When to start actually preparing for IAS exam

In my previous article ‘Curriculum of IAS examination with new UPSC changes’, I informed you about the changes that have been incorporated in the pattern and syllabus of the Indian Administrative Service examination. In this article I would like to give some ideas regarding when and how to start preparing for the IAS examination.

Firstly, you should know that in order to appear for the IAS examination you must possess a bachelor’s degree in any stream. But your preparation for IAS exam should start long before you complete graduation. Some of the IAS toppers are of the opinion that one should start preparation during their graduation while others feel that one year is enough to prepare for the first stage that is the Preliminary stage as it completely depends on the intelligence, aptitude of the candidate and his/her choice of optional subjects. However, success in this examination solely depends on the hard work, commitment and diligence that go into its preparation.

Most of the IAS toppers have said in their interviews that the best time to start with your preparation is after 10^th or 12^th standard. The minimum period required for preparation varies from few months to few years. But in order to crack the examination successfully one should practically start improving one’s general knowledge and English writing skills right after their 10th or 12^th standard because these particular areas require more attention.

Time Management is a key factor while making preparations as well as in writing examination papers. Most of the candidates fail in several attempts only because they consume most of the time in answering the first half of the paper and are left with very less time to complete the second half. So, one must figure out one’s own strategy and chalk out an individual plan for it. However, this issue can be best solved if the candidate devotes a good amount of time in solving mock tests and the past year’s question papers within time allotted.

One candidate who topped with 61^st rank in Civil Service Examination, 2011 said in an interview, “One should start preparation only after making oneself determined to pursue this path. One should devote oneself completely and not half heartedly. I think if one starts the preparation around 8-12 months before prelims, and continue with full determination and right optional, then one can crack it in first attempt itself.”

After going through several such interviews and blogs I have been able to enlist certain points which might help you in starting your IAS examination preparations. Here they are:-

• Start improving your general knowledge by going through different general knowledge books and revising them periodically right after your 10^th or 12^th.
• Go through several articles relating to Indian politics, Indian history and Geography in order to develop creative ideas for writing essays.
• Inculcate the habit of reading newspapers daily to remain updated and perform well in current affairs section.
• Solve past year’s question papers and get them corrected from your teachers. This will help in Time Management.
• Give in your 100%. Your efforts will be the ultimate determinant of your success.

Good Luck!