UPSC stands for the Union Public Service Commission, which is a constitutional body in India responsible for recruiting candidates for various civil services and administrative positions in the Indian government. The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year, which is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. The CSE is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary examination (Prelims), the Main examination (Mains), and the Interview (Personality Test). The exam is meant to select candidates for various prestigious positions in the Indian government, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Revenue Service (IRS), among others.
The UPSC exam tests candidates on a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, economics, polity, science and technology, and current affairs. Clearing the UPSC exam requires extensive preparation and hard work, as the competition is tough, and only a small percentage of candidates are able to clear the exam and secure a position in the civil services.
UPSC preparation requires dedication, hard work, and a systematic approach. Even if you are starting from scratch, it is possible to clear the UPSC exam with the right mindset and strategies.
Starting from a zero level means that you need to build a strong foundation for your UPSC preparation.
Preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are starting from scratch. However, with the right mindset, dedication, and strategies, anyone can crack the UPSC exam. In this article, we will discuss step by step how to prepare for UPSC from a zero level.
Understand the UPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The first step to start your UPSC preparation is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. The UPSC exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. The Preliminary exam is objective type and consists of two papers: General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The Mains exam is a subjective type and consists of nine papers, including two qualifying papers. The Interview stage is the final stage, where candidates are tested for their personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the civil services.
It is important to go through the UPSC syllabus carefully and make notes on the topics that you need to cover. The syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of subjects, including Indian history, geography, polity, economics, current affairs, and more. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the syllabus before you start your preparation.
Read NCERT Books
The NCERT books are an excellent starting point for UPSC preparation. The NCERT textbooks are available for classes 6th to 12th and cover various subjects such as history, geography, economics, and polity. Reading these books will give you a basic understanding of the concepts and will help you build a strong foundation for advanced topics.
Start with the NCERT textbooks of class 6th to 12th, and read them thoroughly. Make notes on the important concepts and make sure you revise them regularly. The NCERT books are the primary source of information for the UPSC exam, and most questions are asked from these textbooks.
Read Newspapers and Magazines
The UPSC exam is not only about knowledge but also about current affairs. Therefore, it is important to keep yourself updated with the latest news and events. Reading newspapers and magazines will help you stay updated with current affairs, national and international events, and government policies.
Start by reading a daily newspaper like The Hindu, Indian Express, or Times of India. These newspapers cover national and international news, editorials, and opinions. Also, read a monthly magazine like Yojana, Kurukshetra, or Economic and Political Weekly. These magazines cover government policies, schemes, and important issues.
Enroll in an Online Course or Coaching Institute
Enrolling in an online course or coaching institute can be very helpful for UPSC preparation. These courses are designed by experts and cover the entire UPSC syllabus. They provide study materials, online lectures, test series, and mentorship support.
There are many online courses and coaching institutes available that offer UPSC preparation courses. Choose a course that suits your budget and schedule. However, make sure you choose a reputed course or institute that has a good track record of producing successful candidates.
Practice Mock Tests and Previous Year Question Papers
Mock tests and previous year question papers are important for UPSC preparation. Mock tests help you evaluate your preparation level and identify your weak areas. It also helps you improve your time management skills and helps you develop a strategy for the actual exam.
Start practising mock tests and previous year question papers once you have completed the NCERT books and other study materials. You can find many mock tests and previous year question papers online or in books. Analyse your performance after every mock test and work on your weak areas.
Clearing the UPSC exam is not a cakewalk, it demands a high level of dedication and complete concentration. Starting from an early stage and making yourself ready as per the UPSC preparation strategy is a good thing. The earlier you start, the better you can score in the examination. Look for the best books, find video tutorials, go through the previous year’s papers, practice writing and keep your confidence level high.