Can you clear UPSC Prelims in 6 Months? What should be the Civil Service Prelims 6-Month Strategy?
Do you have only 6 months or less before the next UPSC Civil Service Prelims?
Don’t worry.
You can clear the Preliminary Exam within this short time frame – provided you follow the right strategy.
Remember, there is no UPSC Mains unless you clear UPSC Prelims!
Unless you clear the cut-off score of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam, you will not be allowed to sit for the Main Exam.
Never underestimate the importance of UPSC Prelims. Only 2 out of 100 candidates who sit for Prelims, clear the Preliminary Exam cut-off score.
Yes, the ‘Prelims Hurdle’ is more difficult to cross than Mains.
We have seen many bright candidates lose out in UPSC Prelims due to their over-focus on the UPSC Mains stage.
You should take all stages of UPSC CSE with the right seriousness and should not be shy to take the expert guidance.
Concentrate more on Prelims now!
If you haven’t cleared prelims before, we strongly recommend you devote at least 80% of your preparation time in the last 6 months before Prelims entirely to Prelims topics.
ClearIAS offers personal guidance and online/offline classes for those who are looking for expert training from our team. You can learn more about the ClearIAS online/offline classroom Program (a premium service) from the link – ClearIAS UPSC Coaching.
Check the ClearIAS Programs and join our online training program which helps you learn the UPSC syllabus faster – from the comfort of your home.
The Importance of the Right Strategy!
To crack IAS in the first shot, you need the right strategy.
Candidates often find the Civil Services Exam a hard nut to crack not due to lack of hard work or potential, but due to lack of the right strategy.
In this post, I intend to outline 4 strategies or approaches which can help you succeed. I will also give some extra tips which you should keep in mind in the coming days.
Winning Strategy 1 – The ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Approach
The best strategy to crack UPSC CSE is the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains Integrated approach.
ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) program is a unique online course. This course includes multiple products of ClearIAS like (1) Recorded Classes (2) Live Classes (3) ClearIAS Prelims Test Series (4) UPSC Previous Year Question Paper Re-Take Exams (5) Study Materials in PDF format (6) Personal Mentorship (7) Doubt Clearing Sessions (8) Interview Guidance and so on.
This is an umbrella course which provides almost all the resources you need to crack UPSC CSE.
As ClearIAS PCM is an online course, all students who join can learn from the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, being the course is based on video classes, students will be able to finish the topics much faster than any other methods.
It is highly suitable for working professionals, college students, and full-time aspirants who wish to learn at their convenience.
Join the ClearIAS PCM Course now!
Winning Strategy 2 – The ClearIAS Prelims Marks Booster Program (PMB) Approach
ClearIAS PMB Program is a sub-set of the ClearIAS PCM Program. This short-duration course is a highly suitable program for those aspirants who do not have the time to devote to a 1-year PCM Program. PMB Program for UPSC CSE includes:
- Instant access to 100+ Hours of Expert Classes (recorded) which will teach you the strategies and techniques to boost UPSC CSE Prelims marks
- Special Classes to boost marks on all subjects in UPSC CSE Prelims – GS Paper 1 and GS Paper 2 (CSAT)
- Master ClearIAS Smart Work
- Learn 40 Intelligent Elimination Techniques (MCQ Hacks)
- Strategy Classes to Bridge Your Gaps
Special Attractions
- You can watch each class unlimited times in the subscription period.
- Validity until upcoming UPSC CSE Prelims.
- You will get instant access once you complete the payment.
Join the ClearIAS PMB Course now!
Winning Strategy 3 – The ClearIAS Prelims Personal Mentorship (PPM) Approach
ClearIAS Prelims Personal Mentorship Program can be considered a PMB+ Program. This is a highly suitable bundle product for those aspirants who do not have the time to devote to a 1-year PCM Program. The PPM or PMB+ program includes:
- Everything in the PMB Program
- ClearIAS Prelims Test Series of GS Paper 1 and GS Paper 2 (CSAT)
- ClearIAS UPSC CSE Previous Question Paper Year Re-Take Exams of last 12 years of GS Paper 1 and GS Paper 2 (CSAT)
- Personal Mentorship to crack upcoming UPSC CSE Prelims
Special Attractions
- You can watch each class unlimited times in the subscription period.
