How To Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level? Complete Guide

“How to Begin UPSC Preparation From Scratch” is a pressing question for many UPSC aspirants, given the exam’s reputation as one of the toughest. Success requires a consistent schedule, a solid preparation strategy, and discipline. Regardless of the candidate’s abilities, starting from ground zero demands a smart and effective approach. In this article, we’ll explore tips and steps for initiating UPSC preparation from scratch at home, without coaching.

How To Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level?

To begin preparing for the UPSC exam from scratch, take it step by step. First, learn about the exam’s pattern, what topics it covers, and what you need to know. Make a study plan that covers everything you need to learn. Use good study materials and practice tests to see how you’re doing. Stay consistent, manage your time wisely, and don’t hesitate to get help if you need it. Stick to a routine, stay updated on current events, and keep a positive attitude as you prepare.

Through the following step, you can start your UPSC Preparation From Zero Level.

Step 1: Mental Preparation

The UPSC IAS exam is quite a journey because it spans about a year, including all its stages and the preparation time. Candidates must be mentally prepared for this challenging exam, as it’s one of India’s toughest. A healthy mind and body are essential to tackle the hurdles and stay focused. Seeking guidance from a UPSC mentor can be beneficial. Also, understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is key for aspirants.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Starting UPSC preparation from scratch involves checking the eligibility criteria first. These criteria cover aspects like age limits, educational qualifications, nationality, and the number of attempts allowed.

Step 3: Understand Exam Structure

Another crucial step in beginning UPSC preparation from zero is understanding the exam pattern for prelims and mains exam. Knowing the structure of the exam helps candidates grasp key concepts and plan their study time effectively. The UPSC Exam Pattern outlines the three stages of the UPSC IAS exam.

Step 4: Know the Syllabus

The UPSC publishes the exam syllabus on its website. Before diving into preparation, candidates must thoroughly understand the syllabus. It outlines the topics and subjects applicants need to know to succeed in the IAS exam. Understanding the syllabus is vital for performing well, as it evaluates candidates’ knowledge, skills, and suitability for the job. Therefore, candidates should fully grasp the UPSC syllabus and prepare accordingly.

Step 5: Choose Your Graduation Degree Wisely

Selecting the right graduation degree is essential for UPSC IAS preparation. While there’s no one-size-fits-all degree for success, candidates should consider their strengths, weaknesses, and interests when making this decision. Many successful candidates have emphasized the importance of aligning their graduation degree and optional subject for the UPSC Main Exam. However, what truly matters is the candidate’s passion for the subject, as there’s no single optional subject that guarantees success in the exam.

Step 6: Find Your Mentor

A mentor plays a crucial role in guiding and inspiring UPSC aspirants, especially those starting from scratch. A good mentor can be a source of invaluable advice and motivation throughout the preparation journey. Every successful IAS topper has been influenced by a mentor who provided essential guidance and support.

Step 7: Learn from UPSC Toppers

An effective way to kick-start UPSC preparation from scratch is by studying the experiences of successful UPSC candidates. Many toppers share their entire journey, detailing their strategies, recommended books, study schedules, coaching experiences, and techniques for maintaining mental well-being. Reading about their experiences can inspire beginners, enhance their preparation, and boost their confidence for the UPSC exam.

Step 8: Select Your Optional Subject

Choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC exam significantly influences your performance in the main exams. The optional subject is covered in Papers VI and VII out of the 9 papers, with each paper carrying 250 marks. These scores contribute to the final merit list. Candidates should base their choice on their interests, capabilities, and the weightage of the subject in the UPSC prelims and mains syllabus.

Step 9: Decide on Coaching

Deciding whether to opt for coaching is another important consideration when starting UPSC preparation from scratch. While coaching isn’t mandatory, nor can it be disregarded entirely, it depends on the candidate’s circumstances. UPSC coaching can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the preparation journey, but its necessity varies from person to person.

Some UPSC toppers, like Sakshi Verma, and IPS, passed the UPSC exams without coaching, while others, like Tina Dabi, benefited from coaching and passed in subsequent years.

Step 10: Make Your Goal

Before diving into UPSC exam preparation from scratch, it’s crucial to set daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Goal-setting lays the foundation for success by providing clear targets to work towards. Achieving these goals marks progress on the path to success. Setting realistic goals and milestones helps ensure comprehensive coverage of the UPSC syllabus.

