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.
Aspirants should never let this happen. We hope this post would surely help those who are looking for right guidance to prepare IAS exam while in college, especially the final year students and pre-final year students.
1. Take the early advantage
Please 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. Realise 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.
Be thorough with the UPSC syllabus. Go through the previous year UPSC CSE question papers. This should give you the right direction.
3. Buy the most recommended books for IAS preparation
Once you have decided that IAS/IPS as your career goal, buy the most necessary books for UPSC CSE preparation. We have compiled the master list of UPSC books on a separate page. But to begin with, the below are the books you should start with.
- NCERT Books – Buy online from Amazon or download NCERT PDF.
- Polity – by Laxmikanth
- Economics – by Ramesh Singh
- History – By Bipan Chandra
4. Enroll for ClearIAS mock test series
You may write UPSC Preliminary Exam only after 1-2 years, but enrolling a mock test series as early as possible is necessary. ClearIAS online mock test series is trusted by more than 90,000 aspirants and no serious aspirant should miss our online mock tests.
You should not worry about the marks you score, but take mock exams as an opportunity for learning. Mock tests help you understand not only the UPSC pattern of questions but also difficult concepts. If you are lucky, you may get a lot of direct and indirect questions from mock test series alone, as it happened with ClearIAS test series (more than 100 marks worth questions were asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2016 from ClearIAS mock test series 2016).
5. Utilise your spare time
If you get a free hour, utilise the time. Install ClearIAS mobile app (Android and iPhone versions available) and use the resources provided in it for free – whether you are sitting in the library or waiting for a bus.
More than 3,00,000 aspirants have already downloaded ClearIAS app making it one of the most downloaded mobile apps for IAS preparation.
6. 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! We prefer The Hindu or Indian Express for quality articles. Give importance to editorials and op-ed articles.
And regarding magazines, EPW is a good magazine for getting current perspectives. For understanding, Government schemes and initiatives subscribe Yojana and Kurukshetra.
7. 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.
Some tips to polish your writing: Participate in essay competitions in your college. Write letters to editors of famous newspapers. Practice ClearIAS main mock questions.
8. Discuss current issues with your friends
We won’t say you stop all chit-chat. Long conversations and debates are all part of college life. Enjoy it, but, develop a friends circle who think like you, with whom you can discuss current issues.
Believe us, peer learning is one of the most important aspects which help most of the aspirants in IAS exam. Build groups right from the college.
9. Finish 1-2 subjects during semester break
It is the strategy of some toppers to finish the optional subject during semester breaks during college so that they can concentrate on General Studies (GS) and current affairs after graduation.
If time permits, either finish your optional subject or the entire set of NCERTs from class 6-12. Alternatively, you can try finishing all the free study materials provided in ClearIAS.com to build your concepts or all online mock tests in ClearIAS mock test platform and revise the resources provided in the Learning Zone.
10. Read toppers interviews
IAS preparation strategies keep on changing with the availability of new materials and new question patterns from UPSC. Always refer the UPSC toppers interviews at ClearIAS.com for the latest tips from toppers. This would keep you motivated. Have big dreams. All the best!
Suraj Singh says
December 15, 2016 at 7:02 pmThanks it is very benificial for me
Kunal Ameriya says
December 15, 2016 at 8:20 pmGd evening sir/mam my name is kunal ameriya and I m doing ba pass course from Rajasthan university and I m in 1st year of college. So please guide me properly and show me the right path for my future.
Thank you
RAHUL SHARMA says
December 29, 2016 at 1:34 pmI am 25 years old and working with crompton greaves ltd as an executive engineer, can i clear IAS exam from general quota, pl rply
ramakrushna says
July 15, 2017 at 9:12 pmYes u can
Mounika says
January 31, 2019 at 12:56 pmWith best hardwork and confidence in can surely acheive …that all the best…
Prahlad kumar says
April 25, 2019 at 11:17 pmIt’s depends on your hard work. how to utilised your spare time to doing your job .
Thameem basha says
January 17, 2017 at 7:35 pmI am 18 years of age now . should i start to prepare for my optional paper from now.
ramakrushna says
July 15, 2017 at 9:14 pmU should get In touch with newspapers…develop a habit of it….focus on ur studies…..read essay books of good authors and develop good vocabulary and writing skills….
