TOEFL ® Registrations 2024
ApplyAccepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide
IAS Study Plan 2024 - Important Strategies, Revision Schedule and Evaluation Tips
Updated on Feb 14, 2024 03:51 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
Upcoming Event
UPSC CSE Exam Date : 25 May' 2025 - 25 May' 2025
UPSC conducts, among many other exams, the IAS Exam 2024. This exam is considered to be one of India's toughest competitive exams. Many lakhs of students prepare for the UPSC exam yearly. This renders the IAS exam highly competitive. Therefore, to increase the chances of success in such a competitive environment, it is crucial for candidates to draft an effective UPSC 2024 Study Plan.
This Story also Contains
- IAS Study Plan 2024 - How to Start Preparation?
- UPSC Study Plan for 1 Year
- UPSC 2024 Self Study or Join IAS Coaching Classes?
- UPSC Study Plan 2024 - Best and Brief IAS Study Materials
- IAS Study Plan 2024 for Prelims Exam
- UPSC Study Plan 2024 for Mains Exam
- IAS Study Plan 2024 for Interview
Candidates should draft their self-study plan for 2024 at the very beginning of the preparation process. Creating a subject-wise timetable for the IAS exam can also prove to be advantageous to candidates. Below, candidates can find an IAS 2024 study plan PDF that covers the whole UPSC exam, from the beginning of exam preparation to the IAS interview 2024. Candidates are encouraged to go through the material to find ways to create an IAS Study plan and better prepare for the CSE Exam 2024.
IAS Study Plan 2024 - How to Start Preparation?
To start the preparation for the IAS exam 2024, aspirants must go through the detailed IAS Study Plan 2024 based on the exam pattern and the UPSC Syllabus. The IAS syllabus pdf consists of the stage-wise subject and topics that candidates need to study. The UPSC exam pattern consists of the stages, number of papers, time duration and the marks allotted to each stage, like IAS prelims, mains, and interview 2024. It is always advised for fresh candidates to start the IAS exam preparations 2024 at least 1-year in advance to cover the vast UPSC syllabus and study materials for prelims and mains exams but there is no fixed time duration.
Quick Link - IAS Exam Analysis for 2024
UPSC Study Plan for 1 Year
Given the vastness of the UPSC syllabus, candidates must properly formulate a Self Study Plan the for IAS exam. If not, they run the risk of preparing inefficiently, not spending the appropriate amount of time on important topics etc. To prevent this, it is advised for candidates to draft a UPSC Study Plan for 1 Year at the very beginning of preparation. Divide the year into sections.
In one section of your IAS Study Plan, in the first few months prioritize covering the basics and taking notes. As time progresses, dedicate more time to solving past papers and sample papers. Reserve the last couple of months revisingsion. Drafting a CSE study plan in this manner helps candidates prepare thoroughly for the UPSC IAS exam without rushing or skipping topics.
UPSC 2024 Self Study or Join IAS Coaching Classes?
Candidates should prefer the UPSC 2024 self-study plan or Join IAS Coaching Classes for CSE exam preparation 2024. This is one of the questions that come in front of candidates preparing for the IAS exam 2024. The most effective answer is that it depends and varies from candidate to candidate. Some candidates who are fresher need some help from coaching classFor thosehose who have already appeared one or two times and know all about UPSC exam preparation tips and strategies, no need for them to join any coaching for the prelims exam. Both the ways of the IAS study plan 2024 work well, as there are a lot of candidates who have qualified for the UPSC exam recently with and without coaching classes. So, at last, it all depends upon your expertise, your intellectual prowess and how much time you can devote to IAS study 2024 to crack it.
Check How to prepare for UPSC IAS without coaching?
Analyse UPSC Prelims Solved Paper-1 2016 to 2020 with Ans. & Explanation
- UPSC Prelims Solved Paper 2016
- UPSC Prelims Solved Paper 2017
- UPSC Prelims Solved Paper 2018
- UPSC Prelims Solved Paper 2019
- UPSC Prelims Solved Paper 2020
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.
Download EBookUPSC Study Plan 2024 - Best and Brief IAS Study Materials
Nowadays, there are a lot of study materials for UPSC exam 2024 preparation available in the market, and candidates can access them both offline as well as online. Some of the important IAS study materials as per the UPSC Study Plan 2024 for prelims and mains exam preparation are below-
Daily newspapers and Monthly magazines
Annual reports (Government schemes, Budget and Case Studies)
Constitution of India (Not compulsory but an important one to keep alongside all the books).
IAS Study Plan 2024 for Prelims Exam
IAS Study Plan 2024 for Prelims Exam
Start from the basics and that is by reading all the NCERT books from class 6 to 2 (History, Geography, Civics/Political Science, Arts and Culture and Economics). After completing the first phase of reading, repeat the sain and this time dive into the details while also making important notes.
