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How to crack UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains in First Attempt - Effecive Tips for CSE Preparation

How to crack UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains in First Attempt - Effecive Tips for CSE Preparation

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Feb 14, 2024 06:15 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
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The UPSC Civil Service exam is one of the most coveted competitive exams. Lakhs of candidates aim to make their way to the administrative services. However, before achieving their goal, they questioned how to crack the UPSC civil service exam.

Such candidates wonder which books they need to study from, how to start preparation and what strategy to implement to clear the UPSC civil services exam. Read the full article that is given below to learn how to crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

How to Crack CSE Exam 2024 - Who Can Crack the IAS Exam?

Aspirants who focus single-mindedly on UPSC IAS 2024 as the goal, analyse & strategize their exam preparation such that they qualify for all stages - (Prelims, Main, and Interview), can win the race to being an IAS officer. To do so, they must visualise only their goal and the path to reach it just like Arjuna’s arrow in Draupadi’s Swayamvar won him her hand.

This Story also Contains
  1. How to Crack CSE Exam 2024 - Who Can Crack the IAS Exam?
  2. UPSC Civil Services Exam Pattern 2024
  3. How to Prepare for IAS: PT, Main & Interview?
How to crack UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains in First Attempt - Effecive Tips for CSE Preparation
How to crack UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains in First Attempt - Effecive Tips for CSE Preparation

One can see many examples of aspirants who have pushed their way to make their dreams come true and some of those inspirational stories include names like Govind Jaiswal, Ansar Ahmad Shaikh, Ira Singhal, Gopal Sunara Raj, Sandeep Kaur, Nirish Rajput, Komal Ganatra, Mohammad Ali Shihab and Rashmi Siddharth Zagade etc. The list is endless and the backgrounds vary. However, one thing is common - the zeal and the focus to make a change not just to their lives but also to society in general.

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UPSC Civil Services Exam Pattern 2024

Candidates must be well versed with the UPSC exam pattern for the civil services entrance test as this will help them to make a plan for their preparation.

UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Pattern 2024

Number of papers

GS 1: Based on Indian History, Economics, Indian and World Geography, Science and Technology, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Environment.

GS 2: Based on Reasoning, Aptitude and Quantitative

Language of paper

English

Hindi

Duration of exam

4 hours (2 hours each)

Number of questions

General Studies Paper 1: 100

General Studies Paper 2: 80

Maximum marks

400 (200 each)

Qualifying marks

33% for Paper 2

UPSC CSE Mains Exam Pattern 2024

Number of papers

9

Language of paper

English

Hindi

Descriptive paper: Candidates can appear for language paper in 22 languages mentioned in schedule 8 of the Indian constitution

Duration of exam

3 hours each

Subjects

Compulsory Indian language

English

Essay

  • General Studies I

  • General Studies II

  • General Studies III

  • General Studies IV

  • Optional I

  • Optional II

Number of questions

Part A and B: 300 each

General studies and optional paper: 250 each

Sub Total (Mains)

1750 marks

Personality Test

275 marks

Grand Total

2025 marks

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UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy and Best Books
UPSC CSE preparation strategy along with best books for prelims as well as mains exam for sure success.
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How to Prepare for IAS: PT, Main & Interview?

Strategy for IAS Prelims Exam Preparation

Points to note: The UPSC Prelims consists of two mandatory papers that are objective in nature with multiple choice questions. IAS Paper II is a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.

1. UPSC CSE Prelims: Syllabus, Topics, Trends and Preparation

IAS Prelims Paper I: Syllabus

S.No

Prelims Syllabus: Paper I‐ (200 marks), No. of Questions-( 100), Duration: 2 hours

1

Current events of national and international importance.

2

History of India and Indian National Movement.

3

Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

4

Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

5

Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

6

General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization.

7

General Science.

CSE Prelims Paper II: Syllabus

S.No

IAS Prelims Syllabus: Paper II‐ (200 marks), No. of Questions-( 80), Duration: 2 hours

1

Comprehension

2

Interpersonal skills including communication skills; The Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.

3

Logical reasoning and analytical ability

4

Decision-making and problem-solving

5

General mental ability

6

Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level)

Strategy for IAS Main Exam Preparation

When one’s mind is wondering how to crack the UPSC civil services exam, then one needs to know the different stages and how many papers are there before drawing the final strategy. The exam has two stages, a written exam of 9 papers followed by an interview of 2350 marks for final selection. The strategy devised is in stages as given below.

Strategy 1: Understanding the Nature of Questions of the UPSC IAS Mains Exam

Questions asked in recent times are application-based linking social, economic, scientific, environmental, cultural, political, etc. problems faced by the people from different regions, religions, castes, genders on a local, national, and world level. Answering these questions needs concepts, facts, and data and not just knowledge of current affairs.

Strategy 2: Understanding Evaluation Methods

The evaluation takes not just the examinee’s educational background and his/her answers, but an analysis of how questions have been answered. Points checked are whether the answer is to the point, has adopted an interdisciplinary approach, and the skill in linking the answer with other relevant subjects and a positive concluding solution. Factors like conceptual clarity, content relevance, objectivity, language proficiency, use of examples, and illustrations in the question help secure good marks.