Adfar says
January 18, 2019 at 5:47 pmWhich news paper we have to study. …
Abhishek Rawat says
February 2, 2019 at 11:16 amHindu is the best
Ram kumar Ysdav says
April 27, 2017 at 10:14 amThanks it help in overcoming problem of college student
Manisha says
September 1, 2017 at 1:18 pmHi . I am manisha janghu of bsc chemistry honours 1st year batch 2017. I want to prepare for upsc.plz suggest me if chemistry would be a good optional in upsc. Nd as I want to prepare for upsc from my college itself, so I wanna know on what I should focus more at present.. chemistry as an optional or the GS part???plz reply fast
Shubham Anand raj says
September 20, 2017 at 11:29 amHii
Manisha same problem here with me
I am also doing bsc from chemistry & want to prepare for upsc so excited early
So of you get your answer plzz forward it to me
[email protected]
This is my Gmail
Sanam kumar says
November 27, 2018 at 7:32 amMam mai bhi ias ki tayari kar raha hu Thore ap ki help chaheye kroge please
Watshop no 7266835131
CHETAN (IPS) says
March 14, 2019 at 12:51 pmYOU HAVE CHOSEN RIGHT STREAM OF SUBJECT GO HEAD WITH RESPECTIVE SUBJECT BECAUSE YOU ALREADY HAVE A GREAT FOCUS ON THAT
Deven Shahani says
September 19, 2017 at 6:20 pmThe toughness of IAS exam is unknown to none in the country. One cannot appear the exam as per their wish. The candidates have to comply with the UPSC guidelines. According to which, certain age restriction is in place- the maximum age of general category candidates to appear the exam is set 32 years, OBCs 35 years and the SCs/STs 37 years within specific number of attempts. So, aspirants are suggested to prepare hard from their college time. They should focus on the concerned subjects and the syllabus. Competition is increasing day by day. Therefore, early preparation would help them fulfilling their dreams.
Tanusha acharya says
October 13, 2017 at 10:11 amI just completed my 10th n now in …inter 1st year …….want to know should i start preparing for upsc from now on……if …yess thn how should i start preparing……..plzzz suggest me!!! Kindly waiting for reply
A says
January 30, 2018 at 6:43 pmMy parents are IAS officers and they say you have to at least keep reading newspapers daily and do your NCERT 9,10,11,12 books to get better results. (In addition to other stuff). So you have to start preparing.
Monalisa purohit says
April 30, 2018 at 8:48 amGood morning sir/ mam .l am twenty year old .l am completely my BSC in botany hons with 57 %.and 10th with 60%,and +2 with 50 %.Is it persentage important for UPSC exam .l want to prepare for UPSC exam . How can l clear UPSC exam with out coaching ??
Suryansh Parmar says
August 29, 2018 at 1:59 pmThere is no percentage criteria for upsc exams. Only the thing that matters is graduation and obviously preparation. Have you started your preparation for upsc exams or you are about to start?
MONIKA B GOWDA says
September 7, 2018 at 10:07 pmHi, I am eighteen year old. I am studying CSE .My aim s to clear UPSC exam but i m not clear about portion and method of prepartion . How can I clear UPSC exam without coaching?????
rahul says
November 7, 2017 at 6:07 pmthanks. sir for an effective suggestion.
Tejas says
November 21, 2017 at 12:17 pmHi sir , I am 17 year old now. How can I start my preparation.
Dr.keerthana rathinavel says
April 25, 2019 at 11:11 pmit is really good that you have started to think about your preparation at this age
all you need to do is read the Hindu newspaper every day and be aware of the current happenings in our country and worldwide…after your schooling, you can opt for a degree that comes under one of the optional subjects.
my best wishes.
Rajender says
November 28, 2017 at 12:12 pmIs commerce good choice for upsc/ias as a optional….
Reply me fast
A says
January 30, 2018 at 6:44 pmMy parents are IAS officers and they took science and humanities so yes.
Himshikha says
May 12, 2018 at 1:31 pmWell..I’m 18..This year I have appeared in 12th board..now I want to prepare for UPSC along with graduation..will you please suggest me how to prepare for it.
Lucky Hashmi says
December 15, 2017 at 2:40 amWow Great post. Thats benifical thank you very much ..
Dev says
January 23, 2018 at 9:30 amYes you can prepare for upsc exam at any time but fulfil al the eligibility criteria for the exam.
Ekta says
February 21, 2018 at 3:27 pmHi my daughter is in class 12 and taken humanities stream. Now she wants to go for IAS . Pls guide how we should go after class 12th. Thanks.
NarSingh mahawar says
February 22, 2018 at 1:07 pmHello, i wanna prepare for IAS exam.
Present i am A govt. Empolyee.
What am i do for fight IAS exam.
Thanks.
