Long-term goal setting is vital in UPSC preparation, as it provides aspirants with a clear vision of their objectives. Establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals helps candidates create actionable study plans. Long-term goals encourage commitment and persistence, allowing candidates to navigate the demanding preparation journey more effectively. Regularly revisiting and adjusting these goals can facilitate motivation and progress tracking. Furthermore, long-term goal setting can instill a sense of purpose, enabling aspirants to visualize their future roles as responsible civil servants, driving focused efforts towards success in the examination.