As the Civil Services Examination approaches, a sense of urgency grips aspirants across the country. Study hours increase, resources multiply, and anxiety quietly builds. Yet, amidst this chaos, one crucial question often remains unanswered: What should one actually focus on in the last 60 days?
According to Rishabh Sharma—popularly known as Rishabh Sir, a UPSC faculty, mentor, and author associated with leading institutions like UppscPathshala, StudyIQ, Synopsis IAS, Direction Educare, Chahal Academy, PMFIAS, and KSG, and currently Founder and Director of Eazynomics and EarthNiti—the answer is not about doing more, but doing what matters.
The Biggest Myth: More Study = More Success?
A common assumption among aspirants is that cracking UPSC requires endless hours and multiple sources. But is that really the case?
Rishabh Sir challenges this belief.
“UPSC is more about mindset than knowledge. The real issue today is not lack of resources, but *excess of resources.”
Pause and reflect:
Are you still adding new materials at this stage?
Do you revise consistently, or just move forward?
Are you preparing strategically, or just consuming content?
In the last 60 days, clarity matters more than curiosity. Depth matters more than breadth.
Information Overload: The Silent Killer
Today’s aspirant has access to unlimited content—PDFs, coaching notes, YouTube lectures, and current affairs compilations. While this seems like an advantage, it often leads to confusion and inconsistency.
“Multiple sources dilute focus,” Rishabh Sir emphasizes. “If you are still searching for new content, you are not preparing—you are distracted.”
The solution is simple yet powerful:
Stick to limited, trusted sources
Focus on revision cycles
Prioritize Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Success in UPSC is not about covering everything, but about mastering what is important.
PYQs: The Closest Insight into UPSC
Almost every aspirant solves PYQs, but very few truly analyze them.
Rishabh Sir calls PYQs the most powerful tool in the last phase.
“UPSC does not ask random questions. There is a clear pattern, and PYQs help you decode it.”
Instead of treating them as practice questions, aspirants should:
Identify repeated themes
Understand question patterns
Focus on conceptual application
Ask yourself:
Are you solving PYQs, or are you learning from them?
Because in these final 60 days, PYQs can transform your preparation from generic to exam-oriented.
Discipline Over Long Hours
In a culture where long study hours are glorified, Rishabh Sir offers a refreshing approach.
“You don’t need 12–14 hours daily. You need 5–6 hours of focused, quality study.”
This means:
Studying with full concentration
Setting clear daily targets
Revising regularly
Consistency, not intensity, is the real game-changer.
Think about it:
Are your hours productive, or just prolonged?
The Power of 1000 High-Impact Topics
One of the most practical strategies suggested by Rishabh Sir is focusing on 1000 high-impact topics across all subjects.
These topics are not randomly selected. They are based on:
PYQ trend analysis
Syllabus breakdown
Conceptual relevance
Current affairs linkage
“The idea is not to study everything, but to study what matters repeatedly,” he explains.
Imagine shifting your preparation from endless content to a focused, curated list.
Would it improve your revision?
Would it boost your confidence?
For most aspirants, the answer is clear.
A Practical 60-Day Strategy
Rishabh Sir outlines a structured plan:
First 20 Days – Consolidation
Finalize sources
Revise core subjects
Start deep PYQ analysis
Next 20 Days – Reinforcement
Focus on weak areas
Solve sectional tests
Strengthen concepts
Last 20 Days – Simulation
Attempt full-length mocks
Analyze mistakes
Build exam temperament
The foundation across all phases remains:
Revision +
PYQs + Clarity
Mindset: The Ultimate Differentiator
At its core, UPSC preparation is not just about knowledge—it is about mindset.
In the last stretch, self-doubt and anxiety are natural. But what matters is how you respond.
Rishabh Sir advises:
Avoid comparison
Trust your preparation
Focus on execution
“Everyone has access to similar content. What creates the difference is clarity and discipline.”
The Final Reflection
As you approach the exam, ask yourself:
Are you preparing randomly or strategically?
Are you collecting information or mastering it?
Are you chasing hours or building discipline?
Because the last 60 days are not just about studying—they are about transforming your approach.
For Serious Aspirants
For those who want a structured approach, Rishabh Sir has curated a list of 1000 high-impact topics across all subjects, designed to align with UPSC trends and maximize efficiency in the final phase.
In a journey filled with uncertainty, the right strategy brings clarity. And as Rishabh Sir reminds every aspirant—success in UPSC is not about knowing everything, but about knowing what matters, and mastering it with the right mindset.
