Many of you are enticed to join the ranks of IAS Officers to serve your nation but do not know where to start the process or whether you have the resources and guidance needed to take the toughest test in the world.
The main challenge for every candidate is to keep the pace of the exam on the right track until they reach their goal. We’ll cover the process and the tools you’ll need to pass this exam in this post.
What is the best strategy for UPSC preparation?
Here’s the strategy to get through UPSC:
1. Beginning
Begin by studying the NCERT (Class 6–12) and master the basics. Re-read all the topics at least four or five times.
2. Advanced level
After you’ve completed NCERT, go into the books for the advanced level. This is the full list of books:
- Polity: M Laxmikant
- Art and Culture: Nitin Singhania
- Ancient History: RS Sharma or Tamil Nadu NCERT
- Medieval History: Satish Chandra
- Modern History: Rajiv Ahir
- Economy: Ramesh Singh and Sanjeev Verma
- Physical Geography: GC Leong
- Indian Geography: NCERT and Majid Hussain
- Atlas is an absolute must to have for Geography (Orient the Black Swan in World Atlas and Oxford for Indian Atlas)
- Environment and Ecology: Shankar IAS
- Ethics: Lexicon
- Current Affairs: The Hindu, PIB, PRS, RSTV
3. Self-study or coaching?
There is a misconception that coaching is essential to pass UPSC. It is also possible to pass the test by studying on your own. However, coaching can help you focus. But when you have the right tools and support, you can pass this test without any coaching.
4. Large vs. small cities
Another myth that says you have to be prepared in large cities. However, I strongly suggest not wasting your money and time doing so.
You can take this test from any part of the world, provided that there is access to the right internet-based sources.
5. Discussion is the key.
It is recommended to form regular groups to help with UPSC preparation. They should also actively discuss topics related to different topics. Peer learning is a great way to resolve your everyday problems.
6. Smart study
Learn what you need to know and don’t waste your time reading irrelevant material. Stay on the course.
7. Avoid negativity.
The UPSC is an endurance race! It is important to start slowly instead of running fast. Be aware that there will be moments when you may feel demotivated, but don’t give up hope and remain calm.
8. This exam could make you an intelligent person.
UPSC is an important exam, but it’s not as crucial as your mental and physical health.
Keep in mind that less than one percent of applicants will be selected, and you might or may not be part of that percent, but the lessons you learn from the process will eventually help you to do great things in life.
9. Practice!
It is important to practice. The mains exam is by far the most crucial portion of the test, and you will need to answer the questions in 150 to 250 words. Make sure you practice writing answers within the time limit.
10. Make sure you revise regularly and control your time.
Continue to revise as many times as possible. Many will also advise you to work for 16 hours per day to pass UPSC.
It’s not the case and could lead to burnout, which can hinder your performance. Eight hours of focused studying every day is sufficient to pass the exam.
The most crucial factors that differentiate success from failure in UPSC preparation are having faith in oneself and maintaining motivation.
Be confident in your abilities and you’ll succeed on this test. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right”. Best of luck!
What is the most important thing to crack UPSC?
Time needed:
Experts say that an aggressive approach to the preparation of between 10 and 12 months is essential. The vast majority of Indians (21-32 years old) want to be IAS officers, but the competition is so fierce that only 5% of this large number will be accepted. Aspirants must devise an effective plan of action and determine an ideal amount of time to execute that plan.
A candidate must also realize that preparing for the civil service exam requires qualitative, not quantitative, preparation. It’s about reaching your short-term goals. It is recommended that you focus on two subjects per day.
Many of the top students have begun preparing for examinations right from their school years since the majority of the questions come mostly from the Class 6-12 standard textbooks. Thus, making notes and committing between 10 and 12 hours before the exam for a whole year is thought to be sufficient.
You should outline the syllabus and plan your study schedule.
If you’ve taken a biology course, you will probably be familiar with the term “catabolism”. It is a process by which the original components break down into secondary products.
It is possible to do the same using the IAS syllabus. Find out what subjects that you are proficient in as well as the subjects you’d require assistance with. Try it on all topics and then work on the ones you are good at.
Objectifying the curriculum
The majority of IAS hopefuls are dismayed by the vast majority of the IAS syllabus. The syllabus is massive. If you can break the subjects into smaller sections, then difficult jobs will become much simpler for you.
Enjoy your preparation.
There is no doubt that UPSC prep is a long procedure. Once you’ve started enjoying the process, any unnecessary anxiety and stress associated with your preparation will go away. Aspirants to the civil services exam often give up their passions, but keeping your interests side-by-side can make the examination more enjoyable.
It’s very challenging for those who do not have a serious interest in the exam. Consistency, determination, perseverance, and determination are the three elements that can help you get through this exam. One year is enough for serious candidates who have the right instruction.
There are many distractions, failures, depression, and stress that can happen during the process. It is up to you to accept them with a smile. This is the essence of UPSC.
Some tips could aid you in passing any competitive exam.
1. Read the syllabus.
2. It is important to understand the phases of the exam. Make sure you are prepared for each step at the same time.
3. Personality tests are very common in all exams. Begin to develop your character according to the requirements of the exam beginning from the first day.
4. Review previous year’s question papers to get an idea of what kinds of questions will be asked.
5. Divide the subjects by the number of days you’re left with. Create weekly, daily, or monthly goals. Set a goal to achieve it.
6. After a certain level of preparation, start attempting the previous year’s question papers, mock questions, etc.