The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam is a grueling, multi-stage process that demands intense preparation, resilience, and dedication. UPSC toppers—those who have successfully cracked one of India’s toughest exams—often possess certain habits and strategies that help them stand out. Some of these habits might seem unusual, odd, or even counterintuitive, but they played a crucial role in their success. Let’s dive into 5 Weird Habits of UPSC Toppers That You Won’t Believe Actually Helped! and explore how they can be beneficial to you as well.
1. The Power of Power Naps
One of the most surprising habits of UPSC toppers is their regular use of power naps. While it might sound counterproductive to sleep during a time when you are expected to be studying non-stop, many UPSC candidates swear by this technique. Short naps of around 15-20 minutes in the afternoon can significantly enhance memory retention, boost concentration, and reduce stress.
Why Power Naps Work: When you’re studying for hours on end, your brain can easily become overloaded, leading to fatigue. Short naps give your brain time to process the information you’ve absorbed and refresh your energy levels. Toppers often make time for these naps to ensure that they remain productive throughout their long study sessions. They understand the importance of quality rest, which prevents burnout and promotes efficient learning.
How You Can Implement This: Instead of slogging through exhaustion, take brief breaks every couple of hours. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes of rest and make sure to avoid distractions during that time. A refreshing nap can help you absorb information better and retain it for longer periods.
2. Studying in Unusual Places
It may sound strange, but many UPSC toppers have found success by studying in unconventional or non-traditional spaces. Some have been known to study in parks, on rooftops, or in coffee shops, rather than in a quiet room with books scattered all over the table. The idea behind this is to break free from the monotony of the usual study setting and stay more engaged with the material.
Why It Helps: Studying in a different environment can stimulate your brain in a way that boosts focus and creativity. A change of scenery can make studying feel less like a burden and more like an adventure. Toppers find that it helps them refresh their mind and gain a new perspective on complex topics. Moreover, these diverse environments help reduce the chances of becoming overwhelmed with stress.
How You Can Implement This: Next time you feel bored or distracted in your study room, try relocating to a different space. Even a brief change of scenery can help you come back to your study materials with renewed energy and focus. Whether it’s a local library, a park bench, or even a cozy café, find a place that feels refreshing for your study session.
3. Waking Up at Unbelievable Hours
Most people believe that successful students wake up at the crack of dawn. However, UPSC toppers often wake up at unusual hours, like 4 or 5 AM. Some of them even prefer waking up after a few hours of deep sleep, giving their brain more time to process and rejuvenate during the night. This habit seems to contradict the general advice of waking up early, yet it works wonders for many.
Why It Works: The idea behind this habit is linked to the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Some people are naturally more productive during certain times of the day. Toppers often discover that waking up after a long, quality sleep and giving their brain the time it needs to start the day results in a more productive morning. In fact, the early hours tend to be quieter, making it easier to focus without distractions.
How You Can Implement This: Listen to your body’s natural rhythm. If you’re someone who feels most alert and energized after a longer sleep cycle, don’t force yourself to wake up too early. Instead, aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep and experiment with waking up at different hours to determine when you feel most productive.
4. Making Study Material from Scratch
While many candidates rely on ready-made study materials or guidebooks, some UPSC toppers prefer creating their own notes. They often use their textbooks, videos, or online lectures to create personalized notes, diagrams, and summaries. This might seem like extra work, but it is an essential habit that has helped many toppers cement their understanding of topics.
Why It Helps: Creating your own study material forces you to engage more deeply with the content. The act of summarizing complex ideas in your own words helps with understanding and retention. By breaking down complex information into manageable chunks, you can recall details more easily during the exam. It also helps to make connections between different topics and reinforces your learning.
How You Can Implement This: Instead of passively reading textbooks or notes, take the time to write down key concepts in your own words. Organize the information in a way that makes sense to you, using charts, diagrams, or bullet points. This method can lead to better comprehension and retention, making it easier to recall information during exams.
5. Setting Up an “End-of-Day Review” Routine
UPSC toppers often engage in a habit known as the “End-of-Day Review.” This involves dedicating a few minutes at the end of the day to reflect on what was learned, review key concepts, and assess whether any improvements are needed. This ritual might sound minor, but it is a game-changer for many candidates.
Why It Helps: The End-of-Day Review helps in reinforcing the day’s learning and making it more effective. By reviewing and summarizing the key takeaways, your brain consolidates the information more effectively. This habit also provides an opportunity to adjust your study schedule for the next day and ensures that you don’t miss out on any important concepts.
How You Can Implement This: Make it a habit to spend 10-15 minutes at the end of each day reflecting on what you learned. You can even make this a journaling habit where you note down things that went well and areas that need more focus. This self-assessment allows you to stay on track with your preparation and adapt accordingly.
Additional Habits That Can Boost Your UPSC Preparation
Along with the weird but effective habits mentioned above, there are other strategies that UPSC toppers follow, which can also contribute significantly to your preparation:
- Mindfulness and Meditation
Many successful candidates incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation into their routine. These practices help improve focus, reduce anxiety, and maintain mental clarity. Regular meditation can help you stay calm and manage stress during intense study sessions and while preparing for the exam. - Setting Small, Achievable Goals
Breaking down the massive UPSC syllabus into smaller, manageable goals can significantly boost your morale and productivity. UPSC toppers often set small daily targets, such as completing a specific number of chapters or mastering a certain concept. This approach prevents overwhelm and keeps you on track. - Active Revision
Rather than simply rereading notes, toppers prefer active revision techniques. This could include using flashcards, quizzes, or teaching the material to someone else. By actively engaging with the material, you increase the likelihood of retaining it in your long-term memory. - Consistency Over Intensity
UPSC toppers tend to follow a routine of consistent, steady study rather than cramming the night before. They focus on creating a sustainable study plan that prioritizes consistency. A little bit of studying every day can be more effective than attempting marathon sessions of 12-15 hours in one go. - Keeping a Healthy Lifestyle
Physical health is a priority for many toppers. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sleep are integral parts of their daily routines. Maintaining physical health ensures that the body and mind stay sharp and energetic, especially during long hours of study.
Conclusion
The path to UPSC success isn’t always about following conventional study techniques. The five weird habits shared by toppers prove that success in this exam can come from adopting unconventional methods that work best for your personal learning style. Whether it’s power naps, studying in unconventional places, or creating your own notes, these habits all contribute to better concentration, stress management, and information retention.
By incorporating these practices into your routine and finding what works best for you, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for cracking UPSC, but these strategies can surely guide you towards an efficient and productive study plan that leads to success.
If you enjoyed this blog, don’t miss out on our previous one What No One Tells You About the UPSC Interview Round