What are the most common mistakes beginners make in the first six months during UPSC Preparation?

The first six months are critical, yet many beginners fall into traps that lead to burnout or wasted effort. 
1. Ignoring the Syllabus and PYQs: Many start reading books cover-to-cover without understanding what UPSC actually asks. Without the syllabus and Previous Year Questions as a guide, you risk studying irrelevant details.
2. Resource Overload: Beginners often collect too many books, telegram PDFs, and coaching notes. This "material hoarding" leads to confusion. The golden rule is: One source per subject, revised multiple times.
3. Skipping NCERTs: In a rush to read "advanced" books like Laxmikanth or Ramesh Singh, many skip the NCERTs. This leaves their conceptual foundation weak, making advanced topics harder to grasp.
4. Neglecting the Newspaper: Some rely solely on monthly current affairs compilations. While helpful, skipping the daily newspaper prevents you from developing the analytical mindset needed for the Mains.
5. Over-focusing on Facts: UPSC is increasingly about "why" and "how" rather than just "when" and "where." Memorising dates without understanding the underlying themes is a major pitfall.
6. Inconsistency: Starting with 12 hours a day and burning out in two weeks is common. Success comes from a sustainable 6–8 hour routine maintained daily.