Understanding the UPSC exam:
Before starting your preparation for the UPSC exam, it is essential to understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria. Make sure you are familiar with the different stages of the exam, which include the Preliminary exam, Main exam, and Interview.

Creating a study plan:
Develop a study plan that includes a timetable for covering all the subjects and topics included in the UPSC syllabus. Allocate specific time slots for each subject and make sure to include regular revisions and practice tests in your schedule.

Start with basics:
Begin your preparation with NCERT books for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economics. These books will help you build a strong foundation and understanding of the topics.

Referencing standard UPSC study materials:
Apart from NCERT books, refer to standard UPSC study materials like Laxmikanth for Polity, Ramesh Singh for Economics, and Bipin Chandra for History. Make sure to read newspapers like The Hindu and magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra for current affairs.

Practice previous year question papers:
Solving previous year question papers will help you understand the exam pattern, type of questions asked, and time management. It is essential to practice solving papers within the stipulated time to improve your speed and accuracy.

Join a test series:
Enroll in a reputable UPSC test series to assess your preparation level and get feedback on your performance. Regularly participating in test series will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.
By following these steps and staying consistent and disciplined in your preparation, you will be on the right path to cracking the UPSC exam. Good luck with your preparation!