When preparing for the UPSC exam, attempting previous years' papers is an essential part of the preparation process. It helps in understanding the exam pattern, identifying important topics, and improving time management skills. However, the question arises whether one should attempt these papers in a single sitting or divide them into multiple sessions. Let's discuss both approaches in detail.

• Pros:




• Simulates exam conditions: Attempting the papers in a single sitting replicates the actual exam environment, helping you develop the ability to concentrate for a longer duration of time.


• Improves time management: By attempting the papers in one go, you can assess your speed and efficiency in completing the paper within the given time frame.


• Identifies weaknesses: Attempting the papers at once highlights your areas of weakness, allowing you to focus on those specific topics during your preparation.





• Cons:




• Physical and mental exhaustion: Sitting for a prolonged period can lead to fatigue, reducing your ability to perform at your best towards the end of the paper.


• Limited learning opportunities: With limited time for analysis and reflection between papers, you may not fully grasp the key concepts and mistakes made during the examination.

• Pros:




• Reduced exhaustion: Dividing the papers into multiple sessions allows for breaks, preventing physical and mental exhaustion, and maintaining focus throughout the preparation process.


• Enhanced learning opportunities: With breaks between sessions, you can thoroughly analyze each paper, understand your mistakes, and revise the relevant topics before attempting the next set.


• Improved retention: Spacing out the papers over time enhances long-term memory retention, enabling you to retain the learned concepts more effectively.





• Cons:




• Deviation from exam conditions: Dividing the papers might not provide a realistic exam experience as there will be interruptions and breaks, unlike the actual exam setting.


• Potential procrastination: Dividing the papers can lead to procrastination, with the risk of not completing the entire set of papers.

Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. It ultimately depends on your personal preference, stamina, and learning style. If you can manage to stay focused for a longer duration without exhaustion, attempting the papers in a single sitting can be beneficial. On the other hand, dividing the papers into multiple sessions allows for better analysis, reflection, and retention. It is advisable to strike a balance between the two approaches by attempting a mix of single sitting and divided sessions to optimize your preparation for the UPSC exam.