How to Start UPSC Preparation

How to Start UPSC Preparation

How to Start UPSC Preparation — Step-by-step Guide

How to Start UPSC Preparation — A Practical Roadmap

Clear, actionable steps for beginners: 12-month roadmap, daily schedule, essential resources, and exam strategy (Prelims → Mains → Interview).

Overview — Where to begin

Start with clarity: UPSC tests breadth, depth and expression. Your goal initially is to map the syllabus, pick reliable resources, and build a daily routine that you can consistently follow.

  • Know the exam format: Prelims (objective) → Mains (descriptive) → Interview (personality test).
  • Understand the syllabus: Download official UPSC syllabus and treat it as the boundary of what to study.
  • Start with NCERTs: Class 6–12 NCERTs build conceptual clarity across History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Science.

12-Month Roadmap (Beginner-Friendly)

This is a practical, month-by-month plan. Adjust timelines depending on how many hours per day you can commit.

Months 1–3 — Foundation

  • Read NCERTs for History, Geography, Polity, Economy (class 6–12) — make short concept notes.
  • Start daily newspaper reading (editorials) — 30–45 minutes (The Hindu / Indian Express).
  • Decide on Optional subject (begin basic reading if you already know it).

Months 4–6 — Consolidation

  • Move to standard reference books (Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum/Bipin Chandra for Modern India, G.C. Leong/Oxford for Geography, Ramesh Singh for Economy).
  • Start short answer practice (150–250 words) for mains topics.
  • Weekly revision and one mock prelim test every 2–3 weeks.

Months 7–9 — Depth & Answer Writing

  • Finish core books, consolidate notes, and intensify answer writing (daily 1–2 mains answers).
  • Join a reliable test series or build a plan of self-mocks.
  • Start practicing previous year questions (PYQs).

Months 10–12 — Revision & Full Mocks

  • Focused revision of notes, high-yield facts and current affairs linked to syllabus.
  • Attempt full-length Prelims mocks every weekend and timed Mains answer writing.
  • Polish DAF and start mock interviews (if you reach this stage).

Sample Daily & Weekly Plan

Two templates — for full-time and working aspirants.

Full-Time Aspirant (8–10 hours)

  • 6:00–7:00 — Newspaper + short notes (editorials)
  • 8:00–11:00 — Core subject study (static syllabus)
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