How to start your preparation for UPSC

The civil services examination is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this exam is held in three stages – the preliminary exam, the mains exam, and the interview. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for this exam, but only a few are able to crack it.

If you’re someone who is aspiring to appear for the civil services examination, here are some tips that can help you prepare for it in a more strategic manner:

Know the exam pattern and syllabus:

Before you start preparing for the exam, it is important to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. This will help you get a clear idea of the topics you need to cover and the format of the exam. The preliminary exam consists of two papers – General Studies Paper-I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test), which are of 200 marks each. The mains exam consists of nine papers, including one optional paper. The interview is the final stage, which is of 275 marks.

Start early and make a plan:

Preparing for the civil services exam requires a lot of dedication and hard work. It is advisable to start early and make a plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus. Divide your preparation time into phases and allocate specific hours to each subject or topic.

Focus on the basics: The civil services exam tests your understanding of basic concepts and their application. So, it is important to have a strong foundation in the subjects that you will be tested on. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the basics before moving on to advanced topics.

Read newspapers and current affairs:

The civil services exam requires a good understanding of current affairs. Read newspapers and magazines regularly to stay updated with the latest news and events. Make notes of important news items and revise them frequently.

Select the right study material:

There are a lot of books and study materials available in the market for the civil services exam. It is important to choose the right material that covers the entire syllabus and is easy to understand. It is also advisable to refer to previous years’ question papers and study materials provided by coaching institutes like byjus.

Practice mock tests and previous years’ papers:

Solving mock tests and previous years’ papers can help you understand the exam pattern, type of questions, and the level of difficulty. It will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on areas that require more attention.

Take breaks and maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Preparing for the civil services exam can be stressful, so it is important to take regular breaks and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Take short breaks during your study sessions, exercise regularly, and eat healthy food. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation.

Have a mentor:

If you feel that you need guidance and support, you can consider any person of aa your mentor who has a knowledge and experiance in this field. A good mentor can provide you with the right study material, guidance, and motivation to crack the exam.

Stay motivated and positive:

 Preparing for the civil services exam can be a long and tedious process. It is important to stay motivated and positive throughout your preparation. Surround yourself with positive people, take inspiration from success stories, and believe in yourself.

In conclusion, cracking the civil services exam requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. With the right strategy and preparation, you can achieve your goal and join the elite group of civil servants who serve the country with pride and honor.