How to Start UPSC Preparation from Scratch ? Pathways IAS Academy Kerala
It can be puzzling to start with UPSC preparation, especially in cases when you are not aware of what you are going to study, how you will start, and, of course, how much you will devote to studying each subject.
What you need is the right foundation, the right plan, and the right routine. If you are from Kerala already, you already have an edge in terms of the academic environment and the availability of good training centres for IAS preparation, such as the Pathways IAS Academy in Trivandrum, Kerala, Kerala State civil service academy or a reputed IAS academy.
First, Get Familiar with the UPSC Exam Pattern
Before you handle any books, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with how this exam is conducted. The Civil Services Exam conducted by the UPSC consists of three stages.
- Stage 1: Preliminary Exam
These comprise two papers: General Studies Paper and CSAT or General Studies Paper – II. These are objective types and qualifying in nature.
- Stage 2: Mains Examination
This is a descriptive type of exam where there are nine papers in total, consisting of four General Studies papers, two Optional papers, Essay and two language qualification papers.
- Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
This is more of a discussion and less of a test. UPSC wants to test your thoughts, logic, and reactions. There is no set syllabus, but it basically revolves around your Detailed Application Form, current affairs and personality.
Use the UPSC Syllabus Like a Filter
Take a printout of the UPSC syllabus and stick it on your wall. Whenever you think of a topic related to any book, check whether the topic exists in the syllabus or not. If it does not, then there is no point wasting your time on the topic itself.
Your syllabus will act as a filter for you. It helps you stay focused and avoid unnecessary content.
Make a Study Plan That Works for You
The most essential step is to maintain a study schedule aligned with your routine. You don’t have to study for the whole day. If you can manage to devote 5 to 6 hours a day, that is more than sufficient.
The mornings can have learning about new things, the afternoon slot for news, and the evening slot for revision. Just make sure to stick to a flexible routine, with one day for revision each week.
Even little progress can have tremendous power if done on a regular basis.
Start Small and Build Strong Basics
If you’re planning to start your UPSC preparation right from the beginning, NCERTs are just what you need to start with. They provide a solid conceptual foundation in subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science and more. What makes NCERTs particularly valuable is their emphasis on clarity and accuracy, making them an excellent choice to begin your UPSC preparation.
Start Writing Answers Early
When you are able to complete 40 to 50% of your syllabus, then you can start practicing your answers. It’s a skill and yes, it requires time to master, so practice it as early as possible. You can practice your answers using simple questions that are available from old question papers and online sources.
Set a goal to write one response each day, and eventually raise the number.
Solve Previous Year Question Papers Regularly
This is actually your goldmine. Doing previous year questions will reveal the actual demand in the exam. You would learn how UPSC sets questions and what sort of answers would be required.
Start doing papers subject-wise. For instance, after completing the Polity, practice questions on Polity from the previous five years in both Prelims and Mains. This will help in improving your grasp, writing, as well as forming answers.
Do not Ignore Current Affairs
Now, coming to current events. Reading news from various newspapers is a necessity. The Hindu and The Indian Express are some of the best publications. You don’t need to read every page. Focus on important national, international, and economic news. Editorials, too, are a rich resource for preparation for your mains.
Should You Join Coaching?
Not everyone needs coaching. But if you are in doubt or require guidance on how to start, it is useful. In the case of Kerala, the Kerala State civil service academyand other top IAS academy in Thiruvananthapuram are renowned for providing excellent guidance.
Conclusion
It’s not about how many books you read. It’s about the number of things that you remember and are able to put into your own words. The power is in editing and practice.
Whether you are alone or along with the help of an IAS academy in Thiruvananthapuram, the most important thing is to be present every single day. Only then will success follow.
So, start today. Take that first step. Read one chapter. Write one answer. One step daily takes you miles ahead.
