General and Subject-wise Detailed Strategy to Crack IAS Exam
Every year, more than 10 lakh candidates apply for the UPSC Civil Services exam with the hopes of becoming an IAS, IPS, IRS, or IFS officer, but only a small fraction of them make it through.
Every year more than 10 lakh candidates apply for the UPSC Civil Services exam with an
aim to become IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS officers but only a small fraction of them make it
through. This elite civil services exam demands meticulous planning, systematic and
devoted preparation for your end.
Aspirants with a well-organized preparation strategy and good time management will
undoubtedly have an edge over their competitors.
On that note, let’s discuss a few subject-wise as well as general strategies that will
guide you in strategizing your civil services exam preparation.
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
Current Affairs :
For the GS Prelims, there is no set number of questions, and the proportion of questions
from each section fluctuates from year to year. 60-70 percent of UPSC Civil Services
Mains questions are related directly or indirectly to current events. As a result,
applicants should study current events from the previous 18-24 months.
Read reputed newspapers (The Hindu/ Indian Express) and monthly current affairs
magazines (Yojana). Focus more on stories and editorials linked with International
Relations, Science and Technology, Defence and others.
History :
Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, as well as the Indian National Movement,
are all included in the history of India. The syllabus is extensive, but if you study and
prepare thoroughly, you should be able to answer 5-7 questions in the Prelims exam.
However, a majority of questions are asked from the freedom struggle (the 1800s- 1947) especially ranging from the 1857 revolt to the rowlatt act and jallianwala bagh massacre.
You can refer to Class 6-12th NCERT books for History and Bipin Chandra’s Struggle for
Independence for thorough preparation.
Geography :
UPSC covers both Indian and global geography. Maps are an important aspect of the
Geography curriculum, and every year in the Prelims test, 1-2 map-based questions are
asked. In the civil services mains test, geography questions might make up 30 percent
to 40% of total questions.
Class 6-12 NCERT textbooks, Oxford Atlas and G.C. Leong - Physical Geography are few
recommended sources for reference.
Indian Polity :
There is just one book that all experts and aspirants recommend time and time again.
Laxmikant's Indian Polity should be thoroughly read. Because it is unlikely that aspirants
will be able to read the entire book before the prelims, they should read all of the
relevant articles properly.
Economics :
Focus on economics topics such as poverty, inclusive growth, social sector activities,
and so on. Go through the recent Economy Survey Summary. Lastly, read class 11 and
12 NCERT textbook (economics) from cover to cover for laying the basic foundation.
Environment :
Biodiversity, climate change, and other environmental and ecology topics are covered.
Every item in the news that has to do with the environment should be thoroughly
examined. Read the environment topics in Class 12 biology books and go through the
latest Shankar IAS notes to tackle environment questions in the exam.
General Science :
The majority of the questions in General Science are on current events, however, some
fundamental principles should not be overlooked.
Important Points to Keep in Mind :
1. Keep in mind that all subjects and topics are important and should not be
overlooked. For instance, details on Mysore, Punjab, the Marathas, and their
resistance against the colonial power are as important as that of indian national
congress annual sessions.
2. Take frequent breaks and intervals to keep the preparations from becoming
tedious or overwhelming.
3. Maintain a solid balanced diet and get enough sleep to keep your energy in good
shape.
4. This study plan is only a suggestion; you can change or modify it according to
your degree of preparedness.
