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How to Prepare for IAS Exam: Strategies, Tips, and FAQs

PWOnlyIAS March 22, 2024 06:21 3667 0

Prepare for the IAS exam efficiently with strategic tips, subject-wise guidance, and FAQs. Get ready to embark on your journey to become an IAS officer.

How to Prepare for IAS Exam: Strategies, Tips, and FAQs

Preparing for the IAS exam requires a smart plan covering everything from the first stage to the last interview. This article explains the important things to do, how to study each subject, and answers common questions to help people who want to become an IAS officer. It’s like a road map to reach the destination of becoming an IAS officer.

Introduction

IAS is one of the most sought-after careers currently in India. Because of the rising exposure to the internet and social media, IAS has found a place among the top career choices for students. While the IAS dream has found popularity, students overwhelmingly face a major roadblock in achieving their dream—the question of “How to Prepare for IAS?”. While there are no set rules for preparing for IAS, this article may give you some insights into the world of IAS exam.

How to Start Your Preparation to Become an IAS?

The IAS Exam is not a simple graduate-level examination involving a fixed subject and repeated concepts. It is a competitive exam that requires a candidate to have the right aptitude and wide knowledge base. Hence, a candidate needs to plan his/her preparation in such a way that it covers all the basic subjects, along with clarity on core concepts. Before knowing how to prepare for IAS, a candidate needs to divide his/her preparation into stages. These stages overlap with the exam stages viz Prelims, Mains and Interview.

IAS Prelims: Strategies for Success in GS Paper 1 and CSAT

IAS Prelims is a screening test that is conducted to filter the majority of applicants for the UPSC Examination. Hence, the score of the prelims exam is not considered for the final merit list. The prelims exam consists of two papers: GS Paper 1 and CSAT. The GS Paper 1 is the main paper whose score determines if a candidate qualifies for UPSC Mains. The CSAT is qualifying in nature. A candidate has to score 33% of the marks in CSAT along with a cut-off score in GS Paper-1 to qualify for UPSC Mains.

Strategy for GS Paper-1

Strategy for CSAT

  • Understanding Syllabus: The first and the foremost step is to understand the syllabus of the examination and create a plan depending on your knowledge level. Having a clear understanding of syllabus and knowing the difference in approach between prelims and mains will help a lot in preparation.
  • Analyse PYQs: Before actually beginning the preparation, one has to analyse PYQs of the last 10-15 years. Analysis will give an idea about the type of questions asked and also the depth of knowledge required to solve the questions.
  • Focus on Core Concepts and Subjects: There are certain core subjects that carry half of the marks in the prelims examination and their syllabus is mainly static. Such subjects have to be covered at the earliest.
  • Make Short Notes: A successful candidate is most likely to have their own notes. The compilation of short notes helps in quick revision of concepts. 
  • Read Newspapers: The habit of reading newspapers has to be cultivated. This increases the capability of the candidate to understand issues taking place around the world. It also helps candidates in their mains preparation.
  • Attempt Test Series: Test series have a major role to play in preparing the candidate for the actual exam day. These exams act as simulation and also help candidates to identify their strengths, weaknesses, develop ability to understand questions and apply their knowledge effectively. Candidates can join a reputable IAS coaching institute to avail a test series.
  • Develop MCQ Aptitude: MCQs aptitude is the ability of a candidate to develop personal strategy to solve MCQs. The nature of the questions may not be difficult but the nature of options makes it difficult. Hence, a candidate will have to keep pace with the changing MCQ pattern and develop strategies accordingly.
  • Regular Revision: Rather than just covering the whole subject, regular revision carries more weightage. The nature of prelims topics has widened, making it almost impossible to cover all the dynamic subjects. In such a condition, regular revision enables a candidate to use his/her knowledge to eliminate wrong options.
  • Inter-link Static and Current Affairs: UPSC does not ask questions randomly. There will be an underlying reason why the topic has been asked. This reason is usually based on current affairs. Hence, inter-linking static and current affairs help candidates prepare better for the examination.
  • Analyse Topics: Make a list of topics on which UPSC generally asks questions. This is because, UPSC syllabus does not mention the sub topics that are part of the syllabus.
  • Quantitative And Reasoning: To prepare for quantitative reasoning, candidates have to sharpen their basics of maths. If they face a problem in maths, they would need to enrol in a CSAT course from a suitable coaching institute. They must not ignore the topic at any cost.
  • Time Management: Time management is of utmost importance as CSAT paper is lengthy and cannot be completely attempted. Candidates have to target topics that can be solved easily without much effort.
  • Focus on Comprehension: Comprehension cannot be ignored as it helps candidates easily clear the required 33% of marks. With the right approach, comprehension can be easily attempted.
  • Regular Practice: There is a popular belief that students from science backgrounds can easily clear CSAT without practice. However, the increasing level of difficulty has made it difficult to clear CSAT without adequate preparation.
  • Test Series: It is advisable to utilise test series to practice CSAT. It will help in managing the stress during the actual day of the exam. You can join any good coaching institute for test series.