After completing the second phase of the UPSC Study plan, pick up the supplementary books - Indian Polity, Spectrum History etc. and thoroughly read them. Simultaneously don't read newspapers especially the editorial sections for essay purposes for current events as well as for news related to international relations. Solve the previous year's Prelims exam question papers, once the exam is near. Solve at least 10-15 years of papers and also appear for test series.
Quick Links
UPSC Study Plan 2024 for Mains Exam
Once you return from UPSC prelims after taking it you should start your UPSC 2024 study plan to execute. Because it is time for UPSC mains preparation ion 2024. The UPSC mains exam preparation is the most important and hard part as it has the maximum marks to get selected finally in the IAS recruitment exam.
UPSC IAS mains exams have a total of 9 papers and all of them are in the descriptive mode long answers, including the essays paper. So you should start practising writing mock IAS mains and essay questions after appearing in the prelims exam of UPSC 2024. By studying for the UPSC prelims 2024 exam you have also covered the IAS mains 2024 30-40 percent of UPSC syllabus.
Now it's time to complete the rest of the 60 per cent of mains syllabus along with preparing for the optional subject. Practice writing answers for UPSC mock tests 2024 by keeping a timer to keep track of the time and also use pointers, and bullet points and write the answers in an info graphical way.
Quick Links: IAS Result 2024
IAS Study Plan 2024 for Interview
The last stage of the UAS exam is the interview stage which is again an important stage as many candidates are not able to cross the UPSC personality test due to poor marks. For the UPSC 2024 interview preparation, it is always suggested to keep your eyes and ears open to current events local, national, and international.
You should start practising speaking fluently in English or another language in which you have to appear for the IAS exam 2024. Sit in front of the mirror and get involved in a one-to-one conversation, and work on your posture, attitude and personality. Prepare some answers that are generally asked in the UPSC interview.
The meaning of your name, family tree, city, town, village, state, famous things about these places, famous celebrities who have the same surname as you, why you opted for Civil Services, why you chose IAS/IPS/IFoS etc in the DAF, questions based on real-life situations etc. Always remember one thing the maximum questions will be based on the DAF (Detailed Application Form), so fill it out carefully.
Also read:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the UPSC CSE very tough or is it just a saying?
Every year 10 lac candidates apply for the exam and only 800-900 cross the finishing line. So, more than the saying, it is hard work that the exam requires.
2. Which is better coaching or self-study?
It all depends upon your ability, you can clear it by self-study and you can fall short of clearing it even with the help of coaching. So, it is up to you.
3. Is there any negative marking in the IAS exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in the prelims exam.
4. What is the cut off of IAS exam?
You can check it here - IAS cut off 2024.
5. How many stages are there in the IAS exam?
There are three stages in the exam - Preliminary, Mains and Interview.
Articles
Upcoming Competition Exams
Others:28 January,2025 - 30 April,2025
Others:31 January,2025 - 30 April,2025
Application Date:28 March,2025 - 29 April,2025
Others:31 March,2025 - 30 April,2025
Certifications By Top Providers
Human Rights Defenders
Via Amnesty International Improving Global Health Focusing on Quality and Safety
Via Harvard University, Cambridge Contract Law from Trust to Promise to Contract
Via Harvard University, Cambridge Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi Constitution of India and Environmental Governance Administrative and Adjudicatory Process
Via National Law School of India University, Bangalore Law of Torts
Via University of Kashmir, Srinagar Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQUniversity College London, London
Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BTThe University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YLUniversity of Bristol, Bristol
Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QUUniversity of Delaware, Newark
Newark, DE 19716University of Nottingham, Nottingham
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RDPTE Speaking Mock Test with Answers - Check Here!
11 min ⋆ Mar 11, 2025 14:03 PM ISTPTE Speaking Practice Test: Format, Question Types, Tips and Benefits
8 min ⋆ Mar 11, 2025 14:03 PM ISTPTE Listening Practice Test: Format, Question Types, Tips and Benefits
10 min ⋆ Mar 11, 2025 12:03 PM ISTMBBS Fees in Germany for Indian Students 2025: Cost of Top Medical Colleges
10 min ⋆ Jan 06, 2025 05:01 AM ISTUSMLE Scores 2025 - How to Check, Passing Marks, Results Availability
9 min ⋆ Jan 20, 2025 04:01 AM ISTPTE Exam Fees in India in 2025: Registration, Rescheduling, Cancellation
5 min ⋆ Mar 10, 2025 05:03 AM ISTQuestions related to UPSC CSE
Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?
Hello!!
