Testbook Logo
ExamsSuperCoachingLive ClassesFREETest SeriesPrevious Year PapersSkill AcademyPassPass ProPass Elite Rank PredictorIAS PreparationPracticeGK & Current AffairsDoubtsBlog
Pass Pro Max logo

FREE

Download the Testbook App,

For FREE 7 days of
Pass Pro Max!

Exams
Tests
SuperSuper
SuperPass
logo

IAS Study Plan for Beginners - Comprehensive Guide to Crack UPSC Exam

Every year, hundreds of thousands of aspirants compete in the UPSC civil services exam, a three-stage process that offers a prestigious career in the Indian civil services. Known as one of India's most challenging exams, the UPSC exam tests candidates on a vast syllabus, intense competition, diverse subjects, and unpredictable question papers. On average, it takes three attempts for a candidate to clear the IAS exam . However, many have achieved this feat in their first attempt. If you're new to the world of civil services exams, it's crucial to pay extra attention to certain aspects if you're serious about achieving your IAS aspirations.

This article provides a comprehensive IAS study plan for beginners, ideally designed for fresh college graduates who are dedicating their full time to prepare for the exam.

Preliminary Steps

Before you start your IAS preparation, there are a few essential steps to take:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the UPSC syllabus . Knowing the syllabus inside out is crucial for a comfortable IAS journey.
  2. Know the UPSC exam dates. The UPSC 2023 exam calendar is available now. Make sure to mark the important dates on your calendar.
  3. Understand the UPSC format and pattern. Learn more .
  4. Prepare yourself mentally for a challenging journey that will transform you. Be ready for hard work, smart work, test practices, extensive reading, writing answers, etc. While it's important to reduce your socializing hours and mindless TV watching, it's also essential not to isolate yourself completely. Prioritizing your studies is key to clearing the IAS exam.

IAS Preparation Strategy for Beginners

Many aspirants start their preparation with the UPSC prelims and neglect the mains until after the prelims exam. While this strategy might help you clear the prelims, it's not advisable due to the limited time between the prelims and mains. Plus, the syllabi for both stages overlap significantly, with the main difference being the practice method. Therefore, an integrated approach to the UPSC CSE is recommended, where you start preparing for both IAS prelims and mains concurrently.

Beginners are advised to start their preparation with basic books , primarily the NCERTs. These books are known for their clear and easy-to-understand language. Moreover, they provide authentic information, making them a reliable source for facts.

You can find the list of recommended NCERT books for IAS exam here .

When should I start my IAS preparation?

Ideally, beginners should start their preparation 10 – 12 months before the UPSC prelims exam. This timeline allows for comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and sufficient test practice. Start with the common GS papers before moving on to the optional papers. By the time of the UPSC prelims exam, aim to complete at least 75% of your mains GS syllabus and at least 50% of your optional subject syllabus. Don't forget to study for the CSAT paper. If you find the CSAT challenging, dedicate at least two months for it. Remember, the CSAT is qualifying in nature, and your goal should be to clear it.

UPSC Study Plan (Prelims Exclusive)

Two months before the prelims exam, focus your studies on the prelims. Learn to manage your time with 100 questions and avoid negative marking through intelligent guesswork. At this stage, your focus should be on solving MCQs.

Preparing Current Affairs for UPSC

Current affairs can be the most challenging part of the IAS exam due to their unpredictable nature. However, don't panic. When reading your daily newspapers (your primary source for current affairs), relate what you read to the UPSC syllabus. Compile current affairs notes as you read the papers. Use daily news compilations for the UPSC exam to stay updated with relevant news.

Vital Tip for Beginners

As a beginner, you might face two challenges:

  1. Inexperience, leading to fear and anxiety.
  2. A tendency to take things lightly since you have multiple attempts and age on your side.

Replace complacency with confidence and overcome fear with consistent practice.

Good luck!

Useful Links:

How to study for IAS at Home
IAS Toppers
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Promo Banner

UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program - 60 Days Foundation Course SuperCoaching @ just

500000
🪙 Your Total Savings ₹50000

Want to know more about this Super Coaching ?

People also like

Public Administration optional by Rahul Sharma Sir

Public Administration optional by Rahul Sharma Sir

30000(59% OFF)

12500 (Valid for 15 Months)

Hindi Literature Optional (UPSC Mains) by Prachi Choudhary Ma'am

Hindi Literature Optional (UPSC Mains) by Prachi Choudhary Ma'am

33000(73% OFF)

9000 (Valid for 15 Months)

PSIR Optional (UPSC Mains) by Kiran Anishetty Sir

PSIR Optional (UPSC Mains) by Kiran Anishetty Sir

30000(40% OFF)

18000 (Valid for 15 Months)

Report An Error

Open this in:

Testbook LogoTestbook App
ChromeChrome