No goal is unachievable if you have the tenacity to face the process. The goal of becoming an IAS officer is arduous. But, you can achieve it with ease if have proper guidance.
In this write-up, we are giving you the ultimate guide for UPSC exam preparation.
First of all salute to you for the decision of making civil services your career choice. Of crores of youth in the country, only a few are brave enough to make this choice. Knowing well that the odds of failing are more in this path. This doesn’t mean that you cannot achieve success in your first attempt itself. It is absolutely possible. Follow the guidance.
Understanding the Syllabus
Before beginning the preparation, you must go through the syllabus thoroughly. It appears that the syllabus is simple enough with specific topics to study. But, you can understand the depths of it only by analysing the previous years’ question papers.
Once done, it will be clear that the simple looking syllabus needs gathering a tonne of knowledge. It clears your misconceptions and helps you see the task ahead.
Analysing Your Competence
After the above step, the next one is to analyse your abilities. Here, you need to be truthful in assessing your capabilities. For some, answer writing is difficult. For others understanding technical issues is difficult. Yet some find it difficult to structure their thoughts. And few are overconfident over their exam clearing abilities.
Wholesome swot analysis of your abilities will bring forth issues even you have not known. If this is not done, you will waste time and energy in trying your chances with many attempts. This only leads to frustration and anxiety. Better do it upfront.
After analysing your competence, work on those weak areas during the preparation phase.
The Preparation
With the knowledge of your abilities and inabilities it is time to begin the preparation. You can divide the preparation process into the following segments:
- Basics – Nothing can beat the importance of NCERTs. They provide the basic knowledge that you need for the exam. It is thus pertinent to begin your preparation by reading these books.
- Newspaper – The most important aspect of the civil services exam is the current affairs. Understanding and analysing the issues is crucial here. For this, pick up a newspaper and start reading it daily.
- Reference Books –For certain parts of the syllabus you need to read some standard reference books. For example Indian Polity by Laxmikanth.
- Choice of Optional – The choice must be practical. It must depend on your ability to understand the subject matter, completing the syllabus on time and scoring chances.
Also Read: How to Select IAS Mains Optional Subject
- Combined Preparation – Preparation for civil services exam is a single package. You cannot segment your preparation for prelims, mains, and interview. It is a combined process. The syllabus for each stage of the exam is linked with the other stage in one way or the other.
- Time Management – The key factor that determines the success or failure of a candidate is in their ability to manage time. Chalk out a workable timetable and stick to it.
Necessity of Coaching
It is the personal discretion of the individual. If you have time constraints or are facing problems understanding the subjects, or in need of support in the preparation, taking coaching will be the right choice. Classic IAS Academy is Best IAS Coaching in Delhi for GS Foundation and Optional Subjects.
Constant Testing
UPSC preparation needs constant testing. It is to know how well you can retrieve the knowledge that you have accumulated in an exam setup. Also, waiting mains answers needs practice. The more you write, the more you can speed up the writing and more you can jog your mind for proper facts and analysis. So, be consistent in practicing answers and giving mock tests. Join Classic IAS Prelims Test Series to analyse your level of preparation.
Some Essentials
In a long drawn preparation process, losing focus from the goal is inevitable. Do not fret over those deviations. They are an indication that you are on the right track. Some essential habits or say changes can make your course for becoming an IAS strong. They are:
- Meditation – To make your mind to stay focused.
- Physical activity – for long-lasting health and avoiding the pitfalls of morbidity
- Good food – Essential to keep diseases at bay
- Social connections – Be it friends, family, and acquaintances, being social keeps you saner and wiser
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