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How Should I start my UPSC prepration
Preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam can be a daunting task, especially for those who are just starting out. The UPSC exam is considered to be one of the toughest competitive exams in India, and requires a great deal of hard work, dedication, and preparation. In this article, we will discuss how to start your UPSC preparation in a comprehensive manner, covering all the aspects of the exam.
The UPSC exam consists of three stages - Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Each stage is designed to test the candidate's knowledge, understanding, and analytical abilities. Therefore, it is important to have a well-planned and structured approach to your UPSC preparation.
Understand the UPSC Exam Pattern:
Before you start your UPSC preparation, it is important to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern. The Prelims exam consists of two objective-type papers - General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). The Mains exam consists of 9 papers - 2 qualifying papers (English and Indian Language) and 7 papers that test the candidate's knowledge in various subjects. The Interview stage is the final stage of the exam, where the candidate's personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the civil services are evaluated.
Know the Syllabus:
After understanding the exam pattern, it is important to know the syllabus thoroughly. The UPSC syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of subjects. The General Studies paper covers subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs. The CSAT paper covers basic aptitude topics like comprehension, decision-making, logical reasoning, and analytical ability. The Mains exam covers subjects like Indian Language, English, Essay, General Studies I-IV, and Optional subjects.
Choose your Optional Subject:
The UPSC allows candidates to choose one optional subject for the Mains exam. It is important to choose a subject that you are comfortable with and have an interest in. Some popular optional subjects include History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, and Economics. It is also important to choose a subject that has a good success rate in the exam and has sufficient study material available.
Get the Right Study Material:
The UPSC syllabus is vast and requires a lot of study material. It is important to choose the right study material that covers the entire syllabus and is easy to understand. The study material should be comprehensive, accurate, and updated. Some popular books for UPSC preparation include NCERT textbooks, standard reference books, and current affairs magazines.
Make a Study Plan:
A study plan is essential for effective UPSC preparation. It helps you to manage your time effectively and cover the entire syllabus before the exam. You can make a study plan on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, depending on your preference. The study plan should include time for revision, practice tests, and solving previous year question papers.
Start with the Basics:
It is important to start with the basics of each subject before moving on to the advanced topics. This will help you to build a strong foundation and understand the subject better. You can start with the NCERT textbooks, which are the best source for basic concepts and knowledge.
Focus on Current Affairs:
Current Affairs is an important part of the UPSC exam and covers a significant portion of the syllabus. It is important to stay updated with the latest news and events, both national and international. You can read newspapers, magazines, and online portals to stay updated with current affairs.
Practice Mock Tests and Previous Year Question Papers:
Practicing mock tests and previous year question papers is essential for UPSC preparation. It helps you to understand the exam pattern,
