UPSC Prelims Failure Analysis Case 2: Current Affairs Overload – Priya’s Information Trap
UPSC Prelims Failure Analysis Case 2: Current Affairs Overload – Priya’s Information Trap
Case 2: Current Affairs Overload – Priya’s Information Trap
Background:
Priya, a postgraduate in political science, attempted UPSC Prelims twice. She joined a reputed coaching and religiously followed 3 current affairs magazines.
Mistakes Made:
- She relied too heavily on monthly current affairs PDFs from multiple sources.
- Ignored static subjects like Art & Culture, Polity basics, and Ancient History.
- Wasted hours highlighting facts she couldn’t retain or apply.
- Didn’t practice UPSC-style analytical MCQs that test conceptual clarity.
Result:
Despite good awareness of recent events, she scored below 70 marks.
Learning Points:
- UPSC asks conceptual and application-based questions, not just facts.
- One consolidated source for current affairs + revision is better than overconsumption.
- Balance between static and dynamic portions is key.