- Validity until upcoming UPSC CSE Prelims.
- You will get instant access once you complete the payment.
Join the ClearIAS PMB+ Course now!
Winning Strategy 4 – The ClearIAS TTT Approach
If you are not in a position to take PCM, PMB, or PPM Courses with ClearIAS due to financial or personal reasons, the next best strategy is to follow the ClearIAS TTT approach. This strategy gives equal stress to Textbooks, Test Series and Techniques.
Tips to crack UPSC CSE
We have mentioned what you should study in the respective months to ensure that your preparation most suits the requirements of the UPSC Civil Services Exam cycle.
ClearIAS has written a lot of articles on this website covering useful strategies for the IAS exam. You can read them from the link – UPSC Prelims Guidance.
Now, please go through the below tips as well.
Tip #1 – The Reverse Approach
Imagine that today is D-Day! If you are going to appear for the UPSC Preliminary Exam today, what’s your idea about the exam?
By following the reverse approach, we recommend you start by analysing the previous year’s UPSC prelims question papers. Though the UPSC syllabus has mentioned many areas, you can see that more questions come from certain areas.
Not sure how to get the previous year’s UPSC question papers? There are two ways.
- Download UPSC prelims question papers (PDF) from the official UPSC website.
- Practise UPSC prelims question papers (online) in the ClearIAS Mock Exam platform.
Let us look at a sample UPSC CSE Prelims Question Paper of General Studies Paper 1. See the weightage of questions asked from each section.
General Studies Paper-I (Sample Question Paper) – Syllabus Area vs Number of Questions
Subject Area | Number of Questions* |
Indian History and Culture – History of India and Indian National Movement. | 16 |
Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World. | 15 |
Indian Polity – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. | 16 |
Economics – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. | 16 |
Environment – General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change | 15 |
General Science | 10 |
Current Affairs | 12 |
Total | 100 Qns (Marks 2*100= 200) |
* The above-mentioned weightage of subjects/marks may not remain the same in the coming years. It’s just for basic understanding. |
Tip #2 – Follow a Test-Based Approach
If unable to join online or offline coaching, then no strategy can beat ClearIAS’s Test-based approach.
By a test-based approach, we don’t mean taking periodic exams to evaluate your preparation. It’s the reverse. The exams will be the basis of your preparation.
Enroll now in the ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Test Series. You will get access to all uploaded exams and upcoming exams in the test series.
We will also give you a timetable to follow. There will be regular mock exams on weekends (Sundays).
This approach has the following advantages:
- It will help you cover all the recommended textbooks and online study materials within a timeframe.
- You will get proper exam practice. You can analyse your performance, find your strong and weak areas, compare your marks with peers across India, and avoid mistakes in the actual exam hall.
- You can learn a lot from the mock exam questions as well. This method is much faster than learning from textbooks.
- And if you are lucky, many questions in actual UPSC prelims may be directly or indirectly answered from the mock questions.
Tip #3 – Learn how to cover NCERT Texts Faster
NCERT Textbooks (from Class 6-12) are very fundamental in UPSC Preparation. However, do you have time to read and revise all of them – in the next 6 months?
Remember that NCERT Textbooks are not the ‘end’ of UPSC CSE, and you have a lot of other books and materials to cover as well. NCERTs are just basic texts.
Then, is there any shortcut to cover the most important questions that can be asked from NCERTs?
Yes, learn from ClearIAS NCERT Mock Exams.
We have 8 NCERT-based Mock Exams as part of the ClearIAS Prelims Test Series. This means you can quickly cover almost 800 most important questions that can be asked from NCERTs.
ClearIAS also has many easy-to-learn free online study materials, which will help you learn even faster than NCERTs at times. You can check them in our downloads section.
Tip #4 – Learn from ClearIAS Current Affairs Capsules
ClearIAS Current Affairs Capsules (CCC) are eBooks that contain all important questions (MCQs) based on the Current Affairs for each month.
As we provide Current Affairs in an MCQ format (with reference links), it makes learning interesting and faster. Moreover, you will get many questions in actual UPSC Prelims from the CCCs and ClearIAS Prelims Test Series – directly or indirectly.
