UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy

Following are some general points for UPSC civil services aspirants. I have tried to compile all my opinion as response to questions asked by many aspirants. As I myself qualified long ago, I would refrain from giving detailed strategy myself. Further All points may not be relevant for you.

Who should prepare for the civil services Exam ?

• CSE preparation require sincere effort of at least two years ie about 50 hours per week for normal candidates.
• College students > you can start as per availablity of time from your regular curriculum. But don't compromise your academics. If options available pick courses relevant for CSE. It's best time to master your optional, if chosen from same academic field.
• Along with Job > Giving up job is not necessary if you can afford 50 hours per week, you can give a shot. Avoid leaving a well paying job, until you are 100% sure that you will succeed. 
•  Coaching > is neither necessary nor sufficient. Further most the study material is available online free/paid.
• its okay, if you didn't qualify IITs, AIIMS type exam. This exam is completely different.

STRATEGY and STUDY MATERIAL:

1. Follow this detailed strategy for prelims and mains on this link https://www.insightsonindia.com
2.  Insight on India along with many other is excellent platform. They provide free and relevant study material regularly.
3. you can also refer Videos and blogs of recent toppers and change strategy accordingly. But avoid following too many strategies. It will create unnecessary confusions for the candidate.

4. Limited Sources: Dont read one topic from too many sources. Read one books 3 times rather reading a topic from 3 sources

5.  Current affairs: Read one newspaper ie The hindu or Indian express daily for current affairs. For current affairs along with Daily News paper read monthly notes from one Good coaching. Eg. vision IAS monthly.

UPSC Preparation with JOB

 Dont leave job if dont have good financial back-up. you can prepare along job if you can spare 5-6 hours daily and 10-12 over weekend. But Full time preparation always gives edge and focus.

Limited Sources

Dont read one topic from too many sources. Read one books 3 times rather reading a topic from 3 sources.

NOTES MAKING
- make concise notes whatever you read and revise regularly

OPTIONAL SELECTION
1. Choose optional wisely, don't follow the crowd. 

2. While it is recommended to go with interest, recent success rate, availability of study material, academic background etc. Should taken into account.

Social media
1. Avoid social media as far as possible. If you are really addicted, Don't spend more than 30 minutes on social media. 

2. Stop fooling yourselves that you are using #socialMedia for knowledge. 

3. Here for every sensible info you encounter more than 10 insensible info which distracts you.

Questions Practice 
1. Write answers daily on insights daily writing Practice
2. Regularly solve prelims questions especially after covering a topic. Eg after reading M Lakshmikant for Indian polity, you must cover objective and subjective questions given in the end. Solving questions will check your progress and boost your confidence.

3. TEST Series: Join one good test series for prelims, mains, optional and essay. I joined vision IAS. Please check which one is performing best these days.

Miscellaneous Points:

1. Maintain balance between current affairs and static portion. If you are planning to appear after 2 years, keep major focus on Static portion.
2. Not very good in English ? > check spellings, grammar, word meanings regularly. You don't need very hi-fi English. But Grammatical and Spellings errors are punished. Good vocabulary and neat hand writing is also rewarded. If your academic background is not English, it is still recommended to appear in English medium considering recent success rates.

Regards
Pawan Kamboj
IRS 16
https://twitter.com/PawanKambojIRS