Step 11: Collect Your Study Materials

Acquiring the necessary study materials is essential for UPSC IAS exam preparation. Key resources include:

• Current Affairs
• Standard books relevant to specific subjects
• Newspapers such as The Hindu and The Indian Express
• Magazines
• NCERT Books
• Test Series
• Previous Year Papers

Step 12: Download a Preparation App

Numerous UPSC preparation apps are available nowadays, but some may come with drawbacks, such as fees for downloading. Adda247 is one of the best apps for UPSC preparation, offering comprehensive coverage of all topics included in the UPSC CSE syllabus, and it’s free. It provides insight into the types of questions likely to appear in the exam. Features of the Adda247 app include:

• Free enrollment in Adda247’s UPSC coaching program.
• Access to Mock Tests for UPSC Civil Services Prelims to enhance performance in the actual exam.
• Subject and chapter-level competency assessment for UPSC preparation.

Step 13: Solve Previous Year Papers

For those beginning UPSC preparation from scratch, it’s essential to collect, analyze, and download previous years’ UPSC question papers. These papers are the most reliable resources for UPSC preparation, offering insights into the exam’s format and content. Key benefits include:

• Acting as a roadmap for navigating the UPSC application process.
• Providing insights into question types, important subject areas, and mark distribution.
• Enhancing understanding of the exam pattern through detailed study and analysis.

Step 14: Reading Newspapers

Developing a habit of reading newspapers is crucial for UPSC aspirants starting from scratch. Success in the Civil Services exam requires a deep understanding of current events, as indicated by previous UPSC exam trends. Regular newspaper reading provides practical knowledge of the syllabus and a better grasp of key topics. The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Economic Times are among the best newspapers for UPSC preparation.

Step 15: Time Management

Effective time management is essential for those beginning UPSC preparation from scratch. Creating and sticking to a timetable is key to managing time efficiently. This is particularly crucial for candidates juggling jobs, academic courses, or graduation alongside UPSC preparation. The vast syllabus of UPSC exams necessitates a well-planned preparation strategy, including revision, rest, sleep, and maintaining mental stability, all of which can be achieved through effective time management.

Step 16: Make Proper Notes

Creating notes is a highly effective method for understanding the UPSC syllabus thoroughly. Developing the skill of note-taking helps in grasping key concepts and aids in exam preparation. Candidates can jot down concise notes on topics they have already studied, either in physical or digital format. These notes should focus solely on capturing the main ideas and concepts needed for the UPSC exam.

Step 17: Improve Answer Writing Skills for UPSC Mains

In the UPSC Mains exam, you have to write detailed answers instead of just picking the right choices. Writing well-state answers on paper takes practice. Since you get about 8 minutes per question, practising writing daily can help you write faster. This also helps you understand topics better and revise them easily.

Step 18: Enhance Communication Skills

Communication skills are vital in UPSC preparation, particularly for the personality test (UPSC Interview) stage. Candidates must engage with the UPSC board and effectively respond to their questions. Your overall personality, leadership abilities, capacity to handle pressure, and ability to consider different viewpoints will all be evaluated. Hence, it’s crucial to interact with the board in a clear and impactful manner. Having all the answers won’t be beneficial if you cannot effectively communicate your ideas and knowledge.

Step 19: Stay Informed with UPSC Updates

It’s essential for aspirants to regularly check the UPSC websites for any updates on notifications, results, admit card status, application dates, and any changes in exam dates.

Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level at Home

Every year, lots of people try to participate in the UPSC IAS exam, but only a few get chosen. UPSC is a tough exam with a big syllabus. It’s hard, but not impossible, to pass. With enough effort and dedication, you can succeed too. Many top scorers studied by themselves at home. For someone serious, studying at home and starting from scratch isn’t difficult.

Start UPSC Preparation without Coaching

Starting UPSC preparation without coaching might seem tough, but it’s possible. First, learn about the exam and get the right study materials. Make a study plan and stick to it. Start with easy stuff and move on to harder topics. Practice with old papers and join online groups for help. Keep working hard and stay motivated. With dedication, you can succeed even without coaching.