Candidates can align their preparation with national and state priorities by actively researching recent policies and initiatives relevant to the UPSC examination. Understanding the current socio-political landscape enables aspirants to contextualize their study material within a broader framework. They should follow government reports, news articles, and official documents to grasp key issues affecting governance. Additionally, integrating state-specific information into their preparation allows candidates to address the diverse needs of India's federal structure, thereby enhancing their overall effectiveness in the exam.