Cleared UPSC Prelims 2026? AIR 1’s Mains preparation tips you should follow
Thousands of candidates qualifed UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, the result of which was declared on Tuesday and will now begin preparing for the Mains stage. Former UPSC topper Anudeep Durishetty, who secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the 2017 Civil Services Examination, has shared a detailed strategy to help aspirants navigate the next phase of preparation.According to Durishetty, General Studies papers may appear overwhelming because they carry 1,000 marks across four papers, but a structured approach can make preparation manageable, he said in his blog post.
Importance of Syllabus and PYQs
Durishetty advises candidates to begin their Mains preparation with a thorough understanding of the UPSC syllabus. He says aspirants should keep a printed copy of the syllabus and ensure they have enough content to write a 250-word answer on every topic mentioned in it. He also recommends studying previous years’ question papers to understand the depth, scope and pattern of questions asked by the commission.
Answer writing should be daily habit
According to Durishetty, reading and revision alone are not enough to succeed in the Mains examination. He stresses the importance of regular answer-writing practice, saying that examiners judge candidates only through their written responses. He also advises aspirants to take mock tests seriously, follow strict time limits and develop the stamina needed to write for long hours during the multi-day examination process.
Current affairs are crucial
The former UPSC topper says current affairs form the core of preparation, particularly for General Studies Papers 2 and 3. He recommends integrating current developments with static subjects while making notes. Durishetty also suggests using government reports, committee recommendations, Supreme Court judgments and important statistics to make answers more comprehensive and balanced.
Avoid perfectionism
One of Durishetty’s key messages is that perfectionism can become a major obstacle during preparation. He cautions aspirants against spending excessive time searching for the perfect notes or study material. Instead, he encourages candidates to focus on steady improvement through regular revision, consistent practice and timely completion of mock tests, saying that gradual progress is more valuable than chasing perfection.Durishetty also recommends using maps, diagrams and flowcharts wherever relevant, as these can make answers more effective and easier for examiners to evaluate. He believes that disciplined preparation, regular revision and continuous answer-writing practice are among the most important factors for performing well in UPSC Mains.
