Choosing the Right Pen for UPSC Mains: Shankar IAS Academy Recommendations

Shankar IAS Academy, a renowned institution for UPSC preparation, recommends the use of a fountain pen for the Mains examination. Given the lengthy nature of the papers, the choice of pen can significantly enhance writing speed and comfort, leading to better performance in the exam.

Shankar IAS Academy's Recommendation for Fountain Pen

Shankar IAS Academy specifically suggests using a fountain pen with a good grip and smooth ink flow. Popular choices include the Pilot and Parker fountain pens.

Basics of Choosing a Writing Pen

When choosing a pen for the UPSC Mains exam, the candidate should consider the following criteria:

Key Criteria

Lightweight: The pen should not stress your fingers and be comfortable to hold for extended periods. Good Grip: The pen should have a comfortable grip to enhance writing speed. Sleek Pens: Slender pens are recommended as they do not slow down your writing speed. Non-Spreading Ink: The ink should not spread excessively on the paper. Waterproof vs Gel Pens: While gel pens are brighter and give a good appearance, ink pens without waterproofing may leak and require frequent refills.

Common Pens Suggested by Shankar IAS Academy

Here are a few common pens that have been tried and recommended by Shankar IAS Academy:

Pilot V5

Easy grip, sleek design Good ink flow Not waterproof Pen tip not smooth compared to V7 and Uniball pens Most commonly used pen

Hauser Tech 5

Sleek design Comparatively bulky but comfortable for those with big fingers Uniform ink flow Pen tip not smooth initially, but becomes smoother after a few pages

Pilot V7

Easy grip and sleek design Very good ink flow compared to V5 Very good pen tip compared to V5 Possible to spread on paper, which may spoil the answer The best pen but may not be suitable for UPSC due to ink spreading risk

Uniball Eye Fine

Sleek and easy grip Good ink flow as it is a gel pen Potential issue of spreading ink on paper Ink flow reduces towards the end, which may be irritating during long writing sessions

Uniball Fine Deluxe

Good grip, sleek design, and good flow Waterproof Gel pen

Reynolds Trimax

Sleek and easy grip Good ink flow Pointed pen tip, though not much uncomfortable compared to Uniball pens

Tips for Choosing Your Pen

1. No Universal Pen: There is no one pen that fits everyone's need perfectly. Experiment with different pens during your mock tests or answer writing practice.

2. No New Pen for Exam: Do not try a new pen on the exam day to avoid any discomfort or issues.

3. Consistency: If you are convinced about 2 or 3 pens, use a maximum of those and decide on one for the exam. Before settling, write a few pages using all the pens to enhance the flow.

Good luck with your UPSC Mains preparation!