Though CCCs are designed for Prelims, the Learning Zone in the PDFs is equally useful for Mains as well.
Tip #5 – Don’t neglect CSAT Paper!
To clear IAS prelims, you need at least 66 marks out of 200 for CSAT (GS Paper 2), however high are your marks in GS Paper 1?
Don’t be over-confident about General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT) paper unless you are consistently scoring above 100 marks in ClearIAS CSAT Mocks.
Analyse previous year’s CSAT Papers. See if there is any pattern. Find the priority areas. See a sample below.
General Studies Paper-II (Sample Question Paper) – Syllabus Area vs Number of Questions
Subject Area | Number of Questions* |
Comprehension | 28 |
General Mental Ability | 6 |
Logical Reasoning | 18 |
Analytical Reasoning | 8 |
Data Interpretation | 4 |
Basic Numeracy and Quantitative Ability | 16 |
Decision-Making and Interpersonal Skills | 0 |
Total | 80 Qns (Marks 2.5*80 = 200) |
*The above-mentioned weightage of subjects/marks may not remain the same in the coming years. It’s just for basic understanding. |
If you think that scoring 66 marks out of 200 for CSAT is not a big deal, you may be mistaken. We have seen many candidates who end up worrying after the exam.
The difficulty level of this paper is steadily increasing. You need to take this paper seriously.
Tip #6 – Follow the 80-20 Principle
The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is a management theory that states that 80 per cent of the output from a given situation is determined by 20 per cent of the input.
So prioritise your time, effort, and study materials.
Put effort into the 20% area which can bring 80% results.
I believe that ClearIAS Video Classes and ClearIAS Mock Exams fall into that 20% area which can bring 80% results.
Also, as the countdown begins, check the ClearIAS 100-day action plan and 30-day action plan as well.
Can you clear the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam with just 6 months of preparation?
Yes.
Even if you start preparing now – if you adopt the right strategies, do the smart work, learn what is needed, and don’t go behind everything under the Sun – yes, you can clear UPSC CSE Prelims with just 6 months of preparation.
The best way to clear civil service prelims on the first attempt is to have a positive mindset and a practical strategy.
Check ClearIAS Online Classroom Program. Join any program which helps you learn the UPSC syllabus faster.
Also, don’t miss the ClearIAS test-based approach. Practice is the key to success in UPSC CSE Prelims.
You can join the ClearIAS Prelims Online Test Series any time, and take mock exams based on your convenience before the next Prelims. However, we strongly recommend you join at the earliest.
Once you join, you will get access to already uploaded mock exams, as well as upcoming mock exams.
A blind study mugging up a lot many things will neither help you in Prelims nor Mains.
The right strategy should be a mix of ClearIAS online video classes, ClearIAS online mock exams, ClearIAS study materials, and the recommended books.
jeet says
hello sir, can you tell me how much time i need to give for each subject or topic
ClearIAS.com says
Jeet,
It varies from person to person based on their strength and weakness. But prioritize your time : spend more time on History, Geography, Polity and Economics for Prelims. If you are weak in GS Paper 2 (CSAT), practicing questions daily will definitely help.
ritika says
Hello Sir,
I had appeared in mains and failed next prelims. Also I had 70 marks short of the cut off for mains. Both my attempts were half baked,with no writing practise/mock test.As I was working I had spent time worrying about the right plan and approach.
I have resigned and will start a full time prepartion from March,to be precise tommorow itself. After failing prelims this year I barely managed to read anything except the newspapers and a bit of economics gs paper 1.
my questions are
1.if i am doing aptitude along with some basics for csat paper 1,can i focus on a pre exclusive preparation(better to say revision) only for last 40/42 days?In other words since i am starting very late ,and with just 3 months between pre amd mains,i dont want to loose touch with mains portion for 2 -3 months.Does that sound prudent enough,with escalating cut offs?
2.Also with ten months and as such as study possible (with mock tests) physicaly and mentaly,is it doable given i a not really a novice,though i was out of touch for last 5 months?
