How to select best mock test for UPSC prelims, mains

Almost all aspirants get confused when it comes to finalizing the best mock test for UPSC prelims as well as the main examination.

Most of them get enroll in the tests provided by the reputed institutes whereas, others find one with less fee. Both of these approaches are not right.

Before diving into the strategy for selecting the best mock test for UPSC, aspirants must ask themselves, “Why I want to appear in the mock test?”.

The possible answers might be

1. To analyze strengths and weakness
2. To understand various types of questions.
3. To get familiar with the examination
4. To know where I stand among the aspirants, etc.

Although, the above reasons are valid, when it comes to the mock test, aspirants miss one of the most important factors, “Is it following UPSC standard?”.

UPSC Civil Services Exam: Tips to crack it in first attempt

UPSC prelims

Best mock test for UPSC prelims must neither be too tough nor too easy. It should have questions of all standards.

If the question papers of previous preliminary examination are analyzed, one can find questions from NCERT class VI too.

A good mock test will give importance to both static portion of the UPSC syllabus along with current affairs.

In UPSC prelims, questions from static portion will not be asked randomly rather, they will be framed from topics that are in news. For example, if there is controvery going on over split in political party, a question from 10^th schedule of the Indian constitution might appear in the examination.

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Thus, before joining any mock test check whether it is up to the standard of UPSC or not.

Aspirants must also solve previous year question papers as there is a high possibility that some questions may appear in the examination.

The book shown above is the best book to practice previous year questions.

Best mock test for UPSC prelims in Hyderabad

Personally speaking, in Hyderabad, I find mock tests by BYJUS and Analog IAS Institute are some of the best tests.

Online or offline: Which mock test is better?

Another confusion that prevails among UPSC aspirants is which mode of mock test is better, online or offline?

Before answering to above question, I will ask, “How UPSC conducts prelims exam? Is it OMR based or Computer Based Exam?”.

However, due to pandemic situation, aspirants are left with no option but to go for online mode of test which is best option as of now.

In such a situation, aspirants should consider keeping an OMR sheet ready while appearing tests online. They must not only mark their answer on computer but also in OMR sheet simultaneously. This will ensure that they don’t lose the habit of appearing OMR sheet based examination.

UPSC Main

The approach for selecting best mock test for UPSC mains is completely different. Here aspirants must consider joining mock test of the institute that has good evaluators.

In the mock test for mains, the review of aspirant’s answer writing skills plays an important role. A good evaluator will not only reward the right marks but also point out aspirant’s week areas.

Some institutes give two options. Aspirants can write a mock test entirely online by typing answers on the screen itself or they can download question paper and upload answer script after writing answers on papers.

The second option is the better one as it will not only improve writing style but also help in time management during the actual examination.

Personally speaking, I find tests by Vision IAS is the best mock test for UPSC mains.

Mock interviews

Aspirants who clear UPSC mains must attend as many mock interviews as possible as it will not only make you familiar with the questions that are usually asked in the interview but also increases confidence.