Prepare for UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS, IPS, IFS) with detailed syllabus, updated study material, preparation strategies, practice tests, and expert guidance for Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) भारत का सबसे प्रतिष्ठित और कठिन competitive exam है। इसे “Civil Services Examination (CSE)” कहा जाता है, जो IAS, IPS, IFS और अन्य Group-A सेवाओं के लिए gateway है। हर साल लाखों छात्र इस exam में बैठते हैं, लेकिन सफलता उन्हीं को मिलती है जो सही strategy, disciplined preparation और updated resources का इस्तेमाल करते हैं।
इस article में हम UPSC exam के बारे में हर ज़रूरी चीज़ detail से समझेंगे – syllabus, preparation tips, recommended books, online & offline resources, subject-wise strategies और FAQs।
Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name: Civil Services Examination (CSE)
Posts: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and more
Stages:
Prelims (Objective type)
Mains (Descriptive papers)
Interview (Personality Test)
Eligibility: Graduate in any stream, Age 21–32 years (with relaxations)
Attempts Allowed: General – 6, OBC – 9, SC/ST – Unlimited (till age limit)
Paper I (General Studies):
Current events of national & international importance
Indian History & Freedom Movement
Indian & World Geography
Indian Polity & Governance
Economic & Social Development
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change
General Science
Paper II (CSAT – Qualifying):
Comprehension & Communication Skills
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
Decision-making & Problem-solving
Basic Numeracy, Data Interpretation
Compulsory Papers: Essay, Indian Language, English
General Studies (GS):
GS I: History, Geography, Culture, Society
GS II: Polity, Governance, IR
GS III: Economy, Science & Tech, Environment, Security
GS IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Optional Subject: Any 1 subject (Literature/Science/Social Science, etc.)
Analytical ability, communication, confidence
Awareness of national & international issues
Decision-making & ethical reasoning
History – Class 6–12 NCERTs
Geography – Class 6–12 NCERTs
Polity – Class 9–12 NCERTs
Economics – Class 9–12 NCERTs
Science – Class 6–10 NCERTs
Polity: M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity
History: Spectrum – Modern India
Geography: G.C. Leong – Physical Geography
Economy: Ramesh Singh – Indian Economy
Environment: Shankar IAS – Environment
Ethics: Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB
Yojana & Kurukshetra Magazines
Online Portals: InsightsIAS, VisionIAS, GKToday
Read NCERT + Standard Books multiple times
Daily current affairs revision
Solve MCQs regularly (Test series is a must)
Focus on accuracy & time management
Develop answer writing skills (structure, introduction, body, conclusion)
Make concise notes for each topic
Practice essay writing (2 essays per week)
Ethics paper – Use real-life examples
Revise regularly
Improve communication skills
Mock interviews with mentors
Keep track of current national & international issues
Confidence + honesty is key
History: Focus on Modern India + Freedom Movement
Geography: Map practice daily
Polity: Read Laxmikanth multiple times
Economy: Understand concepts, follow Budget & Economic Survey
Science & Tech: Read current affairs, ISRO, Space, Health news
Environment: National Parks, Biodiversity Acts, Climate issues
Ethics: Use real examples, case studies
Websites: InsightsIAS, VisionIAS, ForumIAS, GKToday
Apps: Unacademy, StudyIQ, BYJU’s IAS, Testbook
YouTube: Drishti IAS, StudyIQ IAS, Unacademy UPSC, Vajiram & Ravi
Daily Plan:
2 hrs – Current Affairs
3 hrs – GS Subject
2 hrs – Optional Subject
1 hr – Revision
1 hr – Answer Writing Practice
Weekly Plan:
1 mock test (Prelims/Mains)
Essay writing practice
GK & Notes Revision
Ignoring NCERT basics
Only reading, not practicing mock tests
Depending only on coaching, not self-study
Poor time management
Neglecting revision
Q1: How many hours should I study daily for UPSC?
👉 6–8 hrs daily is enough if done consistently. Quality matters more than hours.
Q2: Is coaching mandatory for UPSC?
👉 Not mandatory. Self-study with right resources is enough. Coaching helps with guidance and discipline.
Q3: Which newspaper is best for UPSC?
👉 The Hindu & Indian Express (for editorials).
Q4: Can I clear UPSC in 1 year?
👉 Yes, with smart study, discipline, and focused preparation.
Q5: How important are mock tests?
👉 Very important. They improve accuracy, time management, and confidence.
UPSC preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Success depends on discipline, consistency, smart strategies, and the right mix of books + current affairs + practice. Candidates must remember:
Basics (NCERTs) are foundation
Revision is key
Answer writing + mock tests = success formula
With the right mindset, even a beginner can clear UPSC in the first attempt.