My questions are too subjective.But i would be oblidged if u kindly answer.
thanks
ClearIAS.com says
Dear Ritika,
First of all, there is no need to be worried. Count your positives. Don’t bother about the failure in prelims. Failure in prelims has happened to many toppers before. They have made those as their stepping stone. That’s all. You can do well, and you will do that too. 🙂
And to answer your questions:
1) Don’t think that you are starting very late. Being a person who appeared in mains is the best proof that you are sound in your basics. You just need to polish it. The next 5 months are more than enough for clearing prelims. Dedicate two-three hours daily to practising CSAT (Paper 2) and devote the rest of the time to GS Paper 1.
2) We don’t think being out of touch for 5 months makes much difference in upcoming mains. You can make it up later. Don’t worry. Start your writing practice. And follow articles on www.clearias.com. That should surely help you find a way. All the best!
ritika says
thank u sir
Anand Singh says
hello sir …
I am a non-maths-science student …. I have completed my graduation with pol sc , history and geography …. I have prepared for Mains GS and my optional (pol sc) … so I don’t need to prepare for Paper 1st in prelims, I can make good score without any effort But as I’m not maths student , I want to know that how much time it will take to prepare for CSAT-2 properly , I also want to join coaching institute for CSAT paper2….
thank you sir
Manish says
Hello…
I am new here. How I prepare please give me idea .
Thank you sir
madhura says
Sir,
Myself Madhura
Economics is going Tough,I Am not Able to Understand It.as I Am a Science Student its All New To Me
How Should I Prepare Myself.
swaroopa says
Hi i also faced sme difficulties in eco… u can check out this fb page www.facebook.com/niravda
u can contact him. Hope this help u 🙂
Mahesh says
Sir i am Mahesh i have completed my second year f engineering .Is it the right time to start d preparation nw or should i wait fr one year more?If no then should i go fr proper coaching classes or will it be enough if i prepare for d exam by myself..
sanjeev yadav says
F YOU ARE STUDENT OF 3 RD YEAR STUDENT THEN YOU SHOULD START FOR IAS EXAM NOT WAIT FOR COMPLATE 3 YEAR THE TIME WILL RUN AWAY FROM YUOU
nisha says
Hello sir,
I have started my coaching for ias. And now it is completed. I have done graduation with BCA. And i was nonmedical student in 12 th class. After 9 months coaching i am not prepared for the exam. It looks like total time waste of 9 months. it will be my first attempt and i m not prepared for it. What should I do???
pradeep swami says
sir i want to take economics as an optional please help me
Abhinav mathur says
sir crackias.com notes are exam worthy or not..?
Rakesh says
They are good.Read them twice atleast before the exam to clear cutoffs.All 9 booklets for Prelims.
abhinaya says
Hi sir .I’m a final year Cs engineering student.I’m not attending placements. Iwant to appear for upcoming prelims.iv opted for Upsc portal online material.I’m studying ncert books also.I’ve to attend final year classes.bt still I can study 8-10 hours effectively per day.is tat sufficient? Is 9 months enuf.? Pls guide me
happy says
hi I wanted to knw that if I study for 4 hrs regularly for 3-4 yrs will I be able to clear IAS in 1st attempt?
Rajan says
sir,
i could not clear the prelim. pl guide me how to go about it. ( i.e) strategy, methodology, books/ materials/ notes required for preparation etc…
ClearIAS.com says
Rajan, please refer our strategy post. You will definitely get an answer.
Shardul Chavan says
Sir,
My name is Shardul and I am from Pune. I am studying food technology(b-tech) and I am in the 2nd year now. I want to study for the civil services examination from now onwards. Could you please guide me? Thanking you!!
priti says
I am priti i have completed mba in hr i want to give prilims for ias so can i go for it
ajay@ says
sure u can do it…firstly make your attitude..thinking…positive..
Mohit says
dear sir, I have completed my M Sc (chemistry) nearly 2 months ago.Recently I appeared in my state psc exam, but due to lack of proper preparation i couldn’t do well, although the result has not been declared. I want to give civil services exam in hindi medium with non-science subjects.
Sir, my questions are-
1]- How much time it would likely to take to clear IAS exam for an aspirant like me with new subjects & Hindi medium.
