How To Start Preparing For UPSC At Home From Scratch?

By Ishika

20 Feb, 2024

Embarking on the journey to prepare for the UPSC exam from scratch can seem daunting, but with the right approach and resources, it’s achievable.

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Here’s a guide on how to initiate your UPSC preparation at home.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:

• The first step is to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus. Understand the structure of the UPSC exam, which consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (Objective), Main Examination (Descriptive), and Interview (Personality Test). Additionally, go through the detailed syllabus provided by UPSC, covering subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, science and technology, environment, and current affairs.

• Start by building a strong foundation in basic concepts with NCERT books. Begin with NCERT textbooks from classes 6 to 12 for subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, and science. Read these books thoroughly to grasp fundamental concepts and principles. This step is crucial, especially if you’re starting from scratch, as it lays the groundwork for more advanced topics.

2. Build a Strong Foundation with NCERT Books:

• Once you have a solid understanding of basic concepts, supplement your preparation with standard reference books recommended by experts and toppers. Consult books by renowned authors like Laxmikanth for polity, Bipan Chandra for history, and Ramesh Singh for economy to delve deeper into specific subjects.

3. Supplement with Standard Reference Books and Online Resources:

4. Practice Regularly and Assess Your Progress:

• Practice is key to success in the UPSC exam. Engage in regular revision, solve previous year question papers, and take mock tests to gauge your understanding and assess your progress. Focus on developing strong analytical and writing skills, as these are crucial for the mains examination.

Starting your UPSC preparation from scratch at home requires a structured approach and dedication. Begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, followed by building a strong foundation with NCERT books. Supplement your preparation with standard reference books and online resources for comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. Practice regularly, solve mock tests, and stay updated with current affairs to assess your progress and refine your preparation strategy.