How to Study for the UPSC Exam >> How to prepare IAS Exam >> How to crack IAS exam >>

How to Study for the UPSC Exam.

How to prepare for IAS is one of the most frequently asked questions.

UPSC administers the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to select candidates for the IAS, IPS, IFS, and other allied services. Thousands of people apply for the exam, but only a few succeed. So, what makes the difference, you ask? It is, after all, the UPSC preparation strategy!

Most aspirants are curious about "How to Prepare for UPSC" or "How to Crack UPSC Exam in First Attempt" or "How to Prepare for IAS"! We attempted to provide a comprehensive answer to this question in this article. We've also included a subject-by-subject UPSC Preparation strategy for your convenience!

UPSC Exam Stages:

As you may be aware, the UPSC Civil Services examination consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam: The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam consists of two exams, General Studies-I and General Studies-II (CSAT).

UPSC Exam Stages:

As you may be aware, the UPSC Civil Services examination consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam: The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam consists of two exams, General Studies-I and General Studies-II (CSAT).

UPSC Personality Examination or Interview:

The UPSC Personality Test is the last round of the UPSC Examination. The final result is announced following the interview based on the combined score of the UPSC Main Exam and Interview.

Most UPSC aspirants get lost while developing a comprehensive UPSC preparation strategy. As a result, we have compiled this UPSC Preparation Guide to assist you.

It contains all of the information you need to know about "How to Prepare for the IAS Exam." It also includes a 12-month UPSC preparation plan, as well as a detailed guide on how to select the UPSC optional and practise answer-writing for the Main Examination.

How to Prepare for UPSC | Step-by-Step UPSC Exam Preparation Tips

Let's take a look at a 5-step full-proof preparation strategy for the Civil Services Examination.

Step 1: Thoroughly prepare for the exam.

Step 2: Consolidate your foundation

Step 3: Improve Your Understanding

Step 4: Practice Writing Answers

Step 5: Mock-Test Based Learning/March Towards Preliminary Exams

Let's take a closer look at each of these steps:

Step 1

Thoroughly prepare for the exam:-

Before preparing for any exam, it is critical to understand the exam's intricacies.

Read the UPSC exam notification carefully to familiarise yourself with the exam syllabus, exam pattern, exam timeline, and eligibility criteria.

After that, pick up the previous year papers and skim through them to get a sense of what will be asked in the exam.

If you devote some time to this exercise, you will save a significant amount of time during your preparation journey!

Alternatively, you can read through the articles on our website to learn everything there is to know about the exam! You should also begin reading the newspaper at this time. Check out this article to learn how to read newspapers for the UPSC!

Step 2:

Consolidate your foundation:-

Regardless of your background, you must understand the fundamentals of the UPSC syllabus.

As a result, refer to NCERTs, which can be downloaded for free from NCERT's official website.

Step 3:

 Increase Your Knowledge by Reading Standard Books:-

After you've finished all of the NCERTs, it's time to broaden your knowledge by reading the standard books.

The complete booklist for UPSC preparation is available in the linked article.

Read the books at least twice and then take handwritten notes to use for later answer-writing practise!

You can also supplement your knowledge by watching video lectures on our YouTube channel on important topics.

Step 4: 

Practice Answer Writing + Revision Answer-writing practise and revision are critical components of UPSC preparation, particularly for the UPSC Mains Exam.

After you have finished a subject from the NCERT as well as standard books, you can begin practising answering questions.

Before that, it will be a pointless exercise because you will have to rely on books for the answer's content.

It is also critical at this stage to incorporate consistent revision. Keep your weekends free for dedicated revision of whatever new information you've learned during the week.

Step 5: 

Mock-Test-Based Learning Strategy

A mock test-based learning approach should be implemented two months before the preliminary exam. It will simulate an exam. Exam stress will be reduced once you have become acclimatised.

Simultaneously take an exam-style mock test and analyse your performance.

Examine your weak points and review any concepts you may have forgotten.

It will not only help you manage your anxiety during the exam, but it will also prepare you extremely well for the exam!

IAS Exam Preparation Strategy by Subject

The subject-wise strategy for preparing for the IAS exam is provided below. Follow the best practises for preparing for this coveted exam and ensuring your selection for the upcoming exam.

