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IAS Study Plan 2024 - Important Strategies, Revision Schedule and Evaluation Tips
Updated on Feb 14, 2024 03:51 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
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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?
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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.
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.
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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.
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Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?
To become an IAS officer, you must clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and then undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). While any bachelor's degree is acceptable, choosing a degree that aligns with the UPSC syllabus, particularly in humanities and social sciences, can be advantageous.
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE):
This is the primary exam for becoming an IAS officer, involving three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Personality Test (Interview).
Any Bachelor's Degree:
A graduate degree from a recognized university is the basic requirement to be eligible for the CSE.
Beneficial Degrees:
Degrees in humanities and social sciences, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), can be helpful due to the syllabus overlap with subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology, and Economics.
Optional Subject:
You can choose an optional subject in the Mains exam, and a BA degree can provide a wide range of options.
Hope it helps!!
sadafreen356 22 April,2025
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
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