If you are left with only three months for the UPSC Mains 2025, it’s high time that you go full throttle. This phase is the most crucial in the entire process; if done wrongly, it will be the end of your attempt. Here are some approaches that could be followed in a systematic manner to prepare for a competency-based interview.
📌 How can I Prepare for UPSC Mains in 3 Months?
Yes, 3 months are enough — if it is done in a structured and strategic manner. Emphasis should be put on revision, answering writing, and current affairs. This means that the maximum output of the study hour should be achieved.
Read More: Is 11th and 12th History NCERT Enough for UPSC?
📅 Ideal 3-Month Study Plan for UPSC Mains 2025
|
Week Range |
Focus Area |
Activities |
|---|---|---|
|
Week 1-2 |
GS Paper I & II |
Revise Polity, History, Society, and Governance. Practice daily answer writing. |
|
Week 3-4 |
GS Paper III & IV |
Focus on Economy, Environment, Ethics case studies. Integrate current affairs. |
|
Week 5-6 |
Optional Subject Paper I |
Brush up on theories, definitions, and case studies. Practice at least 2 answers daily. |
|
Week 7-8 |
Optional Subject Paper II |
Apply theories in current contexts. Practice full-length tests. |
|
Week 9 |
Essay Paper |
Practice writing 2 essays per week using a UPSC Essay Book for structure guidance. |
|
Week 10 |
Full-Length GS Tests |
Simulate exam conditions. Analyze performance. |
|
Week 11 |
Revisions |
Focus on weak areas. Go through UPSC Mains Books and class notes. |
|
Week 12 |
Final Polishing |
Revise all static + dynamic topics and go through UPSC Previous Year Solved Papers for last-minute brushing. |
📝 What is the Most Important Part of the Last 3 Months for UPSC Mains?
Three things:
1. Writing practice for GS questions: Attempt to write at least 2 answers for each of the GS papers daily.
2. Essay Writing: Allocate time for at least 1 essay every 3 days. To enhance the structure and depth of the essay, one needs to use information from a recommended UPSC Essay Book.
3. Core GS Concept Review: Use standard references and review them several times.
📚 Should I Focus more on Test Series or Revising UPSC Mains Books?
Both are essential. Therefore, your revision should be based on the UPSC Mains books, while the test series will give you the feel of the exam. A good balance can be
• 60% time on revision
• 40% on taking practice tests and enhancing one’s performance based on the results
What is the Best Way to Approach UPSC Previous Year Solved Papers?
To the following extent, it is possible to use UPSC previous year solved papers in the following ways:
• Understand the pattern and trends
• Perform writing of concise and relevant answers
• Content should be created according to UPSC requirement
For UPSC Online Mock Test Sample Papers and Latest Courses for 2025 Exam
For UPSC Online Previous Year Question Papers for the 2025 Exam
🖊 How can I Enhance my Essay Writing Skills within 3 Months?
• Write essays every week on both philosophical and current issues.
• The structure of the essays should comprise an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Consult a good UPSC Essay Book for the techniques, quotes, and various perspectives.
By following this 3-month strategy, smartly using your UPSC Mains Books, practicing with UPSC Previous Year Solved Papers, and refining your essay writing with the help of a UPSC Essay Book, cracking the UPSC Mains 2025 is absolutely within reach.
Stay focused and trust your preparation!
