ClearIAS Team receives emails not only from college students but many schools students (and parents too) about guidance and strategies to clear IAS exam. There are many who want to start early. We appreciate the eagerness, ambition and enthusiasm of aspirants. It’s always good to start early.
The Early Bird catches the Worm!
There is an expression in English – “The early bird catches the worm”. Early birds are persons who start their actions much early than most others. There are advantages for early birds in all folks of life, and the same is true with regard to UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS exam) too. This article is for those early birds who have enough time, say, at-least 1 year for a long term preparation before next IAS preliminary exam.
Start early to save precious youth-years!
Considering the vast UPSC syllabus and limited time available at later stages of Civil Services Exam, it is generally a good idea to start early. That doesn’t mean that if a school student aspires to become an IAS officer he should start with heavy-weight UPSC books right from Standard 4!
But, an approach in tune with UPSC requirements will definitely help. A long term approach might help to save precious youth-years of many candidates as they will be better oriented and equipped when they actually wet their feet in UPSC waters.
But that doesn’t mean that those who start late can’t clear IAS exam!
The post does not intend to say that those who start late can’t clear this exam. Of course, anybody, senior or junior, who has the will, quality and perseverance can clear IAS exam. There is absolutely no doubt in that. What this article intends to say is that there is an advantage for those who start early with proper orientation, provided they keep the same vigor till the end. This post provides guidance for early starters; it might help experienced candidates as well to gain a better insight about the exam requirements.
How much time is needed for IAS preparation?
Just like Rome, an IAS officer is also not built in a day. The knowledge, analytical ability and personality of the candidate developed within a span of around 20 years is tested in this exam. Of course, the foundation can be polished to the tune of UPSC requirement in last one year, but for building a strong foundation it requires long-term effort. If you have built a strong foundation, the job is half done!
A naked, but motivating truth: If you have a good understanding of the subjects in your school days (NCERT books) and have a habit of reading newspapers regularly, then you are as good as most of the serious and senior players taking this exam! Check with all those who cracked IAS, they might be late to start serious IAS preparations, but they all would have been current-updated (decent newspaper reading habit) with strong base on school subjects (NCERT texts).
I have enough time; What should be my strategy to Clear IAS in first attempt?
Many articles have been written already covering the strategies and guidance during the last 6 months – 1 year before the IAS exam. For all queries like “How to begin IAS Preparation?”, “As a beginner how should I start Civil Services exam preparation”, “How to manage IAS preparation during my graduation?” etc. we have five suggestions.
1. Understand UPSC exam structure
You may refer articles in this website – ClearIAS.com. Go through UPSC Syllabus and previous question papers of IAS Prelims and Mains so that you will get a clear idea about the areas from which questions are normally asked.
2. Make newspaper reading a habit
Develop the habit of newspaper reading – particularly editorials and the op-ed page. Reading The Hindu/ The Indian Express is advised. You may also start listening to All India Radio news analysis and Rajya Sabha TV discussions (Eg: Big Picture).
3. Be thorough with your NCERT Books
So what does that mean to school students? Focus on your school texts! It’s the basis. Be a good student. Think and ponder over what is stated in your textbooks. Develop writing practice. Students from science background may collect humanities textbooks (NCERT) and start reading them whenever time permits. Links for downloading all NCERT books are given in this website. Priority: History, Geography, Economy and Polity related NCERT texts.
4. Finish your optional subject
If in a position to decide on the optional subject after analyzing UPSC syllabus and previous question papers (applicable only to college going students and pass outs), start to collect materials on the same. Try to finish optional subject first, as this will definitely give you an edge.
5. Read books about India
During leisure time, pick books related to India written by visionary authors. A list of books for suggested reading is provided below, and these are not specialized texts for Civil Service Exam. But reading these books will widen your horizon and provide a clear picture on the past, present, and future of India. A good understanding on the problems of India with their right solutions can be of great help when you frame answers in Civil Services Mains General Studies and Essay paper.
Suggested Books for Beginners To Know India Better
- Imagining India – Nandan Nilekani
- India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium – APJ Abdul Kalam
- India’s Struggle for Independence
- India After Gandhi: R.Guha
- Pax Indica: Shashi Tharoor
Magazines for Beginners (If you have time)
- Yojana (Rs.10-20/issue – available online and offline).
