How To Start UPSC Preparation For Beginners, UPSC is one of the toughest exams in India, but it is also one of the most rewarding. If you are up for the challenge, then giving it a shot can be one of the best decisions of your life.
While the competition is definitely stiff, remember that you are not alone in this journey. There are thousands of others who are giving it their all to crack this exam.
The first and foremost thing you need to do is believe in yourself. You need to be confident that you have what it takes to clear the exam. Only then will you be able to give it your best shot?
Preparing for the UPSC exam is not going to be easy. That is why we came up with this post and will tell you How To Start UPSC Preparation For Beginners?
How To Start UPSC Preparation For Beginners?
1. Read the Syllabus Carefully
Beginning your UPSC preparation can feel like a daunting task. There is so much to learn and so much to do. But don’t worry, we are here to help. The first step is to read your syllabus carefully.
The UPSC syllabus is divided into two parts: the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination. The Preliminary Examination is a screening test and the marks you obtain in this examination will not be counted towards your final score.
The Main Examination is the actual exam and the marks you obtain in this examination will be counted towards your final score.
The Preliminary Examination is divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is an objective type paper and Paper II is a subjective type paper. Paper I tests your general knowledge and Paper II tests your analytical and writing skills.
2. Collect Important Books and Notes
If you want to start preparing for the UPSC exams, it is important that you collect the right books and notes. Here is a list of some of the most important ones that you should get your hands on:
The Indian Constitution by B.R. Ambedkar: This is an essential book for anyone preparing for the UPSC exams. It will help you understand the basics of our Constitution and how it works.
The Hindu newspaper: This is one of the most important newspapers for UPSC preparation. It covers all the important news and events happening in India and around the world.
NCERT books: These are must-haves for anyone preparing for any competitive exam. They cover all the important topics in a very concise and easy-to-understand manner.
Indian history books: These will help you understand our country’s past better and also give you a perspective on current affairs.
Indian economy books: These will help you understand the basics of our economy and how it works.
This is just a start. There are many other books and resources that you will need to prepare for the UPSC exams. But if you have these, you will be off to a good start.
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3. Reading NCERTs
For beginners preparing for the UPSC exam, reading NCERTs is a great way to start. These books cover all the topics included in the exam and provide a strong foundation on which to build your knowledge.
We recommend starting with the Class 6th NCERT book, which covers Indian History. From there, you can move on to the Class 7th book on Indian Geography. After that, we suggest reading the Class 8th book on Indian Civics, which will give you a good understanding of how our government works.
Not only do they provide an overview of the vast syllabus, but they also help build a strong foundation for further study.
Of course, it is important to supplement NCERT reading with other resources as well, but for beginners, NCERTs are a great place to start. So if you’re just getting started on your UPSC journey, be sure to include NCERTs in your study plan!
4. Reading Daily Newspaper
If you are looking to start your UPSC preparation, one of the best things you can do is to make sure you are reading a daily newspaper. This will help you to keep up with current affairs, which is a key component of the UPSC exam.
Not only will reading the newspaper helps you with your UPSC preparation, but it is also a great habit to get into for your general knowledge. A daily newspaper will help you to stay informed about what is going on in the world, and you may even find some interesting articles to read.
If you are not sure where to start, we recommend The Hindu. This is a widely read newspaper in India, and it has a section devoted to UPSC preparation. You can also find a number of online resources that will help you to prepare for the UPSC exam, so make sure to do your research.
When it comes to preparation, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, we believe that reading a daily newspaper is a great way to start your UPSC preparation. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on how to prepare for the UPSC exam.
5. Practice mock tests
When it comes to UPSC preparation, one of the most important things that you can do is to take mock tests. This will not only help you get an idea of the kind of questions that are asked in the UPSC exam but will also help you understand the pattern of the exam.
Taking mock tests is also a great way to improve your time management skills.
In the UPSC exam, you will be given a certain amount of time to complete the paper. Therefore, it is important that you learn to manage your time well.
One of the best ways to find out about mock tests is to ask your seniors or friends who have already appeared for the UPSC exam. They will be able to guide you in the right direction.
Another great way to get started with your UPSC preparation is to join a coaching institute. These institutes will not only provide you with mock tests but will also give you the necessary guidance and tips to crack the exam.
6. Practice Previous Years’ Questions
Starting your UPSC preparation can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. However, one of the best ways to begin your preparation is to start by practising previous years’ questions.
This will not only give you a good idea of the type of questions that are asked, but it will also help you to identify any areas that you need to focus on. Additionally, by practising previous years’ questions, you can start to develop your own problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which will be invaluable when it comes to taking the UPSC exam.
Of course, practising previous years’ questions is just one part of your UPSC preparation. You will also need to ensure that you are up to date on current affairs and that you have a strong understanding of the UPSC syllabus. However, if you can commit to practising previous years’ questions on a regular basis, you will be well on your way to success in the UPSC exam.
7. Read Current Affairs
This will not only help you understand the context of the questions in the UPSC exam but also help you formulate your answers more effectively.
There are a number of ways to stay abreast of current affairs. You can read newspapers, watch news channels, or even follow news websites and blogs.
However, one of the most effective ways to do this is to read a good current affairs magazine.
Some of the best current affairs magazines in India are India Today, Frontline, and The Hindu. These magazines provide comprehensive coverage of all the major events happening in the country and the world. They also offer in-depth analysis of various issues, which is extremely helpful for UPSC preparation.
So make sure you include reading a good current affairs magazine as part of your UPSC preparation strategy. It will definitely help you in the long run.
8. Be Focused
If you are preparing for the UPSC exams, it is important to be focused and dedicated to your studies. While it is important to have a study plan and to follow a timetable, it is also essential to be flexible and to be able to adapt to changes.
The UPSC exam is a long and difficult exam, and it is important to be prepared mentally and physically for it. It is important to get enough sleep and to eat healthy food to fuel your body and mind.
It is also essential to be able to focus and concentrate on your studies. This means that you should create a study environment that is conducive to learning, and you should avoid distractions.
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Conclusion
If you are planning to take the UPSC exams, you need to be focused and regular in your studies. You can’t just take it easy and hope to pass. You need to put in the hard work and make sure you are prepared for the exam.
There are a lot of resources available online and offline to help you prepare for the exam. Make use of them and make sure you are well prepared.