2]- what is the role of coaching in preparing for IAS exam. is it must ?? I live in a remote place in uttarakhand where such facilities (coaching) are unimaginable. is it possible for me to come to a new city e.g. -delhi & crack IAS exam??
will be highly obliged if u respond ……………
dilip phadatare says
Hi sir please tell me that the age limit for ias exam is 26 ya 32 of open category due to I am confused.
HARSH BAJAJ says
Please help me plan a strategy for myself/a study plan I am ready to pay for the same
rose says
hello sir, i’m rose priyanka preparing for civil services.. and had given my attempt in last prelims
i would like to seek ur suggestions and inputs to prioritize subjects according to toughness to ease
rose says
and a study plan.
Atanu Fey says
i am 30 years now and can apply only once in CIVIL SERVICE, in this situation can you guide me the best possible way to crack this exam
ashish says
sir, beginning the preparation but confused in prioritising the study material i found the reference books more qualitative than ncert ones
for eg in case of geography majid hussain’s books appealed me more but how to deal with it in a selective manner .
and also guide me how to limit the extent of a topic
and good magazine for gk
my mail [email protected]
waiting for reply please
Monika says
Hello sir I am a B.com graduate with 57% and given b.ed exams and waiting for my practicals. I am new to this IAS pattern and everything related to it. Kindly guide me if I start preparing now in the month of Feb wil I be able to clear the August attempt???
ClearIAS.com says
Yes. There is enough time. Prepare well.
Bikash says
sir, I m partially deaf, not mute. but advt. of civil service says that ‘deaf and mute’ person can get age relaxation. so can i get such opportunity?
ClearIAS.com says
Hi Bikash, Please refer the official UPSC prelims notification/gazette which explains the medical requirements and age relaxation.
lalitha says
hi sir
i am in pre final year of my engineering.i want to crack civil services exam. give me some tips on how to start preparation. the syllabus is vast so i am confused on where to start so please give me a suggestion
Shruthi PK says
Hello sir
Greetings
I am shruthi. I am from mass communication background. Paper 1 is my field of intrest and I feel comfortable with Science. But please recommend me the right course plan for paper 2. I am an arts student. So I need your help in this.
Regards
Shruthi
neha rana says
Hello sir i m p.g from zoology.i am confuse about my optional paper.please sir suggest me for optional papers
reeti thakur says
Hello sir I am a student of MSc.geography and I want to crack ias next year plz give me some guide line how to prepare for ias?
sakshi says
Hello sir…
I am new here .i am a student of b.tech (electronics nd communication engg.)I want to prepare ias exams .please guide me how to crack an ias exams in first attempt.
vijen says
hello sir, can you tell me how much time i need to give for each subject or topic
dilip phadatare says
Hi sir, what is the expected cutoff marks in pre exam of ias ( G.S.1). ………..
ritika says
Sir,I want to crack IAS exam next year & want to take mathematics for mains optional subject. But my parents frnds n relative suggest me not to take maths .pls sir guide me.
sana says
I have confusion regarding optional that I had done B.E in civil engineering from non government college and now I am interested to take civil engg as my optional but some of my friends says me not to take becoz only iitians can do or it has a vast subject u will lose focus…please suggest me what should I do plz.
sana says
Sir please suggest me soon because i’m so worried regarding this and as I believed this site heartly I m also having keen interest to take yours suggestions……. Please answer me ..I’m so worried.
hemanth rock says
Hi I am hemanth I was a dream and my life from my child as a IAS officer if I live a day is enough to my life & I want to contribute something for society and I want put my words and name to Indian history , sir I am from background family but I wasn’t put it my mind & since oneyear am preparing for civil I have a confident to clear prelims & my doubt about communication could u please kindly concern my question how to improve my communication skills…….
Tavi says
I am not compertable my English language but my dream is IAS. How to clear ( my qualification is BA)
Ashwini says
hi am from computer background i have completed my BCA. it is difficult to choose optional subject there is no computer related optional subject please help. am gone attempt prelims this year for first time .
chandan says
Hello sir,
I am from engineering background and i want to choose engineering as optional paper so can i write my optional in english and rest in hindi
Please clearify it and elaborate
I’ll be thankfull to u.
ClearIAS.com says
@Chandan – No. Optionals and regular paper has to be in same language.
