How to get ready for the UPSC exam in advance
Every year, hundreds of people apply for India's incredibly tough civil service exam. Only a very small number 0.1-0.4 percent succeed after a year-long process with multiple exams.
The Civil Service Exam picks the best people for important government jobs in India. There are 3 parts to the test:
- A multiple choice quiz in June.
- Essay writing on various topics.
- An interview.
Working out for the UPSC Exam: How do I start?
1. Organise the schedule
Start early and plan your study with a timetable! Cracking the UPSC requires smart work. Print the syllabus and track your progress with daily goals. Before you start studying, understand the syllabus, exam format, and create a study schedule. Look at past exam papers to get a feel for the questions and important topics. Finally, dedicate daily time for studying each subject and schedule review sessions.
2. Get quality study materials
- Start with NCERT books: They're free online and perfect for learning the basics. Read them twice before moving on.
- Deepen your knowledge: Once you understand the foundation, explore advanced topics. Spend half your study time on these and the other half on optional subjects you choose.
- Use good resources: Look for high-quality books, study materials, or classes (online or offline) from trusted sources. These will help you learn complex ideas and think critically.
- Focus on general studies: After mastering the basics of your optional subjects, dedicate most of your study time to general knowledge.
3. Go over newspapers
Newspapers are key for civil service exams. They keep you updated on current events around the world, but focus on reading important parts to save time. The Hindu and The Indian Express are good choices. Read articles on current affairs, government, economy, and national/international news. Lots of opinions can be overwhelming! If you struggle, consider a monthly magazine summarise important news. Keep it balanced! Aim for 60 minutes of newspaper reading per day.
4. Use every day
Aim to finish your studies by January. Keep your knowledge fresh by reviewing and taking practice tests. Don't worry, even though applications might open around February, you'll have time to practice writing and interviewing.
5. Final sentence
Start studying early for UPSC! This gives you time to:
- Make a study schedule.
- Learn the entire syllabus.
- Pick the right optional subject.
- Practice answering questions.
Remember, to succeed in UPSC, you need to be consistent, focused, and have a good plan.
It's never too early! The earlier you begin, the more time you have to build a strong foundation, practice writing, and revise information.
Start by understanding the exam format and syllabus. Download a copy and plan your study schedule. Look at past papers to get a feel for the questions.
NCERT books are great for building a strong foundation in all subjects. Newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express will keep you updated on current affairs. Many trusted sources offer online and offline classes or study materials.
Newspapers are key! Dedicate about an hour daily to reading articles on current affairs, government policies, and national/international news.
Aim to complete your syllabus by January. This leaves you time to review, take practice tests, and work on your writing and interview skills before applications open in February.
