Among the many Indian competitive exams, the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is perhaps the most respected and difficult. Thousands of students entertain the dream of becoming IAS, IPS, or IFS officers every year; many of them start preparing right after graduation, but do not realize that the graduation itself is quite helpful in UPSC preparation. In this article, we will discuss how Your Graduation Degree Can Support Your UPSC Preparation.”
1. Selecting an Optional Subject
The UPSC Mains examination consists of an optional subject, which is to be selected from a range of recognised subjects, many of which are taught at the graduation level.
For example:
Political Science, History, Sociology, and Geography, if you take any of these for your graduation, may be taken further as your optional subject.
Students of Science and Engineering have Mathematics or Anthropology, etc., as other optional subjects.
This option is beneficial because you do not have to start learning a new subject from scratch.
2. Helpful for General Studies (GS) Papers
There are many topics from the UPSC syllabus, such as history, polity, economics, environment, and science. If these relate to your graduation, it will be simpler for you to handle them.
Examples:
- Economics will assist in General Studies Paper III.
- Environmental Science will assist in topics related to the environment.
- The science background will help the engineers, too.
Likewise, even if your graduation subject is not relevant or related to UPSC, graduation somehow is capable of uplifting your thought process and learning ability.
3. Enhances Writing and Speaking Skills
In the Mains exam, candidates are expected to answer questions very clearly and smartly. During graduation, there are almost always essays to be written, assignments to be done, and presentations to be given. These activities improve one’s writing and speaking skills.
For example, if you studied English, Philosophy, or Political Science, you would already be writing a great deal during your graduation.
Giving seminars and arguments will improve your speaking skills, which will come in handy during the UPSC interview.
4. Great Time to Start UPSC Preparation
What better time than graduation to first take a stab at UPSC preparation? One can start reading in the second or third year, such as:
– NCERT books
– Current affairs
– Basic UPSC books
One can also go about doing the writing of answers and making decisions on what they want to select for an optional subject.
Some students run foundation courses which help them cope with college as well as offer UPSC coaching at the same time. For instance, Plutus IAS has put forth a scheme where college students can prepare stepwise along with graduation..
5. Better Time-Making and Discipline
Balancing college studies with UPSC preparations teaches discipline and time management. These skills are of utmost importance in serious UPSC preparation.
You are expected to learn to:
- Set study time
- Follow a schedule
- Remain consistent on a day-to-day basis
This habit comes in very handy when full-time UPSC preparation begins after graduation.
6. Studying Together with Friends and Groups
In college, work can be conducted with your friends. You can exchange books, discuss topics, and learn together. There is a chance to join a club, go to seminars, and attend group discussions. All of these strengthen your knowledge and confidence.
Having conversations with people from diverse backgrounds gives new ideas and opinions, both of which enrich the interview process as well as the interview process.
7. Backup Career Option
Most students may want UPSC, yet not everyone clears it. In such a case, a graduation degree is a decent backup option. Other jobs can be looked at, further studies can be pursued, or one can just go ahead and have another try.
Many toppers say that being very academically sound gave them mental relaxation for preparing.
Conclusion
If you are still in college and are planning to prepare for UPSC, now is the time to make these smart choices. Build up your knowledge and good habits, and make a solid plan. Instead of feeling stressed, you can approach a well-known institute like Plutus IAS, where some good courses can help college students with UPSC preparation.
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