How to Prepare for IAS Exam? Toppers Strategy

Table of Contents

This UPSC Online page is a resource and information repository for the IAS exam 2020. With the increase in internet penetration in India, there is a manifold increase in online coachings, test series and availability of online UPSC books.The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has also shifted to an online application and registration process for the various exams under its purview. The official site upsconline.nic.in is the hub for the UPSC exam form, admit card and related information. Now, UPSC only issues the admit cards online, 2-3 weeks before the date of the exam.In this blog we will discuss about Toppers Strategy.

Annually, the UPSC conducts several exams such as NDA, IES, CDS, CAPF etc., including the most prestigious and competitive exam in India, i.e. the IAS exam. Officially the IAS exam is known as the Civil Services Exam which is conducted in three stages – Prelims, Mains and Interview.

The UPSC online portal for the Civil Services Exam 2020 has been opened for a month during 12th February- 3rd March 2020 for the application and registration process. The online UPSC application contains a 2-part registration form. Part 1 comprises basic details such as name, age, address etc. and the part 2 registration comprises the selection of the UPSC exam centre, payment of fees and uploading the photo, signature and id proof.

The first stage of the IAS exam is the Prelims. IAS Prelims exam is an offline (pen-paper) exam which comprises two papers (objective type questions/MCQs). UPSC Prelims 2020 will be held on Sunday, May 31. Around 5-7 lakh aspirants are expected to appear for the exam. Out of which, only 10000-12000 candidates will qualify for the next stage. At the linked page for Prelims, you can find online UPSC notes PDF along with a preparation strategy.

The result of the Prelims exam will be declared in mid-July(tentatively) and as per the UPSC calendar 2020, the Mains are scheduled to begin from September 18. This gives candidates barely enough time to cover all the topics in the comprehensive IAS Syllabus.

The candidates who will register on the official UPSC website successfully will be issued Admit Cards for IAS exam (Prelims) in about three weeks before the date of the exam. Candidates have to download the same from the UPSC official website. The admit cards will not be sent by post.

There is no sure shot formula to crack the civil services exams conducted by the UPSC – one of the toughest competitive exams in the country. Lakhs of contenders write the prelims and only a few hundred are finally appointed as civil servants. The numbers reveal that cracking the IAS exam requires a specialised approach to preparation. This article compiles ten handy tips to clear the civil services exam as disclosed by previous IAS toppers themselves. This article gives you toppers’ tips on how to clear the UPSC exam. So read on and get inspired!

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Toppers Strategy

List of Strategies tried and test from IAS Toppers

Step-1) When is the right time to start UPSC preparation

Most toppers give themselves at least a year to prepare for the UPSC exams. The syllabus to be covered is mammoth and it requires time to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the topics involved.

Step-2) Which optional subject to choose for UPSC Exam

You might be really motivated to study and put in extra-long hours when you start your IAS preparation, but would you be able to remain as motivated half-way through or until the very end? So, it is essential to choose subjects that you are genuinely interested in so that you are enthused about learning more about the topics. To become an IAS these expert IAS preparation Tips are very necessary for Toppers Strategy.

Points to keep in mind on how to select an optional:

Narrow the entire list of optional subjects into a maximum of 3 – 4 subjects which you can pursue.
Go through the syllabus of those shortlisted subjects.
Evaluate your own academic background and knowledge levels.
Check your interests in the subjects.
Weigh the pros and cons of each subject.
Choose one subject.

Step-3) How to make important notes for IAS Exam

Most IAS toppers swear by this technique of studying. Writing reinforces what you have learned and also helps you organise your learning content. This makes recollection easier. If you find it difficult to make notes from newspapers, you can refer to our daily current affairs which is updated regularly. This gives the best analysis of the daily news for UPSC, and also gives sample UPSC prelims and mains questions.

Step-4): To find the correct way to structure your writing answers for UPSC

Wherever possible, include diagrams, flowcharts, etc. to enhance your answers. They reveal a clear understanding of the concept and would fetch you more marks. Presentation is most important. Getting marks in the exam is about first impressions, so, keep it neat, simple, readable and compact.

Step-5)Always follow NCERT books for UPSC

There are multiple sources of study material for UPSC exams but your basic reading should ideally start with NCERT text books. The concepts are explained in simple language. It is recommended to read NCERT books from class VI to class XII for all the relevant subjects.

Step-6)Should we read Newspapers for UPSC?

If you are an aspiring civil servant, you should know that reading newspapers are an indispensable part of your civil services exam preparation. Almost all toppers recommend reading The Hindu and The Indian Express to be included as part of your daily routine is important keeping in mind Toppers Strategy.

Follow our daily news analysis and news analysis video that are updated every day, giving you the important news items dissected and explained in the most lucid manner for the UPSC exam.

Step-7) Attempt many UPSC Mock Test series

No preparation for the UPSC exams is complete without taking mock tests of the prelims and the mains. They serve the twin purposes of giving you a fair idea of what questions to expect and also helps you time your writing.

Step-8) Stay Fit and healthy

A healthy body fuels an active mind. Apart from intense studying you should also eat right, sleep well, and get enough exercise that will keep you going to crack the civil services exams.

Step-9) Always stay motivated

Finally, have a never say die attitude. Never lose sight of your goal. A lot of successful IAS toppers got through in their third and fourth attempts. And it is worth waiting and trying again till you succeed. In the words of American civil rights champion Jesse Jackson, ‘If you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against the odds.’

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