Preparing for the GPSC exam is a very big challenge, but rewarding one too. But with so much to study and limited time at hand, you might often feel stressed or overwhelmed. The truth is it’s not just about how many hours you study, it’s all about how well you manage your time.
Effective Time Management Tips for GPSC Exam Preparation
Know the syllabus well
Before you even begin planning your time make sure that you understand the entire syllabus. You must divide it into subjects and topics once you know what all needs to be covered it becomes very easy to plan. Just take a print out of the syllabus and highlight the topics as you complete them.
Make a realistic study plan
Don’t just say I’ll study 10 hours a day. Be honest with yourself. Think about your daily routine and block out time realistically. Divide your time based on subject difficulty. This will help you spend more time on subjects which you are weak in.
Set daily and weekly objectives
Big goals can feel really overwhelming. So break them into small manageable daily and weekly objectives. For example you can say finish a history chapter 3 + 10 MCQS on day one. At the end of each day check out what you have completed. This can help you build discipline and give you more.
Reduce distractions
Mobile phones, social media and noisy environments can truly waste a lot of time. You must keep your phone on silent or airplane mode while you are starting. Always tell your family about your study hours so that they do not disturb you. Studying in a clean quiet space with good lighting helps you. Always use apps like focus to stay off your phone.
Also Read: A Roadmap to Success in GPSC Exam Preparation
Mix subjects for better retention
Don’t study the same subject all day. It gets really boring and also less effective. Instead you can mix two or three subjects in a day. For example, tomorrow morning you can do history and not study theory heavy subjects in a backpack. Mix theory and MCQ’s to keep things really interesting.
Revise regularly
Revision is the key to success in competitive exams. Just reading once is never enough. You need to make time for weekly revisions. For example every Sunday revise what you studied that week. Before sleeping, spend 10 to 15 minutes every day recalling what you studied that day. This can strengthen your memory.
Conclusion
Managing your time well is half the battle in cracking abstract. If you’re clear about your daily objectives and you stay away from distractions then you’re already on the right path. Remember consistency is more important than perfection. Check out the GSPC Guide now to learn more about the subject matters.
