How to Start Preparation for UPSC Exam - Tips & Strategies

Initiating UPSC Exam Preparation/Embarking on UPSC preparation journey/ Launching preparation for IAS?

Each year, the UPSC conducts the civil services exam to seek out the brightest minds to serve the Indian civil service. This is not just an exam; it is a gateway to a world of opportunities for young aspirants. However, the path to success in the UPSC exam is not a bed of roses. The three-stage process of the exam evaluates candidates on various parameters such as knowledge, analytical skills, clarity of expression, leadership traits, and more. With a vast and diverse syllabus, preparing for the UPSC exam can seem like a daunting task. In this article, we will guide you on how to kick-start your preparation for the UPSC exam.

Before diving into the depths of your UPSC preparation, it is important to engage in some pre-preparation activities.

So, how to start preparation for UPSC exam?

Pre-preparation phase

Initially, you need to acquaint yourself with the landscape of civil services. While most people are aware of the popular services like IAS, IFS, IPS, and IRS, there are more than 20 services that you could potentially enter upon clearing the UPSC exam. Read more .

Aspirants can refer to the following links for their exam preparation-

Next, you should familiarize yourself with the dates, or at least the tentative dates for the UPSC exam. Stay updated with the UPSC notifications released annually. For all the dates and details related to the UPSC exam, you can visit our notifications page.

Further, understanding the UPSC exam format and pattern is crucial. The exam consists of three stages, each eliminating candidates who fail to achieve the required cut-off marks. The three stages are:

The 2 UPSC prelims papers are: General studies Paper I and II. GS paper II is often referred to as CSAT.

The 9 UPSC mains papers are:

1. GS paper I
2. GS paper II
3. GS paper III
4. GS paper IV
5. Essay paper
6. Optional paper I
7. Optional paper II
8. English language paper
9. Regional language paper

Note that the last two language papers are qualifying in nature and are not considered for the final tally.

In the personality test, the UPSC board evaluates your personality, clarity of ideas, character, ability to handle pressure, and overall knowledge.

The next step is to thoroughly understand the UPSC syllabus. This is an important step as your exam preparation strategy should be based on your understanding of the syllabus. You can check out the UPSC syllabus here . At this stage, you should also make a decision regarding your optional subject based on your expertise and interests.

See list of optional subjects here.

The Actual Preparation Phase

Now comes the phase where you actually commence your IAS exam preparation. It is imperative that you have a study plan in place. As the saying goes, ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail.’

Here are some things to keep in mind during your UPSC exam preparation:

Begin your preparation with a positive mindset. Clear all doubts about your abilities and dispel any misconceptions about the exam.

Draw inspiration from your role models or previous IAS toppers. Motivational quotes can also help boost your spirits.

Stick to your study routine. Whenever you feel like deviating, remind yourself of your ultimate goal.

Avoid distractions, be it people or gadgets.

While pursuing your UPSC goals, ensure that you take occasional breaks, but use this time wisely.

Maintain a healthy diet, get adequate sleep, and stay active.

Have a dedicated strategy for CURRENT AFFAIRS .

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