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Learn how to prepare for UPSC Prelims 2025: Understand the syllabus, create a study plan, focus on NCERTs, current affairs, and practice mock tests effectively
How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims? Preparing for the UPSC Prelims requires dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach. As the first stage of the Civil Services Examination, the Prelims test your knowledge, critical thinking, and adaptability across various subjects. Success in this stage sets the foundation for progressing to the Mains and Interviews. Here’s a simplified guide to help you prepare effectively for UPSC prelims 2025.
The UPSC Civil Services Exam is conducted annually to recruit candidates for some of the most prestigious government positions in India. It is considered one of the toughest exams due to its vast syllabus and competitive nature. The exam consists of three stages:
A well-planned strategy and focused mindset are key to scoring well in the UPSC Prelims. The majority of candidates think that they cannot pass the UPSC preliminary exam without assistance. For beginners, we have created a comprehensive UPSC prelims preparation method that will help you navigate the material:
Spend some time carefully reviewing the UPSC Prelims syllabus. Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern:
Thoroughly understand the UPSC syllabus, as it guides what to study and what to avoid.
Besides that, recognize the particular subjects as well as their subtopics. This will provide you with a well-defined plan for your preparation. The UPSC Prelims syllabus is available for download on the official website. Recall that although the UPSC syllabus is extensive, it may not be as complicated as it first appears.
Paper
Syllabus
General Studies Paper-I
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT)
You should also practice using the subject-wise weighted curriculum from the previous year’s UPSC Prelims. Since it is evident that the subjects listed below are crucial for preparing for the UPSC Prelims, you should always focus on improving your fundamental understanding of them first. Additionally, this can strengthen your comprehension of current events and make it easier for you to incorporate them into the static portion.
Year
History
Geography
Polity
Economy
Science & Technology
Environment
Current Affairs
2023
14
16
15
14
12
14
15
2022
14
16
15
14
12
14
15
2021
10
10
11
16
14
17
17
2020
20
10
17
15
10
10
18
2019
17
14
15
14
7
11
22
2018
22
10
13
18
10
13
14
2017
14
9
22
16
9
15
15
2016
15
7
7
18
8
18
27
2015
17
16
13
13
8
11
22
2014
20
14
14
10
16
18
8
2013
16
18
16
19
14
17
0
2012
19
17
20
17
9
17
1
2011
11
11
12
19
19
15
13
How to study for the exam without coaching would be crucial after you have a firm understanding of the UPSC exam 2025 format and syllabus. Candidates need to realize that coaching centers only assist with exam preparation; hard effort and perseverance are the only ways to succeed.
Like any other exam, the UPSC preliminary exam tests your ability to read, write, and communicate. It can be advantageous for those who are studying for the exam without coaching to make plans based on their areas of strength and weakness.
It is imperative to prepare for current affairs when preparing for the UPSC Prelims.
This will assist you in compiling your current affairs notes from these and other sources. Thus, dedicate a few hours each day going forward to current events and remember to edit frequently.
NCERT books can be downloaded from the official website or are readily accessible in stores. The NCERT books ought to be your first port of call and should be perused anytime a challenging question from the previous year’s or practice question papers comes up. Go through the NCERT books; they will explain the fundamental ideas.
Other than NCERT books, Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity and Ramesh Singh’s Indian Economy are required reading for preliminary exams. A good atlas is also required; the most recent one is preferred. If you have any questions about geography, refer to this atlas when necessary.
To increase your chances of success on the UPSC Prelims test, you should understand how to respond to objective types of questions in addition to studying everything you can. You have to keep in mind that the objective is to earn the most points and pass the cutoff.
Try not to waste time reading the same topic from several sources. Other than NCERT books, you can discover the following books to help you prepare for the UPSC Prelims:
UPSC 2025 Booklist for Prelims
Subject
Book Title
Author/Publisher
24 Subjects
UPSC Wallah GS + CSAT Combo Set of 24 For Civil Services Exam 2024 Latest Edition
PW OnlyIAS
History
“India’s Struggle for Independence”
Bipan Chandra
Geography
“Certificate Physical and Human Geography”
G.C. Leong
Polity
“Indian Polity”
M. Laxmikanth
Economy
“Indian Economy”
Ramesh Singh
Environment
“Environment and Ecology”
Shankar IAS
General Science
NCERT Science Textbooks (Class 6-12)
NCERT
Current Affairs
“Current Wallah“
PW OnlyIAS
All subjects
UPSC UDAAN Prelims Wallah
Physics Wallah
As there is a negative marking in the UPSC Prelims, practice decreasing the number of wrong responses. Candidates either don’t try very many questions because they fear receiving a low score or they haphazardly try questions without knowing the answers. If you think you’d benefit from IAS tutoring, sign up for the Prelims Test series. Here are some benefits of practicing with Test Series:
To gain an understanding of the exam pattern, question structure, and difficulty level, solve prior years’ question papers. You’ll be able to assess your readiness and sharpen your time-management abilities with this exercise. Examine the articles to find patterns and rank the issues in order of importance.
Not every subject covered in the syllabus is tested each year. Upon closely examining the Previous Year’s Questions, you will discover that certain topics are covered in all IAS/UPSC exams.
You can better manage the time you have by focusing on the most crucial subjects when you have a firm grasp of these crucial subjects. Having stated that, the syllabus must include every subject and you cannot omit any.
Make brief, well-organized notes so you can review them quickly. Pay attention to important facts, formulas, and concepts. Review these notes often to help you remember them. Set aside time to revise subjects or areas in which you are less confident, and make use of memory aids such as flashcards.
Look into websites that offer tips, video lessons, and free study tools. Numerous websites, such as Physics Wallah, provide an abundance of information. Participate in online communities and forums where candidates discuss study aids, tactics, and experiences. Interaction with people can yield insightful information and inspiration.
The UPSC Prelims is highly competitive, and a focused approach ensures clarity and confidence. A proper plan not only helps in covering the vast syllabus but also enhances understanding and recall of critical topics. Remember, success in Prelims is not just about hard work but also about studying smartly.
Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!
UPSC Exam 2025 Related Articles
UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam
UPSC Notification 2025
UPSC Preparation 2025
UPSC Eligibility 2025
UPSC Exam Pattern
UPSC Syllabus
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