*1 UPSC Preparation - Polity & Governance

Government policies have grown in importance in recent years, both in the preliminary and main examinations. The current trend is likely to continue. The questions are mostly straightforward and can be easily answered after careful consideration.

There are chapters in Polity where questions are frequently asked. Constitutional Developments, FRs, FDs, and DPSP, Union Government, Judiciary, Amendments, Local Governments, Federalism, and the Election Process are examples of these.

The majority of the books available lack information on current constitutional developments. As a result, a thorough reading of newspapers and magazines is required to develop a thorough understanding of the Constitution's provisions (for example, one should be aware of the historical judgments of the Supreme Court of India, like Triple Talaq, Right to privacy, Right to be forgotten, Adultery repealed, Aadhaar verdict, etc.).

Check out the micro topics as well as the Polity preparation strategy here.

*2 How to Prepare for UPSC in General Science, Life Science, and Science and Technology

This section is divided into four subsections: Science and Technology, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

This section is always a nightmare for students with a background in the arts. However, a basic understanding of Science, particularly thorough coverage of NCERTs, can be of great assistance in answering most of the questions. For the last 15 years, Science and Technology have grown in importance within GS. Given the overall increase in the weightage of current events, questions primarily concern India-specific developments.

According to recent research, General Science questions cover general appreciation and understanding of day-to-day science.

Observing and experiencing everyday science could be beneficial. In the 2018 Prelims, for example, a question about NAVIC was asked. As a result, ISRO's future initiatives, such as Gaganyaan and other missions, become increasingly important. As a result, one must devise a prioritisation strategy.

The focus of Life Science is on Zoology. Only a few questions from Botany are being asked, specifically about agriculture, biological diversity, and plant systems. The majority of the questions in Zoology are about the human body and diseases. Topics such as communicable diseases and nutrition are always important.

In the linked article, you can find micro topics as well as a preparation strategy for Science & Technology.

*3 UPSC Preparation - Economic and Social Development

This includes topics such as sustainable development, poverty, socioeconomic inclusion, demographics, and social sector initiatives, among others.

The majority of the questions in this area are about the Indian economy, but one must also be aware of international economic issues that affect India (for example, the recent trade war and its impact on the Indian market).

According to recent trend analysis, the majority of the questions are about industry, agricultural production, export policy, money and banking, public finance, and reforms. Three to four questions are drawn from various programmes announced during the previous and current fiscal years. More areas, such as economic reforms (government initiatives to make doing business easier), infrastructure, and reform policies (e.g., RERA), must be addressed.

Financial and banking reforms must be monitored in the field of money and banking ( e.g., Merger of banks, Insolvency, and Bankruptcy law, twin balance deficit problem, NPA, etc.)

There has been a significant shift in this section over the last few years. The majority of the questions are contemporary in nature, but they necessitate a thorough understanding of static areas of the Indian economy.

The economic survey and budget must be closely monitored. Reading the Class XI NCERT book on Indian Economy will provide you with a basic understanding of the subject.

Check out the linked article for the Economy's micro-topics and preparation strategy.

*4 How to Prepare for UPSC Geography and Environment

This is one of the most important sections of the Preliminary Examination, which contains a large number of questions.

A thorough understanding of the physical aspects of India, with proper clarity on locations, is the essential minimum requirement in Indian Geography. It also aids in the economic and human aspects of Indian geography.

The emphasis in General Geography is on conceptual aspects. A thorough reading of Goh Cheng Leong's 'A Certificate Course in Physical and Human Geography' would be beneficial.

The relevance of World Geography is more with current developments. It is preferable to locate locations on your Atlas while reading the newspaper on a daily basis.

A set of questions about the environment adds a new dimension to the preliminary examination. One should be aware of the latest developments in Ecology and Environmental issues, as well as the various initiatives and conferences that have taken place, particularly those aimed at preserving the country's and the world's biodiversity and ecosystems.

A thorough reading of NCERT Geography textbooks (from VI to XII), as well as Goh Cheng Leong and regular study of the Atlas, is more than sufficient for Geography.

