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
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Total marks |
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian language | 3 hours | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Paper B | English | 3 hours | 300 (Qualifying) |
| Paper I | Essay | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I – Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Welfare Initiatives, Social Justice & International Relations | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III – Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 3 hours | 250 |
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