Strategy 3: Practicing Words & Time Limit

Candidates have to maintain a word limit and answer the questions within a time limit. This needs good practice and can be honed by solving past years UPSC IAS question papers.

Strategy 4: Keeping the Main Syllabus in Mind

Candidates must remember all the topics of the UPSC syllabus for different papers and be able to answer clearly on all of them.

Strategy-5: Other Techniques to practise

  • Practice as many solved papers, sample question papers of UPSC IAS civil services , and Mock test series as possible for both Prelims and Main exams.

  • Revision (daily, weekly & monthly) for each topic and subject is a must.

  • Make notes in brief for each subject you study with headings for each topic and subtopic.

  • Read newspapers, like The Hindu, Indian Express…, and note down important burning topics of current affairs with relevant information in bullet points and correlate with the static portion of the syllabus.

Strategy & Tips for IAS Interview Preparation

The IAS interview or the personality test is the last stage in India’s toughest competition. The less than a half-an-hour exercise can change the life of a candidate. It is not a mere test of knowledge but a holistic test that takes stock of an aspirant’s true personality.

Interview board members check candidates’ critical approach and thought process related to social, economic, administrative, political, demographic, etc. problems and their viable as well as practical solutions. Therefore preparation for the UPSC-CSE Interview/Personality Test is crucial and some tips for that are:

  • Start preparing for the interview along with the Main exam.

  • Try to discover yourself and understand the different aspects of your personality including the hidden ones.

  • Know your biodata well as it will be the basis for questions related to information from the biodata like hobbies, education, work experience, service preference, etc. Be prepared for in-depth questions on any aspect of your biodata.

  • Inculcate positive thinking during and after your preparation and give your best shot.

  • Check out topper interviews to understand and strategize your preparation. Be confident and try to avoid nervousness during the interview.

  • Be truthful in expression and deed. Always give correct facts. Impressing the interview board at any cost is not the aim but impressing them for the right reasons is.

  • Work on your communication skills and be calm during the interview.

  • Maintain soberness in both dress and body language.

  • Revise topics from optional subjects as well as keep stock of current affairs topics. Read newspapers regularly and keep abreast of all that's happening around the world.

  • Know about your district and state’s unique features.

  • Try to understand the interview questions first and then use common sense to answer.

  • Join IAS mock interviews in different coaching if possible for practice purposes.

  • Practice before friends to know your strengths and weaknesses.

IAS Success Formula - Study Tips for Cracking IAS Exam

Setting up a Goal: The first step towards cracking the IAS exam is to analyse eligibility, capabilities, and the required means/resources to achieve it. The goal should be SMART (i.e. S- Specific; M-Measurable; A-Achievable; R-Realistic; and T- Time-bound).

  1. A set goal helps you stay focused

  2. It helps in overcoming delay

  3. It helps in measuring your progress.

  4. It helps in setting barriers against distraction

  5. It enables you to manage your time

  6. It motivates to scale milestones

Daily Routine (Time Management) through a timetable - The 24 hours in a day, 7 weeks in a month, and 12 months in a year is enough to prepare for the toughest entrance examinations of the country provided it is utilised to the best. One of the key factors which play the most important role in cracking the IAS exam is having a balanced routine or timetable that focuses on studies as well as normal daily activities. A timetable helps keep the study schedule on track.

"Time is the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can't afford to lose." - Thomas Edison

However, no fixed timetable suits every aspirant. They should prepare their timetable chart based on their strengths and weaknesses, convenience, etc.

Importance of Good Health for Cracking IAS Exam: The Greek philosopher Thales said, “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body”; means a sound body would ideally function better. A healthy diet, sound sleep and activities to destress and keep the body fit should be part of the routine for every IAS aspirant.

Emotion Management for IAS Exam: It is easy to be demotivated or stressed during preparation and combating this is important. A bond with like-minded professionals preparing for the exam will help make the preparation journey better.

How to Manage Study for CSE/IAS Preparation

How to Manage Reading Speed: This is important as the syllabus is vast and aspirants need speed to cover it all. So when the question pops up in one’s mind as to how to crack the UPSC civil services exam, some habits that help are:

  • Concentrate and focus on the content.

  • Avoid rereading and move on to new topics once done.

  • Use a timer to gauge your reading time and fix time slots for particular texts or pages

  • Learn to skim through the important facts

  • Practise till the desirable reading speed is achieved

Make your own Study Timetable

  • Divide the UPSC IAS syllabus into Prelims and Main. Further, divide both into subjects and chapters/topics.

  • Then divide the time span, say a year into months, a month into weeks, and a week into days. Now divide the day into a group of hours.

  • Next, make a chronological classification of subjects, topics, and sub-topics of prelims and the main syllabus according to strong and weak areas and the importance of questions asked in the examinations.

  • Put the chapters subject-wise in months and topics/ subtopics in weeks and days categories to fix a schedule that completes them all.