Sonu Vishwakarma says
February 23, 2018 at 10:15 amHello, I’m preparing for CA CPT with Bcom 1st year correspondance and I also want to prepare for IAS examination. I’m 19 year old then Wt should I do with my college and CA CPT Study plz guide me
Mallesh says
March 3, 2018 at 12:50 amsir,its possible to write ias main papers in kannad language plz replay
poonam says
May 8, 2018 at 11:27 amI was thinking of appearing for the ias exam. I had started preparation when I read this blog dedicated to ias preparation tips. I got some really useful inputs that are helping in my preparation.
Zahoor says
May 12, 2018 at 2:15 pmI am 19 years old and studying B.A . I want to preapare my self for I A S exm what i have to do for it plz suggest me …
Sagar says
May 17, 2018 at 8:33 pmSir I have just passed my class 12th.which degree should I choose to prepare simultaneously for ias.how to crack in my first attempt?plz guide me sir
indhu.j says
May 19, 2018 at 11:19 amHi sir/mam
i am 19 years old now. i am doing BE from ace college and i am 2 nd year. so please guide me properly and show me rge right path for my future.
swapnil says
May 29, 2018 at 11:28 pmis that any age limit to clear IAS ?
should i join classes or academy ? please clear this doubts
priyanka chaudhary says
June 5, 2018 at 8:53 amGm . Sir/mam
i am a student of bsc final year .i want to crack ias exam in first attempts. so please guide me properly .
am very thankfull to u .
Raj faujdaar says
September 10, 2018 at 10:47 amNice,
Dhruv nema says
June 11, 2018 at 10:38 pmI am dhruv nema sir/mam I want to make a IAs officer so tell me what can I do for this my age is 18 year old
Deepak Prajapati says
June 12, 2018 at 2:07 pmSir/mam I have passed class 12 and I want to prepare for ias and to do graduation in humanity. But my friends are suggesting me to prepare for iits and then to go for ias but I have no idea what should I do?
Suhani sharma says
June 26, 2018 at 12:49 pmI cleared 12th this year from up board with pcm. I am 17 years old . How should I start my preparation for upsc
yuvraj singh sisodiya says
June 30, 2018 at 7:23 pmis it comfortable to start prepare for upsc with BE [engineering] one can manage both or not reply me or i go for BA
yuvraj singh sisodiya says
June 30, 2018 at 7:25 pmis it danger to start prepare for upsc with btech 1st year or i go for BA or Bsc
plz guide me
Anandhavalli vadivu says
July 9, 2018 at 9:04 pmRespected Sir/ mam
I am studying college final year,Bca
.I just confuse about my optional subject,because I am wellcleared in computer science..but it is not one the optional subject..soo could you please tell me any suggestions…..please.
Shahnaz says
July 26, 2018 at 8:38 pmHello…1rstly it was very beneficial..thank you.. 2ndly I am a graduating 2nd year student and i am 21 year old doin b.sc medical.. i did dropped 2years for neet i couldnt make it.. how can you suggest me to prepare for UPSC…
Wasif says
August 17, 2018 at 8:23 pmRespected sir/mam
I just cleared my MOULVIi exam equivalent to +2 from bihar madarsa board and i wana pursue my graduation degree with MOULVIi’s certificate, from a recognized university.after graduation, shall i be eligible for appearing for upsc exam.or if i continue ALIM course equivalent to graduation from molana mazharul haque arabic persian university,shall i be allowed for applying for upsc with ALIM degree.please guide me.thanks in advance
Shilpa says
September 9, 2018 at 9:09 pmI hv goal for ias but I HV confused about my optional subject in bsc
Ritesh kumar mohanty says
October 7, 2018 at 12:44 amHlo sia ya mam I completed my 10th class In odisha ;Bhubaneswar:I am in now college what I do before 2 years for IAS Exam
manisha sheth says
October 15, 2018 at 4:23 pmsir
my age is 29 can i apply for upsc exam plz suggest
ClearIAS.com says
October 15, 2018 at 5:59 pmYes, of course.
Harsh says
October 26, 2018 at 8:44 pmGreat article for the preparation of ias
Manisha kumari says
November 3, 2018 at 7:15 amI am manisha from bihar, I’m intermediate 1st year student, how to start preparation for upsc, please reply me
Mamta nishad says
November 10, 2018 at 1:18 pmHello sir …I m a student of 1st year bsc in statistics …I want to appear upsc exams after completing my graduation. ..but I m in a little confusion …that would it be OK to directly start preparing for upsc exams ..or should I need to complete my further studies ..like MBA …I mean won’t it create any problem in future after clearing exams …like many aspirant’s ..appear this exams after completing doctorate or engeenering …or some high level course. .. kindly reply me sir …waiting for your reply. .
vishwajeet singh says
November 12, 2018 at 10:18 amI pursue MBBS so can I able to start preparation for UPSC
Toyesh Sharma says
November 21, 2018 at 2:57 pmSimply Wao
Well explained article.
