How to prepare for upsc
Upsc civil services is one of the toughest exam in india , preparing for upsc required consistent hard work , but with right approach , dedication and strategic planning it is possible to crack this exam in first attempt.
10 Tips to Prepare for UPSC 2024
- Start your prepration atleast 3 years before your first attempt.
- Go through the syllabus of both the Prelims and Mains exams.
- Analyse the past few years’ question papers of both Prelims and Mains.
- Start reading a newspaper regularly and make short notes based on relevant articles.
- Make short notes, to revise fast.
- Start Learning basics of prelim mains and answer writing.
- Make use of the internet and social media for your preparation carefully.
- Revise regularly the content you have been reading at least on a weekly basis.
- Practice mock exams.
How to Prepare for UPSC Exam at Home?
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination at home involves a systematic approach. Begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus.
- Create a well-structured study plan, allocating time to each subject.
- Gather essential study materials, including textbooks and previous years’ question papers.
- Start with NCERT books for foundational knowledge and clarity.
- Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers and magazines.
- Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests for self-assessment.
- Practise daily answer writing, focusing on structure and clarity for the UPSC Main Examination. Regularly revise topics, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay motivated.
- Seek guidance when needed. Discipline, consistency, and effective time management are key to succeeding in UPSC exam preparation from home.
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Best Books for UPSC Preparation
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best books, here’s a list of recommended books for different subjects and stages of the UPSC exam:
General Studies (Prelims and Mains):
- “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth: A comprehensive book on Indian polity and the constitution.
- “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by Goh Cheng Leong: For geography concepts.
- “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra: Covers the history of the Indian independence movement.
- “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh: Provides a good overview of economic concepts.
- “General Science
- by Lucent Publications: For basic science concepts.
- “Environment and Ecology” by Shankar IAS Academy: For environmental studies.
- “Economic Survey” and “Budget” (available online): Important government documents.
- NCERT textbooks (Class 6 to 12): Excellent for building a foundational understanding of various subjects.
General Studies (Mains):
- “India After Gandhi” by Ramachandra Guha: A detailed look at post-independence India.
- “Administrative Reforms in India” by M. Laxmikanth: Covers the Indian administration system.
- “Indian Art and Culture” by Nitin Singhania: For the art and culture section.
- “Social Problems in India” by Ram Ahuja: Discusses various social issues.
- “Governance in India” by M. Laxmikanth: Important for GS Paper 2.
- “Challenges to Internal Security of India” by Ashok Kumar: Covers internal security issues.
Optional Subjects:
For optional subjects preparation, choose books that are recommended by our Expert faculty. The lists of books are available on our websites. The choice of optional subject determines the specific by own choice.
- ooks you’ll need.Current Affairs:
- Newspapers: The Hindu, The Indian Express, or any other reputed daily newspaper.
- Magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra, Economic and Political Weekly.
- Annual Publications: “India Year Book” by Publications Division, Government of India, and “Manorama Yearbook.”
Essay Writing:
- “151 Essays for UPSC Mains” by Disha Publications.
- Practice essay writing regularly to develop your writing skills.
Additional Reference Books (for in-depth knowledge):
- “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh (for Mains and in-depth understanding).
- “Indian Society” by Ram Ahuja (for Mains).
- “Geography of India” by Majid Husain (for Mains and detailed geography concepts).
- “World History” by Norman Lowe (for Mains Paper 1).
Remember that the key to UPSC preparation is not just the number of books you read but how effectively you understand and retain the material.
Best Youtube Channel for UPSC Preparation
In the UPSC preparation journey, Current Affairs proves to be a reliable and crucial ally. Mastering this aspect can significantly contribute to winning half the battle! In the modern era of online learning, YouTube has emerged as a prominent and indispensable platform, playing a pivotal role in education.
The Vajiram & Ravi YouTube channel is for candidates seeking that extra edge or a newcomer exploring the realm of civil services. The channel is a one-stop destination for Daily Newspaper Analysis, Monthly Current Affairs, Economic Surveys, Webinars held by our expert Faculty Members and Interviews by UPSC CSE Toppers.
Timetable for UPSC Preparation 2024
A UPSC timetable is more than just a schedule; it’s your ally in combating stress and procrastination. A properly designed timetable can enhance productivity, boost confidence, and make the daunting task of UPSC preparation seem manageable.
If you are preparing for UPSC 2024, don’t forget to follow a timetable that will give you a direction for month-wise preparation strategy for UPSC CSE.
Month GS-Prelims GS-Mains Optional June ’23 – October ’23 NCERTs and Basic Standard books – one reading of everything Read books common to prelims & mains Start preparation of Optional Paper October ’23 – February ’24 Revise the Basic Standard Books and start practising mock prelims tests Cover rest of the syllabus of main exam and start answer writing as well as mock prelims tests Revision and practice of optional subject March ’24 – May ’24 Exclusively for prelims (both GS and CSAT) and regular prelims test – – June ’24 – Sep ’24 – Exclusively for Mains and regular answer writing as well as mock test for mains exam Revision and mock tests. We at DMG ACADEMY , prepare students for upsc