Preparing for IAS is not an easy task, especially when you have your college studies to keep you occupied. And if you wait for your college to end, it might be too late to pursue your dreams of becoming a civil servant.

Just to let you know, all the graduates of 21 or above age can appear for the reputed examination. You can also appear for the UPSC prelims if you are in your final year.

It’s best to start preparing for IAS examination while you are in college. The best time is to start from the penultimate year, but if you think the burden is too much, you have to start with it as soon as you reach your final year.

(Courtesy: DNA India)

Following tips might come handy when you are battling between IAS preparations and college studies.

1. Start as early as you can. Procrastination will only make things worse with time. The sooner you start with the preparation, the better, as the college syllabus will increase as you get promoted to the next year or semester.

2. Time management is one of the most crucial thing that you need to indulge into. Be prepared for the fact that you are never going to get enough time for anything. You have your college studies, lectures, IAS coaching, and extra-curricular activities. Not to mention the time that you must keep aside for rejuvenation. Make a proper time table and utilize your semester breaks and other holidays judiciously.

3. The time management would only work if you are sure about what to study specifically. Miss anything but don’t miss out on the previous year question papers as they will help you analyze the recent pattern.

4. Also pay special attention on the latest UPSC syllabus and the most recommended books. NCERT Books, Polity by Laxmikanth, Economics by Ramesh Singh, and History by Bipin Chandra are the most recommended books that you must study.

5. Don’t miss out on the online mock tests as they will help you realize your mistakes and pace.

Also read: How to prepare for IAS without coaching?

6. Talking of pace, make sure you never stop writing. Being in practice of writing helps you to maintain your pace while writing the exam.

7. Having discussions is as important as practicing writings. Surround yourself with intellectual companions and discuss current affairs with them. This will help you develop multiple perspectives on the same thing.

8. Reading newspapers is very crucial. I recommend you to read “The Hindu” for substantial articles and accurate news reports.

9. Refer to the interviews of UPSC toppers. They would encourage and inspire you, and may also help you in charting out a roadmap for yourself.

10. Learning additional language can be very helpful for you. Being in college, it’s easy too as you are anyways supposed to choose an interdisciplinary subject. You can avail this chance to your advantage.