Prelims OR Mains – Which Stage (Topics) Should You Prepare First for UPSC Civil Services Exam?

As a beginner, should you start with UPSC Civil Services Exam Prelims Topics first? Or is it a better strategy to begin with Mains related topics, and then move on to Prelims Topics?

“UPSC Prelims OR Mains First?” – that’s an important decision.

Let’s try to first understand the main differences between Prelims and Mains. Then, we shall see what ClearIAS recommends.

Prelims vs Mains – Objective vs Subjective (Written)

The Preliminary Exam (Prelims) is the first stage of UPSC Civil Services Exam. This exam is objective in nature (answers are to be marked in an OMR sheet).

The Main Exam (Mains), is the second stage (applicable only for those who qualify prelims). Answers of the main exam should be hand-written in a question-cum-answer booklet supplied by UPSC.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

As per the UPSC syllabus, General Studies Paper 1 covers subjects like Indian History, Indian and World Geography, Economics, Indian Polity, Science and Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs.

General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT) covers topics like Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Mental Ability, Quantitative Ability etc.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

Papers to be counted for the merit ranking are

1. Paper‐I Essay.
2. Paper‐II General Studies – I. (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society).
3. Paper‐III General Studies –II. (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations).
4. Paper‐IV General Studies –III. (Technology, Economic Development, Bio‐diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management).
5. Paper‐V General Studies –IV. (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude).
6. Paper‐VI Optional Subject – Paper 1 – 250 Marks.
7. Paper‐VII Optional Subject – Paper 2 – 250 Marks.

Topics in UPSC Mains, which are in addition to what is covered in UPSC Prelims

This include:

1. India Since Independence (GS Paper 1).
2. World History (GS Paper 1)
3. Indian Society (GS Paper 1)
4. Foriegn Relations (GS Paper 2)
5. International Affairs (GS Paper 2)
6. Internal Security (GS Paper 3)
7. Disaster Management (GS Paper 3)
8. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude (Entire GS Paper 4)
9. Essay Paper (There is no essay in Prelims!)
10. Optional Papers (There is no optional subject in Prelims!)

Is 4 months after UPSC Prelims enough to cover Optional Subject, Current Affairs, and Additional GS Topics for UPSC Mains?

That’s a big question!

Usually, UPSC conducts the Preliminary Exam in June, followed by the Main Exam in September/October.

The time gap between Prelims and Mains would be hardly 3 or 4 months (approximately 100 days).

Unless you are extremely brilliant and hardworking, it is not easy to satisfactorily cover the Optional Subject, Ethics Paper, Additional GS Topics, and Current Affairs in 3 months – if you are a first timer.

We are not saying that it is impossible. It is certainly possible, and many toppers have already done that. However, it’s not an easy task for any first-timer.

What if you start preparing for Prelims First?

Both papers of Prelims has to be given its due importance. However, your Prelims preparation should not compromise Mains.

You should ensure that you have enough time to cover the Mains topics as well. It might take considerable time to cover your optional subject. Besides, not everyone would not have exam-oriented writing skills. And, to develop writing skills, it requires time and effort.

What if you start preparing for Mains First?

However, don’t get too immersed in Mains that you forget the requirements of Prelims (solving MCQs with good accuracy, within a time-limit).

If you start preparing for Mains first, you should finish most of the Mains topics (including optional subject), much before Prelims. At least 6 months should be given for dedicated Prelims preparation – if you are appearing for Prelims for the first time. Only Current Affairs topics should remain for Mains- which you can easily cover in the 3-4 month period between Prelims and Mains.

UPSC Prelims OR Mains – What does ClearIAS recommend?

Having seen both approaches to start UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation, what do you think as our recommendation?

For which stage should you prepare first for IAS exam?

Prelims? Or Mains?

ClearIAS always recommends a Prelims cum Mains integrated approach.

This approach is followed throughout this website.

Prelims and Mains are not really separate. There is a big overlap of topics. Only your approach should be different – Mains requires analytical thinking and writing skills, whereas Prelims requires MCQ Solving Techniques.

Prelims cum Mains Integrated Approach by ClearIAS

If you have decided that self-study and online learning is your choice for UPSC Civil Service Exam preparation – then the first step you should make is to join ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Test Series.

Do the right things first, not last!

As a beginner who does not know what to study and how to study – ClearIAS Timetable can be the best pathfinder.

We recommend taking ClearIAS Mock Exams right from the beginning. Ideally, you should study what we mention in the timetable for a week, and then take a mock exam on weekends. By adopting this approach, you will never go deviated and will get a quick idea of the UPSC Civil Services Exam requirements.

If you can study for 8 hours daily, give 4 hours for Prelims related topics, and 4 hours for the additional Mains related topics mentioned below. For best returns on your investment (time), the below topics should be covered in the mentioned order of priority (before Prelims).

1. Optional Subject (There is no optional subject in Prelims!)
2. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude (Entire GS Paper 4)
3. Essay Paper (There is no essay in Prelims!)
4. Foreign Relations (GS Paper 2)
5. International Affairs (GS Paper 2)
6. Internal Security (GS Paper 3)
7. Indian Society (GS Paper 1)
8. Disaster Management (GS Paper 3)
9. World History (GS Paper 1)
10. India Since Independence (GS Paper 1)

Before Prelims…

As learning from NCERT Textbooks and Standard Reference books (Eg: Laxmikanth) go hand-in-hand with ClearIAS Prelims Test Series, no separate effort may not be needed.

However, if you are a first-timer, dedicate the last 6 months before the Preliminary Exam, entirely for Prelims Topics. Do multiple revision of mock exams already attempted. Also, please check ClearIAS 100 days action plan for Prelims.

Attempt UPSC Prelims Re-Take exams in a timed environment, to understand the real nature of UPSC questions.

After Prelims, Before Mains…

As you have already covered Your Optional Subject, Ethics paper, Essay Paper and many GS Topics by this time (ie by the time your Prelims is over) – what would be left behind for Mains will only be Current Affairs.

Keep revising what you have studied already – GS and Optional Subject. Don’t worry! You are well on track!

Take ClearIAS Mains Mock Exams to polish your answer writing. Yes, that’s enough!

After Mains, Before Interview…

Yes, that’s the fastest (and shortest) roadmap. All the best!