Shivani says
hi sir
I am doing bsc non med . Besides english , there is punjabi to choose for language paper . But I am very weak in it . The type of questions they have set i previous years are far from my knowledge. What should i do??
sona says
Sir I am b.com student with distance learning I want to crack upsc in 8 month
So sir would am I able for this??
sholanki says
sir study materials are provided, but i am confused as to how i should study. i mean do i have to learn completely all the reccommended books???
kakul smiti says
Sir,
First of all I am very satisfied with this site and the topics which it covers to imbrute the confusion of aspirants like me.
I just wanted to ask about the integrated approach which is required to qualify UPSC by preparing for one year.
Apoorva says
Hi, I am an IT professional and I wanted to begin my preparations for prelims,IAS being my long lived dream fir tears .I know its late but nonetheless I want to try my best atleast once.Am clueless how to start along with my work.Please help.
ClearIAS.com says
ClearIAS has been providing free online study materials for UPSC CSE. We hope our study-materials to give your right direction and will help you to understand difficult concepts faster. You need to supplement the same with UPSC exam preparation books, newspapers, NCERT books etc. To boost your marks for UPSC Prelims, we advise you all to enroll for ClearIAS Prelims test series, which offers high-quality questions and all-India mock-test-platform.
Tavleen says
Hi , I have started preparing for prelims quite late I have two months but giving my 6-7 hours a day as I am not doing any Job so got time . Is it enough ??
ashish says
Hi sir,
I am a student of sy.bcom. I can’t say i have everything to clear upsc exams but i can assure i am determined to cultivate the necessary things in me. I have went through how to prepare and everything and have started with ncert books for starters. But still am not sure what should i be concentrating on to remember. I am getting thorough with the concepts but still am bad with facts. I want to prepare for both prelims and mains together but through self studies. So please if you could help me with how should i study and also how should i approach studies it would be great favour. Please reply soon. You can even mail me on [email protected]
kirankumar says
Nice to see u r attitude towards
Civils services.first let me clear one thing through self study how much u prepare u r own way it will give some discussion satisfaction towards syllabus whether u cover this topic or not u have some confusion towards it best way to clear it go through previous papers whether it s prelims or mains just analyse it go through whether I covered this topic or not definitely it will clear u r doubts and perception towards u r syllabus all da best
yunish khan says
Hy sir
My name is yunish khan and i m comlete bca this year and i m prepare ias prelimis exam plz guide me my contact is 8503017513
siva says
I am 33years old sc any chance to clear UPSC exam my friends says no one to clear after 30 Iam confused plz help
Disha says
I weak in aptitude but very well in gk so can i crack upsc exam
Shailendra says
Hi,
I am from Maharashtra state board.
So,my knowledge with NCERT is very weak.
Also I am a working professional in an IT company.
How I should start my preparation ?and how much time per day I should devote to learning? Considering I work on an average 9 hrs per day and my office is approx 20 min from my house.
Reyhan says
Hello guide.Iam Reyhan.I hope this one sees you in good time.Iam in 12 now.My question is what is the required mantra for cracking UPSC.It will be my immense pleasure to here from you soon.
Jit Kumar K says
Hi Sir/Madam,
I am planning to write IAS exam. I am comfortable with GS static portions though I find it somewhat difficult in remembering names and places of geographical regions and war dates of History.
The most difficult part if Current affairs; in fact, I am at zero level w.r.t Current affairs. my only concern is Current Affairs. And I am not finding more than 3 hours a day for IAS preparation due to Job schedules. Hence, I am not able to read any newspapers. Also, i find it quite boring to read newspaper. Please help me in this regards. how should I choose an alternative for Current affairs. (Note: i cannot afford Coaching classes and I cannot Quit job for financial reasons)
And I am not finding any good material for Maths optional in net unlike for sociology or any other humanities.
Regards,
Jit
shivaji says
is it possible to crack upsc prelim & main with doing engineering simultaneously actually I am student of 3 rd year I have to give upsc exam is it possible I have read all ncert but my main language is Marathi plllzzz guide me sir or pllzzz tell me within 3-4 hours sufficient for clear exam plllzz guide sir
SUJOY MONDAL says
Sir If I start preparing for this year’s IAS from now on,will I be successful ?
hamna says
Sir .. i m hamna … third year integrated llb student .. my questn is how i should start preparing fr cracking upsc exm ..
