15 Magical UPSC Preparation Tips on How to Study for IAS 

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1. Prepare Yourself  

Before trying to understand how to start preparing for UPSC at home, you should prepare yourself for the journey. prepare mentally and physically for the examination. Set goals and devote time effectively.  

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2. Make a Time Table  

To become an IAS officer, it is necessary to be like an officer with a well-organized daily routine. You should set a comfortable timetable before your preparation and stick to it. 

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3. Know the UPSC Syllabus  

The syllabus is the soul of any exam. Knowing the syllabus is the foremost thing to do before you go through the books. The UPSC has provided the syllabus for the Civil Services Preliminary and Main examination in an elaborate manner. 

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4. Newspaper Reading/Current Affairs for IAS  

The newspapers are the most important aspect of the IAS exam. If you do not read the daily newspaper or follow the daily news for the IAS exam, you cannot hope to clear this exam. 

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5. Choosing Optional  

The optional subject accounts for 500 marks in the UPSC final tally. Hence, you should choose an optional subject wisely and after a thorough think-through of the pros and cons of the subjects, you have in mind. 

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6. NCERTs  

The NCERT textbooks from classes six to twelve play a very significant role in IAS exam preparation. Aspirants can get basic concepts and theories from NCERT textbooks. 

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7. Making Notes  

Since the UPSC syllabus is very vast, it helps to keep track of the portions covered and also serves as a ready-reckoner for revision. 

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8. Answer Writing Practice  

The IAS main exam papers are descriptive in nature. It is mainly about testing your analytical, critical, and communicative abilities. 

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9. Solving Previous Years’ UPSC Question Papers  

Previous question papers are the most reliable sources of UPSC pattern, difficulty level and question type. 

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10. Mock Test Series  

It can help civil service aspirant in realizing and learning from mistakes, shaping what approach they need to follow in continuing the preparation and identifying strengths and weaknesses. 

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11. Important Government Resources  

Your ultimate aim when you are taking the IAS exam is to work for the Indian government. Naturally, there are many government sources you can rely on during your preparation. 

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12. Revision  

Revision is very important when you are facing an exam as tough as the UPSC exam. 

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13. UPSC Interview  

This is an important stage in the process and here, it is something more than academics that will help you. You will be assessed on qualities such as diplomatic skills, communication skills, presence of mind, reaction to stress, etc. 

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14. Relevant Magazines  

Magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, Economic & Political Weekly, etc. are very important for the IAS exam. 

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15. Stay Positive  

The most important aspect of the entire UPSC journey is to stay positive. 

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