to students’ preparation-related queries and concerns. Students who participate in this dynamic mentoring ecosystem can receive guidance and support from experienced mentors to help them refine their preparation strategies.

Abhyaas Test 3 would be held on 7th May across all the Centres.  This is the last test in the Series which would give the final push to students before they appear for the UPSC Prelims examination on 28th May. This would also fill them with confidence and make them exam-ready.

VisionIAS has demonstrated its capacity to handle complex and challenging exercises such as Abhyaas Prelims with ease, showcasing its institutional capabilities. The organization’s values system is based on innovation, creative thinking, empathetic learning, inclusivity, integrity, and teamwork, which form the foundation of its operations.

The successful completion of Abhyaas Prelims Test-2 across India is a direct result of VisionIAS’s unwavering commitment to these core values and their integration into their initiatives and ecosystem.

VisionIAS has created an innovation-driven, technology-centric comprehensive learning environment, consisting of student-friendly classroom programs, an innovative assessment system, and a dynamic, multi-dimensional mentoring program, which has helped thousands of aspirants from all over India achieve their goal of joining the esteemed Indian Civil Services.

Visit us at: www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

On 2nd April 2023, more than 26000 students across the country converged in over 170 cities ranging from Leh to Kanyakumari and Jamnagar to Kohima to participate in the annual VisionIAS’s Abhyaas Prelims Test Series. The students put their knowledge, abilities, and efforts to evaluate their preparedness for the upcoming UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination scheduled on 28th May 2023.

VisionIAS has demonstrated its institutional capabilities in delivering complex and challenging exercises such as Abhyaas Prelims with ease. Values like innovation, creative thinking, empathetic learning, inclusivity, integrity, and teamwork, build the base of the organizational values system.

The smooth and efficient completion of Abhyaas Prelims Test-1 at the pan-India level is a natural outcome of VisionIAS’s continued adherence to these core organizational values, and their integration and reflection in its initiatives and ecosystem.

Within a short span of time, VisionIAS’s Abhyaas Prelims Test Series has established itself as a benchmark of excellence in prelims preparedness assessment and exam readiness by providing them with a comprehensive and rigorous testing platform at their doorsteps.

Solving mock tests for UPSC prelims is essential for a candidate’s success in the exam. It familiarizes them with exam patterns, assessment of strengths and shortcomings, and building confidence. This Test series not only helps candidates in the revision and retention of the syllabus but also assists in effective time management.

Abhyaas Prelims is an innovative solution by VisionIAS to simulate the UPSC Prelims exam-like environment and associated challenges that are experienced by students.

Abhyaas not only evaluates the student’s knowledge and aptitude but also tests their mental and psychological readiness for the UPSC Prelims exam. The experience of appearing in a simulated exam can help students manage exam-related stress and anxiety, enabling them to perform better on the actual exam day.

The All-India Rankings provide students with their comparative standing among their peers which works as a motivating factor for further improvement in the upcoming tests. Through post-test analysis and live test discussions, students gain valuable insights into their preparation approach and validate its effectiveness. The dedicated and high-end mentoring ecosystem provides customized and workable solutions to students’ doubts and queries related to preparation.

The environment across Test Centres in the entire country closely resembled that of the UPSC Prelims examination with students coming to Test Centres from distant places and neighboring areas. Parents also accompanied students and waited for the completion of the exam. The parents providing motivation and emotional support to the students before and after the exam was a heartwarming sight to witness.

Post-test, students shared their experience of the Abhyaas Test-1. Those with prior experience of writing the UPSC CSE Prelims testified to the similarities between the actual USPC exam and Abhyaas in terms of the environment in the exam hall, administrative arrangements and procedures at the test centers, and the nature of questions in the paper..

While fresh aspirants reflected that the Abhyaas experience had filled them with confidence to take up the UPSC Prelims exam as the fear of the unknown was removed from their mind. Also, they realized the significance of holistic preparation with adequate attention on all the Papers and subjects.

Abhyaas CSAT paper acted as a timely wake-up call for those students who had lost complete touch with the CSAT preparation as they struggled hard to perform well in it within allocated time. Students appearing in Abhyaas Prelims Test-1, were particularly fascinated about having tested their preparation strategies, problem solving skills, and time management.

The result of the Abhyaas Prelims Test 1 is scheduled to be declared on 6th April 2023, at 10:00 PM on the Vision IAS website. Following this, a series of test discussions for both Papers I & II will be scheduled from 7th April to 10th April 2023 for English and Hindi medium students separately.

The upcoming tests under Abhyaas Test Series are scheduled for 23rd April and 7th May respectively. This schedule is strategically determined to enable students to assess their level of preparation at regular intervals with ample time to improve on their shortcomings and build on their strengths.  This enables students to not only assess their knowledge and skills but also their mental and psychological resilience, thus improving their exam readiness.

