How to Start Preparing for UPSC from Zero Level? Know the Right Time Management and Strategy

If you have chosen to read this, then I presume that you wish to begin your UPSC preparation strategy at an early stage. I believe that the process of preparation for this exam can be life-changing for many.

By starting early, you give yourself extra years to relish the education, the learning, the experience, and the maturity that this process will impart. You must be thinking about how to start preparing for UPSC. Let’s find out.

Also Read: UPSC Preparation Tips for Beginners: Strategy for The Indian Civil Service Examination

How to Start Preparing for UPSC?

Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the civil service examination. Many of them are at a very early stage so that they can prepare even better for the UPSC prelims and the mains. You can start preparing for the exam directly from your home.

There is no need to go outside and look for coaching or search for UPSC preparation books. Everything can be done right from your home. Let’s see how to start UPSC preparation at home.

Books for UPSC Preparation

Whenever preparing for any exam, it is suggested to begin it by reading books. For IAS preparation also, it is advisable to look for the best books and start going through those.

Get an Idea About the UPSC Syllabus

You must understand from a very early stage that the UPSC syllabus is huge. But, don’t get worried. It will be a much easier journey if you start early and follow a proper UPSC preparation strategy. So start gathering ideas about the syllabus.

Take Mental Preparation

If you have already started thinking about the examination then it can be assumed that you must know how much dedication this IAS preparation needs. You have to cut a major time from your daily routine and devote yourself completely to exam preparation.

You have to make yourself ready to work hard. From making a realistic UPSC preparation strategy, keeping updated with the current affairs, and analyzing the exam pattern to sit for mock tests, you have to do it all to crack the exam with flying numbers.

Video Lectures

Search for video lectures offered by experts. Go through those, learn more about the exam pattern and get a clear idea about what to expect in the exam hall.

Download Helpful Apps

These days, there are plenty of educational mobile applications available in the play store. Look out for Apps that will keep you updated with daily current affairs and produce relevant information about the UPSC exam.

Take Help From a Mentor

Normally, you may lose direction while gearing up for the IAS preparation. This is where the need for guidance can be felt.

You can ask for essential guidance from someone you know who has cleared the exam or else you can always enrol in some online courses where you will be offered, personal mentors.

Enhance Communication Skill

Even though the interview part is almost the last thing of the civil service examination but when you are starting early and you have got plenty of time for the real exam, it’s suggested that you must include gearing up for the interview in your UPSC preparation strategy.

Start by talking in front of a mirror, and indulge in more public speaking. You can also consider joining communication classes where you can also get feedback about your performance.

Also Read: How to Begin IAS Preparation? The Ultimate Guide for Cracking the UPSC

How to Start Preparing for IAS?

Wondering how to start preparing for IAS? Here are the  four steps to start your UPSC Exam preparation

# General studies, the static part

#: Current affairs

# Optional subject

# Writing skills

Now, let’s handle them one by one.

UPSC Preparation for Beginners

General Studies: UPSC Preparation Strategy

This is practically all that is challenging in this UPSC syllabus. It covers almost everything under the sky and requires some understanding and appreciation of concepts as well.

It is very different from GK, and cannot be done by reading several who’s who kinds of books. It is suggested that you should start with this part immediately as it is the part in which you need to invest maximum time and effort and will get the maximum yield as well.

Syllabus for Prelims Paper 1

# Current events of national and international importance

# History of India and the Indian National Movement

# Indian and World Geography

# Indian Polity and Governance

# Economic and Social Development

# General issues on Biodiversity, Environmental ecology, Climate Change ( Covers only widespread attention of the issues, no subject discipline required)

# General Science

Syllabus for Prelims Paper 2

# Comprehension

# Interpersonal skills including communication skills

# Logical reasoning and analytical ability

# Decision making and problem-solving

# General mental ability

# Basic numeracy (Class X level)

# Numbers and their relations,

# Orders of magnitude, etc.

# Data interpretation (Class X level)

Syllabus for Mains

# Indian Heritage

# Indian Culture,

# History of the World and Society

# Geography of the World and Society.

# Governance

# Constitution

# Polity

# Social Justice

# International relations

# Technology

# Economic Development

# Biodiversity

# Environment

# Security and Disaster Management

# Ethics

# Integrity

# Aptitude

Also Read: The Complete Study Material for IAS Exam: A Guide to Crack the Civil Services Examination

Conclusion

Clearing the UPSC exam is not a cakewalk, it demands a high level of dedication and complete concentration. Starting from an early stage and making yourself ready as per the UPSC preparation strategy is a good thing. The earlier you start, the better you can score in the examination. Look for the best books, find video tutorials, go through the previous year’s papers, practice writing and keep your confidence level high.

So, how do you plan to start preparing for IAS? Do you have any strategy in mind? You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section below and find the best guidance from the UPSC Pathshala website.