How to Become an IAS: Strategy for IAS Mains

IAS Mains Exam is completely different from prelims while considering the approach needed to clear the exam. While prelims focuses on knowledge and analytical abilities, mains puts emphasis on the descriptive nature of a candidate’s thoughts. Candidates who possess the ability to present information and thoughts in a concise manner succeed in the examination.

The mains preparation can be done by keeping following instruction in mind: 

  • Conceptual Understanding: A candidate has to have a conceptual understanding of topics relevant for the mains examination.
  • Clear Thoughts: Candidates have to develop the ability to present their thoughts in a clear and simple way. This has to be supplemented with presentation skills.
  • Answer Writing: Daily answer writing is utmost necessary if a candidate has to have any chance of clearing the mains examination.
  • Time Management: A candidate has to attempt 20 questions of varying length in 180 minutes. To even have a chance of qualification, a candidate has to learn the art of time management.
  • Test Series: A test series checks a candidates’ ability to understand the question and present answers within a specified time limit. It will also provide feedback on improving the quality of one’s answers.
  • Inter-linking Topics: The General Studies paper may have different topics but they are closely linked. One should not hesitate to inter-link topics to provide a holistic approach. 
  • Essay and Case Studies: Essays have to be written regularly so as to fine-tune one’s approach to unknown topics. Case studies are also equally important in GS 4 paper.
  • Physical and Mental Strength: Attempting two 250 marks papers in a single day with a gap of a few hours is indeed challenging. In such a situation one has to be physically and mentally strong to endure physical exhaustion and mental fatigue.

How to Prepare for IAS Optional Subjects?

Score in an optional subject is the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful candidate. This is the reason why optional subjects need a separate strategy and planning. Candidates can use following strategy to tackle optional subjects:

  • Selecting the Correct Optional Subject: Selecting a correct optional subject is of utmost importance. The candidate must select a subject based on his/her interest.
  • Analysing PYQs: Optional subjects have a wide range of syllabus and to arrive at the correct topics for preparation, one has to analyse PYQs.
  • Answer Writing Practice: Like GS Papers, optional preparation also requires extensive answer writing practice to ace the exams.
  • Test Series: The paper pattern of optional is different from GS papers and hence a separate strategy is required. Such a strategy can be evolved only after writing and analysing test series.
  • Miscellaneous: Other strategies overlap with mains preparation, such as developing physical and mental strength, time management etc.

How to Prepare for IAS Interview?

Before talking about the approach to prepare for the IAS interview, one has to know that it is a test of personality rather than a test of knowledge. The commission has already tested the knowledge of the candidate through prelims and mains exam, and hence now wishes to know whether the candidate is fit to serve as a civil servant. 

In short, along with developing knowledge, a candidate has to develop his/her personality. The candidates’ mannerisms, body language, the approach to the challenge and also ability to convey his/her thoughts lucidly are of vital importance.

Following are some of the ways to prepare for the interview:

  • Understanding DAF: A candidates’ DAF provides insights into their life and hence the interview panel is likely to ask questions from the form. It is necessary that the candidate prepares well for the likely questions. 
  • Current Events: Keep yourself updated about recent events so that you have an answer ready in case the interviewer asks about such topics.
  • Mock Interviews: Prepare yourself with mock interviews in order to check for any chinks in the armour. It may play a vital role during the actual test.
  • Avoid Lying: Telling a lie may cost a candidate marks. This is because interviewers are well versed in catching a lie and trying to trap them.
  • Prepare for Hypothetical Questions: Interviewers may test a candidate with hypothetical questions. It is necessary to be prepared for the same.

IAS Preparation: Essential Steps for Beginners

Beginners always face the difficulty of how to go about their preparation. Some of the ways in which a beginner can optimise his/her preparation is as follows:

  • Time Period: Decide before-hand when you are planning to attempt the exam. Based on that, start preparing at least a year before the prelims exam.
  • Avoid Procrastination: Candidates usually show interest during the initial phase but their preparation lags in later phases. To avoid such a situation, one has to avoid procrastination.
  • Understand Syllabus: Clear knowledge of syllabus is utmost important for any aspirant.
  • Book List: One has to select the books carefully so as to keep core sources limited, while reaping the maximum value. 
  • Regular Revision: Attending regular classes is not enough; one has to revise the content everyday to avoid forgetting the concepts.
  • Utilise Internet Sources: Candidates must utilise the internet to gain knowledge, understand tough topics, be updated with changing trends and develop strategy.
  • Discuss with Friends: A close group of similar-minded friends is an added advantage while preparing for the exam.
  • Short-term and Long-term Targets: Prepare short-term and long-term targets that have to be prepared with a fixed time.

IAS Preparation: Strategies for Success with or Without Coaching

The IAS Exam is based on four pillars: Knowledge, Consistency, Guidance and Motivation. If a candidate can access all these vital pillars without attending a coaching, one can prepare without it. However, if the candidate feels that he/she lacks certain aspects, they can always join a value-addition course. If a candidate does not know anything about the exam but still wants to attempt it, it is advisable to join a coaching institute for their foundational knowledge. The core strategy for preparing for IAS, with or without coaching remains the same provided the candidate has access to all the basic materials.

