If you are a fresher preparing for the IAS exam one question obviously crossed your mind that is, “Is it possible to crack UPSC in the first attempt?”.
Well yes, it is possible though it is quite a tough nut to crack but still.
Many current IAS officers have cleared the exam in its first go.
Roman Saini, Shrushti Jayant Deshmukh, Ankur Garg, etc., these are some of the famous names who cracked the IAS exam in their first attempt, to know more about their journey and success stories check out the links below.
Best topper strategies to crack UPSC in the first attempt.
Timetables and routines should be followed regularly.
At the beginning of your preparation try to sort out your suitable timings and note down the things to do.
Prepare a to-do list of all the things you have to prepare, like completing the NCERT, reading newspapers, going through magazines, and keeping track of the updates as well.
Make a realistic timetable that can be followed with atleast6 hours of sleep and the 10-12 hours devoted to studies.
Wisely plan every month and week’s work.
Schedule weekly and daily goals and try to complete them at any cost, even if you have to do overtime because backlogs are the biggest enemy in your preparation.
Try not to refer to more than 2 sources for a single subject
This will not just save time but also referring to multiple books and resources will contradict your opinions and judgments about the topic as well because every writer and publisher has their own point of view and style.
There are many toppers recommended books for each subject Akriti Shukla UPSC topper also suggested quite a lot of books in each subject(link) check the given link for topper recommended books.
Newspapers are deadly important for your preparation
Never miss out on daily updates and newspapers are the perfect source for that,
Read the below-mentioned article to get a clear view of how to read newspapers efficiently.
Do not forget the NCERTs
Ncert books are like the foundation of your preparation.
If you are confused about where to start your preparation then you must go for the NCERT books.
Divide the syllabus into small portions
It is rather easier to deal with a less amount of syllabi at a time because the UPSC syllabus is an open-ended syllabus and has ample topics which might seem very overwhelming if not divided into portions and parts.
2-time revision rule
Revision is basically the game changer in anyone’s preparation.
After completing the syllabus it is very important to revise at least one.
It is better if you divide the portions into parts and revise them gradually after moving on to the next portion
It is mandatory to practice and do mock papers
Mock papers and practice papers are great ways to judge your preparation.
This not only helps to analyze what are the things you need to work on but also assists to know your strengths and weaknesses.
Also, you need to know that are you able to finish the paper on time or if you are getting out of time and how to tackle the questions in a limited amount of time.
Only with proper practice and repeated revision, you will be able to take calculated guesses during the exam.
Develop your conversation skills and build your personality.
Preparing for an exam does not mean that you have to be apart from everyone else, and have to stay aloof.
Remember UPSC is not just a pen-paper exam but the exam tests your overall knowledge and personality.
Indulge in meaningful conversations with reasonable people.
This will not just increase your conversation skills but also develop your opinion because talking to different people will widen your point of view.
Also not to forget developing opinion and judgments are an important part of preparation for the Mains.
6 tips to clear your prelims in the first attempt.
Prelims are one of the most important parts of the exam and the first one also is the gate to the other phases of the exam.
- Practicing MCQs are the best way to assure that you will pass your prelims.
- Try to complete the whole syllabus with enough time left for revision.
- Mock tests and especially all India mock tests are a great way to judge your ability and your preparation.
- Make proper short notes that could be used for efficient revision.
- Do not try to attempt new portions before the exam and leave the ones that are already done.
- Previous year questions should also be taken into consideration, the pattern of the questions and the difficulty levels, and many more things can be analyzed through that.
Yes, it is perfectly possible, this totally depends on the level of consistency and dedication of the aspirant.
You can check out the following link for more information and tips about UPSC preparation at home
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Why not, if a student is successful in giving their full attention and dedication towards the preparation for the required amount of time it is totally possible.
Also for cracking UPSC you do not have to be an Einstein but rather must know how to work hard and work smart simultaneously.
The first thing to keep in mind for that is to be positive and confidence is the key,
Keep practicing for the best.
Be optimistic.
Keep faith in your preparation and of course give your 100%.
Plan everything very wisely.