From July 22 to August 22: Do’s and Don’ts for UPSC CSE Mains

21 Jul From July 22 to August 22: Do’s and Don’ts for UPSC CSE Mains

It’s only 30 days till the actual writing of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025. Time remains a thrust, ever-increasing force. In this article by  plutusias.com, we will discuss From July 22 to August 22: Do’s and Don’ts for UPSC CSE Mains. These last weeks can be the death or life of private preparation. Trust your foundation to be sound; this is the closing phase for consolidation, revision, and honing. It is also a stress-heavy period, with a lot of doubts creeping in and the temptation to overhaul strategies- sometimes unreasonably.

In continuation, this article provides a set of balanced Do’s and Don’ts to consider during the last month before the Mains. Whether this is your first attempt or you are a seasoned aspirant, these points will help you keep your focus, prevent burnout, and give your best shot.

Read More: Best IAS Coaching in Delhi 

DO’s for the Last 30 Days

1. Prioritise Revision Over New Learning

• For revision, standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity, NCERTs, Spectrum, etc., are ideal.
• Make use of mind maps, flowcharts, or one-pagers for instant grasp during revisions.
• Keep updating and revising your notes, but now is not the time for making completely new notes.

2. Stick to a Realistic and Time-Bound Schedule

• First, give importance to General Studies Papers, Essays, and the Optional in rotation.
• Reserve the last 5-6 days for complete revision and mock analysis.
• Targets for each day must be reasonably achievable so that you keep your spirits up.

3. Writing Answers Every Day

• Write answers for at least 2-3 GS questions daily.
• Focus on structure: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
• Attempt full-length mock tests on weekends under exam-like conditions.

4. Strategise Optional Revisions

• Focus on further improving your answer quality and depth.
• Practice writing answers for 10-mark and 15-mark questions.
• Use toppers’ notes and standard coaching material if necessary, but don’t go overboard.

5. Practise Essay Writing

• At least a single essay must be practised every four or five days.
• Both philosophical and issue-based topics should be selected.
• Good introduction, coherence, and value addition are the main areas to focus on (quotes, examples, or case studies).

6. Analyse Old Papers

• Knowing the trend is crucial.
• At least five years’ worth of Mains examinations should be studied.
• Try to identify repeated themes and those evolving ones.
• Concentrate on those that are scoring and relevant.

7. Read Newspapers Selectively

• Never give up on the newspapers entirely, but restrict your time spent there.
• Spend only 30-45 minutes on editorials and top news.
• Spend time on analyses rather than mere information.

8. Be Smart with Monthly Current Affairs Magazines

• Use a compiled form of this news in the form of monthly current affairs.
• Our recommended publication is Plutus IAS Monthly Current Affairs Magazine, prepared both in English and Hindi.
• Concentrate on themes and background context, and not simply road facts.
• Use these magazines for revising current affairs, government schemes, international affairs, etc.

9. Physical and Mental Health

• Eat well and drink an adequate amount of water.
• Sleep from 6- 7 hours.
• Light exercise or meditation can lessen anxiety.

10. Prepare Under Actual Examination Conditions

• Sit and write duration tests with imposed time limits.
• Follow the sequence GS I to GS IV papers for endurance building.
• Evaluate your answers, or have someone else evaluate them.

DON’Ts for the Last 30 Days

1. Don’t Start New Sources or Coaching Material

• Avoid this, unless it is really important.
• New content may add to your confusion rather than clarify things.
• Have faith in your prior preparation.

2. Do Not Ignore Ethics (GS Paper-4)

• Ethics is a paper that can be scored well if prepared well.
• Practice case studies and revise definitions, thinkers, and ethical theories.
• Keep ready a bag of examples with values: integrity, empathy, honesty, and so on.

3. Quit Comparing Yourself With Others

• Avoid useless discussions in some Telegram groups or forums.
• Focus on your plan; do not focus on those of others.
• Have full confidence in your plan.

4. Don’t Panic if You Score Low in Mock Tests

• Identify your mistakes, go through the weak areas, and move along.
• Never let the score of any particular mock test dent your confidence.
• Your actual performance in the exam is usually very different from that of the mock tests.

5. 5. Don’t Skip GS Paper 2 and Paper 3

• Governance, IR, internal security, economy, environment: revise these topics thoroughly.
• Give examples from real life and refer to standing policies in your answers.
• Make short notes on important policies, acts, and constitutional provisions.

6. Do not force yourself to remember everything

• Conceptual clarity and sound logic of expression have to first be developed in your mind.
• Avoid rote memorisation; it is a trap.
• Keep revising what you learn several times.

7. Structure should never be underestimated

• Headings, subheadings, bullet points, and flowcharts are helpful.
• Follow the demand of the question: directive words matter (discuss, critically analyse, etc.).
• Practice the introduction and conclusion separately.

8. Don’t Be Too Sure about Your Optional Subject

• Go through the syllabus line by line.
• Prepare model answers to the frequently asked questions.
• Pay attention to presentation and make use of examples.

9. Essay Revision Must Not Be Ignored

• Add some flavour to your essay with some philosophical quotations, life examples or constitutional values.
• Now manage your time properly (2 essays in 3 hours).
• Treat an essay like a story with a great opening and a solid end.

10. Don’t Burn Out

• Take short breaks.
• Speak to your teachers, family, or colleagues for support.
• Remember- clarity, confidence, and calmness win at the Mains.

Conclusion 

This last month- from July 22 to August 22- is not about how many hours you study, but how wisely you use your time. This is your chance to revise smartly, reflect deeply, and prepare strategically. Stay away from distractions, focus on answer writing, polish your notes, and keep your energy high.

As the UPSC Mains approaches, remind yourself why you started this journey. You’ve already come a long way- don’t let doubt or fatigue take control now. Stay disciplined, stay optimistic, and give it your all.

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