How To Start IAS Preparation in 2024 without Coaching?

Many of the candidates are in a dilemma about how to start UPSC IAS Preparation. We are addressing the complex question of “How to Prepare for IAS ” with the right approach and strategy. Cracking the Civil Service Exam is the dream of every Indian, as it offers a chance to serve the public, as well as to create an impact on society.

UPSC conducts Civil Service Exam every year. The exam process is quite long almost it will take a year to complete the whole process. The right approach along with smart IAS Preparation enables you to fulfill the dream of becoming an IAS officer. As the exam process is long, it is well understood that you should spend a lion’s share of your time studying, so as to cover vast topics.

Interesting Read: Salary of an IAS Officer after 7th Pay Commission.

When to Start UPSC Preparation 2025?

A one-and-a-half-year study is essential for clearing the world’s one of the toughest exams. However, there are examples of candidates who cracked UPSC within six months of IAS Preparation. Further, there is only a minute probability that you will get through UPSC in the initial attempt. You are going to invest in crucial years of life for this.

Ideally, those who are doing graduation can select their interesting subject as it will help in UPSC Mains also. Mostly, aspirants begin their IAS preparation in June or July. But a proper understanding of the syllabus will help to invest less time in preparation.

How to Start IAS Preparation?

There are two approaches- prelims cum mains approach and prelims approach.

Those who have one year or more, they can schedule for prelims cum mains approach. For example, those who are aiming for next year IAS Exam, and can start to prepare from now onwards. They can invest at least three months for completing their optional subjects and another five months for general studies papers followed by prelims preparation for the rest of five months. Finally, the last five months can be devoted to the revision of mock tests, etc. Keep in mind to be on track with current affairs the whole way throughout your preparation.

The main advantage of this method is that aspirants can get enough time for IAS preparation and revision. Moreover, they can identify their mistakes and sharpen themselves for the final test.

UPSC Prelims Cum Mains Approach

This is an appropriate method for the working force, those who have a limited time span, etc. For instance, as per UPSC Exam Calendar 2024 more than 365 days left for Prelims Exam, so start study from today for prelims cum mains along with current affairs. Having a thorough understanding of the UPSC Syllabus and smart work will ensure you to climb the ladder of UPSC within this short span of time.

Remember, the preliminary level is the toughest part of all exams and once clearing it will enhance your confidence level and shine brightly for the rest of the examination process.

Students should have a clear idea about the UPSC Syllabus to be covered for prelims and mains.

Prelims consist of two papers that carry 200 marks each. Each paper is of 2 hours duration. Candidates should attempt both papers. CSAT is only qualifying paper, aspirants should score 33% or 66 marks. Paper one is going to decide your entry into mains but not going to decide your rank. GS Paper 1 also comprises of 200 marks with a 2-hour duration.

UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper 1 Strategy

1. Indian History– ancient, medieval, modern. It is beneficial to focus more on ancient and modern history as more questions are triggered here. Study art and culture along with history. Don’t view art and culture as well as history as separate subjects. Refer: How to study Indian History for IAS Examination?
2. Geography– physical [world], Indian geography, gives more stress on Indian geography. Correlate current events of the Indian landscape along with theory. For example, if some news came about the great northern plains, go thoroughly through great northern plains, its characteristics, significance areas covered and so on.  Also, refer to How to study geography for IAS Exam.
3. Indian Polity– correlate with the current scenario, as UPSC focus on logical aspects. Simple book reading is not sufficient for scoring from Indian polity. Also read: How to study Indian Polity for IAS Exam?
4. Indian Economy– read the economic survey and union budget while preparing for the Indian Economy. The economic survey is an inevitable part of IAS preparation. Also Check: How to Prepare Indian Economy for IAS Exam?
5. Environment and ecology-as IFS [Indian Forest Service] examination are conducted together with UPSC, an increased number of questions are being asked from this subject.
6. Science and technology– various technological advancements in our country that are of national and international importance. For instance, 2018 prelims can expect questions from ISRO’s recent PSLV launch.
7. Current Affairs – This part should be covered by newspapers, magazines, and government websites like PIB, IDSA, PRS, etc. In recent years there are a lot of questions asked from current affairs. So the importance of current affairs can’t be neglected. We are also providing current affairs daily Quiz which is helpful for IAS preparation for 2024

GS Paper 2 CSAT (Civil Service Aptitude Test)

1. Comprehension- mainly to assess your proficiency in English.
2. Interpersonal skills include communication skills.
3. Reasoning both logical and analytical
4. Decision-making and problem-solving – this part does not carry negative marks so that candidates can approach this part without fear of losing marks.
5. General mental ability
6. Data interpretation and basic numerical skills.

Tips to Start UPSC Preparation at Home

1. Book collection – embark on your IAS preparation by collecting standard books for UPSC for each subject. Hindi Medium aspirants can refer to IAS Books in Hindi Medium. NCERT books from class 6 to 12 are the holy books for starting UPSC preparation. NCERT textbooks cannot be omitted from basic reading. Refer: List of Useful  NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation
2. Newspaper reading- read the newspaper on a pretty regular basis to correlate current affairs with each subject. Remember that UPSC will form questions on a logical basis rather than direct questions. This article will help you on this topic How to read the Hindu newspaper for IAS exam?
3. Magazine reading- apart from newspapers, magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, the frontline, etc plays a decisive role in improving your writing skills for mains. Refer: How to read Yojana for IAS Exam.
4. Writing practice- practice answering questions from UPSC Previous Question papers. Set a time limit for each question and practice more to improve your writing skills.
5. Question paper analysis- a complete analysis of previous years’ question papers will give you an idea about the recent trend in question formulation. In fact, there is no guarantee from UPSC or UPSC doesn’t set a certain percentage for each subject.
6. Mock tests and interpretation– Attending a mock test will enable you to evaluate your strength and weakness. Simply attending mock tests won’t work out, but the interpretation of mistakes and its correction will let you quickly march to your desired service. Our flagship UPSC Prelims Test Series designed to evaluate all  your skills, strength, and weakness
7. Decide your optional paper at an early stage- think of your optional and prepare it before prelims will reduce your pressure at the mains stage. Useful read: How to select an optional subject?
8. Study general studies papers along with mains- along with prelims, study GS papers for mains. There are common papers for mains and prelims. Hence, it will save you time and energy also.
9. Follow useful websites for IAS – various governmental websites are a cluster of recent government policies and information.

Also check: 10 Best Books for IAS Exam

Overall, it’s a myth that IAS cannot be clear without coaching. Proper guidance with the right attitude will aid you to climb the ladder of IAS. Remember that it is not the amount of time you spent on studies going to matter, rather how much smart work you did really decide your final rank.