It can be quite thrilling to crack the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, especially when you are a beginner. This exam is one of the toughest exams in India, as it demands dedication, strategic planning, and a proper understanding of the syllabus.
If you're a beginner and wondering how to start with UPSC preparation, here is the guide for you. For easy understanding, here is a step-by-step process to attain success while using UPSC Books.
Recommended Links:
UPSC Mock Test Sample Paper for 2025 Exam
UPSC Previous Years Question Papers for 2025 Exam
NCERT One for All for UPSC for Upcoming Exam
Go through Exam Structure & Syllabus
The very first step towards the UPSC preparation is to know about your exam structure & its syllabus. It majorly consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination or Prelims: It consists of two objective-type papers – General Studies (GS) Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT), 200 marks each.
- Main Examination or Mains: It consists of nine descriptive papers that include one qualifying language paper.
- Personality Test or Interview: It is the final level of the exam. Here, the candidates are selected on the basis of: personality traits, communication skills, and others.
Create a Study Plan
The second step for UPSC preparation is to have a well-structured study plan. You can do the following:
- Make sure your study sessions have breaks in between. This will help you dedicate more focused time to UPSC preparation books.
- It's important that your weekly targets must cover specific portions of the syllabus.
- Always take time to revise things to sharpen your memory retention.
Read More: IS UPSC ONLY FOR TOPPERS?
Study from Right Study Materials
It's efficient to study from the right study material to achieve high goals.
- You can start with UPSC NCERT Books from classes 6 to 12.
- Always refer to standard books like "Indian Polity" and "India's Struggle for Independence" by famous authors.
- It's crucial to read newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express for daily current affairs updates.
Be good at Writing
The last yet most significant step is to write compelling answers in your main examination. Follow these tips:
- Practice writing answers to questions from previous years. It will help you to understand the type of questions asked in the exam.
- You can also enrol in a good test series for regular practice and receive feedback from the same.
- After writing answers, you must evaluate them or get them reviewed by your mentors.
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For UPSC Online Previous Year Question Papers for the 2024 Exam – Click Here
Final Thoughts
While you may think preparing for the UPSC exam is a marathon, no it's not a sprint. As a beginner, take it one step at a time, stay disciplined, and believe in your abilities. With the right approach and perseverance, you can achieve your dream of becoming a civil servant.