A comprehensive technology-driven learning ecosystem at VisionIAS has assisted thousands of aspirants across India to achieve their dream of joining prestigious Indian Civil services. This ecosystem includes student-friendly classroom programs, an innovative assessment system, and a dynamic and multi-dimensional mentoring program.

VisionIAS firmly believes in the innate potential of each student to achieve great accomplishments. The Abhyaas Test Series is the reflection of the same belief which aims to unleash the potential of students so that the nation rises to the highest level of endeavor and achievement.

Visit us at:

www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

With two months to go, the most crucial time of preparation has begun for the students appearing in Prelims-2023. Students, who can make the most out of this time period, are most likely to succeed in the Prelims exam.

Revision is the most time and energy-consuming task performed by student’s right before the examination. The traditional revision techniques of re-reading, underlining, or highlighting the important content is often time-consuming and become a routine task that neither develops critical thinking nor aid in long-term retention of the content.

However, the most challenging questions in front of students lie in finding the answer to the question, i.e, How to revise smartly?

Smart revision is a focused and organized approach to revise the subjects based on their relative significance in the examination and students’ own comfort level. Subjects that have higher weightage or may pose a challenge during last-moment revision should be provided greater time and attention.

To perform well in the Prelims exam, channelizing the right efforts in the right direction is a crucial aspect of preparation. Therefore, prioritization of important subjects and topics therein is pivotal in ensuring success in the exam.

Multiple revisions in a short span of time result in the consolidation of learning’s and a better understanding of concepts and their apt application. Creating synoptic notes and their daily, weekly, and monthly revisions can help in achieving the said objectives. It also makes the revision exercise more engaging and results in better learning outcomes.

Practicing Mocks and PYQs are great tools of revision that help students better understand the demand of the examination, facilitate easy recall and application of information, and identification of shortcomings and strengths.

Mock Tests and post-test analysis also help in validating the exam strategies like achieving higher precision while making informed guesses and applying elimination methods. In addition, it facilitates the revision of identified questions and associated concepts.

The large volume of information is required to be consumed and processed before the Prelims examination. Techniques like Storytelling and mnemonics wherein we associate information with personalities and places facilitating better retention and recalling ability.

Another approach to efficiently consume, process, and retain large volumes of data and information is creating mind palaces. This technique involves visualizing a place with various features in which you could physically store a set of memories and information.

A quiz-based revision technique combines revision with short Q&A sessions. This results in quick thinking, improved reaction time, better application of knowledge, and instills confidence. Explaining difficult concepts to peers will not only improve group learning but also enhance individual learning outcomes.

In this regard, Abhyaas Prelims, a pan India exam with its presence in more than 170+ cities provides an apt opportunity to the students to validate the efficacy of the smart revision approaches and techniques in an UPSC simulated environment.

Abhyaas offers students a chance to evaluate their objective skills, problem-solving aptitude, mental agility, and decision-making abilities and gauge the level of their preparation. Students can identify their strengths and shortcomings, learn from their mistakes and discover smarter ways to approach questions during the exam.

Post-test analysis and test discussions provide students with the opportunity to learn alternative ways to approach the questions. Additionally, it facilitates learning through interaction with senior facilities and avail high-end and unlimited mentoring services.

The period of preparation is believed to be the most opportune moment for planting the seeds of success.

So, it becomes essential for the aspirants to shift their focus from feeling anxious about the outcome of the exam to maintaining a sense of calmness and composure that can be ensured by adhering to smart ways of revision.

“You are braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think”

Visit us at:

www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

The UPSC Prelims examination is one of the most challenging exams in the country. Success in this exam requires careful planning, diligence, and dedication. One of the most essential tools of effective Prelims preparation is Mock Tests and Post Test Analysis.

Aristotle’s dictum, “We become what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit,” becomes prophetic while analyzing the benefits of taking Mock Tests and conducting a thorough post-test analysis. This conscious and repeated exercise has a profound impact on students developing habits that lead to excellence in their exam preparation.

Mock Tests are designed to help aspirants understand the nature of questions and the demand of an examination. These tests help aspirants get accustomed to the type of questions, difficulty level, and the time required to solve the paper.

Monotony has a detrimental impact on students’ productivity and learning outcomes. Solving Mock Tests breaks this monotony of mere reading and remembering and makes the learning process more engaging.

Appearing in Mock Tests enables aspirants to test their understanding of a broad range of topics, recall information, and reinforce their learning. They also facilitate the application of this acquired knowledge while providing an assessment of the preparedness level of aspirants.

Resource management is a daunting task faced by most students, especially before the Prelims examination. Mock tests effectively validate the resources used by students and instill confidence which keeps students focused on their preparation.

Success and failures in Prelims are often decided by decimal scores and even a small error can be fatal. Practicing mock tests help students minimize avoidable errors such as incorrect or incomplete understanding of questions and choosing the wrong answer even though they are aware of the correct one.

