Should I attempt previous years' papers without referring to any study material?


Attempting previous years' papers is a common practice among students preparing for competitive exams such as the UPSC. It helps in familiarizing oneself with the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the level of difficulty. However, whether one should attempt these papers without referring to any study material depends on various factors.


1. Understanding the Exam Pattern: Attempting previous years' papers provides insights into the exam pattern, the number of questions, and the distribution of marks. This helps in strategizing the time allocation for different sections and topics.

2. Identifying Important Topics: By attempting previous years' papers, one can identify the recurring topics, which are often considered important for the exam. This allows students to focus their preparation on these topics and prioritize their study material accordingly.

3. Building Confidence: Solving previous years' papers without study material helps in building confidence and reducing exam anxiety. It gives a sense of familiarity with the type of questions and boosts self-assurance.

4. Developing Time Management Skills: Attempting previous years' papers within the stipulated time helps in developing time management skills, which are crucial during the actual exam. It trains students to allocate time efficiently to different sections and questions.

5. Improving Speed and Accuracy: Regular practice of previous years' papers without referring to study material enhances speed and accuracy. It helps in developing a better understanding of the concepts and improves problem-solving abilities.


1. Lack of Conceptual Clarity: Attempting previous years' papers without referring to study material may result in a lack of conceptual clarity. It is important to understand the underlying concepts and theories to answer questions accurately.

2. Missing Updated Information: The syllabus and exam pattern may change over time. Attempting previous years' papers alone may not provide updated information on the current trends and topics.

3. Incomplete Coverage of Syllabus: Relying solely on previous years' papers may lead to incomplete coverage of the syllabus. It is essential to refer to study material to ensure comprehensive preparation.

4. Dependence on Guesswork: Without study material, students may be forced to rely on guesswork for unfamiliar questions. This may result in incorrect answers and a decrease in overall performance.


While attempting previous years' papers without study material can be beneficial in terms of understanding the exam pattern, identifying important topics, and building confidence, it is important to strike a balance. Referring to study material is crucial for developing conceptual clarity, staying updated with the syllabus, and ensuring comprehensive preparation. Therefore, it is recommended to use previous years' papers as a supplementary resource along with study material to maximize the effectiveness of exam preparation.