How to start preparing for UPSC ?

Uma Sharma

Blogger, Content Writer | Posted on 27-Jul-2020

Hello dear, as every aspirant knows there are 3 stages in this UPSC Civil Services Examination. Prelims , Mains & Interview.

Now the first question is

1.When should we Start ?

It varies from student to student but at least one year preparation before you appear for Prelims Examination is must . It means that if you are going to appear in 2021 May /June Prelims Examination , then you should at least start from 1 May 2020, ideally from January 2020

2. Should we prepare for all three stages simultaneously or separately ?

Answer is - for 8-9 months simultaneously. Then for 3-4 months only for Prelims. After Prelims Examination, for Mains and after it for Interview.

How should we prepare initially until 3-4 months before Prelims ?

First Step - Read the syllabus of all the three stages thoroughly. Understand meaning of each word specially of Mains GS 4 papers.

Second Step - Go though the previous year questions of Prelims Both papers 1. GS 2. CSAT. and Mains Examinations all the papers . At least 10 years papers are must. It will help you understand the requirement UPSC Civil Service Examination.

Third Step - Read NCERT books at least 2 times.

History books - from 6th to 12th class, 11th class book -"Introduction to Indian Art "

Polity & Constitution - 9th to 12th

Economy - 9th to 12th

Geography - 6th to 12th + Oxford Atlus Book

Environment - 12th, last unit

Sociology - 11th , 12th

India Since Independence, World History.

After reading these books comprehensively , you will have clarity of concepts. Your basic understanding of events, ideas will be completed by these books.

Give some mock tests on ncerts to know howmuch you are unferstanding.

Write the answer of the question given after each chapter.

Try to complete them by june end.

Fourth Step - Standard Books

After reading the NCERT books , you should start reading standard books for each subjects.

These books are -

1. Modern Indian History - by BL Grover , Alka Mehta

2. M.Laxmikant Indian Polity

Geograpy - Certificate Physical and Human Geography

3. Indian Economy -by Ramesh Chandra.

4.Environment by Shankar IAS

5. Ethics - Ignou Notes, Lexicon

One should read 1 one book 10 times rather than 10 books once. Hence I have recommended minimum books which will get you through this exam.

Important- Join a test series for Prelims of any coaching institute from 1July. Finish one Standard book and give a test accordingly.

It will help you analysis how you are preparing and your drawbacks. It will also prepare you for the real exam situation by handling pressure.

Optional Subject - Choose one optional subject from the subjects given in Previous year Notification of UPSC CSE. Read its syllabus from it. See the previous year questions. Take the decision on the basis of your interest in the subject.

Google the books of your optional and also you can watch the interview of toppers for it. Select the best and minimum books and complete them in four months from July to October.

You can also join a Coaching Institute for it.

Revise it in 2 months from Nov to Dec.

Most Important - Current Affairs

Current Affairs are the most important part of the preparation of this exam . Start reading one standard newspaper like The Hindu , Indian Express from day 1 of your preparation. Most important part of newspaper is Editorial . Never miss reading it even for a single day. Also write what you have understood from it. It will develop you writing skill for Mains exam.

Join one monthly Current Affair Magazine from a good Coaching Institute.