Time management in prelims
Time Management in Prelims: The Key to Clearing the Cut-Offs..
Dear students, we are here to guide you in your preparation for Prelims 2025. Let’s dive into an often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of preparation—Time Management.
The Silent Revolution in Prelims
A 'silent' revolution has taken place in the UPSC Prelims over the last decade. The increasing number of aspirants and study materials has intensified the competition, turning the prelims into a battlefield.
To maintain the selection ratio, UPSC has gradually increased the difficulty level. Questions are getting lengthier, and the number of statements has gone from 2 to 3 to 4, and who knows, we might soon see 6 or 7 statements in a single question! UPSC has already dropped hints through 5-statement questions and 7-item-based questions.
This means fast reading and decision-making have become crucial skills for clearing the cut-off. However, aspirants often fall into the trap of following random topper strategies or misleading clickbait videos, which promote a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Many students have already learned the hard way that blindly copying someone else's method doesn’t always work.
As a mentor, I’ve encountered this question countless times: “What is the best time management strategy for Prelims?” To answer this, I conducted research by talking to successful aspirants and experienced mentors who have cleared Prelims multiple times. The conclusion? There is no single ‘best’ method. However, there are three primary strategies that have worked for different types of aspirants.
Your task? Test each method, tweak it, and find your comfort zone. Once you do that, you’ll be well on your way to crossing the cut-off.
The Three Time Management Strategies for Prelims
1. The 3 Rounds Method: For Fast Readers
This method, popular before 2020, follows a structured three-step approach to maximize efficiency:
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Round 1 (45 mins) – Solve all the easiest questions first.
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Round 2 (45-60 mins) – Tackle the moderate and slightly tricky questions.
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Round 3 (15-30 mins) – Attempt the most difficult and doubtful questions to reach your targeted number of attempts.
Why it works: Fast readers find this strategy useful because it helps them control the paper in phases, reducing pressure and maximizing accuracy.
The catch: If you are a slow reader, this method can backfire, as you may not finish the paper in time.
2. The Single Round Method (Fire & Forget)
Here, you go from Q1 to Q100 in a single go. Allocate an average of 1.2 minutes per question (72 seconds) and rely on gut feeling. Once you answer a question, move on—no looking back.
Why it works: Best suited for slow readers who prefer a steady approach and don’t want the stress of multiple rounds.
The catch: The 4-SET problem. Some question sets may start with tough subjects (e.g., Science & Tech or Current Affairs), shaking your confidence early on.
3. The Middle Path: Two Rounds Method or 100-20 Method
For those who find Method 1 too fast and Method 2 too risky, this hybrid approach balances speed and accuracy.
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Round 1: Solve as many direct and confident answers as possible (aim for 80-90 questions).
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Round 2: Spend the remaining time revisiting and solving the 20 trickiest questions based on educated guessing.
Why it works: It provides flexibility and ensures that you don’t rush or lose time overanalyzing.
The catch: Requires practice in test series to master the balance between speed and accuracy.
Final Thoughts
No single method is the ultimate solution. Experiment with each strategy, refine it, and find what works best for you. The right time management approach could be the difference between clearing Prelims or missing the cut-off.
