Self Preparation Strategy for UPSC IAS Exam
The most common myth about the UPSC examination is that the self-preparation strategy does not give the desired result when it comes to cracking the IAS exam but many toppers have successfully cleared this exam by relying on studying at home and dedicating more time to self-study. IAS exam is conducted in three stages: preliminary examination, Mains and interview round or personality test. Every year lakhs of students appear in this exam. Although many students take coaching from coaching institutes, you can prepare for UPSC through self-study by following the steps.
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How to prepare for IAS with self-preparation strategy
Given below are the important tips that will be proved extremely helpful for students looking forward to appearing for the IAS exam and preparing for self-study. These tips have been recommended by former UPSC toppers.
Know the UPSC exam
Once you know your aim better you will be able to figure out the right plan. So, first of all, understand basics like exam eligibility, criteria and pattern. To know the detailed pattern of the examination click on the given below link:
Know the syllabus in detail
The vast UPSC syllabus happens to be one of the biggest challenges for a candidate so you should understand the syllabus in detail as it is very huge. Also, one needs to choose their optional subject for the UPSC Mains exam carefully based on the same analysis.
Finalise your optional subject for the main exam by going through the syllabus. It is very important to understand the syllabus deeply because when you start preparing you must be able to understand and relate while reading newspapers, study materials, magazines and other current affairs sources to the syllabus.
Make your own study plan
Once you are acquainted with the pattern and syllabus, now your focus should be to make a plan for yourself that works the best for your preparation.
There is a great deal of time to study so it is essential to have a schedule for your preparation. If you want to self-study, then making a proper plan is especially important. You will not have guidance from a coaching centre or a mentor, so follow your plan strictly. Candidates should instil discipline like never before because you are going to prepare for the IAS exam in self-study so avoid all sources of distractions.
Make notes and have proper time for revision
Making notes is an important part of good preparation so make crisp and clear notes when you study for the exam. Making appropriate notes is very helpful whether it is from the newspaper or from the standard textbooks. It ensures you regularly revise what you have learnt. The more you revise, the more you will be able to recall.
Take help of the internet
There are many civil service candidates who don’t opt for coaching but you can use other sources to get help wherever needed. For example, the internet is a good source to find General information. Candidates can also find some minded individuals preparing for the IAS exam. You can consult them when you are in difficulty and also clarify your doubts. Students will have a platform to share their notes and opinions.
The help of these minded individuals strengthens your preparation and also increases your pace of progress.
Applicants can also take the help of online sources that are available 24* 7 such as video lectures, updated current affairs gist of Yojana and Kurukshetra magazine, Youth Destination online classes and analysis of PIB.
When you join a coaching institute, you dedicatedly spend fixed hours there that give you the desired result. So, you should also follow this plan while preparing for self-study.
Take a break
Don’t forget to take short breaks to refresh your mind after long hours of study. Our mind and body need breaks at regular intervals to rejuvenate themselves and in order to keep going. Spend this free time socializing with friends and family members or indulging in your hobbies.
If you are regular with your study plan and desperately follow the same routine for a year then you will surely get success. Never lose focus and work hard with full enthusiasm and dedication.
Best of luck!!
