How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level?

Embarking on the journey of preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination from Zero level can be exacting and exciting. This is so because the IAS exam is highly competitive and demands dedication, perseverance, and a sound approach. Thus, if you are someone who wants to prepare for UPSC starting from scratch, worry not! This blog aims to provide you with a step-by-step guide to lay a strong foundation for success in one of India’s most challenging exams.

Key Tips to Starting UPSC Preparation from Zero Level

Starting your preparation for UPSC from zero level is not easy, it is important to have a clear mindset and a focused approach. You must be well aware of the exam format, and what needs to be studied, creating a study plan, among others. You make sure you understand the basic concepts as UPSC is more than just rote learning. And if needed take the help of mentors and enroll yourself with a UPSC Coaching Centre in Delhi. Read on to get a clear understanding of how to start UPSC preparation from zero level-

1. Understand the Exam Pattern 

The first and foremost thing for a candidate to know when beginning from zero level is to get familiar with the UPSC exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme. The UPSC CSE is divided into three stages consisting of the Preliminary exam, Mains exam and Interview. Below are the details-

a) UPSC Prelims- The UPSC Prelims consist of two objective type papers, i.e., General Studies Paper I which covers History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Environment, General Science and Current Affairs. The second paper is CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) which assesses analytical and reasoning abilities, comprehension, decision-making skills and Basic numeracy of class X level. It is important to note that the marks obtained for the Prelims are only considered for qualifying to reach the Mains.

b) UPSC Mains-  The UPSC Mains exam is descriptive and comprises nine papers, including two qualifying language papers (English and one Indian Language paper) and one Essay paper. Furthermore, it consists of a General Studies paper (I, II, III, IV) that focuses on diverse subjects including, History, Heritage, Geography, Science, Disaster Management and Ethics. Additionally, there are two papers on optional subjects which the candidate must choose from the list provided by the UPSC.

c) Interview: Candidates after clearing the mains are qualified to appear in the Interview round where a panel of experts tests the candidate’s personality, communication, and leadership skills, and if they are suitable for a career in civil services. 

2. Understand the UPSC Syllabus

The syllabus for UPSC is vast and exhaustive. Thus, when you decide to prepare for UPSC from level zero it is important to go through the entire syllabus for both Prelims and Mains examination. You need to analyze each topic to comprehend which areas need more focused attention. Find your weak points and strong areas, build on the strong points and start working on the weak areas.

3. Design a Study Plan

As a beginner, it is very important to have a study plan designed after going through the UPSC syllabus. Create a well-structured study plan that covers all the important topics. Keep different time slots for different subjects and allot time for revision. Based on your study plan, set clear and achievable long-term and short-term goals.

4. Begin with NCERTs: 

Once you have gone through the syllabus and have made a working study plan, start reading NCERT from classes 6-12. Consider NCERTs as the bible for UPSC. The NCERT books are easy to comprehend and will help make your foundation strong on various subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Polity, among others. UPSC demands a comprehensive understanding of these subjects and reading NCERTs will take you a long way in the journey as it is important for both the Prelims and Mains examination.

5. Read Newspapers and Current Affairs Magazines 

The UPSC exam mostly revolves around current affairs. By reading newspapers and standard current affairs magazines candidates who are starting at zero level may gain valuable insights and knowledge that can be applied during the exams. Select reputable newspapers, preferably two, like The Hindu and The Indian Express. These are the most popular ones which provide unbiased reporting. 

Read opinions and editorials from newspapers to improve your comprehension skills, gain in-depth knowledge and form a well-rounded opinion. Read quality magazines like Kurukshetra and Yojana to keep updated with national and international affairs.

6. Choosing Optional

Optional subjects in UPSC play a pivotal role and can make or break your dream of becoming a civil servant. As a beginner, select an optional paper based on your interest and background. Furthermore, some try to experiment with optional by opting for subjects that were not a part of their graduation program, in such cases, the availability of resource material can make a lot of difference.

7. Join a Coaching Institute: 

Consider joining a reputed coaching institute like Vajirao And Reddy IAS Institute, Drishti IAS, or Plutus IAS. Joining online classes for upsc clears confusion and ensures a comprehensive coverage of the vast syllabus.

8. Solve Previous Year Papers

Solving question papers is a tried and tested method of gaining useful insight into the nature of the UPSC examination. It is a treasure trove of knowledge and is the best way to practice for UPSC CSE aspirants. By solving previous year’s question papers you will get accustomed to the format of the exam and accordingly, you can prepare a strategy that will increase your chances of clearing the exam.

Conclusion

All in all, you are bound to face hurdles when starting UPSC preparation from zero level. The exam demands discipline, persistence, and hard work combined with smart work. A systematic approach will take you a long way in your journey and with continuous efforts and learning you will clear IAS exam. However, remember to stay motivated, keep believing in yourself, and embrace every challenge that comes your way.