The 'Success Mantra' for Cracking UPSC Mains — IAS Awanish Sharan Stresses 'The Art of Writing' and 'Understanding the Syllabus' as the Keys to Success
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is considered one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in the country. Every year, lakhs of candidates embark on this journey with big dreams, but only those who work with the right strategy taste success. Recently, IAS officer Awanish Sharan shared a crucial and practical perspective on preparing for the UPSC Mains. According to him, the path to success does not lie in memorizing stacks of thick books, but rather in writing practice and a deep understanding of the syllabus.
More Books vs. Smart Study: A New Perspective
Candidates often get trapped in a web of countless books and coaching notes available in the market. IAS Awanish Sharan believes that while reading more books may increase knowledge, it is not always effective for scoring marks in the exam.
Selective Study: Sharan suggests choosing only selective and authentic books for Mains preparation. Reading the same books repeatedly leads to "conceptual clarity" on subjects.
The Art of Note-Making: Instead of just reading books, it is vital to make notes in your own words. These notes prove to be the most powerful weapon for revision in the final days before the exam.
Writing Practice: The First Prerequisite for Success
UPSC Mains is a "writing-based examination." How much you know is not as important as how clearly and logically you can present it on paper.
Consistent Practice: Awanish Sharan emphasizes that candidates should develop the habit of writing from the very first day of preparation—whether it is summarizing an editorial daily or solving questions from previous years.
Time Management: Completing the paper within the Mains exam is a major challenge. Practicing writing not only increases your speed of thought but also enables you to answer within the stipulated time frame.
Presentation: Using flowcharts, diagrams, maps, and bullet points in answers increases the chances of scoring higher marks. IAS Sharan suggests that making an answer attractive and easy to read is the hallmark of a 'ranker.'
Deep Understanding of the Syllabus
The syllabus is the 'guiding compass' for UPSC preparation. According to Awanish Sharan, students who internalize every point of the syllabus save themselves from reading unnecessary content.
Learning to Link: UPSC questions often require linking current affairs with the static syllabus. Once you understand the syllabus, you can read news reports by connecting them directly to your subject matter.
Avoiding Distraction: The best way to avoid the plethora of "spicy" study material in the market is to keep yourself strictly within the scope of the syllabus. It is not wise to waste time reading what is not part of the curriculum.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs): The Mirror of Preparation
IAS Awanish Sharan believes that previous year's question papers (PYQs) are the greatest teachers for any topper.
Understanding the Pattern: Solving questions from the last 5–10 years makes it clear what kind of questions the commission is prioritizing.
Self-Assessment: When you write answers to old questions and match them with model answers, you realize your own shortcomings. This process of improvement is what puts you ahead in the Mains race.
Shift in Perspective: Not Just 'Knowledge,' But 'Analysis'
The Mains exam does not expect you to just memorize facts. It tests your 'analytical power.'
Pros and Cons: Try to understand both aspects of every issue. As an administrative officer, you are expected to maintain a balanced viewpoint.
Simplicity of Language: IAS Sharan advises keeping your language simple and clear. Instead of using overly complex jargon, learn to express your thoughts effectively and concisely.
The UPSC Mains exam is not just a test of merit, but a test of discipline and strategy. This mantra by IAS Awanish Sharan—"Read less, write more, and live the syllabus"—is a guide for all those candidates currently buried under heavy coaching notes.
