As a leading UPSC Coaching Centre in Chennai, we are often asked if there are some tricks that help in memory retention because the UPSC set syllabus for the CSE is extensive and includes many facts and figures. An aspirant can use any tactics that will help remember the curriculum and pass through flying colours the Prelims and Mains exam.
With this in mind, on this post, we explain a few strategies that help increase your retention strength. They train your brain to recall figures, concepts, facts at the right time.
Use active learning, not passive learning
The best way to retain what you have learned is to practice it. This is called active learning because you retrieve from your brain what you have learned when answering questions. Passive learning, on the other hand, is reading one topic and then moving on to another. So, practice MCQs for your Prelims and proper answer writing for your Mains.
Also Read: HOW TO SOLVE THE COMMON STRUGGLES IAS ASPIRANTS FACE WHILE PREPARING?
Interactive learning enhances memorizing power
Why is it that we remember the lyrics of a song or the story of a movie by just listening or watching once, but we can’t remember a chapter we have read once? The answer lies in interactive learning. When you use audio or visuals to learn, the mind retains the information for longer.
Therefore, the trick is to use pictures, movies, maps or even mnemonic techniques while preparing for the IAS exams. These will help you remember what you have learned for a longer time.
Revision is fundamental to memory
The human brain tends to remember only those things that are vital for survival. In other words, habits or thoughts we repeat. Any new information, especially if not necessary, is discarded. But if you keep revising something again and again the brain sees it as a habit, stores it diligently, which amplifies retention.
The tip here is to read a new topic, then revise it a week later. Then revise it one month later and then once again three months later. This will turn it into a long-lasting memory.
Study in short bursts
The attention span of the brain is small. After 45 minutes to 1 hour later, the mind starts to fatigue and wander. It is why you don’t remember much after a continued stretch of 5 hours. A better strategy to boost memory is to study consistently for an hour or so and then take a 15-minute break. Come back to your books, study again for an hour and then take another 15-minute break.
Learn in group studies
Learning alone is not as good as learning in a group. When you have a good group, you tend to debate topics. This helps you understand the concepts more thoroughly, which helps in retention. Moreover, you get different perspectives on the same topic, which is always better when it comes to studying for the civil services examination.
Write down what you learn
The last tip to strengthen memory is to write down what you learn. Writing gives two advantages to IAS aspirants. It helps you memorize better, which leads to higher retention. Plus, it inculcates the habit of writing in the candidate – something crucial to cracking the Mains examination. Remember the idea is to rewrite what you have learned in your own words and not pen it verbatim.
These were the six tactics to amplify the capacity of your mind to memorize and retain. Practice all six and cracking CSE will be easy for you. In addition, these habits will come in handy later on in your profession too when you have to keep at the top of your head a lot of facts and figures.
The last advice we give you is to utilize these tips earnestly. It is when you consistently follow them that you will see results in your memory and retention. Don’t take them as done-once and done-forever tips.
Number of Attempts
The CSE is also known as the Civil Services Examination or UPSC is considered as one of the most competitive exams in all over India. The exam has three stages to clear such as
1st stage – Preliminary Examination
2nd Stage – Main Examination and
3rd Stage – Personality Stage
The first stage of the examination will decide the entry of students to the next stage. Also, those appearing for the exam must be an Indian citizen and must possess a degree from the state, central or deemed university. They can also receive the degree from distance education, Open University or through correspondence.
Attempting to any of the preliminary papers are counted as one but applying for the exam, and failing to attend is not considered as an attempt.Check wikipedia to know more.