Is it possible to crack IAS with self-study If yes, then what should b...
One of the most common misconceptions regarding the civil service test is that self-study or self-preparation would not help you pass the IAS Exam. Many IAS Toppers have been successful throughout the years who only relied on studying at home and devoting more time to self-study.
You must know Shrusti Deskmukh (AIR 5 UPSC CSE 2018). Srushti largely relied on online study material. The internet is a huge boon and one need not necessarily go to Delhi or any training at coaching institutes, and she did not rely upon these. She spent 6 to 7 hours a day self-studying.
So if she can, we can too!
I am from Mumbai and I don’t have any affordable and reliable coaching institute somewhere near me. Joining a good Institute here means traveling 4 hours daily in local to just get there and come back. I choose to not do that and rather invest that time in self study.
Here is the strategy and resources I am and would like to share with you all. These tips are working for me and are keeping me motivated for the journey ahead.
Step 0: Before you begin UPSC Preparation Journey:
To become an IAS officer, it is necessary to be like an officer with a well-organized daily routine. Set proper deadlines, and you would work better and complete the syllabus faster.
Step 1: Decode the UPSC Exam Pattern:
It is very important to know the exam, what it is all about, and what all comes in it well enough before starting the preparation for the papers.
Acquaint yourself with the exam syllabus, exam pattern, exam timeline, and Find the Detailed syllabus on reliable platforms like EduRev.
Step 2: Build Your Foundation with NCERT:
The NCERT books are considered as the basic reading books to build the base of the Civil Services Examination. It covers all topics which are important and gives us crystal clear conceptual clarity. EduRev has great NCERT notes for UPSC. I found out about the platform while looking for notes and I was amazed by what I found there.
Step 3: Strengthen Your Foundation Read Standard UPSC Preparation Books:
It is very important to read important books for the respective subjects of the UPSC IAS Exam syllabus. Follow standard books for UPSC/IAS to make your concepts stronger.
Step 4: Read Newspaper & Practice Current Affairs Daily:
Current Affairs play a significant role in UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation as the dynamic questions appear in all three stages of the examination- UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains, and Final Interview as well.
Step 5: Subject-wise Preparation Strategy For IAS Exam
Analyzing the pattern of previous years' questions reveals that while the number of questions has been declining, the level of difficulty is increasing. If you are someone who prefers Video lectures over Reading then Check the Youtube Channel of Edurev for Coaching like Subject wise preparation of UPSC CSE at the comfort of your home.
Step 6: Revise Repeatedly
It is not how much you know that matters but what you write on papers that the examiner can evaluate. So, make writing an answer a regular feature of your IAS preparation.
Step 7: Attempt Mock-Tests Frequently for UPSC/IAS
Mock Tests which are scientifically designed in the exact pattern of actual UPSC examination helps in mastering the art of elimination techniques and other hacks to clear the examination. The more you solve the Mock tests the more these hacks get ingrained into your muscle memory.
Try to join test series like the one at EduRev which you can give at any time you want and not an external schedule so that you can practice / attempt whenever you want. You can attempt Mock Tests regularly by joining a good Mock Test series. Attempt more and more tests and ace your preparation!
Step 8: UPSC Mains Preparation at Home
Start your preparation of Mains from the day you have given Prelims (after checking the answer key and verifying your qualifying score). Firstly, understand the full syllabus.
Even for Mains preparation, you should solve the previous years prelims question after you finish the topic from the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers course.
Step 9: Select Optional Subject for UPSC CSE
The optional subject accounts for 500 marks in the UPSC final tally.
Hence, you should choose an optional subject wisely and after a thorough think-through of the pros and cons of the subjects, you have in mind.
Step 10: UPSC Interview
Before even start preparing we should find out Why we want to become an IAS officer, that is a very important question, and if you have found a truly honest answer that will help you a lot with the interview. This method will keep you mentally well prepared for the interview days.
Interview or Personality Test being the final stage in the UPSC exam process is an important stage in the process, and here it is something more than academics that will help you.
The basic mantra for success in UPSC CSE is “Read, Revise, Test and Repeat”.
Too much diversity in study materials will mess up your entire preparation and will bring anxiety and stress during the last leg of preparation, so select your resources smartly!