- Kurukshetra (Rs.10-20/issue – available online and offline).
IAS Books
When you have reached a comfortable position to start serious IAS preparation, you may start reading the recommended IAS Books.
IAS Mock Tests
Once familiar with the requirements, enroll for the mock tests for UPSC CSE Prelims by ClearIAS Team. As you may know, only when tested in an exam atmosphere with negative marking, you can improve the ability to deliver in the actual exam hall. Try for free the UPSC Prelims online mock exams by ClearIAS in the new innovative platform which integrates learning with test-taking. You would be surprised to find how fast you can learn! All the best!
Harpreet singh says
April 10, 2014 at 12:56 amSir ncert books from which class has to be taken in account ex books from 6th onwards or from 8th
vipinyelmule15 says
April 16, 2015 at 3:29 pm6-12
ishaan says
June 11, 2016 at 7:06 amFrom 6 to 12th would be better
Amit Sharma says
July 28, 2016 at 11:23 pmFirstly just read only 11th nd 12th….that r sufficient… they cover all the matter of previous classes also…..
If u have a lot…..of time ..then read 9th nd 10th classes also
Nitish VEERENDRA says
October 1, 2018 at 11:49 amYes , it is better to read from 6 t0 12
damodar says
September 11, 2017 at 4:47 pmfrom 6 to 12
Pokhraj sahu says
October 31, 2017 at 11:05 pmSir I am not able to decide in which medium I should write the exam in Hindi or English please help me how should I decide the medium.
Harikesh says
March 2, 2019 at 8:17 pmIn which language you comfort to write.,speak your thought
Ad sahoi says
February 9, 2019 at 4:17 amSentence is not correct.
anees says
April 26, 2014 at 12:32 amI am very greatful to you. Articles are very comprehensive and inclusive.
As a visitor of your site,I am very satisfied.
sadiq says
July 14, 2014 at 5:28 pmi was excited seeing your guidance sir thank u soo much
karishma chhabra says
August 23, 2014 at 9:15 pmPls reply me sir plsss
Krishna says
September 22, 2014 at 3:22 pmSir, Thanx for helping me out. I was very doubtful from where to start. I think the best answer is today…:D
Which I got only after reading your article. Clearing IAS is not a kids play but I think a right strategy can definitely help in make Kid play…:P
Pankaj Yadav says
November 8, 2014 at 10:03 pmSir I want to start IAS preparation, pls help me how should I start my preparation
sumit kumar says
December 9, 2014 at 7:37 pmSir I want to start IAS preparation, pls help me how should I start my preparation. i have completed grsdution in B.Sc (h) physics. but i want to choose other subject except physics , is it possible
arijit bowra says
May 9, 2015 at 2:15 pmi have just crossed 23 and entered into 24. i am not at good student though still i aspire for becoming an i.a.s officer, i managed to bag just 75.6 percent .in 10 (i.c.s.e) and 82 percent in 12 (i.s.c). with that i have completed economics honours with 52 percent from University of Calcutta in 2013 and pursuing post graduation. Do you think i have the merit to go for i.a.s or any allied services. any guidance for being focused for the preparation. Sir i add my words stating that i have never ever managed to secure proper rank in boards or entrance exams. shall i prepare and sit in the 2015 exam. category general.
ClearIAS.com says
May 9, 2015 at 6:31 pmYes, have self-confidence and give a try. You have nothing to lose.
Kevin Coutinho says
May 18, 2015 at 7:31 amCan u mention in detail which Ncert textbooks to study as a beginner ?
anandkumar says
July 3, 2015 at 11:49 amsir,
i completed my intermediate education with 94.5%. i am joining in an engineering college. i want to start preparation for ias – civil services exam from 1st year. so please guide me the strategy i should follow & books required & i want to know the details,selection about optional subjects in mains exam
nitin Chaudhary says
July 18, 2015 at 9:50 pmSir….thanks for giving me good knowledge related to upsc….this article clears my all the daubts related to syllabus ..thank u very much sir
ClearIAS.com says
July 19, 2015 at 9:07 amOur pleasure!
komal singh says
August 3, 2015 at 4:52 pmSir,
I am in the first year of my graduation and i hav started preparing for civil services for proper preparetion i joined a nominal coaching just for consistency. Sir in just a few days i am getting a good hold on it. Still am not satisfied with my performance plz suggest me how to improve even better because now i hav no burden of college study but from december it will be a burden so i want to do as much as i can in these few months. So that if after exams i take up i must have to give more time on writing.
