How to Start a preparation for the IAS Exam

To qualify for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a dream of many aspirants. However, dreaming is not enough to accomplish the dream. One has to hit the jackpot with his /her hard work and dedication. The IAS exam is one of the toughest competitive exams. So to attempt the exam one has to be focused on one’s studies.

If you have decided to apply for the IAS exam and you are perplexed about how to prepare for IAS Exam so that you crack the exam, then you are going over the right article. Yes, we provide the best suggestions as a helping hand to you, so that there is a continuous succession in your study. Before studying for any exam one should learn all the information about the exam. Accordingly, this article involves all the information including what the IAS exam is and its pattern, and how you should study for the IAS exam. So scroll down to receive more knowledge and ideas about how to study for the IAS exam? But, Previously let’s learn about the IAS exam.

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What is the IAS Exam?

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the difficult competitive exams started in 1922. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the IAS exam every year to recruit officers for Indian Administrative Civil services. IAS exams are also known as the Civil Services Examination. Candidates have to qualify for all 3 stages included in the IAS examination. Therefore, there are 9 papers conducted in total.

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What is the IAS exam pattern?

There are three phases of the exam; Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, UPSC Personality Test. Following are detailed information about the phases:

Preliminary examination

It comprises two papers; General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) 200 marks each.
The questions asked in the Prelims are objective types i.e. Multiple choice questions.
A negative marking system is followed in the exam.
Minimum 33℅ is required to move on to the next stage of the IAS exam.
Obtained marks in prelims are not included in the final score.
Extra 20 minutes are provided to the blind students for the exam.

Mains Examination

The Mains examination is a written descriptive type examination.
It consists of nine papers.
Students have options to select the medium of language for writing the exam.
Candidates scoring the best marks will be called for the Personality Test.

Personality Test

The Mains exam and Personality test i.e. Interview marks are added to form the final result.
Candidates who have scored according to the cut-off marks are considered eligible for the Personality test which is the final phase of the IAS exam.
The UPSC personality test is held in the UPSC Bhavan in New Delhi.

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How to study for the IAS exam?

Whenever you decide to do something you should be prepared for it in every possible manner. Preparation means you must build a plan from the start to the end. Always remember a goal without a plan is just a wish. So to achieve your goals you should know what are your further steps and you must follow them accordingly.

In this article, we will be provided with all the important steps that you must take into your actions to achieve your dream career. Read the article carefully and practice it. Underneath are the mentioned points you need to rehearse while you study. They are as follows:

Career Planning

Career planning has a vital role in your profession. It lets you know the eligibility and the process required to reach the destination. Plan your career so that you are aware of things you need to do to walk to the next level. If you are planning your career as an IAS officer, then certain aspects should be taken into account:

Gather all the information about the profession.
Be aware of things that are vital to be eligible for the profession.
Take guidance from the experienced one.
Develop a career graph and plan every month and year till you achieve the goal.
Try to follow the career graph.

Knowledge about examination

Having proper knowledge about something never goes to waste. While studying for the IAS exam you must initially learn about the exam and then for the exam. Educate yourself about the exam. Consequently, it will be beneficial in your preparation. Educate yourself about:

The IAS exam pattern.
Study the syllabus
The eligibility like age, qualification, etc.
The skills required in the IAS exam.
Know about the effective study material.
Whether you will need coaching or you will be okay with self-study.
Educate yourself about which type of exams you have to appear for.
What is the mode of the IAS exam?

Building strong foundation

Without a strong base, you will not understand the further complicated concepts in your study. If the base is clear it will get easier to understand the topics and solving the questions will also be easier. To build a strong foundation follow the following points:

Start studying from the beginning.
Clear all the previous basic doubts.
Keep the habit of practicing from the beginning.
Try to solve the doubts as early as possible to avoid confusion.

Making a Useful Time table

Creating a timetable is the best way to organize your time. Make a timetable and manage your subjects and try to follow the timetable. Build the timetable in such a way that you don’t have to do hasty studies. So, arrange everything thoughtfully. Remember the following points while making the timetable:

Arrange subjects according to your interest.
Keep a daily target of completing at least 2 subjects.
Reserve one hour for revision purposes.
Do not crowd the timetable with lots of tasks.
Also, keep an hour for writing practice.

Studying

Study smartly don’t swamp yourself up with studying. Learn using strategies and techniques. Make sure that you understand what you are studying. We have mentioned the following points that you need to be remembered while you study for the IAS examination:

When you are studying make sure that you are fresh and your mind is flexible so that you can understand things better.
After studying one subject, take a break for your refreshment. So that you don’t feel tired after studying.
Create your notes that are easy to understand and can be read during exam time.
Write down the doubts and get cleared as early as possible.

Read newspaper

Reading newspapers regularly is the most important thing to crack the IAS exam as it has a major role to play in Preliminary exams. You must update yourself with the current events taking place in the country. Going through newspapers daily will help you to study current affairs. At least take out one hour to read the newspaper.

Practice

Practice the previous year’s question papers. Because, if you practice the question papers you will get ideas about your strengths and weaknesses. You will realize what kind of questions are asked to solve in the IAS exam. You will also get in the habit of writing the exam in a required manner if you practice daily. Try to reserve one hour daily to practice the question answers so that you are comfortable writing the exam accordingly.

So, these are some of the pointers that one should exercise while studying.

How to prepare for the IAS Exam | Step-by-Step Preparation Tips For IAS Exam