How to Crack UPSC in First Attempt

- Blog - August 9, 2023

Cracking the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam in your first attempt requires a strategic and
dedicated approach. The UPSC exam is one of the most competitive exams in India, so careful planning and
diligent preparation are essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you increase your chances of success:
1. Understand the Exam: The UPSC exam consists of three stages – the Preliminary Examination (CSAT and
General Studies Paper), the Main Examination (written papers), and the Interview (Personality Test).
Understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme for each stage.
2. Create a Study Plan:Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers the entire syllabus and allocates time
for each subject. Make sure to include time for revision and practice tests. A well-structured plan will keep you
organized and focused.
3. Syllabus Familiarization:Thoroughly go through the UPSC syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. Understand
what topics are covered and prioritize them based on their weightage and relevance.
4. Study Materials:Gather the right study materials, including NCERT books for basic concepts, standard
textbooks, recommended reference books, and current affairs magazines. Online resources and UPSC
coaching material can also be beneficial.
5. Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs on national and international issues. Read newspapers,
magazines, and follow reliable online sources to stay informed.
6. Preliminary Examination Preparation:
– Focus on both General Studies (GS) and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test).
– For GS, cover subjects like history, geography, polity, economics, science, and environment.
– Practice solving previous years’ question papers and take mock tests regularly to improve time
management and accuracy.
7. Main Examination Preparation:
– Develop a strong command over essay writing, as it is an important part of the Main exam.
– Practice answer writing for the different papers. Pay attention to structuring your answers, providing relevant
examples, and maintaining a balanced viewpoint.
8. Optional Subject: If there is an optional subject in the Main exam, choose a subject you are comfortable with
and have a good understanding of. Dedicate sufficient time to mastering it.
9. Revision:Regularly revise what you’ve studied. Revision helps reinforce your understanding and improves
retention.
10. Mock Tests and Previous Years’ Papers: Regularly take mock tests for both Prelims and Mains. Analyze
your performance, identify weaknesses, and work on improving them. Solving previous years’ papers will also
give you an idea of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked.
11. Time Management: Effective time management is crucial. Allocate time for studying, practicing, revising,
and taking breaks. Also, stick to your study plan.
12. Health and Well-being: Take care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet,
and adequate sleep are essential for optimal performance.
13. Stay Positive and Persistent: The UPSC journey can be challenging, and setbacks might occur. Stay
positive, maintain a growth mindset, and be persistent in your efforts.
14. Interview Preparation:
– If you qualify for the interview stage, prepare by practicing mock interviews.
– Read about current issues and be ready to discuss your interests and opinions.
15. Stay Updated with UPSC Guidelines: Keep yourself informed about any updates or changes in the UPSC
exam pattern, guidelines, and notifications.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Customize your preparation strategy based on your strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. Consistency,
determination, and a well-structured approach will significantly enhance your chances of cracking the UPSC
exam in your first attemp

