Do you really have to wait till you finish the entire syllabus? And can you really finish the entire syllabus?

When should we start the Answer Writing practice?

While preparing for this exam, it is generally believed that Answer writing practise must be started after completing the entire syllabus. But this perspective might actually be wrong.

Writing answers is a skill that develops over time. It is very different from answering MCQs. Writing a 250-word answer on Poverty is entirely different from answering an MCQ on the Committee that recommended the Poverty line. This belief in postponing the answer writing practice has resulted in lesser time to practice answers before the actual Mains exam.

Some Aspirants assume that Reading more will automatically help you to Write better

Reading more might make you more knowledgeable but will not help you to concisely put your thoughts in a written form.

In my case, one of the first difficult topics I studied in detail was "Reasons why India had backed out of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)." I read a few editorials and thought that I understood the topic. But when I began to write, I realised that my understanding had gaps. I had to read more to be able to finally write an answer.

Now, let us imagine a different approach:

Instead of waiting to finish the whole syllabus, start writing as you learn a concept

Pick up an A-4 sheet and try to recall or summarize the important points of a concept you have learned.

Once you try to do this, it will help you to realise the gaps in your understanding of the topic. A topic of poverty might have multiple angles to it - Economic, Political, Gender Bias etc

Writing also gives you confidence that you have understood this topic at a deeper level.

Gradually more aspirants are moving away from the traditional method and adopting the "Write as you learn" strategy

In the final exam, 86.4% (1750/2025) of your score depends on your ability to write what you know.

The "Write as you learn" approach relies on the Pareto principle - "roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes"

Writing does require knowledge and skill, both of which compound with regular practice.

Wishing you all the very best in your writing practice!!!