How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level? Here’s How to Prepare for IAS

If you have chosen to read this, then I presume that you wish to begin your UPSC preparation strategy at an early stage. I believe that the process of preparation for this exam can be life-changing for many. By starting early, you give yourself extra years to relish the education, the learning, the experience and the maturity, which this process will impart. You must be thinking, how to start UPSC preparation from zero level? Let’s find out.

UPSC Preparation Strategy

The UPSC exam preparation has four steps:

• General studies, the static part
• Current affairs
• Optional subject
• Writing skills

Now, let’s handle them one by one.

General Studies:

This is practically all that is challenging in this UPSC syllabus. It covers almost everything under the sky and requires some understanding and appreciation of concepts as well. It is very different from GK, and cannot be done by reading a number of who’s who kinds of books. It is suggested that you should start with this part immediately as it is the part in which you need to invest maximum time and effort and will get the maximum yield as well.

Current Affairs:

This might not be relevant for you right now, as generally, the news and events of one year before the exam are asked. But still, it will be advisable, that you start spending at least half an hour every day with The Hindu. Just read it for fun as of now, with no agenda. This is one of the important parts of UPSC preparation strategy when you are starting from an early stage.

Optional Subject:

I would not recommend you to even think about it right now. You are very young right now, and your interests and level of ease with various subjects will change as you progress in college. Apart from that, there is an outside chance that by the time you appear, the optional subject might be done away with. So, don’t put any efforts in this right now. Don’t even think about it for a couple of years.

Writing Skills:

It is the most critical and most underrated aspect of civil services and UPSC preparation strategy. In mains, you are supposed to write subjective answers. Apart from that, you need to write an essay as well. This requires the skill to be able to express yourself clearly and logically. This skill, contrary to popular belief, cannot be learnt in a month or two. You need to start practice writing from right now so that it starts coming naturally to you, as in the examination, you do not get any time to think.

How to Start Preparing for IAS?

Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the civil service examination. Many of them at a very early stage so that they can prepare even better for the UPSC prelims and the mains. You can start preparing for the exam directly from your home. There is no need to go outside and look for coaching or search for UPSC preparation books. Everything can be done right from your home. Let’s see how to start UPSC preparation at home?

IAS UPSC Preparation Books:

Whenever preparing for any exam, it is suggested to begin it by reading books. For IAS preparation also, it is advisable to look for the best books and start going through those.

Get Idea About the UPSC Syllabus:

You must understand from a very early stage that the UPSC syllabus is huge. But, don’t get worried. If you start early and follow a proper UPSC preparation strategy, it will be a much easier journey. So start gathering ideas about the syllabus.

Check out the entire detailed article here.

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