S. Santhosh says
August 17, 2015 at 9:58 pmI am S. Santhosh, I am Studying in 8th standard which books want to refer please give reply (My goal is IAS)
S. Santhosh says
August 18, 2015 at 9:10 pmI am S. Santhosh, I am Studying in 8th standard which books want to refer please give reply (My goal is IAS)
apoorva d u says
August 20, 2015 at 4:34 pmi have just started my b.sc. in horticulture…how can i prepare for IAS ….with what books…
Bhajan Lal Jangir says
September 6, 2015 at 11:06 amThanx sir and to all honest member of this team for providing such greatful service.
Clearing doubt is not only a solution for those who have problem but it can change his / her life.
Sir I have just passed 12 standard and I have a keen interest in IAS .I want to become an IAS officer .
I want my preparation for this from my 1st year so plz I want your guideline .
I will be very greatful to you for helping me .
Thanku. Yours Brother
Nagaraj patil says
September 15, 2015 at 1:30 amThank u sir I got a clear idea to clear IAS prelims and main .daily I m not getting sleep at night because of mine aim is to clear IAS and KAS.
shahna says
September 15, 2015 at 10:42 pmthankssss……a lot.it is so helpful
Anshula raina says
September 30, 2015 at 7:15 amClearias.com,
I am a 9th class student and I aspire to become a IAS officer in future
What should my steps?
Kesha says
November 24, 2015 at 4:59 pmHi sir!I am Kesha just finished my higher secondary&joined BE.Can you suggest some ideas to my dream(IAS )to come true.
kumar says
December 9, 2015 at 2:31 pmalways nice to read good articles like this
ashwin says
December 25, 2015 at 11:57 amthis tips is really a good syrup…. of preparation of IAS mains thanks to this block
sumanth says
December 25, 2015 at 4:32 pmHow to prepare for civils mains.i mean how we should write answers
Laksh Rajput says
December 29, 2015 at 1:39 pmHi, I am B. tech computer science 2nd year student and I aspired to become an IAS officer. Can you suggest me your views to achieve my goal.
lavanya says
January 1, 2016 at 12:58 pmSir, I am doing my ug cou.I want to become an ias office r.any online coaching are available for me?
suhel says
January 2, 2016 at 9:10 pmSir IAS k liye current affairs kitne saal back ke padna chahiye maine apni study abhi shuru ki h aur NCERT books kis kis class ki padna chahiye
Rohit kumar says
January 4, 2016 at 7:26 pmSir i m pursuing m.com final and want to become ias officer. Please suggest me tips to crack ias in my first attempt in 2016.
Nivedha Mohan says
February 21, 2016 at 7:43 pmI am doing B.E (civil engineering) 1st year. I want to prepare for UPSC exam from now onwards. please give me some tips to crack the exams after completing my degree.
Vysakhan Radhakrishnan says
February 22, 2016 at 6:08 pmThank you for your kind information. This webpage data are very reliable to beginners.
ClearIAS.com says
February 24, 2016 at 7:41 am@Vysakhan: Welcome. All the best!
Shubham Patidar says
March 7, 2016 at 11:23 pmWhat is the medical standard for IAS ..
dinesh says
March 29, 2016 at 11:52 pmsir I am done with my 12 grade I am in a dilemma on pursuing my undergaduation, or start preparing for my civils services by taking up a normal degree course I am deeply interested in both of them.