That's a great goal—and your background as a research scholar can actually be a big asset in preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), which is the path to becoming an IAS officer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Become an IAS Officer:
1. Understand the Exam Structure
The UPSC CSE has three stages:
Prelims: Objective (GS Paper + CSAT)
Mains: Descriptive (9 papers)
Interview: Personality Test
2. Check Eligibility
Age: 21 to 32 (for General category)
Degree: Any graduate degree (you already qualify)
3. Choose Your Optional Subject
Choose something you’re comfortable with (can be from your research field if it's available).
Popular optionals: Sociology, Geography, PSIR, Anthropology, etc.
4. Build a Study Plan
Since you're a research scholar, time management is key.
Daily 4–6 hours of focused study can work if you're consistent.
Focus on:
NCERTs (6th–12th)
Standard books (like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History)
Current Affairs (The Hindu, Indian Express, or PIB + Monthly compilations)
5. Join a Test Series (Optional but Helpful)
For Prelims and Mains: to build speed, writing skills, and clarity.
6. Practice Answer Writing
Mains is all about articulation. Practice with previous year questions and mock tests.
7. Appear for the Exam
Notification comes out around February.
Prelims is in May/June, Mains in September, and Interview early next year.
How to Align This With Your Research Schedule:
Create a realistic time-table that includes 2–3 hours on weekdays, and more on weekends.
Use your research experience for deeper understanding and essay writing.
NITYAM MAHUR 12 April,2025
If your goal is to become an IAS officer, choose a degree that supports UPSC preparation and also provides a good backup:
BA in Political Science, History, Geography, or Economics is ideal for IAS.
BSc or BCom is fine too, but you'll need to study humanities separately for UPSC.
For backup, pick a subject with good job prospects like BBA or Computer Science.
KCET is required only if you're planning professional courses like Engineering or Agriculture. It's not needed for BA or general degrees.
Rubina Naseer 04 April,2025
Hello aspirant,
For becoming IAS , you have to first complete your graduation from any background from any recognised university or college. If you are in your final year, then also you are eligible. After that you have to give an entrance exam name UPSC . If you will clear this exam then according to your marks you may get the IAS position.
To know about UPSC entrance exam, kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
All the best!!
Sakshi Sharma 31 March,2025
Hello Rishika,
You can take any stream for becoming IAS. As per the eligibility criteria of UPSC IAS , student have to graduate from any stream from any recognised university or college. So it's doesn't matter from which stream you choose. But if you really want to become IAS, then humanities , arts related subject helps you alot.
To know more, kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
Good luck!
Sakshi Sharma 31 March,2025
Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query
To start your prep for IAS exams without any coaching and free of cost here are some pointers you can follow :-
1.Understand the exam- To get started with IAS prep, first grab the official UPSC syllabus for both the first exam (Prelims) and the main exam (Mains) from their website. Understand what you need to study and how important each topic is.
Next, learn how the exam is set up. There are three parts: a multiple-choice test (Prelims), a written exam with long answers (Mains), and an interview. Know how many papers are in each, how you get marks, and how much time you get.
Finally, look at old exam papers from the last 5 to 10 years. This will give you an idea of how tough the exam is, what kinds of questions they ask, and which topics you should really focus on.
2.Build a strong foundation-Begin your IAS study with NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 for subjects like History, Geography, Civics, Economics, and Science. These will give you a basic understanding. Once you know the basics well, switch to standard books for each subject. You can find lists of recommended books online from people who've cleared the exam. Some popular ones are mentioned for Polity, Economy, Modern History, and Geography.
3.Stay updated with current affairs- To stay updated for IAS, read a good national newspaper every day (like The Hindu or Indian Express) and jot down important news from India and the world. Also, read magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra to understand social and economic topics deeply. Check websites like PIB and those of research groups for info on government plans and reports.
4.Utilize free online resources-For IAS prep help, check out websites like BYJU'S, ClearIAS, and Mrunal. They have free study stuff. Also, watch YouTube channels by teachers and ex-IAS officers for tips and lessons. Join online groups to ask questions and learn from others preparing for the exam.
5.Mock tests and self assessment-Take free practice tests online for both Prelims and Mains to see how ready you are and what you need to work on. After each test, check what you did wrong and focus on fixing those things. Remember to study regularly, believe in yourself, and take breaks so you don't get too tired. Consistency is more important than studying for many hours at once.
I hope this helps . Financial problems can never stop one from dreaming and achieving things in their life. Stay motivated!!!
SUKRITI GUPTA 04 April,2025
Applications for Admissions are open.
Manipal Online M.Com Admissions
ApplyApply for Online M.Com from Manipal University
News and Notifications
April 03, 2025 - 02:27 PM IST
March 26, 2025 - 01:58 PM IST
March 18, 2025 - 03:17 PM IST
March 08, 2025 - 03:18 PM IST
February 18, 2025 - 07:25 PM IST
February 12, 2025 - 10:49 PM IST
February 08, 2025 - 08:33 PM IST
Stay up-to date with UPSC CSE News
Back to top