Check out the links for the micro topics Geography and Environment.

*5 How to Prepare for UPSC History and Culture

An examination of the pattern of previous years' questions reveals that, while the number of questions has decreased, the level of difficulty has increased. In recent years, questions have been raised from previously unexplored territory.

The majority of questions in Modern History concern the period between 1857 and 1947, which includes the 1857 uprising, social reform movements, Governor Generals, and national movements.

Questions about the Vedic Age, the Mauryan Period, and the Gupta Period dominated Ancient India. In Medieval History, the Sultanate and Mughal periods are the most important.

In recent years, the Marathas, Vijaynagar, Bahmani kingdom, and South dynasties have gained prominence.

The significance of Indian culture has grown significantly. To do well in the Preliminary Exam, you must have a thorough understanding of the evolution of Indian culture since ancient times.

Check out the microtopics for History & Culture at the links provided.

*6 How to Prepare for UPSC Current Affairs

Current Affairs has grown in importance in Civil Services preparation. Its weight has increased with each passing year.

Current Affairs is a broad field that includes national and international events, multilateral developments, sports, and personalities from various fields, as well as prizes, awards, and honours.

General Knowledge questions make up a portion of the Current Affairs questions.

As a result, assuming that reading newspapers and current affairs magazines will suffice to answer such questions is incorrect.

In the end, we can safely conclude that GS can be handled with ease if approached with proper planning and time management.

Check out the significance of current events as well as the preparation strategy here.

*7 How to Prepare for the UPSC CSAT Paper Since the change in syllabus and the introduction of the CSAT, the second paper now includes General Mental Ability and Reasoning.

The total number of questions in General Mental Ability has shown a fluctuating trend with an increase in the level of toughness. Furthermore, questions are being asked from previously unanticipated areas, making preparation more difficult.

The most important thing to remember is that this is a qualifying paper, and candidates are expected to score at least 33%. In other words, if a candidate does not receive 33%, he or she will not be considered for selection.

The paper also includes comprehension and reasoning questions. A good score can be obtained by practising previous year's question papers and model questions.

IAS Preparation Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study for the UPSC at home?

You certainly can if you take the necessary steps toward IAS preparation. You can easily prepare for the IAS exam at home using online resources and strategies. You can pass the IAS exam with focus and dedication, as well as the right guidance.

How can I prepare for the IAS at home?

To begin your IAS preparation at home, follow the steps outlined below:

First, learn the UPSC pattern and procedure.

Examine the UPSC syllabus thoroughly.

Begin by reading a few books and watching video lectures online on a few basic subjects such as politics, history, geography, and so on.

Regularly read the newspaper.

Make a time table for your preparations and stick to it. 

Enroll in a good test series and practise writing answers.

How can I begin my IAS preparation while still in college?

You can begin your IAS preparation during your graduation. All you need to do is go over the syllabus and create an IAS study plan. Beginning early has numerous advantages. Because the IAS age limit will be far away, you will have age on your side. Furthermore, because you are young and still a student, you will be in touch with academics, giving you an advantage over older competitors. You can also use your college library for preparation if you are a student. Also, make an effort to participate in college fests and events, as this will help you develop a well-rounded personality and compensate for any lack of work experience.

How to Study for the IAS Exam After 12th?

If you begin your preparation after the 12th grade, you have the advantage of selecting a graduation subject that will complement your IAS preparation. You can pursue a degree in political science, history, or sociology, which will help you cover the UPSC syllabus more thoroughly. You can easily combine your graduation studies and IAS preparation this way. You also have enough time to hone your soft skills, such as communication, and to develop a good hobby, both of which will help you in the interview stage.

How do you prepare for IAS while working as an engineer?

Many candidates who prepared for the IAS exam while studying engineering have passed it. It is not impossible, even if it can get hectic. Even while in engineering school, it is possible to pass India's most difficult exam with a well-planned strategy and proper guidance.

How do you prepare for IAS while working as an engineer?

Many candidates who prepared for the IAS exam while studying engineering have passed it. It is not impossible, even if it can get hectic. Even while in engineering school, it is possible to pass India's most difficult exam with a well-planned strategy and proper guidance.

