• Before trying to understand how to start preparing for UPSC at home, you should prepare yourself for the journey.

• Before starting your preparation, prepare mentally and physically for the examination. Set goals and devote time effectively.

• Understand the UPSC exam pattern thoroughly, and pace your IAS preparation accordingly.

  1. The UPSC exam has three stages — prelims mains and the interview.

  2. To know more about the UPSC Prelims exam, click here.

  3. To know more about the UPSC Mains exam, click here.

• If you are working and have decided not to quit your job, analyse how you would devote time for studies and chart a plan.

• Today, with technology like the internet, it is possible to balance both preparation and a job with ease.

Watch our YouTube Channel for all the latest videos on IAS preparation.

Tip 2: Make a Time Table

• To become an IAS officer, it is necessary to be like an officer with a well-organized daily routine.

• You should set a comfortable timetable before your preparation and stick to it.

• Making a timetable will ease your preparation and make it more streamlined. With deadlines, you would work better and complete the syllabus faster.

Tip 3: Know the UPSC Syllabus

• The syllabus is the soul of any exam. Knowing the syllabus is the foremost thing to do before you go through the books.

• The UPSC has provided the syllabus for the Civil Services Preliminary and Main examination in an elaborate manner.

• Aspirants should understand and follow the syllabus for UPSC civil service examination. Knowing the syllabus will help you to choose relevant study materials, prioritize the subjects, etc.

Click here for the complete UPSC Syllabus.

You can also download the UPSC Syllabus PDF from the links below:

UPSC Prelims Syllabus:- Download PDF

UPSC Mains Syllabus:- Download PDF

Tip #4: Newspaper Reading/Current Affairs for IAS

• The newspapers are the most important aspect of the IAS exam.

• If you do not read the daily newspaper or follow the daily news for the IAS exam, you cannot hope to clear this exam.

• The questions asked in the civil services exam are directly or indirectly connected with current affairs. Hence, it is very important to follow the relevant news items in your daily newspaper. You can go through the BYJU’S Comprehensive News Analysis that gives the exam-relevant news items in a concise manner.

• You can also visit our YouTube Channel for a detailed video analysis of the daily news. Watch the news analysis videos here.

Tip 5: Choosing Optional

• The optional subject accounts for 500 marks in the UPSC final tally.

• Hence, you should choose an optional subject wisely and after a thorough think-through of the pros and cons of the subjects, you have in mind.

• Some of the factors to keep in mind before selecting an optional are:

  • Interest in the subject

  • Prior knowledge in it/academic background

  • Overlap with the GS papers

  • Availability of coaching

  • Availability of study material