Really dont knw the basic things
Hoping fr ur reply
Shivam Kushwah says
hello sir,
My name is shivam and i want to crack my csat exam and i have only 6 months left for my preliminary prepration, will you please guide me the right strayegy, books, study material, time management , etc.
How I should start my preparation ?and how much time per day I should devote to learning?
Really dont knw the basic things.
Hoping fr ur reply
yamini says
prelims are in june this year so 5 months left.
Vikram says
Hi..i.m in a very twisted,confused state of mind..please help me out..
I have all the study material.. But i dont know where to begin..
Also i need some sample papers.. to understand what kind of answers i am supposed to write..
AVINASH says
Dear Sir/Mam ,
I am serving as a navigating officer in merchant navy , I am 25 now .I have BSc. (Nautical Science) I want to crack UPSC exam , Please help me choose the best optional subjects , as UPSC does not have my Graduate subjects.
Also Please help me how & Which books I can Study when I am on Ship for 6 MONTHS.
Awaiting a positive reply from your end.
Ravi kankanwadi says
Thank you,
By the way can we right in our own Language sir..(kannada)
Deb Mishra says
Dear Sir,
I am doing job from 9 to 8 and in addition to that I am married at present. I want to become an IAS officer and want to serve the country. I want to prepare well and give exam but every time I start I lose enthusiasm in the mid-way and I just wander here and there. I am 28 years old but my spirit for giving the exam has not died. Please suggest me what should I do to clear this exam and achieve my dream.
Regards
Deb Mishra
Navneet says
Sir,
I am student of M.A. polity 1 . I have no idea about math paper 2 . I am very week in math. How can i prepare for paper 2 sir . Please give some some useful instructions. And am also a S.C. student.
Reshma Susan Thomas says
how to prepare for upsc exams if i start prepartion from now?
ClearIAS.com says
Please go through the below links, to get the right guidance.
1. IAS books (https://www.clearias.com/ias-books/)
2. Guidance (https://www.clearias.com/upsc-exam-guidance/)
3. Mock Exams (https://www.clearias.com/upsc-prelims-test-series/)
4. ClearIAS App (https://www.clearias.com/app/)
5. UPSC Exam syllabus (https://www.clearias.com/upsc-syllabus/)
6. Free Study Materials (https://www.clearias.com/ias-study-materials/)
7. Free downloads (https://www.clearias.com/downloads/)
surya khatri says
hello there
well i am confused in between polity and political science. they both are same or different. if different, then please suggest for polity books.
thanks
kind regards
Deepak SHarma says
Dear Sir,
My self deepak i had started my preperations for ias this year in jan, plz tell me the important topics to be covered so that i can appear for prelims.
sruthi says
hello i am bds graduate…i dont have any idea for getting into right path…plzz help me
Neeraj says
sruthi ji khud pr bharosha rkho or lag jayo study mai
Sudha jagtap says
Hello sir,
I am a student of b. Com 2nd year. I want to start my IAS preparation, so what should I do initially… How am I gonna start..? How much time period should I need to invest in the preparation of IAS.. as well as clear it in my first attempt, possibly.
Mubashshir Nazar says
Sir , i am in graduation first year..
I have to prepare for upsc…
How can i do it.. plzz reply
sofia says
hello sirr
iam a medical student and bds graduate. i want to prepare for ias. how much time do i need to invest? and what should i to initially
Arpita Podder says
Hello Sir/Madam,
I wanted to know in the prelims and mains. Is it true that we can skip a subject from answering. I mean if supposedly I am weak in mathematics and I plan not to attempt mathematical questions will that help me scoring? Is it possible? Will their be any negative marking?
Ravi kumar bhagat says
Good morning sir
I m student of class 12th and i have a goal to crack IAS. I m confused now that what shall i begin with for preparation. Though i have started reading NCERT books of 6th class and m also reading The Hindu, except this i m aslo into an English speaking Institution.
I want to how shall i plan my strategies for next three years because have to pass out college first then only i shall be eligible for IAS.
Please help me up regarding this.