UPSC 2022 | IAS Mains syllabus


UPSC Mains Pattern

PaperSubjectDurationTotal marks
Paper ACompulsory Indian language3 hours300 (Qualifying)
Paper BEnglish3 hours300 (Qualifying)
Paper IEssay3 hours250
Paper IIGeneral Studies I – Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society3 hours250
Paper IIIGeneral Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Welfare Initiatives, Social Justice & International Relations3 hours250
Paper IVGeneral Studies III – Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management3 hours250
Paper VGeneral Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude3 hours250
Paper VIOptional Subject – Paper I3 hours250
Paper VIIOptional Subject – Paper II3 hours250

Language Assignments (Indian language and English)

Although both of these papers are only qualifying, candidates should not be complacent because if they score less than 25% in either of them, their remaining answer sheets will not be evaluated. The questions in both papers follow a similar pattern, as shown below.

One essay question for 100 marks - candidates must choose one of several topics provided.
Reading comprehension and five-six related questions for a total of 60 points. Precise writing for 60 marks - there will be a separate grid structure on the answer sheet where this must be written.
For 20 points, translate from English to your chosen language.
For 20 points, translate from your chosen language to English.
Grammar and basic language usage, such as synonyms and sentence correction, will be graded for a total of 40 points.
The UPSC Mains paper provides candidates with the option of selecting subjects from a few sections. Aspirants benefit from this because they can focus on their strengths and improve their overall scores. Candidates can view the list of IAS subjects in the mains examination by visiting the linked article.

Essay:
There is no prescribed syllabus for the essay paper in the UPSC mains syllabus. "Candidates are expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and to write concisely," according to the UPSC. Effective and precise expression will be rewarded."
Candidates must write two essays on topics chosen from a list for a total of 250 points.
Also, take a look at UPSC Mains Paper Analysis - Essay.

1st GS Paper
Indian Culture - Highlights of ancient to modern art forms, literature, and architecture.
History of Modern Indians
Significant events, issues, and personalities from the mid-eighteenth century (1750s) to the present.
In 'The Freedom Struggle,' there are various stages and important contributors and contributions from various parts of the country.
Consolidation and reorganization of the country after independence.
The world's history. Since the 18th century, events, forms, and their impact on society have changed (world wars, industrial revolution, colonization, redrawal of national boundaries, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.)
Society
Indian society and diversity - Highlights
Women's and women's organisations' roles, population and related issues, poverty and development issues, urbanization, its problems and solutions. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism are all important concepts.
Globalization's impact on Indian society
Geography
Distribution of key natural resources throughout the world, including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent; factors influencing the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries throughout the world, including India.
Important geophysical phenomena include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and cyclones, among others. Changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and polar ice caps) and in flora and fauna, as well as the effects of such changes
Highlights of the world's physical geography.

II GS Paper
Historical foundations, evolution, features amendments, and significant provisions of the Indian Constitution
doctrine of fundamental structure
Comparison of India's constitutional system to that of other countries
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges related to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to the local level, and challenges associated with this.
Power separation among various organs, dispute resolution mechanisms, and institutions
Structure, organisation, and operation of the Executive and Judiciary Parliament and State Legislatures structure, operation, and exercise of business powers and privileges, and issues arising from these Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations, and their role in the Polity
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies are key features of the Representation of the People Act.
Legislative, regulatory, and quasi-judicial bodies
Government policies and interventions aimed at development in a variety of sectors, as well as the issues that arise from their design and implementation.
The role of NGOs, Self-Help Groups, various groups and associations, institutional and other stakeholders in development processes and the development industry
Welfare schemes implemented by the Centre and the States for vulnerable segments of the population, as well as their performance; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies established to protect and improve the lives of these vulnerable segments.
Development and management of the Social Sector/Services in the Health, Education, and Human Resources
Concerns about poverty and hunger
Transparency and accountability are important aspects of governance, as are citizen charters, transparency and accountability, and institutional and other measures.
The Function of Civil Services in a Democracy
India and its Neighbors - International Relations Relations between countries
Groupings and agreements at the bilateral, regional, and global levels involving India and/or affecting Indian interests
The impact of developed and developing countries' policies and politics on India's interests, as well as the Indian diaspora.
Important international institutions and agencies, as well as their organisational structures and mandates

