Introduction:
When creating a study plan, it is essential to allocate separate time for deep reading of textbooks and skimming through reference materials. Both activities serve different purposes and have distinct benefits for effective learning. Let's explore the reasons behind allocating separate time for these activities.

Deep Reading of Textbooks:
Deep reading involves thorough and comprehensive reading of textbooks. It requires concentration, focus, and time commitment. Here are the reasons why allocating separate time for deep reading of textbooks is important:

1. In-depth understanding: Deep reading allows you to delve into the subject matter, comprehend complex concepts, and grasp the finer details. It helps you gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic, which is crucial for exams like UPSC.

2. Retention: By spending dedicated time on deep reading, you can enhance your retention and recall ability. The information you absorb during deep reading is more likely to stay in your long-term memory, enabling you to recall it during exams or when needed.

3. Critical thinking: Deep reading encourages critical thinking and analytical skills. It allows you to critically evaluate the presented information, identify patterns, make connections, and develop a deeper insight into the subject matter.

4. Conceptual clarity: Textbooks often provide a structured and organized presentation of concepts. Deep reading helps you clarify any doubts, fill knowledge gaps, and strengthen your conceptual foundation.

Skimming through Reference Materials:
Skimming refers to quickly browsing through reference materials to get a general overview of the content. Here's why separate time should be allocated for skimming through reference materials:

1. Quick review: Skimming allows you to quickly review a large volume of information. It is particularly useful when you need to refresh your memory or quickly revise a topic before an exam.

2. Identifying key points: Skimming helps you identify the main ideas, key points, and important facts. This saves time and enables you to focus on relevant information without getting lost in unnecessary details.

3. Exam-oriented preparation: Skimming through reference materials helps you prioritize the topics that are more likely to be asked in exams. It allows you to align your preparation with the exam pattern and syllabus, ensuring efficient use of your study time.

4. Broader perspective: Skimming through reference materials from various sources provides a broader perspective on the subject. It exposes you to different viewpoints, theories, and arguments, which can enhance your understanding and critical thinking skills.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, allocating separate time for deep reading of textbooks and skimming through reference materials is crucial for effective studying. Deep reading helps you gain in-depth knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and strengthen conceptual understanding. On the other hand, skimming through reference materials allows for quick review, identification of key points, and exam-oriented preparation. By incorporating both activities into your study plan, you can optimize your learning and improve your chances of success in exams like UPSC.