Different Techniques that help clear UPSC Examination Part II

• UPSC aspirants face a dilemma in choosing a strategy and technique that suits their preparation methods. 
• Multiple techniques can be used, some of which are discussed below. 

Clearing the UPSC examination, walking through the gates of LBSNAA and becoming a Civil Servant is a dream for many, & following techniques can help you. Aspirants spend years in preparation, and during this journey, they indulge in 6-8 hours of daily studying. Also, they have to cover the vast syllabus, go through mock examinations, and fight the looming uncertainties. 

Cracking the UPSC CSE requires specific techniques that help an aspirant succeed. Some of these skills, like the POMODORO, Reverse POMODORO, Time Tracking, and Time Blocking techniques, are discussed in Part I. This article deals with Eat the Frog, the Pareto technique, the getting things done (GTD) method, and the energy mapping strategy. 

However, it is solely up to the aspirant to select any of the above mentioned techniques. This article only tries to provide knowledge about each method, explaining its pros and cons. Skimming through these techniques lets you decide which approach to apply in your preparation journey. 

Related Read: Tips to Clear the Indian Economic Service (IES) Final Interview

Eat the Frog Technique

Eating the frog is considered to be the most disgusting thing to have & “Eat the Frog” technique encourages you to eat the frog first thing in the morning. Don’t be afraid, as you do not have to eat a frog literally; the technique requires you to do the most challenging and unpleasant task first thing in the morning. 

During UPSC preparation, do it first if you have a difficult subject or a complex topic. Or you might have to go through a mock test, make notes, stick to a schedule or do anything unpleasant; do it first. The “Eat the Frog” technique talks about prioritising the most difficult or daunting aspect of your studies early in your day. 

Pros of “Eat the Frog” Technique

The technique significantly increases productivity because conquering your biggest hurdle first sets a positive tone for the day. This accomplishment leads to a sense of victory and fuels motivation, letting you focus on studying for the rest of the day. Also, by tackling the difficult task of the day early, I avoid the chances of procrastination. 

Aspirants tend to avoid boring topics that might be important; this leads to a massive pile of unattended tasks, further increasing stress. When the hard part is over early, you have sufficient time to complete the rest of the task without distractions. Overcoming challenging topics early builds confidence in your abilities. This reinforces your commitment to your UPSC goals. 

Cons of the “Eat the Frog” Technique

If the “frog” is too large, it is difficult to eat it. Focusing solely on completing the most complex task can be tiring. Also, if the topic is too complex, it can lead to burnout at the start of the day, balancing your schedule. Prioritising excessively on one task alone might lead to neglecting other vital aspects.

This technique of completing challenging tasks early can cause anxiety. The answer to this issue is choosing your “frog” to eat wisely. You can divide the larger tasks into smaller manageable steps, like cutting the frog into bite-sized pieces. Sticking to the schedule requires significant willpower and discipline. It might not be suitable for everyone. 

The 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle

The Pareto principle is also known as the 80/20 rule or the law of the vital few. A significant portion of results, approximately 80%, comes from a relatively small portion of inputs or efforts, approximately 20%. The principle is named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto and can be significantly helpful in UPSC preparation. 

In the context of the UPSC preparation, the Pareto principle focuses on 20% of the topics and activities that could yield 80% of results. If an aspirant wishes to apply the 80/20 rule, they must first understand the syllabus and strategy. Then, they must be able to select the 20% topics and tasks that can drive 80% results. 

Pros of the 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle

This technique can increase efficiency, and focusing on 20% of the topics and activities saves time and effort. Also, this technique can be essential for UPSC preparation as the syllabus is vast and never-ending. Plus, there is limited time to study.  UPSC Examination

By focusing solely on the high-yield areas, aspirants are likely to score well in the examination. Data suggests that the UPSC tends to focus on specific topics and areas of knowledge, and having this knowledge can help you score well on the exam. Also, the preparation journey is stressful; by using the Pareto principle, you can reduce the stress levels as you are focusing on essential areas. UPSC Examination

Cons of the 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle

When focusing on 20%, knowing precisely that 20% is essential. With changing exam trends, it can be challenging to determine which 20% of topics and activities are necessary for UPSC preparation. This is crucial if you familiarise yourself with the exam and syllabus. 

If an aspirant focuses only on 20%, you might need to pay more attention to important topics covered in the examination. Aspirants often need help to balance focusing on the high-yield areas and covering the whole syllabus. The Pareto principle is a general rule of thumb, not a guarantee for success. 

