How to Use the Last 100 Days Before UPSC Prelims Effectively
How to Use the Last 100 Days Before UPSC Prelims Effectively
The last 100 days before the UPSC Prelims can make or break your chances of clearing the exam. This is the time to revise, practice, and refine your strategy. Below is a structured plan to maximize your performance in the given time.
🔹 Key Principles to Follow
- Revision is the Priority – No new books or notes; revise what you have already studied.
- Practice More than You Read – Solve daily mock tests and analyze mistakes.
- Eliminate Weaknesses – Identify subjects where you lack confidence and focus on them.
- Time Management – Strictly follow a daily study schedule.
- CSAT is Important – Do not neglect CSAT, as it is qualifying but tricky.
📅 100-Day Strategy for Prelims
The 100 days can be divided into three phases:
📌 Phase 1: (Day 1–50) – Intensive Revision & Subject-wise Focus
- Revise one subject per day and finish 2-3 subjects in a week.
- Solve previous years’ questions (PYQs) after revising each subject.
- Make short notes and mind maps for quick revision.
| Days | Subjects to Focus | Action Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1-7 | Polity | Read Laxmikanth, revise notes, attempt 50 MCQs daily |
| 8-14 | History | Cover Modern (Spectrum), Ancient & Medieval (NCERTs), Art & Culture (Nitin Singhania) |
| 15-21 | Geography | Cover NCERTs, GC Leong, Mapping |
| 22-28 | Economy | Focus on NCERTs, Economic Survey, Budget, Current Affairs |
| 29-35 | Environment | Cover Shankar IAS Book, Government Reports, Current Issues |
| 36-42 | Science & Tech | Revise current affairs, government schemes, and basic NCERTs |
| 43-50 | Full-Length Mock Tests | Take 4-5 full-length tests and analyze weak areas |
📌 Phase 2: (Day 51–85) – Full-Length Tests & Intensive Current Affairs
- Solve at least 25 full-length tests (1 test every 2 days).
- Revise Current Affairs (Past 1.5 years) from monthly magazines & newspapers.
- Focus on eliminating weak areas (Based on mock tests).
- CSAT Practice: Solve 1-2 CSAT papers per week.
| Days | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 51-57 | Revise Polity + History + Geography |
| 58-64 | Revise Economy + Environment |
| 65-71 | Revise Science & Tech + Government Schemes |
| 72-78 | Current Affairs Marathon |
| 79-85 | Daily Full-Length Mock Tests (Analyze mistakes) |
📌 Phase 3: (Day 86–100) – Final Revision & Exam Simulation
- Do not study new topics.
- Revise your own notes and quick summary sheets.
- Solve at least 5-7 full-length mock tests under exam conditions.
- Focus on high-yield topics and previous mistakes.
| Days | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| 86-90 | Full-length Tests + Error Analysis |
| 91-95 | Polity, Economy, Current Affairs Revision |
| 96-98 | High-Yield Topics Quick Recap |
| 99 | CSAT Final Revision + Light Reading |
| 100 | Relax, Sleep Early, Prepare for Exam Day |
🛠 Tips & Techniques for Each Subject
📖 Polity
- Revise Laxmikanth’s important chapters (Parliament, President, FRs, DPSP, Amendments).
- Solve previous year questions (PYQs).
📖 History
- Focus more on Modern History.
- For Art & Culture, revise Buddhism, Jainism, Architecture, Literature.
📖 Geography
- Mapping is crucial – India & World Maps.
- Revise climatic regions, rivers, monsoons, vegetation.
📖 Economy
- Focus on budget, economic survey, banking, monetary policies, inflation.
- Revise important economic terms.
📖 Environment
- Revise National Parks, Biodiversity Hotspots, Climate Change Treaties.
- Solve previous year environment-related questions.
📖 Science & Tech
- Focus on space, biotech, AI, cybersecurity.
- Cover current affairs-based science.
📖 Current Affairs
- Any Current Affairs Magazine for 1.5 years.
- Revise government schemes, reports, important events.
📖 CSAT
- Solve basic math and reasoning questions daily.
- Reading Comprehension is crucial.
💡 Golden Tips for the Last 100 Days
✔ Study Smart, Not Just Hard – Prioritize high-yield topics.
✔ Mock Tests are Key – Solve 50-100 MCQs daily.
✔ Analyze Mistakes – Do not just attempt tests, learn from errors.
✔ Optimize Time Management – Stick to the study plan, minimize distractions.
✔ Keep Health in Check – Exercise, meditate, and sleep properly.
✔ Avoid Negativity & Panic – Stay confident and trust your preparation.
⏳ Final 24 Hours Before Exam
❌ No new studies.
✅ Revise quick notes, formulae, and key facts.
✅ Sleep early (6-7 hours minimum).
✅ Stay calm, avoid last-minute panic.
🎯 Summary
✔ First 50 Days – Subject-wise revision & topic-wise MCQs
✔ Next 35 Days – Full-length mock tests & current affairs
✔ Final 15 Days – Quick revision & exam simulation
By following this 100-day strategy, you can maximize retention, improve accuracy, and boost confidence for UPSC Prelims.
💯 Success is in your hands! 🚀 Stay disciplined, stay consistent, and you will clear Prelims with flying colors!
PS: You can add changes as per your level of preparation or as per your need.