Coaching provides the following Advantages for a candidate preparing for the IAS Exam:

  • Study Material: Coaching classes provide quality study materials that a candidate can rely on during his/her preparation. 
  • Conceptual Clarity: Faculties and teachers provide the in-depth knowledge about a subject that a candidate requires to clear the exam.
  • Guidance and Mentorship: Apart from teaching, coaching faculties provide guidance and mentorship to students during their preparation phase.
  • Motivation: The motivation level of a candidate attending a coaching institute is usually high due to the peer effect.
  • Test Series: A test series is usually provided complimentary with a coaching course. This helps a candidate to gauge his/her preparation levels.
  • Orientation towards the Latest Trends: Coaching institutes keep a keen eye on the changes in examination trends. This helps them to guide students according to the changes in exam pattern.
  • Time Management: Better utilisation of time is another advantage of a coaching institute. This is because students are inspired by their classmates.

What are the Best Books for IAS Exam Preparation?

The IAS exam requires extensive knowledge and clarity of concepts. This is the reason why candidates have doubts when it comes to selecting the books for preparation. Following are some of the core books that are vital for IAS Preparation.

Subject Books
Polity
  • Indian Polity by M Laxmikant
  • NCERT IX to XII
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu
History
  • NCERT VI – X
  • NCERT XI (Ancient & Medieval)
  • NCERT XII (Modern Indian History)
  • India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra
  • Ancient India by R.S Sharma
Geography
  • Certificate Physical Geography – G C Leong
  • NCERT VI – X 
  • Geography of India by Majid Husain
  • World Geography by Majid Husain
  • NCERT XI, XII 
Environment and Ecology
  • Textbook of Environmental Studies by Erach Bharucha
  • Environment and Ecology – Biodiversity, Climate Change and Disaster Management by Majid Hussain
Disaster management
  • Disaster Management for UPSC Exam by K Mounika
Internal Security
  • Challenges to the Internal Security of India by Ashok Kumar
  • Internal Security and Disaster Management by R N Sharma
International Relation
  • NCERT XII
  • Current Affairs
Science and Technology
  • Current Affairs 
  • NCERT XI and XII
Ethics
  • Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudary
  • Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude by Niraj Kumar
Economy
  • NCERT XI
  • Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Art and Culture 
  • Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
  • NCERT XI

How to Prepare for IAS from Home?

The method of preparation from home is not different from preparing from IAS coaching hubs such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Patna or Chennai. However, what makes the difference is the approach of the candidate. If a candidate prepares from home regularly with dedication and proper planning with resources, without distractions, his/her chances of qualifying the exam are the same as a candidate preparing from coaching hubs. Similarly, a candidate preparing from a coaching hub, undergoing all sorts of distractions, is likely to fail. Hence, the place of preparation does not matter as long as you have the best of the materials and a person to guide you. If you are a person looking for a motivated environment to study, IAS coaching hubs may be the right choice. 

How to Prepare for IAS Along with a Job?

Many candidates opt to prepare for the exams along with their regular/part-time job. In such a condition, it is necessary that the candidate utilises his/her time effectively to prepare for the exam. Before beginning a candidate has to know his/her preparation level so that they can prepare accordingly. Candidates preparing along with a job can adopt the following strategies:

  • Preparing a Time Table: The candidate has to create a timetable for both a working day and a holiday. This will ensure that they do not waste any time while preparing for the exam.
  • Notes Creation: Revision is the key for success. This is only possible if a candidate has their notes available with them. It is advisable for candidates to make their own notes.
  • Identify Core Focus Areas: Candidates have to realise the cost-benefit ratio of topics so that they focus on those that are most rewarding.
  • Mock Tests: A full-time job should not be an excuse for not attempting test series. Without a test series, the level of preparation cannot be understood.
  • Avoid Distractions: Avoiding distractions during weekends will help candidates to maximize their free time for preparation.

Conclusion

Approach to IAS Exam should not be one dimensional, rather it must be dynamic and multi-faceted. Hence, candidates must focus on the core of preparation, which is syllabus understanding, syllabus completion, current affairs update, regular revision and regular testing. Candidates fulfilling all these   requirements have a high chance of qualifying the exam.

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The IAS exam does not have a so-called fixed time to prepare. It depends on the knowledge base and capability of the candidate. However, a minimum of one year is advised for preparation.

The candidate has to understand the syllabus of the exam before beginning. Once this is handled, he/she has to cover the syllabus, followed by revision and testing.

Not necessary. Many candidates have qualified the exam without going to Delhi. In case the candidate feels that it will help him/her in the preparation, they can go to Delhi.

Candidates having prior knowledge of the core syllabus need not be required to study 12 hours. However, a newcomer may have to dedicate 10-12 hours to prepare.

The best source of Current Affairs is newspapers such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, Financial Times etc. In addition, government sources such as PIB have to be followed regularly.

Yes. Newspaper reading will cover current affairs part of the exam. In addition, it will help in widening the knowledge base of the candidate appearing for the mains exam.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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