Paper III of the GS
Economy
The Indian economy and issues concerning planning, resource mobilisation, growth, development, and employment.
Budgeting by the government.
Issues and challenges associated with inclusive growth
Effects of economic liberalisation (post-1991 changes), changes in industrial policy, and their effects on industrial growth
Infrastructure includes things like energy, ports, roads, airports, and railways.
Models of investment (PPP etc)
Agriculture Major cropping patterns in various parts of the country, various types of irrigation and irrigation systems, storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce, as well as issues and constraints; e-technology to assist farmers
Animal rearing economics.
The scope and significance of the food processing and related industries in India, as well as their location, upstream and downstream requirements, and supply chain management.
Direct and indirect farm subsidies, as well as minimum support prices; The objectives, functioning, limitations, and redesign of the Public Distribution System; buffer stock and food security issues; Missions in technology
India's land reforms.
Technology and Science
Recent advancements, as well as their applications and effects in everyday life
Indian scientific and technological achievements
Technology indigenisation and the development of new technology
General knowledge of IT, space, computers, robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology
Concerns about intellectual property rights
Environmental conservation, pollution, and degradation
Environmental impact analysis
Management of Disasters (Laws, Acts etc.)
Security
Internal security threats (external state and non-state actors)
Relationships between extremism's development and spread
Internal security threats posed by communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security threats,
The fundamentals of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention
Border security challenges and management; links between organised crime and terrorism
The mandates of various security forces and agencies.

Paper IV of the GS
This Ethics paper in the UPSC mains syllabus includes questions designed to assess candidates' attitudes and approaches to issues of integrity and probity in public life, as well as their problem-solving approach to various societal issues. The case study approach may be used in questions to determine these aspects, and the exam covers the areas listed in the syllabus below.

Human Interaction and Ethics
Ethics' Essence, Determinants, and Consequences in Human Interaction
Ethics Dimensions
Ethics in personal and professional relationships
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators on human values
Family, society, and educational institutions' roles in instilling moral and ethical values
Attitude's content, structure, and function Attitude's influence on thought and behaviour
Relationship between attitude and thought and behaviour
Moral and political perspectives
Persuasion and social influence
Aptitude Aptitude and Civil Service Foundational Values
Integrity
Nonpartisanship and impartiality
Objectivity
Public service dedication
Empathy, tolerance, and compassion for the less fortunate members of society Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence concepts
Emotional intelligence's utility and application in administration and governance
Thinkers and philosophers' contributions
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and around the world to moral concepts
Ethics and Public/Civil Service Values in Public Administration
Status and related issues
Concerns and quandaries about ethics in government and private institutions
Laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as ethical guides
Accountability and ethical leadership
Enhancement of ethical and moral values in government
Ethical International relations and funding issues
Corporate management
Governance Imperfection
The idea of public service
Governance and probity's philosophical foundation
Sharing of information and transparency in government Right to Information
Ethical codes
Codes of Ethics
Charters for Citizens
Workplace culture
Service delivery quality
The use of public funds
Corruption challenges

Subject Optional (Two Papers)
A candidate must select one optional subject (out of a total of 48 options). There will be two papers worth a total of 500 points. Choosing the best optional subject for the UPSC mains should be a deliberate and deliberate decision. Refer to the link provided above to determine which optional subject is best for you.

Conclusion
The IAS mains syllabus is extensive, and the questions in the CSE demand not only a depth of understanding but also the ability to present the answers coherently. UPSC mains syllabus includes both static and dynamic aspects. As a result, it is critical for IAS aspirants to keep track of current events and categorise them according to the UPSC mains syllabus.

The Mains exam is worth a total of 1750 points (7 papers * 250 points), and those who pass the stage advance to the interview (UPSC Personality Test). The candidates' interview scores (out of 275 points) are added to their mains scores to create the final merit list of recommended candidates.

For this type of information please visit and subscribe my website:-  https://gkcurrentstudies.blogspot.com







Post a Comment

0 Comments