Guideline for preparation of UPSC exams during graduation

    22-Nov-2023
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Vijay GarG
Contd from previous issue
Know the complete UPSC Syllabus
The next thing to be clear of is whether to go for coaching class or to study for IAS from home. Since the UPSC exams cover a vast and diverse range of topics it is recommended that you opt for some kind of guidance. You can go for classroom coaching after your college hours or go for online classes wherein you can have access to expert faculty lectures from the comfort of your homes.
In case if you have decided you prepare for IAS without joining a coaching centre then still here we are to help you with all the tips and tricks to crack the civil services exam, strategies for preparing for prelims, mains, and interview, and all the resources required that includes daily news analysis for UPSC Current Affairs, free NCERT books download and more to guide you and aid you to reach your destination.
Plan your daily regimen
Once you know the basics, it is time to schedule a daily routine to start your IAS preparation. Since you are pursuing both graduation and IAS preparation, you must optimise your use of time. Plan your day, week and your month. Make sure to stick to your study plan if you are serious about the IAS dream.
Choose your optional subject
You must choose your optional subject. Since you are pursuing graduation, it would be prudent to select an optional subject that you are already studying. This way you can save time and energy. You don’t need to learn anything new for your IAS exam.
Be cut and clear while choosing the optional subject and if you are still confused then read below to choose the right optional subject.
The list of books is very important in your UPSC preparation. There are a plethora of options and you don’t have to buy or stock every one of them. Choose a few good books and read them thoroughly. Read more about what books to read.
Books for UPSC
Start your IAS studies
Once you have the entire ammunition ready, what are you waiting for? Get on with it! Plunge yourself into it and achieve your dream.
Assess yourself periodically
It is important to take regular tests and assess your preparation level and make necessary changes
IAS Preparation While in College
Benefits of starting your IAS preparation during graduation:
Since you don’t have a break in your education, your grasping power and ability to work for longer hours will be more compared to others.
By choosing the right optional, you can ensure that your graduation subject and at least one paper for the UPSC exams overlap, thus saving time for you.
You can make the best of your college facilities like free internet and books needed for IAS exams in the college or university library.
If you are pursuing graduation, chances are that your finances are taken care of by your family. This reduces the burden on you, unlike other IAS aspirants who have to shoulder other responsibilities as well.
You have age and time on your side. Make the most out of it!
Things to remember
You may have friends in your college who may mock you for your serious preparation. Remember to stay away from negative and discouraging people.
Focus on your task at hand and your dream – to become an IAS/IPS officer.
Have a checklist of your short and long-term goals and tick them as you achieve them.
Take an occasional break and rejuvenate yourself.
You don’t have to turn yourself into an ascetic to crack the UPSC exam. Balance your social life and IAS studies in a manner that benefits your IAS preparation.
There might be moments when you feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task you have set yourself to do. At moments like these, take a deep breath and cool off for a while.

The writer is a Retired Principal Educational columnist Malout