Getting Things Done (GTD) Method UPSC Examination

The “Getting Things Done” GTD method is a popular productivity framework developed by David Allen and can be an excellent technique for UPSC preparation. It involves a five-step process for organising and managing the task and preparation, including capture, clarify, organise, review and do. 

Before indulging in the Getting Things Done method, collect all the task ideas, syllabus, topics, etc. This dramatically helps clear the mental clutter; making a list prevents you from forgetting anything. Defining each task clearly and concisely ensures you understand the desired outcome. This eliminates ambiguity and ensures that you are on the right track. 

Categorise your tasks into actionable projects and assign them appropriate priorities. This helps focus on the most critical tasks first and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Regularly reviewing your system ensures your tasks and priorities clearly show your preparation strategy. Finally, you can focus on completing the most critical task on your list. 

Pros of Getting Things Done (GTD) Method UPSC Examination

Getting Things Done helps you prioritise your tasks and eliminate distractions. It allows you to focus on the most critical aspects of your UPSC preparation. By breaking down complex tasks into smaller, actionable steps, GTD makes managing your time more manageable. 

GTD allows you to have a transparent organisational system that significantly reduces stress and anxiety related to UPSC preparation. This also gives you a sense of control as you clearly know what you are doing and where to go from there. Seeing progress can be a powerful motivator. GTD helps you keep track of your accomplishments and stay motivated throughout the preparation process. 

Cons of Getting Things Done (GTD) Method UPSC Examination

Setting up and implementing the GTD system can be time-consuming and require initial effort. This could be challenging for some students, as the UPSC preparation can be complex and multifaceted. Breaking down the syllabus and preparation into smaller tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming or time-consuming. 

GTD relies heavily on a well-organised system; sticking to a strict schedule might only be for some. Also, any system breakdown can disrupt the whole workflow and increase stress and anxiety. Some individuals might be caught up in planning and organising more than they should be involved in studying critical tasks. 

Energy Mapping Strategy UPSC Examination

The Energy Mapping Strategy for UPSC preparation is rare but worthwhile as it helps align your studies with your natural energy levels throughout the day. Some aspirants are night owls, some are early birds, and others are a mix and match of both. 

It’s a strategy that involves a deep understanding of fluctuations in mental and physical alertness throughout the day and studying when you are most productive. It starts by tracking your energy level throughout the day; this can be done by simple self-reflection or using tools such as activity trackers and sleep monitors. 

Schedule the demanding tasks like reading comprehension, essay writing, problem-solving, etc, when you are at your peak energy level. During the low-energy times, you can focus on note-taking, reviewing flashcards, watching videos, listening to podcasts, etc. 

Create an environment that supports your energy levels, like adjusting the lighting, taking breaks in nature, and indulging in energising activities like exercising, meditating, etc. This strategy is not rigid; having different energy levels on different days is perfectly normal. 

Pros of Energy Mapping Strategy UPSC Examination

Studying during your peak energy times leads to better focus, comprehension and retention of information. It’s like having the best food item you like when you are hungry. Plus, avoiding the tasks during low energy levels helps prevent fatigue and burnout. 

Aligning the tasks with your energy levels can help you maximise your time and avoid wasting your efforts when feeling drained. This strategy recognises and accepts the differences in energy levels and allows you to study schedules as per your unique requirements. 

Cons of Energy Mapping Strategy

Having a clear idea of when your energy level is high and when it is low requires a high level of self-awareness. This could be challenging for some individuals. Implementing the strategy might require adjusting your schedule and daily routine, disrupting the flow. 

When comparing the energy mapping strategy to the traditional UPSC preparation method, this strategy can be less structured and disciplined. This could lead to procrastination, delaying the necessary tasks as you are not at the right energy level. Aspirants might have fixed class times, group study sessions, etc.; incorporating this strategy with this schedule can be challenging. 

Remember, UPSC preparation is a marathon and not a sprint. It requires utmost dedication and involves specific strategies and techniques that increase the chances of success. Before deciding which strategy or technique you wish to apply, a detailed discussion with mentors, veterans, and seniors is highly recommended. 

At IAS Origin, we provide one-to-one mentorship and can guide you in selecting the best strategy or technique you can use to succeed in the UPSC examination. Feel free to connect with us for more information and a free consultation.