Dear Aspirant,

I hope you are doing well both physically and mentally!

Some students study alone. Some prefer to study in a group.

Irrespective of your studying style, you might have a set of people with whom you discuss your preparation.

In many cases, it could be either your gang of classmates, roommates or a telegram group with virtual friends.

This is your peer group. This is your small circle that has a subtle but significant impact on your Speed, Focus and Aspirations.

Let us dive in to understand more.

#1: The Speed of your Group impacts your Speed

Speed is a relative concept. You are going fast or slow in comparison to another person or object. The same applies to your preparation. If you are part of a group where students

• Allocate four months for the Optional subject

• Finish Polity by Lakshmikant in one month

• Complete Modern History from Spectrum in one month

Then, there is a good chance that you might also be following similar timelines. The exact time for each individual might vary. But if your peer group is spending 4 months only on Polity, you might also feel that this is the correct way to prepare. The end result will be that you won't complete the syllabus on time.

#2: Your Peer Group's Focus impacts your Focus

This might be true for a peer group that meets up regularly. As we wish to compare our preparation with others, we might tend to keep changing our plans on the basis of our Peer Group.

While it helps to get a sense of your progress, depending entirely on someone else can be detrimental.

#3: Your Peer Group's Aspirations impact your Aspirations

In my own case, I came across a couple of aspirants solving 30 MCQs on a daily basis. Later I came across others who were able to do 50 MCQs per day. This made me understand that it is doable and not beyond my reach.

Over the past two months, I have been part of a group where the aspirants are writing 3 PYQs for GS (Mains). Just by being a part of this group, I have practised a lot more than I would have done by myself.

Should I necessarily have a Peer Group?

Well, the answer is No. Each person's preparation style varies. But if you find it difficult to keep yourself motivated and consistent, do find 2-3 people who are much ahead of you in this journey.

Seeing them strive hard on a daily basis can rub off on to you. One could conclude by saying,

Daily Quiz Scores

Wishing you a productive and peaceful week ahead :)

Best Regards,

Satya