The UPSC's Civil Services Exam is one of the country's most esteemed

examinations. Millions of students aspire to be members of the Indian

Administrative Service (IAS). The same is true for services such as the Indian
Police Service (IPS), the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others.

As thousands of candidates work hard every year to pass the exam, but only a
handful are successful. Any aspirant taking the exam for the first time should
not only seek to pass the Prelims, but also to pass it in the first attempt.

So, before you begin your preparation, a wise strategy should be prepared,
taking into account the specifics of each stage that you must take. A proper
strategy is a precise plan that specifies what you're doing, how you're doing it,
and what resources you'll require.

Stages in UPSC Civil Services Exam

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is divided into three stages. The stages
are as follows:
1. Preliminary examination (objective)
2. Main examination (written)
3. Interview (personality test)

Step 1- Know The Syllabus Well

The most essential component for civil service preparation is a thorough

comprehension and retention of the subject. The Civil Services are noted for
their extensive and diverse syllabus; nonetheless, many students struggle at this
stage. A thorough comprehension of the syllabus's nature, clarity, and scope is
required for effective preparation. It aids in determining what to read and what
to avoid reading.

Every aspirant is strongly advised to keep a copy of the syllabus with them at
all times during the exam. This will assist the applicant in determining whether
or not a specific topic should be covered, as well as preventing the candidate
from leaving any portion or topic neglected.

Step 2- Choose Your Study Material

Instead of intense studies, smart studying is the best way to progress. What
exactly does "studying smartly" imply?

It entails comprehending the nerve of the exams and adapting accordingly. The
key principle of smart study is to read the material that is relevant to the exam.
No matter what your background is, you must master the fundamentals of the
UPSC syllabus.
Aspirants should review previous years' question papers as it aids in
determining the type of questions to be asked as well as locating the finest
source of reading content.

It is recommended that the curriculum themes be divided into subtopics and

that the question papers be re-examined.

It is generally a good idea to start preparation by learning the fundamentals of

the subject through NCERT books as it is the finest way to gain clarity and a
firm grasp on a variety of disciplines (Class 9 - Class 12).

The UPSC does not seek specific expertise, but rather tests for general
knowledge and, more crucially, analytical abilities in the Prelims, and writing
and presentation skills in the Mains.

Step 3- Newspaper Reading

So, the most straightforward technique is to choose one (or at most two) good
publications, such as The Hindu or The Indian Express. Focus on one
newspaper , making sure to read it thoroughly and make crisp notes on the
significant current events.

Aspirants should make it a habit to get up early every day, and reading the
newspaper should be the first thing they do. Do not put off the assignment until
later in the day, and even if you have trouble grasping the topic at first, all will
come into place with time. Many people struggle to understand the language or
the topic at first, but with repeated attempts, they improve. Many people do not
comprehend the language or the subject at first, but with repeated attempts,
results begin to emerge.

Step 4- Current Affairs

It is usually advisable to take crisp notes on everything one reads, whether it is

a newspaper, a current affairs magazine, or the fundamentals of many courses
covered in coaching. Making notes is a helpful approach for learning and
memorising.

Theme-based and structured notes are also useful for last-minute revision of the
broad UPSC syllabus that one has covered over time. Making notes using
mind-maps, flow charts, shortcut approaches, and other strategies aids in
speedy review and recall.

Step 5- Polish Your Answer Writing Skills

In terms of connecting one topic or subject to another. During the interviews,
there is a lot of cross-questioning, and this strategy aids in being properly
prepared on any particular issue.

Answer-writing practise and revision are important parts of UPSC preparation,

especially for the UPSC Mains Exam.

After you have finished a subject from the NCERT as well as standard books,
you can begin practising answering questions.

Prior to that, it will be a pointless exercise because you would have to rely on
books for the answer's content.

It is also critical at this point to incorporate constant revision. You should set
aside your weekends for serious revision of any new information you've
absorbed during the week.

Step 6- Approach For CSAT

With the introduction of the CSAT, the second paper now consists of General
Mental Ability and Reasoning.

The most important thing to remember is that this is a qualifying paper, and
applicants are required to score at least 33%. In other words, if a candidate does
not receive a score of 33%, he or she will not be considered for selection at all.

The paper also includes Comprehension and Reasoning questions. Proper

practise of previous years' exam papers and mock questions is sufficient to
secure a decent result.

Step 7- Optional Dilemma

Many aspirants are uncertain about which optional subject to take. When

selecting on an optional subject, many people seek advice from others. Instead,
the optional subject should be something with which one is both comfortable
and confident.

Also, while selecting an optional, do not consider how candidates performed in

the subject in past years. Choose an optional that you are confident in and
where you can find plenty of reading material as well as advice

Step 8- Time Management and Revision

Be practical and create a reasonable schedule for yourself.

Making a timeline is the first step in IAS preparation. Many candidates believe
that sticking to a rigorous timetable is the best way to succeed, but the reality is
that it is extremely difficult to maintain in the long run.

As a result, create a goal and try to manage time in terms of the day, week, and
month, as this will offer you the freedom to manage your time in a way that as
time goes, applicants should be extremely devoted to their aim and achieve
them regardless of any obstacles that may come their way.

You should start using a mock test-based learning technique two months before
the prelims exam. It'll make you feel as though you're sitting for an exam.
Exam tension will be reduced once you have become acclimated.

Simultaneously take an exam-style simulated test and assess your results.

Examine your areas of weakness and review any topics you may have
forgotten.

It will not only assist you in coping with nervousness during the exam, but it
will also thoroughly prepare you for it!

Step 9-Develop A Habit Of Thinking

Talk about concerns that arise and discuss how to fix them. This will aid to
add innovation to one's thinking talents while also helping to tighten one's grip
on the topic.

After reading a topic multiple times, look for keywords both during preparation
and while taking the exam. Every inquiry, for example, would have a question
tag such as "critically analyse," "discuss," "elaborate," "comment," and so on.

Final Step

Proper health care must be a part of your IAS/IPS plan. To stay healthy and
concentrate better during study hours, one should exercise or go to the gym.