• Nov 30, 2025

How to Score 70+ in MPSC Prelims: The Rank 1 Strategy for MPSC Combined Success

The MPSC Combined examination demands not just dedication, but strategic efficiency. As cutoffs continue to rise for coveted positions like ASO (Group B) and Industrial Inspector (Group C), the era of casual preparation is over. MPSC Aspirants must approach the Prelims as a surgical operation designed to maximize every mark.

This competitive exam guidance provides a deep dive into the methodology of Harshad Bagul (ASO, Rank 1, ST Category), who secured 72 marks in the MPSC Prelims. His success hinges on meticulous Time Management and unwavering consistency in MPSC preparation—a powerful, clear MPSC Strategy to breach the high-score threshold and move closer to your goal of securing MPSC success.

 

 

The Time Management Blueprint: A 60-Minute Game Plan

The Prelims paper is a test of speed and decision-making. Harshad stresses that securing MPSC Success begins with adhering to a strict, pre-determined time allocation.

The Non-Negotiable 35-Minute GS Challenge

The 100-question paper must be approached with the following split:

  • General Studies (80 Questions): You must allocate a maximum of 30 to 35 minutes for subjects like Polity, History, and Current Affairs. This strict limit forces rapid recall and prevents overthinking lengthy questions, ensuring you finish the bulk of the paper and have time for the scoring Maths section.
  • Maths & Reasoning (20 Questions): Reserve the remaining 25 to 30 minutes. Since the 20 questions in this section carry significant weight and require calculation, giving them the necessary time ensures accuracy, leading to reliable, high scores.

Subject Prioritization: Guaranteeing High-Yield Marks

A successful MPSC Strategy identifies "scoring subjects" that offer the highest return on investment. The focus is not on attempting every question, but on securing the maximum possible score in the easiest areas.

Subject Focus

Questions (Approx.)

Target Score

Strategic Rationale

Maths & Reasoning

20

17-18 Marks

The most reliable scoring area; requires daily, dedicated practice (1 to 1.5 hours) for perfection.

Polity

15

12-13 Marks

A foundational strength for most candidates. Errors here are costly, so focus on eliminating tricky mistakes.

Science

15

7-8 Marks

The Swing Subject. Do not skip. Securing these marks is now mandatory due to high cutoffs, especially against competitors with engineering or science backgrounds.

Economics

15

Conceptual Clarity

Avoid rote learning of facts. Focus on core concepts (e.g., RBI functions, fiscal policy). Link with the Budget and Current Affairs angle.

Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid in MPSC Prelims

  1. Ignoring Science: Non-science background MPSC Aspirants often dismiss this section, which is a critical error when aiming for a 70+ score.
  2. Fact-Ratta Syndrome in Economics: The MPSC Commission tests application and understanding. Relying solely on memorizing data/facts will severely limit your ability to answer the conceptual questions that define the current exam trend. Prioritize the conceptual foundation.
  3. Ad-hoc Current Affairs: Weekly, systematic revision of Current Affairs is essential. Avoid accumulating a huge backlog, which leads to shallow last-minute study.

The Three Pillars of Informed MPSC Preparation

Harshad’s success was built on three non-negotiable elements that convert effort into results, laying the groundwork for MPSC Mains preparation.

1. Daily Practice and Consistency (Satatya)

Consistency in MPSC is paramount. Harshad dedicated a fixed daily slot (1 to 1.5 hours) solely to Maths and Reasoning. This ensured that 20% of his final score was secured through habit, not last-minute effort. Identify your foundational subject and maintain that daily ritual.

2. Strategic Revision and Note-Making

Effective revision is the key difference between reading and retention. Successful candidates convert their extensive study material into personalized, condensed revision notes. These notes facilitate systematic, repeatable recall sessions, ensuring that knowledge is available instantly under exam pressure.

3. Mastering the Exam Simulation

The goal of studying is to perform well in the exam hall. This is achieved through simulation:

  • Test Series: Use test series strictly to practice the 35/25 Time Management split. It hones your ability to manage the 60-minute clock under pressure.
  • Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Solve PYQs from recent years (post-2017) to become deeply familiar with the MPSC language, terminology, and the exact mindset of the paper setters. Every PYQ session must be followed by a thorough analysis of missed questions and required revisions.

Conclusion: Plan Like an Officer

Whether your ambition is the administrative prestige of an ASO or the specialized mandate of an Industrial Inspector, your journey to securing MPSC success starts now. Stop studying passively and start planning strategically. Focus on maximizing scores in high-yield areas, adhering to the rigid time management blueprint, and building consistency in MPSC through daily practice. Success is the inevitable output of this high-score, disciplined strategy.