‘UPSC Civil Services Exam is the toughest exam in the country’, ‘toppers with excellent academic background can clear it’, ‘aspirants take years to crack it’, etc., are some of the myths. In this post, I will bust all these myths and give tips to crack the exam in first attempt.
First stop giving any importance to persons who gives these reasons to stop you from dreaming big.
Yes, of course, the examination is tough but not the toughest as there are many things in life that are tougher than cracking the UPSC Civil Services exam. Ask yourself, “When others can clear the exam, then why can’t I?”.
There are plenty of examples wherein average academic background students cleared the exam with wonderful ranks.
Many All India first rankers have written the examination for the first time. It bust the myth that it takes many years to crack the examination.
It only needs dedication, consistency and proper planning. In current and future posts, I will give tips and strategy needed for the examination.
Current Affairs
It is the most important section of the examination. Aspirants must keep an eye on all major developments taking place in the country and globally.
Having knowledge of all major event that happened in 24 months before the preliminary examination is more than enough.
Sources: The Hindu newspaper, Yojana Magazine, Vision IAS monthly current affairs magazine, Down to Earth website.
Why these sources?
The Hindu newspaper will give you a broader view of the development that has taken place in the country and globally. However, aspirants tend to miss out some useful information or fail to dig the topic deeper.
Then comes Vision IAS monthly current affairs magazine. It will ensure that no important topics are left untouched of that particular month.
Down to Earth website will help in covering useful topics related to environment topic whereas, Yojana Magazine will give in-depth analysis of the government schemes.
Apart from above sources, keep an eye on PIB press releases too.
Go to other sources of current affairs if time permits.
UPSC Civil Services Exam: Static portion of the syllabus
Whenever you start reading a static portion of the syllabus, start with NCERT books. You might think that why aspirants of IAS should read Class VI book? Trust me it is necessary.
It not only makes foundation strong but also helps you gaining some marks in UPSC preliminary examination.
After completion of NCERT books (Not all NCERT books are mandatory, in the next post, I will share list of books that should be referred), select one or two books for one particular subject (List will be shared in next post, join us on social media to get updates) as referring to more books will make you confuse.
It is fact that instead of reading 10 books read one book ten times.
Mock tests:
During the preparation for one of the top examinations in the country, mock tests play a major role.
It not only highlights where aspirants lack knowledge but also makes them confident before the actual examination. (How to select best mock test for UPSC prelims, mains)
There is a saying, it is better to sweat in peace than bleed during war.
In the future posts, strategy and books for each subject will be discussed in depth. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest to get updates.