UPSC Prelims Failure Analysis Case 4: Ignoring PYQs – Meena’s Misaligned Preparation
UPSC Prelims Failure Analysis Case 4: Ignoring PYQs – Meena’s Misaligned Preparation
Case 4: Ignoring PYQs – Meena’s Misaligned Preparation
Background:
Meena, a full-time aspirant, completed all the standard books twice. She took coaching in Delhi and maintained detailed notes.
Mistakes Made:
- Never solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs) seriously.
- Assumed that “new questions” matter more than past trends.
- Focused too much on rare topics, ignoring recurring themes (like Fundamental Rights, Environment Acts, etc.).
- No real idea of what UPSC-style MCQs looked like.
Result:
Scored only 68 marks in GS Paper I.
Learning Points:
- PYQs show UPSC’s pattern, language, and logic.
- Ignoring them leads to misguided preparation.
- Past papers are strategic tools, not optional extras.
