Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Admin
Introduction
If you recall, in the time table we recommended, we had suggested doing subject wise mock tests during the first reading of the syllabus. In this article, we’ll discuss how exactly to do that, and how to strengthen your preparation using them.
Recommended Schedule for Mock Tests
In the time table google sheet we provided, we recommended the following time table for Mock Tests. The schedule discusses both subject wise and full length mock tests. In reality, your schedule might differ slightly from the one given here, but overall, it should look similar.
In the above schedule, we recommend giving subject wise tests while you’re doing the first reading of the syllabus. Full length tests can be started once you’ve done complete reading of the syllabus.
When to Give Subject Wise Tests
While we’ve recommended dates in the above time table, we’ll discuss the principles behind them, so that you can adjust according to your schedule.
If you recall, we recommended that first reading of the syllabus can be done from 7 Jan to 5th March. Below was the recommended schedule for the first reading of the syllabus. (in strategy article)
Now, if you also refer to Table 1 (mock test schedule), we’ve recommended a total of 16 subject wise mock tests for all subjects combined. Further dividation of these mock tests can be done as follows:
Considering all three tables given above, we’re suggesting that, as you finish reading of first two subjects i.e. Economy and Polity, you should give mock tests on them. So, simultaneously you’ll be studying next two subjects i.e. Environment and Geography, and will also be giving mock tests on Economy and Polity.
Same process will repeat when you’ll be done with reading of Environment and Geography. You should start reading Current Affairs and GK, and also give mock tests on Environment and Geography.
Hope I’ve not confused you. If you feel that way, refer to all three tables again and re-read above two paras.
Purpose and Analysis of Subject Wise Mock Tests
One should know that at different stages, you should have different expectations from your studies. You’ll be giving subject wise mock tests only after first reading. While you would have understood the important concept in the subject, there will still be some gaps.
At this stage, a mock test will help you revise the subject once again. You can solve 50 questions at a time, and then do a thorough analysis. During analysis, you should rely more on searching the answer from the notes/books you read in the first reading, rather than ready-made answer given with the test. This will ensure that you get to know your sources thoroughly.
Mock test will test your understanding of the subject, and check whether your first reading was effective. It will also point out if any gaps are remaining in subject, and accordingly you should study such topics/subtopics and make your subject full-proof.
Also know that, if you’re committing mistakes in easy, simple or conceptual topics in a mock test, it should ring a bell. You are supposed to become more serious in your preparation and ensure that such mistakes don’t repeat.
However, if the mistakes are happening in ‘out of syllabus’, or peripheral topics, you should not beat yourselves too much. You should yourself judge whether the topic is important for the exam, and accordingly either reject the question, or do the topic very well from the final exam perspective. You’re supposed to get the maturity to judge the question based on analysis of previous year questions on particular subject, which you’re supposed to do in first reading (as suggested in this article).
What Next?
Know that a solid preparation happens only in stages, and not all at once. You cannot have all the knowledge at the end of first reading itself. However, you also cannot do 2nd and subsequent readings effectively, if the first reading was not done comprehensively, understanding all topics.
Mock tests function as a form of revision, albeit differently. They first assess your knowledge and then guide you to revisit specific topics based on the questions. Revision through regular reading follows a linear approach, covering topics sequentially. On the other hand, mock tests facilitate revision of one subtopic at a time—like scattered raindrops or a mosaic pattern. While the coverage may seem random, repeated exposure (multiple mock tests) ensures a thorough understanding of all areas.
At this stage, we ask you to focus only on subject-wise mock tests. There is no point rushing to give full length tests. Do each subject properly, and the exam will take care of itself.
In the next article, we’ll be discussing the strategy for Current Affairs and Science & Tech preparation. It will be a well researched article that will discuss strategy as well as resources for the preparation. Stay tuned!
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