  • Incorporate revision time every day, every week, every month, and every third month.

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC IAS Without Coaching

How to Schedule Revision for IAS Preparation?

Revision is crucial as one prepares for the UPSC IAS exam on their own . The concepts, facts, and other information studied have to be revised to avoid forgetting them. A gap of 9 to 15 days in between two revisions may cause forgetting some of the topics learnt. So most of the IAS toppers recommend a 3 Tier Revision Plan as given below

Time Table for IAS Preparation

3-Tier Revision Plan

Daily Revision

Weekly Revision

Monthly Revision

Time

Morning and Night Recaps



Subject

Subject name

-do-

-do-

Chapter

Chapter Name

-do-

-do-

Topic/Subtopic

Topic name

-do-

-do-

Practice Sessions: Revision every 15th day and every 3rd month with not just study material but mock papers, past year's question papers will make the plan a better and a viable one.

Daily Revision Schedule: Aspirants should look at all important points which they studied the whole day before going to sleep. Likewise in the morning, they should quickly revise all chapters and topics they covered the previous day from the UPSC exam study material.

Weekly Revision Schedule: Aspirants should revise all the subjects, chapters, and topics that they studied in the past 6 days of the week as doing this regularly will help them to crack the UPSC civil services exam.

Monthly Revision Schedule: This is the third stage of revision which is better fixed on the last day of every month. The aspirants should revise all the subjects, chapters, and topics along with solved papers, and mock tests for topics they have revised in that month. Likewise, a quarterly and six-monthly revision schedule would be an ideal thing to incorporate into the timetable.

Check Other Competitive Exams Preparation Tips

How to Evaluate Study Progress for the UPSC/IAS Exam

A. Learning Evaluation: IAS aspirants must check their learning progress and evaluate their preparation from time to time (weekly and monthly). For this, they can take a mock test and previous questions asked from a particular topic and solve them.

They need to check their capability of answering - hundred percent correct, or fifty percent correct as well as how many questions they could not answer. As per the test result of that topic they can reschedule that topic for study or revision.

B. Speed Evaluation: Mock tests are the best tools to evaluate speed as well as for improvement. Aspirants need to solve papers within a set time limit and gauge their performance. They should strive to improve on it with every test they take.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many papers are there in the UPSC IAS prelims exam?

There are two papers in the prelims exam - GS 1 and GS 2.

2. How can I clear the UPSC IAS prelims exam?

Aspirants can go through the above article to get an idea about how to prepare and clear the prelims exam of UPSC IAS.

3. When will the UPSC notification be released?

The UPSC IAS notification was released on February 14, 2024.

4. How many times UPSC IAS exam be conducted in a year?

The commission conducts the UPSC CSE exam once in a year.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?

Hello

This is the typical schedule of the IAS Exam (UPSC CSE):

Notification Release: February
Online Application Window: February to early March
Prelims Exam: May or June
Mains Exam: September/October

As for 2025, the registration date is already gone, so you have to see for 2026 now. The registration will open most probably in February 2026 so stay tuned.

To know more about the IAS Exam: UPSC CSE

Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!

A candidate who has undergone heart surgery can be eligible for the IAS post if they are medically fit and can perform the required duties without any serious health problems The UPSC allows candidates to appear for the exam if they meet the general physical and mental fitness criteria After clearing the main examination and interview all selected candidates must undergo a detailed medical examination by a government medical board If the candidate has recovered well from heart surgery and there are no complications they can be declared fit for service However if the surgery has caused any permanent disability and if it is certified under the benchmark disability rules then the candidate may be eligible for reservation under the persons with disabilities category Final eligibility depends on the report given by the medical board during the selection process

If a person has undergone heart surgery for ASD which means Atrial Septal Defect and is now medically fit then they can apply for the IAS exam There is no restriction for such candidates if their physical and mental condition is stable and they can perform the duties required in civil services However selection to IAS also depends on passing the medical test conducted after clearing the main exam and interview If the person has any lasting disability due to the heart condition and it is certified by a government medical board then they may be considered under the benchmark disability category as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act In such cases the candidate may come under reservation for persons with disabilities in the specific category mentioned by the medical authority It is always advised to check the official UPSC notification and consult with a government hospital for proper disability certification before applying

Hello ,

If you want to give IAS exam then you should complete your graduation first or also if you are in your last year of graduation then you can fill the application form.

To know more, refer this:

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-application-form

I hope this helps you!

If you want to become an IAS or IPS officer after completing your 12th in PCMC ,  focus on graduation because the UPSC Civil Services exam requires you to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. You can choose any graduation stream, but many students prefer degrees like Political Science, Public Administration, History, or Sociology because these subjects help build a strong foundation for the UPSC syllabus. it’s not mandatory to pick these; you can also pursue Science, Commerce, or Arts as long as you complete your graduation. Along with your degree,  start preparing for the UPSC exam early by reading newspapers, improving your general knowledge, and practicing answer writing. So, after 12th, pick a degree you are comfortable with, and plan your UPSC preparation alongside

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