If implemented properly, it will definitely give results
VIKRAM says
November 23, 2018 at 9:39 pmsir, I have cleared Service Selection Board interview but due to medical unfitness could not join Indian Army. Will it be of any advantage to me in CSE either in written or Interview.
Please reply sir
Kavitha K says
December 16, 2018 at 11:46 amThis is very useful for me
Chaithanya says
December 23, 2018 at 9:32 amHlo sir I am chaithanya.i am doing now final year graduation. And I am preparing upsc especially IAS and I hv one problem I written the 5th semester exam but in this year and I didn’t attend one subject caused some personal problem but I want to write the prelims in 2021 .can I possible to write the prelims in 2021 .
Kritika bharti says
January 9, 2019 at 8:25 pmsir how to start preparation what the main thing i should study of preparation for upsc plzz help me
Laxmi achajya says
January 20, 2019 at 3:27 pmMy age 18 and am a CLG student .I study now +3arts .my aim and dream is ias .but I don’t know how to prepair upsc exam so plz suggests me how can I do ,how to prepair upsc exam .
RAMAN KASHYAP says
February 25, 2019 at 11:49 pmi am also CA STUDENT.
and UPSC & CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY course is among top 5 difficult courses in INDIA.
so what you need to do PREPARE FOR CA very deligently in addition to the READING NEWSPAPER+ complete POST PRIMARY NCERT book.
AKASH says
April 6, 2019 at 5:36 pmRespected sir/mam, I have just completed my class 12 and wishing to pursue BSc(maths/chemistry/computer science, actually confused) from DU.I want to join civil services and considering the competition, want to start preparation from 1 year itself.
PLEASE GUIDE ME REGARDING THE SUBJECT I SHOULD PURSUE MY BSC WITH AND OPTIONAL SUBJECT IN ORDER TO GAIN THE BEST ADVANTAGE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Angel says
April 18, 2019 at 10:00 pmHey friends
I am Angel and I am 12 yrs old so shall i start preparing for my ias exam
How should I start
Please tell
Plzzzz
Jagrita paul says
April 22, 2019 at 2:54 pmRecently i have completed my 12 board, and my age is 18 , someone please suggest me now what to do next for IPS
firstly i have to be graduate or what? And what is the cutoff for IPS admission
Veena says
April 22, 2019 at 9:48 pmHii i am a final year bcom student so can i use this time to study for ias exam as I m also an ncc cdt.
R. K raj says
May 2, 2019 at 9:18 amHi,
I m Rishi, Finally i have complete 12th with commerce streem from jharkhand board. And i want to became an IAS officer any how. My english is weak. I have no more creative minded. All freinds call me idiot and my family condition is poor.
So pls guide me with best ways. Because this is my final decision of my life… Help me.
…..Thanks
Saima pinjari says
May 3, 2019 at 10:20 pmHello sir I read in class 12 and I am confused that upsc really need a degree or not and I have listened that after hsc we can do gs corse and on age of 21 apply upsc please say sir is this correct
And which graduation to do for youngest IAS officer
Anjali says
May 7, 2019 at 3:22 pmAm done my graduation in distance mode can I eligible for UPSc
Rahana says
May 11, 2019 at 12:18 pmTnks
rahul kumar says
May 14, 2019 at 8:44 ami am working a limited company my age is 28 can i clear ias exam
Subodh kumar says
May 16, 2019 at 7:20 amSir I am study in the btech 2 year so what subject should I choose for UPSC Exam…
MS says
May 18, 2019 at 8:36 amWell I am only 14 ,and chosen this as my future .So,from when and how I should start preparing for these exams.
I know that I should focus in the present studies but can I parallely prepare for GS.
Ankita Kumari says
May 20, 2019 at 3:22 pmHi, I am 13 years old. I read in calss 9 and I always wanted to become an IAS officer.
So could you please tell me which stream to chose in 12th to appear the upsc examination.
May I choose science because I am far good in mathematics.
Everyone days that to be an IAS officer,I should choose humanities.
But, IAM not too good in sst.
ClearIAS.com says
May 21, 2019 at 8:36 am@ Ankita – Even though most of the subjects in UPSC CSE syllabus are humanities-oriented, that does not mean you should take Humanities in 11th or 12th or graduation. Most graduates can easily adapt to UPSC syllabus – even if their stream is different. We recommend you to take any stream you personally like for 12th and graduation. Meanwhile, you can read NCERT texts of humanities subjects in parallel.