Mock Tests help students develop smart problem-solving tools, such as elimination methods, and intelligent and informed guesswork, among others, which can aid students in achieving higher scores.

Students appearing in mock tests of varying difficulty naturally develop the ability to identify the optimal number of questions to be solved in a test paper that would safely help them qualify the Prelims.

Along with appearing in mocks, students are also advised to solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs) as well. These help aspirants get accustomed to the type and language of questions, their difficulty levels, and recent trends. Practicing PYQs enhances students’ readiness to take up the UPSC Prelims examination.

It is important to remember that utilizing Mock Tests is just one side of the coin, and it should be coupled with a diligent post-test analysis to derive tangible benefits from the whole exercise.

Post Test Analysis provides an avenue for identifying learning gaps, value addition, and knowledge enrichment. Aspirants can learn new concepts and ideas through the questions asked in the Mock Tests, and the causes of errors made by carefully analyzing the solutions.

Post-Test analysis can assist students in improving their time management skills. By assessing their pace, precision, and time spent revisiting their answers, students can use their time more efficiently during the actual examination.

Factors such as calmness of mind, energy levels, and cognitive abilities play a decisive role in influencing the exam-day performance of aspirants. Appearing in offline mock tests contributes to positive habit formation such as discipline, punctuality, and resilience among students.

In this endeavour, Abhyaas Prelims Mock Tests provide the most opportune moment for students to experience the actual UPSC Prelims exam-like environment. With its national-wide presence in more than 170+ Cities, Abhyaas brings real-time exam experience closer to students’ doorstep.

Additionally, Post-Test Analysis, Live Test Discussion, and an All India Ranking help students refine their approach, improve their learning plan, and address any knowledge gaps.

Better performance in subsequent Mocks, reduced errors, efficient utilization of time, and great command over the subjects fill students with confidence as they develop habits into excellence. This ultimately engenders a positive mindset in students which empowers them to perform to the best of their abilities in the UPSC Prelims 2023.

Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” – Vince Lombardi

Visit us at: www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

As the UPSC Prelims exam approaches, it is important to make the most of the time and resources you have to prepare effectively. With the exam scheduled to be held on 28th May, 2023, it’s time to gear up and give your best shot.

The first step towards effective preparation is to understand the UPSC Prelims syllabus and demand of the examination.

It goes without saying that the final success in the UPSC CSE Prelims largely rests on time management and efficient resource utilization. Limited time on one hand, and plethora of resources on another create a conundrum for students. Therefore, the challenge which the majority of students face lies in efficient utilization of time and resources that would ensure their success in the Prelims examination.

The time is said to be the ultimate resource during the preparation and has to be allocated judiciously among different components of the exam. This includes preparation and revision of General Studies subjects, Current Affairs, and the CSAT, practicing  previous year exam questions (PYQs), and post-test analysis.

Recent trend analysis of UPSC papers affirms the continued importance of conventional subjects like Polity, Economy, Modern Indian History and Environment, etc. However, due importance should also be given to the non-conventional subjects like Ancient India, Art and Culture, Basic sciences, etc.

The rising significance of the CSAT paper in prelims needs to be taken into consideration and time and effort should be invested accordingly.

The Current Affairs can be overwhelming for most of the aspirants primarily due to the extensive range of topics. This requires a smart study plan which may involve time for daily revision, practice, and value addition.

Also, a well-planned schedule helps in reducing stress and anxiety associated with the exam. Intensive revision combined with time to rest and rejuvenate is as important as adherence to a set schedule.

Along with time management, effective resource management is a crucial aspect of prelims preparation. As the exam draws closer, doubts about the usefulness of available resources may arise, leading to the search for alternative sources of assistance. However, it’s essential to avoid this situation and maintain confidence in the resources already utilized.

One should religiously stick to the previously referred standard text-books, self-made notes, current affairs resources etc. This not only saves precious time but also results in easier recall and knowledge reinforcement.

PYQs and Mock tests are a great way to evaluate your preparation and verify the efficacy of your resources. They familiarize one with the language and demand of the examination and lead the preparation in the right direction.

Students often failed to realize the importance of Post-test analysis, leading to missed opportunities for improvement and resultant value addition.

In this endeavor, Abhyaas Prelims-2023, to be conducted on 2nd April across 170 cities across India, is an excellent opportunity for aspirants. Abhyaas mock tests are designed to simulate the UPSC Prelims-like environment and cover the entire Prelims syllabus. By appearing in Abhyaas mock tests you can analyze and improve your preparation and set a winning tone for Prelims 2023.

Effective utilization of resources and time is the key to clearing the UPSC Prelims exam. You are bestowed with great abilities. Have faith in those abilities, follow the process laid above, and work hard to achieve your dream.

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith, managing our time and resources in the best way possible.”  – Franklin D. Roosevel

Visit us at:  www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066