Nadeem raheem says
August 8, 2018 at 5:24 pm👍
varshith says
April 13, 2016 at 3:04 pmHI SIR IAM VARSHITH
I FINISHED THIRD
MY GOAL IS IAS
junaid malik says
April 21, 2016 at 11:09 pmsir i am doing b tech 2nd year and i also want to prepare for ias plz sr hlp me
shahjada kalam says
May 7, 2016 at 5:58 pmSir My qualification is B.com 2nd year & I want to be an ips officer But My maths is week & i want prepare in hindi Medium so can i do prepare ips examiniation….please reply me sir …..please
Divya rai says
May 11, 2016 at 10:16 pmMy qualification is bsc first year and i become a ias officer .sir pls suggest me how to prepare for upsc exam .what should step for preparing .pls sir give ur suggestion
ahaana sharma says
May 20, 2016 at 5:02 pmI m a beigner to prepare myself for IAS suggest me which stdy material i hve choosed n i m frm commerce background how mch tym it takes to preapre myslf for upsc
ClearIAS.com says
May 23, 2016 at 1:00 pmClearIAS 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.
Richa Priya says
June 6, 2016 at 9:43 pmI’m a student of std 11 from arts stream and I wish to clear upse in first attempt…. how should I go forth ??
Nadeem raheem says
August 8, 2018 at 5:25 pmTry to focus on general studies and current affairs more and more read newspapers
Aysha Shaza says
June 10, 2016 at 8:57 amSir,
I m a tenth passed out student and I was interested in social working. But I didnt take IAS as serious as I was not so good in the habit of newspaper reading. But now I feel like I want to crack IAS . Also, my parents are willing to support me. What can I do now as the very beginner?..can I crack it if I try from the very now?..and ncert books from which classes should I prefer,..because I actually don’t remember all of the lessons but a little..?
I would request u to find me a solution
Aysha Shaza says
June 10, 2016 at 9:21 amSir,
I am a tenth passed out student and I was interested in social working. But I didn’t take IAS as serious as I was not so good in the habit of news paper reading. But now would like to crack IAS. Also my parents are well supporting me. Though I was back in updating myself in current affairs I believe I was scoring good in my ncert syllabus. Anyhow I m afraid without knowing current affairs how can I succeed!!
Now I m ready to read newspapers. But will it help me? And..ncert texts of which classes should I prefer to revise…as I don’t remember all of the previous classes lessons.,?..and how can a beginner like me crack it?!
I would request you to help me with a solution..
ClearIAS.com says
June 10, 2016 at 12:04 pmHi Aysha, don’t worry! As you are just out of school, you have plenty of time to catch up with current events. Make newspaper reading a habit along with your regular studies. Keep checking our website and keep updated with latest news and study materials. But don’t overburden yourself with too many things at an young age. All the best!
krishna chaitanya says
June 11, 2016 at 6:55 pmit would b better if clearias.com give replies to all of those who asked thier quetions
gaurav raghudev says
June 18, 2016 at 4:02 pmSir I have passed 12th this year from PCM with 76% sir could you please tell me to which part of newspaper I should pay more imphasis.
suyash mohokar says
June 21, 2016 at 1:35 pmSir,
I m 12th pssed out commerce student. I have completed my hsc exam with securing 83%. As i want to clear IAS exam. I need ur suggetion. Uptill now i was not has habbit of reading newspaper but now i m reading newspaper daily. But i m comfused between NCERT books.I have to crack this exam. Plzzz sir help me. From where should i start??? ?
Lalit Thakur says
June 26, 2016 at 4:14 pmrespected clear IAS,
i have clear my 12 with pcm. and interested for civil service exams so please guide me . i am unable to understand upsc syllabus thoroughly. also i want to start my upsc preparation from now so what should be the strategy and books used by a beginner to clear upsc in first attempt. please reply me fast its very urgent
rishabj says
July 23, 2016 at 12:24 pmSr i am btech 2nd year student n thankew so mch for guiding me for the start but what if i join online classes…could they provide me right path?
Susan says
July 28, 2016 at 11:34 pmcan i use icse books to prepare for the civil service exam.i studied in icse and wants to know whether i have to buy ncerts or use my old textbooks of icse .Such a doubt i because all are recommending ncerts.
Ajeet prakash says
August 9, 2016 at 10:11 amSir i am persuring b-tech and interesting in civil service exam can you tell me that when i will complete the b-tech then i will start civil service exam otherwise i will start just now
Alex says
August 14, 2016 at 6:45 pmSir, i m in the 3rd semester of b.sc & i want to start my upsc preparation. can i appear ias exam next year that is during my 5th semester?
