Gear up with grit for UPSC exam

You are studying the right subject with the right mindset. It is heartening to see people wanting to write the Civil Services Exam – but you must be clear about your intentions. It is true that clearing the UPSC assures you government jobs, but more importantly, you should realise this is the gateway to being able to serve the people, the nation. That should be your ultimate aim. 

The number of people writing the UPSC exam is growing astronomically. Studying sociology offers no sure guarantee of clearing the exam, but it is a popular subject within the UPSC exam framework. Sociology papers are commonly known as the ‘thinker’s’ papers. 

There are assured advantages to studying sociology. Questions varying up to 50 marks have a link to sociology, be it in general studies (behavioural and social issues), the essay paper (two to four topics are directly based on social problems) or the interview (when current affairs- and situation-centred questions are directly looped to social problems). As a student of sociology, you have a built-in resource. You need to start your coaching right away. Join a good academy that suit your timings and don’t affect your college schedule. This might even help you get a better understanding of the subject itself. You need the right guidance and motivation, and therefore, it is important to select an academy of quality. I leave the tips for preparing for the exams to your academy. In this age of cut-throat competition, academies play a vital role. You will also meet classmates there who are highly motivated and oriented towards success, which is important. You will have to manage your time well so that you are able to complete your degree too successfully. 

I hope you have developed the habit of reading newspapers regularly. Improve your writing abilities. Put down your thoughts in writing regularly. Write and keep on writing, maintain good handwriting. Read and watch interviews of IAS, IPS or IFS officers; be attentive to the way they behave. These are the smaller aspects that ensure that you have a competitive advantage. 

Don’t give up easily. Be aware of the fact that often, the exam is not cleared in a single, first attempt: that is a rare feat. Read voraciously, understand concepts clearly in your own way and analyse them. Your sociology background for UPSC is more holistic than other subjects that are more linear.

Finally, keep an alternative, a back-up option, an emergency exit more than an escape route: this will help you prepare with a sense of abandon.