How To Start UPSC/IAS EXAM Preparation
The UPSC Civil Services examination is one of the most prestigious and toughest exams in the world. Every year more than 8 lakh aspirants apply for this exam but only a few hundred of them can clear it. Its vast syllabus and dynamic approach make it even more challenging. In this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know on how to prepare for the UPSC exam and achieve your dream of becoming a civil servant.
"The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do..Michael E. Porter
Get the basics right
The Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages; Prelims, Mains, and Personal Interview. The minimum educational qualification required is graduation from the any recognized university in India. The age limit is 21-32 years (relaxation as per government norms) and the maximum number of attempts allowed is 6 for general category students.
- The most important thing before going for this decision is to analyze each 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/mentors and those who have prepared for the CSE will also provide you with an overall insight into the examination and it will help you in adopting a proper strategy, planning, and executing accordingly.
Play with the Right strategy:
Success in this examination depends on making the right decisions at the right times. Right Strategy and guidance play a very important role in the selection. A strategy is like a make or break factor that will determine your chances of selection in the IAS examination.
- Syllabus: The first and foremost step is to thoroughly know the UPSC CSE syllabus. Aspirants should 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 the 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 provide the base 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 a very basic understanding of the day-to-day happenings around the globe and continuously improve this knowledge by interlinking these topics in answer writing. With the increasing weight of current affairs questions in prelims every year, regular newspaper reading gives you an upper hand in both papers. It will help you stay updated with current affairs.
- Previous Years’ Questions: Aspirants must go through the previous years’ question papers thoroughly to get a clear understanding of the 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 of the complete series to cover the whole syllabus. 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 Subject 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 timetable is very crucial for success. Discipline is like taking homeopathic 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 an integral part of your personality gradually.
- 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 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 questions that you confront on day to day basis. This will make your answers unique.
- 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 burnout and keep you focused on your studies.
Busting Myths about preparation for UPSC:
- Reading a Wide range of Books for IAS preparation
This is a general myth that the more books you read, the higher is your probability of sailing through. Absolutely no. CSE is not a test of knowledge but an application you already know. One must better read one book four times than four books one time. - Becoming Monk during preparation
You need to be a monk when preparing. No, you only need to be self-disciplined. You don't have to go in hibernation. All you need is self-control. People who love you are your springboards to bounce back when you feel low. Your parents, friends, and loved ones play an important part in your success journey. Yes, you should not socialize that often as it distracts but some unwinding only eases the stress. Also, you don't need to completely give up your hobbies but manage with your study schedule to keep you feel light during this long journey. - Only highly intelligent students with an excellent academic record are successful at the CSE
How does one measure intelligence? Can we call someone highly intelligent just because he/she scores 100% in Mathematics or Physics at the 10th Class level? Or do we call a student who has consistently secured a first division intelligent? The fact is the notion of intelligence is susceptible to varied definitions Many students have cleared this examination with a modest academic background.