HOW TO START PREPARING FOR UPSC IAS EXAM?

 HOW TO START PREPARING FOR UPSC IAS EXAM?

A beginner can easily get confused on how to start the preparation. Here is a head start on how to start preparing for the IAS exam.

Civil Services Examination, popularly known as the IAS exam, is conducted every year by the Union Public Service Commission. UPSC selects candidates for more than 20 civil services, including the prestigious IAS, IPS and IFS; through a common exam. It is considered to be one of the toughest examinations in the country. One of the factors behind this is the vastness of the syllabus and the diversity of the topics.

A beginner can easily get confused on how to start the preparation. Here is a head start on how to start preparing for the IAS exam, here's all you need to know about the exam.

When to start preparing for the IAS examination?

Ideally, a period of at least one year is required before one can be exam ready for civil services. The exam is conducted in 3 stages preliminary, written (main) and Interview. To appear for all the 3 stages takes a whole year. So, an aspirant will have to invest minimum two years of his life to the whole process. This time factor needs to be kept in mind while starting the preparation. For example, students in college may start their IAS preparation in the final year of their graduation.

How to start the preparation?

The first priority should be to understand the examination. Thoroughly research about the examination and talk to any civil servants you know, or people who are already preparing for the examination. The exam syllabus should be carefully studied, including the sub-topics. The next step will be to look at previous years’ question papers. You can also watch a few past exam toppers’ strategy videos available online to firm up your own strategy.

Which books to start with?

Begin with reading the NCERTs thoroughly. This will help you understand the basics of each subject. This will also help you grasp the concepts better in class, should you to choose to opt for coaching. One should also start reading the daily newspaper. The weightage given to current affairs in the IAS exam is on the rise. This requires you to stay abreast of the latest national and international developments.

Is coaching a necessity?

Although coaching does provide a direction to preparation for IAS examination, it is not a necessity. Students can also seek guidance from other senior aspirants and college professors. You can also reach out to someone who has recently qualified the exam in your circle of family and friends for guidance.

Also, aspirants often wonder if shifting to Delhi is necessary to prepare for the IAS examination. Delhi does provide a competitive atmosphere and proximity to coaching classes and resources. However, those who are unable to relocate to Delhi can also clear the exam with flying colors. The necessity of relocating to Delhi has been further reduced with increase in online courses and modules, especially after the pandemic.

What about the optional subject?

The optional subject of an aspirant can make the difference between success and failure in this exam. It is important to choose the optional subject after a thorough examination. An optional should be chosen on the basis of your area of interest, the length of the optional syllabus, time available for preparation and one’s academic background. The preparation for the optional subject needs to be carried out along with that of the General Studies syllabus.

Making notes

Making one’s own notes is an important habit that needs to be developed for this exam. An aspirant should start making notes after the first reading of General studies topics. In the IAS exam, it is not only important to know what to study, but also what not to study. This way, you can keep your notes concise and relevant to the examination.

The key terms in your notes should be highlighted. Try to incorporate plenty of diagrams and mind maps in your notes. This will make it easier for you to do multiple revisions later.

What else should an aspirant keep in mind?

Taking practice tests and regular answer writing form one of the most important parts of the exam strategy. After the first reading of the syllabus, an aspirant should solve at least a few questions every week. You can then gradually increase the number of practice questions and attempt full length tests as the exam comes closer. Do not let a low score in practice tests demotivate you. Your score will gradually improve. Keep mapping your progress. Answer writing and practice tests also help reduce anxiety on the day of the examination.

What about the personality test?

Personality test or the UPSC Interview forms the last stage of the IAS exam. Your newspaper reading habit will help you a good deal in this stage. You have to fill out a Detailed Application Form (DAF) before the personality test. It contains information about your academic background, previous work experience, hobbies, etc. You should prepare potential questions from these areas well, as they are likely to be asked during the Interview.

What else should an aspirant keep in mind?

Taking practice tests and regular answer writing form one of the most important parts of the exam strategy. After the first reading of the syllabus, an aspirant should solve at least a few questions every week. You can then gradually increase the number of practice questions and attempt full length tests as the exam comes closer. Do not let a low score in practice tests demotivate you. Your score will gradually improve. Keep mapping your progress. Answer writing and practice tests also help reduce anxiety on the day of the examination.

What about the personality test?

Personality test or the UPSC Interview forms the last stage of the IAS exam. Your newspaper reading habit will help you a good deal in this stage. You have to fill out a Detailed Application Form (DAF) before the personality test. It contains information about your academic background, previous work experience, hobbies, etc. You should prepare potential questions from these areas well, as they are likely to be asked during the Interview.

All the best..!