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UPSC Syllabus

- Blog - August 9, 2023

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts various examinations to recruit candidates for civil
services and other government positions in India. The syllabus for the UPSC examinations can vary depending
on the specific exam being conducted. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the syllabus for
the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is one of the most prominent exams conducted by UPSC.
The CSE is often referred to as the IAS exam, as it is the gateway to becoming an Indian Administrative
Service (IAS) officer.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main
Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview).
1. Preliminary Examination:
This stage comprises two papers:
Paper I: General Studies (GS)
– Current events of national and international importance.
– History of India and Indian National Movement.
– Indian and World Geography: Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
– Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues,
etc.
– Economic and Social Development: Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social
Sector Initiatives, etc.
– Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change.
– General Science.
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
– Comprehension
– Interpersonal skills including communication skills
– Logical reasoning and analytical ability
– Decision-making and problem-solving
– General mental ability
– Basic numeracy (Class X level)
– English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level)
Please note that the CSAT paper is qualifying in nature and you need to score a minimum qualifying mark in it.
2. Main Examination
The Main Examination consists of 9 papers, which are as follows:
Paper-A: Compulsory Indian Language:
– This paper tests your language skills in one of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution.
Paper-B: English:
– This paper tests your English language skills.
Paper-I: Essay:
– Candidates are required to write essays on a range of topics.
Paper-II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society):
– Indian culture
– Modern Indian history
– World history
– Geography of India and the world
– Society, diversity, and globalization
Paper-III: General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations):
– Indian polity and governance
– International relations
– Social justice and issues
– Constitution of India
Paper-IV: General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and
Disaster Management):
– Indian economy
– Science and technology
– Environment and ecology
– Internal security and disaster management
Paper-V: General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude):
– Ethics and human interface
– Attitude
– Aptitude and foundational values
Papers-VI, VII, VIII, and IX: Optional Subject Papers (Candidates can choose an optional subject from a list of
subjects provided by UPSC)
3. Personality Test (Interview):
Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are called for the Personality Test (Interview) round. This round
assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for a career in civil services.
It’s important to note that the syllabus might be subject to changes by the UPSC, so candidates are advised to
refer to the official UPSC website or notifications for the most up-to-date information regarding the syllabus and
exam pattern.

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How To Prepare For UPSC

- Blog - August 9, 2023
 

Preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam is a rigorous and comprehensive process
that requires dedication, strategy, and hard work. The UPSC exam is known for its competitive nature and
covers a wide range of subjects. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively:
1. Understand the Exam Structure:
Familiarize yourself with the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus. The exam consists of three stages: the
Preliminary Examination (Objective), the Main Examination (Descriptive), and the Personality Test (Interview).
2. *Know the Syllabus:*
Get a detailed understanding of the syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main exams. The syllabus is vast
and covers a wide range of topics including history, geography, polity, economics, science, and more.
3. *Create a Study Plan:*
Develop a well-structured study plan that covers all subjects and topics. Allocate sufficient time for each
subject, and ensure you have enough time for revision and mock tests.
4. *Study Materials:*
Collect relevant study materials such as NCERT textbooks, reference books, newspapers (for current affairs),
and online resources. Choose standard books recommended by experts for each subject.
5. *Current Affairs:*
Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers, magazines, and online sources. Focus on issues of
national and international importance. Maintain a separate notebook for note-taking on current affairs.
6. *Practice Previous Years’ Papers:*
Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern, question types, and the level of
difficulty. This will also help you manage time during the exam.
7. *Mock Tests and Self-Assessment:*
Take regular mock tests for both the Preliminary and Main exams. This will help you identify your strengths
and weaknesses, and refine your exam strategy.
8. *Revision is Key:*
Regularly revise the subjects you’ve covered. Revision helps in retaining information and improving your
recall during the exam.
9. *Note-taking and Mind Maps:*
Take concise notes while studying to condense the information and make it easier to review. Mind maps can
help you visually organize complex topics.
10. *Join Coaching or Self-Study:*
Decide whether you want to join a coaching institute or prefer self-study. Both have their advantages, so
choose the option that aligns with your learning style and availability.
11. *Time Management:*
Effective time management is crucial. Allocate more time to subjects you find challenging, while not
neglecting subjects you’re comfortable with.
12. *Stay Healthy:*
Take care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are
important for maintaining focus and energy during your preparation.
13. *Stay Motivated:*
UPSC preparation can be demanding and time-consuming. Stay motivated by setting small goals,
celebrating achievements, and remembering the reasons you want to clear the exam.
14. *Stay Consistent:*
Consistency is key to success. Stick to your study plan and avoid procrastination.
15. *Interview Preparation:*
If you clear the Main Examination, prepare for the Personality Test (Interview) by staying updated on current
affairs, practicing mock interviews, and brushing up on your DAF (Detailed Application Form).
Remember that the UPSC exam requires a long-term commitment and patience. Be prepared for ups and
downs, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Perseverance, hard work, and a well-structured strategy will
increase your chances of success.

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