"Mimpi humari, purab ka tara, banega, desh ka sitara" (Our Mimpi, like the morning star, will become the guiding star of the nation).

 

This powerful line by Harivansh Rai Bachchan beautifully captures the essence of the UPSC dream. It’s a noble and challenging journey where one minute you're daydreaming about making a change, and the next you're drowning in a sea of study material and unfamiliar terms. In this blog, I’ll try to give a good comprehensive roadmap to guide you through the initial stages of your UPSC preparation journey.

 

Know the UPSC Exam

 

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”  – Franklin D. Roosevelt

 

The first step is to familiarize yourself with the exam you are preparing for. So, let's understand what the UPSC exam is all about. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in three stages:

• Preliminary Examination (Prelims): This is like a screening test. It consists of two papers – General Studies (GS) Paper I and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II.

• Main Examination (Mains): This is where things get serious with nine papers, including essays, general studies, and an optional subject of your choice.

• Personality Test (Interview): If you clear the Mains, you face a panel that assesses your personality and suitability for a civil services role.

 

Self-Assessment and Mental Preparation

 

‘‘Look Before You Leap'’

 

Before starting your preparation, it’s important to spend time thinking about your strengths, weaknesses, and commitments. The UPSC CSE is one of the toughest exams which requires a deep understanding of various subjects, analytical skills, and a consistent study routine. Ask yourself if you are ready to dedicate the necessary time and effort. 

Then, understand the challenges ahead, such as handling the vast syllabus, coping with pressure, and staying motivated over an extended period of time. For this, mentally preparing yourself is just as important as academic readiness. Therefore, cultivate a positive mindset, build resilience, and a strong determination to succeed. Remember, This mental strength will be your anchor throughout the preparation journey.

 

Choose the Right Undergraduate Course

 

If you are fully dedicated to UPSC preparation only then choose a graduation degree that aligns better with the exam syllabus. Here are a few good options:

• BA in Political Science, History, Geography, Economics, or Sociology: These subjects have a lot of overlap with the UPSC syllabus.

• BA in Philosophy: This helps with the Ethics paper in Mains and sharpens your critical thinking.

• BA Programme: This flexible course lets you pick subjects that match the UPSC syllabus.

Build a Strong Foundation

 

Starting early is a big advantage. Here’s how you can build a solid groundwork:

• Develop a Reading Habit: Reading newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express should be a daily routine to stay updated on current affairs.  Also, read magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra for detailed analysis.

• NCERT Books: Begin with relevant NCERT textbooks from Classes 6 to 12 for History, Geography, Economics, and Polity. They offer clear and concise basics.

• Standard Reference Books: Gradually move to standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and Ramesh Singh for Economics.

 

Enhance Your Writing and Analytical Skills

 

“The pen is mightier than the sword’’ 

 

This holds so true for Mains Selection. The Mains exam requires you to write descriptive answers and it is the most important key out of all stages to crack the exam. Here are some strategies for you to strengthen these skills:

• Answer Writing Practice: Start writing answers early and try to write a few answers daily. Join test series or practice with past year questions.

• Read Editorials and Opinions: Reading editorials in newspapers helps you understand different viewpoints and improves your analysis.

• Essay Writing: Practice writing essays on various topics. It helps with the essay paper and develops structured thinking.

• Paste the world map, India’s map, history, polity, and other subjects charts on the wall where your study table is or where you look frequently. Try to read and learn from there to supplement and strengthen your knowledge.

 

Use Online Resources

 

In this digital age, you have a treasure trove of resources at your fingertips so use them to ease your journey:

• Online Courses and Lectures: Many platforms offer comprehensive online courses for UPSC prep, You can use them to supplement your studies.

• YouTube Channels: It has answers to every UPSC question. Clear your doubts from here. You can follow your favorite faculty’s channels to get advanced lectures and insights.

• Mobile Apps: You can use Apps like PIB, The Hindu, The Indian Express, or any other of your choice to get current affairs updates, quizzes, and study materials.

 

Join a Study Group or Coaching

 

Self-study is crucial, but as a beginner, a bit of external help can provide structure to your preparation and you can prefer:

• Study Groups: Joining a study group on telegram or anywhere. It can keep you motivated and expose you to different perspectives.

• Coaching Institutes: If you need more guidance, consider joining a reputable coaching institute. Ensure it complements your self-study and doesn’t become your crutch. It should be for making your preparation easy, helpful, and a reliable right track.

 

Stay Consistent and Motivated

 

Consistency is your best friend on this journey. Here are some tips to stay on track:

• Set Realistic Goals: Break your preparation into smaller, manageable goals. This keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.

• Take Breaks and Stay Healthy: Regular breaks and a healthy lifestyle are key to avoiding burnout.

• Stay Positive: 

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

Surround yourself with positive influences and stay away from negativity. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination.

 

Conclusion

 

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Starting your UPSC preparation right after 12th grade is a great move. With a solid plan, dedication, and the right resources, you’re already on your way to success. Embrace the journey with all its challenges and rewards. Keep learning, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Good luck on your path to becoming a civil servant!

 

 

UPSC + BA Degree | 3 Years