NITESH says
August 15, 2016 at 11:22 pmSir I am in engineering in first year& I want do the preparation of ias exam . How can I do this .
Sir please consult me
SUMIT KUMAR GUPTA says
August 22, 2016 at 8:09 amsir, currently I m at NLUJ….first year….but I want to leave this and go for IAS…through graduation in political science Honours at DU……preparing from here is not possible….and I think I can devote more time…at Delhi than here……besides, I have got a great company there who are a serious aspirants of civil services…..and the subjects here do not interests me….what should I do…as I m really at a crossroads….plzzz….reply ASAP
And I think , I can devote and focus more…by living at Delhi
Annapoorni Viswanathan says
September 14, 2016 at 5:32 pmI am a first year student in BA Sanskrit of calicut university. I want to crack IAS examination. I think ,I can choose Sanskrit as the optional subject. Can I go for MA Sanskrit after 3 yrs of graduation. I am poor at acquiring general knowledge. Day by day ,I am afraid of CSE. I want to improve my writing skills and should start reading books as part of ias preparation. Please provide me your suggestions to bring my preparation in a good way. What books should I cover? Time schedule: how many times I have to concentrate in IAS preparation.
Awaiting reply
shayz says
November 5, 2016 at 12:17 amsir i am doing b.com 1st year … should i have to read all ncert .. from 6th-12th or just i should read 11th-12th ncert only plzzzz guide me plzzz sir plzzz plzzz
amanpreet says
November 11, 2016 at 4:00 pmhi sir,
what percentage is required to attend this exam?????
Anilkumar says
November 30, 2016 at 12:08 pmSir
I am studing bca I st sem ..
I have a goal to clear ias exams in my first attempt.so i wish prepare now onwards .
Please guide me with a strong strategy at every stage of preparation.
Shwetha krishna says
December 1, 2016 at 11:51 pmSir, I am pursuing graduation in business administration (Bba). I have heard that management is an optional which is rarely chosen. I would like to choose it as optional for mains. Is it possible for me to take up upsc examination without pursuing my MBA???? Plz do reply Sir.
Talika says
January 5, 2017 at 10:36 pmSir, I am doing bcom 3rd year and I want to appear for IAS exam. But my understanding of school time subjects is poor.So can u Plzz suggest me should I go for upsc?
neeraj says
January 31, 2017 at 11:19 pmfirst start with NCERT of class 9th to 12th. this will clear your basics. after that you can prefer good authors for UPSC.
Dolly Kumari says
January 8, 2017 at 11:47 amCan I start prepration without any coaching
neeraj says
January 31, 2017 at 11:16 pmyes dolly, you can prepare without any coaching. coaching will clear only the basics. the rest preparation depends upon u, how u prepare for it.
neeraj says
January 31, 2017 at 11:13 pmsir, i had done my graduation from IIT kharagpur (civil), i am preparing for IAS without any coaching. i cleared preliminary exam of UPSC in 2015, but cannot clear the mains. i need guidance to clear UPSC mains. and i covered all the topics for UPSC 2017. but my biggest fear is to write essay on any topic which is the third paper of mains exam. please suggest some good book or material to perpare for it.
ClearIAS.com says
February 1, 2017 at 7:16 amHi, Neeraj…Appreciate your self-confidence. Reading good articles from ‘The Hindu’ and ‘EPW’ will help you to know how to frame an essay. Also, write at least 1 essay every week. Also, read this article from us – https://www.clearias.com/how-to-write-a-good-essay-civil-services-mains-exam/.
Arvind Reddy says
March 5, 2017 at 7:54 amSir i am a average student i had 75% in inter now i am in b.tech 1st year i can clear the civil services exam(cse) or not pls tell me sir
Deepak Dhembare says
April 27, 2017 at 3:45 pmRespected Sir,
I am Software Developer and I want to start the preparation of Civil Service.my query is..I don’t have that much time for read the extra materials but I can manage the 6 to 7 hr every day. which study material I should use for quick preparation.
sreya says
May 8, 2017 at 11:02 amSir, I completed my 7th class & going to 8th class.Please give some suggestion to prepare for I.A.S exam from nowonwards.
