For smart aspirants, college is the best place to start IAS exam preparation. With all the energy of the young age and the sharpness of the student’s mind, the just-out-of-college guys have higher probabilities to clear IAS exam. But unless the preparation is focused on right guidance and strategies, the attempt may turn futile, resulting in the loss of precious attempts. Here are a few tips for those who want to start preparation: 1) Take the early advantage: Remember the eligibility criteria for UPSC Civil Service Exam (CSE) is 21 years and a graduation in any subject. You should also take note that final year students can apply for IAS Prelims. Many candidates miss this early opportunity and come into UPSC Civil Service Exam preparation field only very late. This is clearly reflected in the fact that the average age of candidates who make it into the final UPSC CSE rank list is 28 years.If you start early, that would give you a lot many advantages. And, we have no doubts that aspirants who start early can clear IAS exam without compromising the thrill and happiness of campus life. But for that, you need right guidance. 2) Realize that you have time constraints, so prioritize your time!Unlike many other aspirants who can dedicate a full year for UPSC preparation, those who prepare parallel for UPSC CSE while in the college will have time constraints. So what is very important is your ability to prioritize things. Do only what is extremely important.3) Be thorough with the UPSC syllabus. Go through the previous year UPSC CSE question papers. This should give you the right direction. 4) Read newspapers and magazines: Don’t compromise your newspaper reading irrespective of the time constraints. Once you get into the mood, believe us, it’s not that boring! 5) Keep writing: In UPSC CSE Mains, the speed of writing is very important. Aspirants just out of college will have a big advantage here as they are not out of touch with pen and paper when compared to working professionals. Take maximum leverage on this. 6) Solve previous year question papers and analyse your score so that you understand the topics you are good at and the ones you can improve. 7) Manage equal time for each topic initially and then distribute timings according to your performance in the mock tests. 8) Start polishing your knowledge base with basic NCERT’s from class 6th to 12th. Start preparing crisp and strategic notes for conventional subjects. This will cover your prelims and mains preparation together. 9) Take regular tests till the final exam to measure your performance.

I'm just finished 12th standard board exam ,I will join college . during this holidays I would like to prepare for my upsc exam suggest me and I'm totally blank for the exam please guide me.

Preparing for UPSC IAS Exam as a College Student: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Understand the Exam
- Familiarize yourself with the UPSC IAS exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.
- Read the official notification and gather information on eligibility criteria, number of attempts, and age limits.

2. Create a Study Plan
- Devise a well-structured study plan that covers all the subjects and topics within the two-year duration.
- Allocate sufficient time for each subject and create a timetable that allows for regular revision and practice.
- Prioritize topics based on their weightage in the exam and your personal strengths and weaknesses.

3. Gather Study Material
- Collect relevant and reliable study materials such as NCERT books, reference books, previous years' question papers, and UPSC recommended sources.
- Utilize online platforms like EduRev for access to a wide range of study materials, notes, and mock tests.

4. Focus on the Basics
- Begin by building a strong foundation in subjects like history, geography, polity, economics, and science.
- Read NCERT textbooks of classes 6-12 to grasp the fundamental concepts.
- Take notes and create summaries to aid in quick revision.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Develop a habit of reading newspapers, magazines, and online portals to stay updated on current events, national and international affairs, government policies, and socio-economic issues.
- Make notes on important topics and revise them regularly.

6. Enhance Writing Skills
- Effective writing skills are crucial for the IAS exam.
- Practice essay writing, précis writing, and answer writing to improve your articulation, coherence, and time management skills.
- Seek feedback from mentors or seniors to refine your writing style.

7. Practice Mock Tests
- Regularly attempt mock tests and previous years' question papers to get acquainted with the exam pattern, time management, and identify areas for improvement.
- Analyze your performance, identify weaknesses, and work on them.

8. Join a Coaching Institute (optional)
- If feasible, consider enrolling in a reputed coaching institute to receive expert guidance, access to study materials, and interact with peers preparing for the same exam.
- However, self-study can also be equally effective with the right resources and dedication.

9. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Ensure proper sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet to stay physically and mentally fit.
- Avoid distractions and manage time efficiently.

Remember, consistency, discipline, and perseverance are key to success in the UPSC IAS exam. Regular self-assessment, revision, and adapting to changing exam patterns will help you stay ahead. Good luck!