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How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level: The UPSC CSE Exam is an extremely difficult exam to crack! I am not trying to scare you, but it is important to understand the situation and then start your preparation. The sheer competitiveness and toughness make it even more worth it when you clear it! So, if you are planning to prepare for UPSC from scratch, then this blog will help you in that journey. Read this blog and learn how to start UPSC preparation from zero level.
Table of Contents
Now before we give you the steps on how to start your UPSC preparation and give you tips on how to crack the UPSC CSE Exam, candidates need to self-introspect a bit and understand a lot of things before starting the preparation to save time, energy and resources.
Ask yourself the following questions:
➡️ Why do I want to take the UPSC exam?
( Ideally, the response should indicate that you are eager and passionate about serving the country and that you are prepared to take on the challenges that come with it, including the training and the work itself. )
Remember the 12th Fail Movie Dialogue! “IAS banna badi baat nahi hai, badi baat yeh hai ki jis koorsi par aap bethenge naa usse aapki izzat na ho, balki apse USS kursi ki izzat ho.”
➡️ Which service am I targeting?
Would it be IFS or IAS? Would I like to own the IPS uniform? Perhaps you are searching for something similar to IES. This is crucial because it will help you clarify your objectives and concentrate on acquiring the skills you will need possibly even during the UPSC interview after passing the test.
Also Read: Who Takes UPSC Interview
➡️ Decide which exam cycle you are going to target.
In the event that you are reading this in 2023 or the first few months of 2024, you must choose between the UPSC 2024 and UPSC 2025 exam cycles. Your exam cycle will help you to determine the appropriate time period to start your preparation.
➡️ Choose an optional subject for yourself.
Choosing the right optional subject plays a crucial role in your overall score. The right optional subjects are the ones which you are passionate about and they provide a good understanding of the subject that aligns wth your career goal. Most of the students face confusion in choosing the right optional subject. You can refer to the link mentioned below to choose the right optional subject for you.
Read more on this here: How to choose the right optional subject
Here is a Step-by-Step Guide on How to Start UPSC Preparation from the Zero Level.
Step 1: Know the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The first step in your UPSC preparation is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. The UPSC CSE consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination: This is an objective test that consists of two papers: General Studies and CSAT.
- Main Examination: This is a subjective test that consists of nine papers: Essay, General Studies-I, General Studies-II, General Studies-III, General Studies-IV, Language Paper, Optional Subject Paper-I, Optional Subject Paper-II, and Interview.
- Personality Test: This is an interview that assesses your personality, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services.
Step 2: Choose the Right Study Material
Once you have a good understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus, you need to start gathering the right study material. There are a plethora of resources available for UPSC preparation, both online and offline. It is important to choose study material that is comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable.
Some of the recommended study materials for UPSC preparation include:
- NCERT textbooks (Class 6-12)
( Check out our section with all NCERT Notes: NCERT Study Material )
- Standard reference books (e.g., Laxmikanth for Indian Polity, Bipin Chandra for Indian History) ( Read: Best books for UPSC )
- Previous year’s question papers ( Read: UPSC Previous Year Question Papers )
- Mock test series
Step 3: Create a Study Plan
Creating a study plan is essential for effective UPSC preparation. Your study plan should be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. It should take into account your strengths, weaknesses, and available study time. A typical UPSC study plan should include the following:
- Regular reading of Newspaper like Hindu or TOI
- Referencing NCERT books for in-depth understanding
- Solving previous year’s question papers
- Taking mock tests
- Revising the entire syllabus regularly
Step 4: Develop Effective Study Habits
Developing effective study habits is crucial for success in the UPSC CSE. Some of the most important study habits include:
- Setting realistic goals: Break down your preparation into small, achievable goals. Set goals that are achievable within the limited time frame.
- Creating a distraction-free study environment: Find a quiet place where you can focus without interruptions. Avoid any kind of distractionss like mobile notifications or social media while studying.
- Using effective time management techniques: Develop a daily or weekly schedule to study and stick to it. Set regular revisions sessions to check your preparation.
- Taking regular breaks: Avoid studying for extended periods without breaks. Take small breaks to recharge yourself for the next task and to prevent burnout and exhaustion.
- Revising regularly: Regularly revise what you have learned to retain it in your memory.
Step 5: Stay Motivated
“If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means “first Attempt In Learning” – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
UPSC preparation is a long and tiring journey. It is important to stay motivated throughout the process. Here are some tips for staying motivated:
- Remember your goal: Keep your ultimate goal of becoming an IAS officer in mind. Break your goal into small achievable goals which will help you to move towards your aim.
- Celebrate your achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. It will help you to keep yourself motivated.
- Take care of your physical and mental health: Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Good physical and mental health will help you to prepare for the competitive exam effectively.
Movies UPSC Aspirants Must Watch
Here were have mentioned some of the movies that UPSC aspirants should watch to understand and learn about the UPSC Journey.
12th Fail
Quote: “Abdul Kalam used to study under the street lamp, I still have this library I work in”
Million Dollar Baby
Quote: “Anyone can lose one fight, anybody can lose once, you’ll come back from this, you’ll be the champion of the world.”
Forrest Gump
Quote: “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
The Shawshank Redemption
Quote: “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of the things. And good things never die.”
Schindler’s List (1993)
Quote: “Power is when we have every justification to kill, and we don’t.”
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FAQs
Yes, You can prepare for UPSC From Zero level at home by following the right. Start the preparation by understanding the exam pattern and using the right study material. Practice Previous Years Question Papers and Mock Tests to update your knowledge and understand the exam format.
By following a proper plan and guidelines, study material and guidance, candidates can crack UPSC in 1 year starting from zero.
Can I clear UPSC if I am weak in maths?
Yes, a candidate can crack the UPSC even if they are not proficient in maths. Many services do not have mathematics as a mandatory subject. However, if the service requires maths as a subject, then with proper dedication and constant efforts, one can overcome their weakness in the maths section.
Although passing the UPSC CSE is a difficult undertaking, it is undoubtedly attainable with the appropriate planning and approach. You can put yourself on the road to success by paying attention to the advice provided in this blog article. Remember, consistency, dedication, and hard work are key to achieving your go
This was all about the “How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level”. For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.