Suresh Kumar Chaudhary says
May 25, 2017 at 6:10 pmSir I completed my 12th board. I want to crack UPSC in 2021. So I want start from now.from where I should start??
How much time I should give for study daily ?
damodar says
September 11, 2017 at 4:52 pmsir, am a fresher aspirant for UPSC, i have started my preparation for UPSC 2018 with NCERT books from class 6 to 12 ….give some important strategy from your side sir……if possible sent to my email: [email protected] or over phone 9933235135. i shall ever be grateful to u n clearIAS……..thank u………god bless u…with regards damo from A & N Islands, INDIA…
Kartik Kaamra says
October 1, 2017 at 1:29 amSir I want to start IAS preparation, pls help me how should I start my preparation. i have completed grsdution in B.Sc (h) physics. but i want to choose other subject except physics , is it possible
Ajay Kumar says
October 29, 2017 at 9:44 pmDear sir,
I am belongs to SC caste, my ssc 60percent, inter 41percent and bcom 40percent. Can i eligible for civils exam. Please help me out as soon as possible.
Tq u.
crackiasexam says
November 23, 2017 at 3:12 pmVery informative thanks for sharing
Abdul Alim says
February 8, 2018 at 2:59 pmSir i am pursuing B.A.LLB and i am in 1 year what do u think what will be the right time fr starting my preperation fr clearing upsc.pls tell sir i am heighly confused actually me and my friends are confused plz help us.
Deepika says
February 17, 2018 at 7:34 amHello Seniors,
I want to start preparation of IAS exams, as I am a beginner so having few questions in my mind, could you please help me to answer it:
1. How many subject we need to prepare for IAS exams?
2. Where I can find the information about relevant books for preparation?
Appreciate if you could share some related or useful link for preparation.
Thanks in advance,
Deepika
Mayurika says
February 18, 2018 at 4:42 pmSir, We can give exam in how many languages?
Surjya Paul says
March 2, 2018 at 1:34 pmSir I am a MBBS student of NRS Medical college Kolkata. I want to crack IAS exam. Can you give some idea about how to start it’s preparation in a right way ao that I can clear it right in 1st atempt. Thank you in advance.
Shikha says
June 13, 2018 at 8:09 amThank you so much sir…..for sch a hlpful article….means a lot for us the beginners..tysm
Arnav Bindra says
June 20, 2018 at 3:04 pmHello sir I am Arnav and I am in class 9 th , also daily newspaper reading was not in my habit and I wanted to prepare for an IAS officer as I wanted to work as a social worker but I was really not serious for IAS but from the nineth I am really very to be an IAS , but sir today I read your article in the first paragraph I got worried but reading forward I thought that I could prepare for IAS and can crack in IAS if I do my bestest ever, sir I only want your suggestion that how could I prepare for IAS from my 9 th onwards to crack the upsc exam in first chance.
Sir …I would be very grateful to you.
Plss as soon as possible reply to my question.
Thank you sir…
Please… immediately.
Ankur sheoran says
August 31, 2018 at 12:14 pmSir I am trainee sub inspector in delhi police M 24 in age… I want to prepare for upsc exam currently fulfilled with energy but m not getting time here to study but still will manage to 2-3 hours to study
M a fresher aspirant don’t know how to start what to study
Looking forward to appear in upsc 2020
Please sir guide me
I shall be highly obliged
Rishav singh says
October 17, 2018 at 2:11 pmSir iam bcom student how i have start and my grammar is very weak
Amita patel says
December 23, 2018 at 1:30 pmSir my child is 9 year old and studing in class 3 ,I want to prepare him for upsc exam in early stage, plz guide me what should I do for him ,he is very intelligent ,and always ready for learn new things ,plz help me,i hope u reply me ,thank you
Anikesh says
January 14, 2019 at 9:41 pmBro..Nothing there in science in ncert of 11-12..How to learn polity?
Varshitha says
March 23, 2019 at 5:50 pmI am a student of class 7 .I want to clear IAS exam . So can u please help me by telling what should I read to take IAS exam
Smruti says
March 26, 2019 at 8:40 amHello sir, I have a doubt. Please clear. How would I choose IPS over IAS? Because I want to be an IPS officer. Please help me sir and reply me.