Thanking you.
saqib says
sir now i am in 10 and want to crack ias exam after clear graduation. What should I have to do now.
Sandeep says
Sir I completed my graduation in Biotechnology subject from Rajasthan University in 2010. Since, I has been working as a govt. Servant. Now, I have no much knowledge about Biotechnology. So just I want to know whether it is required to study the Biotechnology subject or not.
Raja says
Hi
I want to clear IAS exam. currently i am working in *** company. I don’t no basics also, How to start the preparation . Could someone guide me.
Termaric says
Frankly speaking I really dont have time to study the static portion as I am PhD Scholar but I do follow current events on a regular basis. However, I have a strong believed that I can clear the pre by joining all the mocks in your platform (confidence boosted by reading your post). Any comments?
ClearIAS.com says
ClearIAS Test-based approach is a great strategy to cover diverse topics, at a faster pace. It has helped a lot of candidates. Hopefully, it will help you as well, if you take our exams and guidance seriously. All the best!
Devi says
Hello Sir,
I am working in UK. Is it possible to clear while working!
ClearIAS.com says
Yes, it is possible. Now there are many who are preparing online from abroad.
jisha says
sir please conduct 99 days prelims cracking tips seminar at kochi.
Shalu Sharma says
Hello. I am shalu sharma.
I have done my 12th in commerce with maths and done my graduation in ba english hons. And post graduation in ma english hons with 77 percent. Sir as i fall in general category i am allowed to make 6 attempts and age limit is 32. I am already 25. I really want to know everything about the preparations and exams. I want to know that if i should take coaching or i should prepare at home only. I want to know if i can prepare being with my family or i should take a room on rent.
Suraj says
Respected sir,
I’m suraj, am i applicable as i completed diploma in mechanical… Please suggest me… I am so confused
Sringarika says
I have pursued MBA (Finance), please suggest optional subject for me. I am preferring Management, but I can not find sufficient study material for that. Will Public administration be fine then?
Sandeep says
Hello sir
Is it compulsory to take mock test ???
ClearIAS.com says
@Sandeep – Yes, it is the most effective strategy. Just reading from PDFs or photostats won’t help much.
Rahul says
Sir i’m bit confused about current affairs. As i am preparing Current Affairs from various online sources, so does reading newspaper is still necessary for prelims?
Venkatalakshmi says
Sir,
I am a BTech graduate in EC. Wanna clear in Prelims in less than 6 months left. Totally confused and panic abt the exam Sir. Kindly help me to clear the exam with complete guidance and strategy
Rex. S says
I am just going to join degree first yea. can i join online coaching for UPSC exam?
Sourin Saha says
Hi,
I want your full course for Prelims. Where can I get it? The page dedicated to tests says you will get discount on PDFs and then books etc. Can you tell me in simple terms how much do I need to pay for the comprehensive course?
ClearIAS.com says
@Sourin – ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Test Series (complete package) is now available at a limited time offer for Rs.4999.
In the above package, there will be 40 online mock exams included.
You will also get exclusive FREE access to many of our ebooks like ‘ClearIAS Most Probable Prelims Questions’.
Amayraa singh says
Dear Sir/maam
I want to appear in next year UPSC exam but i will reach my age21 in sep….so can you please tell that am i eligible for next year UPSC exam
Shivangi Gokhale says
Hello sir,
I am an Post graduate in Statistics and also working in an IT firm . I want to give the upsc exam but really don’t know the right approach and right study material needed for this exam. As I am working, how can I divide my work time and also study time to pass this exam. Also I cannot resign from the work as I am supporting my family with this can you help me here so that I start working on this as soon as possible.
Dhanya V Sagar says
Hi,
Can I access the mock test after completing the exam.. Not retake the exam, but revise those questions again and its answers?
ClearIAS.com says
@Dhanya – Yes. You can revise mock exams from “My Account”.
Mohd Zubair says
Hello Sir , i am having 7+ years in software development , having good package as well. I am 30 years old , now is it good to get into UPSC preparation ?
ClearIAS.com says
@Mohd Zubair – It’s good to start UPSC preparation at any age if you are passionate about Civil Services. Whether or not you crack the exam, the learning will transform you into a better person.