How to Prepare for UPSC Mains in the Last 60 Days: Tips By Ensure IAS

The UPSC Mains examination is one of the most challenging academic hurdles in India, and the final 60 days before the exam are absolutely crucial. At Ensure IAS, recognized as the Best UPSC Coaching in Delhi, we have guided hundreds of aspirants to success through structured last-minute strategies. If you are in this phase, do not panic — a well-planned approach can make all the difference between clearing Mains and missing the cut.

1. Revise, Don't Start New Topics

The biggest mistake aspirants make in the last 60 days is picking up new books or topics. This is the time for deep revision, not discovery. Focus on your existing notes, standard textbooks, and previous year question papers. Revise each General Studies paper at least twice before the exam date.

2. Focus on Answer Writing Practice

UPSC Mains is not just about knowledge — it is about how effectively you present it. Dedicate at least 2–3 hours daily to answer writing. Practice writing answers within the word limit (150 and 250 words). Focus on structure: introduction, body with multiple dimensions, and a balanced conclusion.

3. Create a Paper-Wise Study Schedule

Divide your 60 days across all four General Studies papers, Essay, and Optional subject. Allocate more time to your weaker areas. A typical weekly plan could look like:

• Monday–Tuesday: GS Paper 1 (History, Geography, Society)

• Wednesday–Thursday: GS Paper 2 (Polity, Governance, IR)

• Friday: GS Paper 3 (Economy, Environment, Science & Tech)

• Saturday: GS Paper 4 (Ethics) + Essay Practice

• Sunday: Optional Subject Revision

4. Prioritize Current Affairs Integration

UPSC Mains rewards answers that are enriched with relevant current examples. Compile a concise current affairs booklet covering the last 12 months. Connect current events to static topics — this shows analytical thinking and impresses evaluators.

5. Solve Previous Year Questions Daily

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are a goldmine. They reveal examiner preferences, repeated themes, and question patterns. Solving at least 5–10 PYQs daily will sharpen your approach and improve your time management during the actual exam.

6. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Stress management is non-negotiable in the final stretch. Maintain a healthy sleep cycle of 7–8 hours, eat well, and take short breaks. Burnout can derail months of preparation in just a few weeks.

7. Seek Expert Guidance

If you feel lost or need personalized mentorship, connecting with experienced faculty can be a game-changer. Ensure IAS, the Best UPSC Coaching in Delhi, offers dedicated Mains crash courses, answer writing programs, and one-on-one doubt sessions to help aspirants maximize their score in the last two months.

Final Thoughts

The last 60 days are not the time to wish you had done more — they are the time to make the most of what you have. Stay consistent, stay focused, and trust your preparation. With the right strategy and the support of experts at Ensure IAS, your UPSC Mains success story is well within reach.