UPSC examination is one of the most prestigious and toughest exams in the world. Every year more than 8 lakh aspirants take this exam but only a few hundred of them are able to clear it. Its vast syllabus and unpredictable nature makes it even more challenging. In this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know on how to prepare for UPSC exam and achieve your dream of becoming a civil servant.
Get the basics right
The Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages; Prelims, Mains and Personal Interview. Minimum educational qualification required is graduation from any recognised university of India. Age limit is 21-32 years (relaxation as per government norms) and maximum number of attempts allowed is 6 for general category students
- The most important thing before going for this decision is to analyze each and every aspect of IAS preparation right from the exam pattern, syllabus to the previous year’s questions papers. Owing to its highly unpredictable nature it is not a sure-shot that the candidate may get success in one go and, in many instances, this process becomes lethargic due to repeated failures.
- Discussing with seniors and those who have prepared for IAS examination will also provide you with an overall insight into the IAS examination and it will help you in adopting a good strategy with proper planning.
Play with the Right strategy:
“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” — Michael E. Porter Success in this examination depends on making the right decisions at right times. Right Strategy and guidance plays a very important role in the selection of IAS examination. A strategy is like a make or break factor that will determine your chances of selection in IAS examination.
- Syllabus: The first and foremost step is to thoroughly know the IAS syllabus. Aspirants should literally mug up the entire syllabus. Clarity of the nature and scope of the syllabus will help in understanding what to read and what not to read. The questions asked in the exam are always within the syllabus and hence keeping a close eye on syllabus is fundamental.
- Reading NCERTs: As a beginner of UPSC preparation, your foremost priority should be to finish the NCERTs first. NCERTs will help you to develop your basic knowledge and understanding of various issues related to different subjects. NCERTs should serve as the building blocks for your UPSC preparation.
- Reading Daily Newspaper: The newspaper is like Bible/Koran/Geeta and is one of the most crucial IAS preparation tips for beginners. One should read at least one newspaper daily to develop the very basic understanding of the day to day happenings around the globe and continuously improve this knowledge by interlinking of these topics in answer writing. With the increasing weight of current affairs question in prelims every year. Regular newspaper reading is a must for preparing for Prelims. It will help you stay updated with the current affairs. Inculcate the habit of jotting down all the important pieces of information you gather through the newspaper or the news.
- Previous Years’ Questions: Aspirants must go through the previous years’ question papers thoroughly to get a clear understanding of the IAS examination pattern. It will help in getting a better perspective of the types of questions asked and identifying the best sources for preparation.
- Practice mock tests: For prelims, practicing mock tests and for mains daily answer writing practice is very important. One should join a good test series for regular practice. These mock tests not only help in preparing for the exam, but also help in learning time management.
- Choose your optional wisely: Choosing the correct optional for clearing this exam is very important. You should choose your optional very carefully taking into account your educational background, familiarity and interest in the subject, syllabus, availability of good resources and coaching classes.
- Discipline is a key to success: Staying disciplined with your studies and time table is very crucial for success. Discipline is like taking homoeopathic medicine. It will take time to produce the results and while following you are going to face the pain and irritation but as the time progresses you will see different changes inside you. These changes will be your behaviour, your personality, your way of talking, your way of understanding of the topics that you have read.
- Gain experience not shared in books: Experience is a very expensive asset, yet it’s crucial for your UPSC preparation strategy. Apart from reading books listen to the useful programs like RSTV debates, take a trip to a rural area, understand how basic functionaries work, interact with as many people as you can from different socio-cultural backgrounds to enrich your experience. Explore the entire question that you confront from day to day basis, once you will develop this habit of asking the question, you will not be confined to book to write many answers of mains examination that is otherwise is Achilles heel for many students.
- Health First: Last but not the least; you should take proper care of your health. IAS exam is the game of mind over matter. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Try following an exercise regime like doing yoga, playing some sports and even meditating. This will help you to avoid burnouts and keep you focused on your studies.
Scheduling/Prioritising things:
- Daily, weekly, monthly schedule:
- Make a proper schedule by prioritizing the things, for instance, you will finish this subject or chapter by this much time or week. Our Brain does not act properly until and unless it is being commanded clearly. This clarity will come when you male proper schedule by writing it down on paper.
- The secret mantra is to Revise, Revise, and Revise! Studying is important, but so is the revision. Preparing for the UPSC will require you to remember a lot of information which is nothing less of a herculean task. So, how will you ensure that you retain all that you’ve studied? The answer is a simple revision! This is even more important for static subjects which have a definite syllabus
- By adopting these techniques it should be helpful for you to maintain a well-balanced schedule for both the Prelims and Mains. But as Swami Vivekananda said, make this exam your goal and let the passion for becoming a Civil Service Officer run deep into your veins!
All the best!
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