Understand the Syllabus Understanding the vast and comprehensive syllabus is one of the key foundations of a strong IAS preparation. Unfortunately, a lot of aspirants falter right at this stage. It is next to impossible to master every topic in every subject as per the latest IAS Syllabus and Exam pattern. A precise understanding of the scope and nature of the syllabus can give you clarity about the topics you need to focus on and the ones you can skimp through.
Combine Preparation for IAS Prelims and Mains When working out a strategy and timeline for your IAS preparation, approach the IAS Prelims and IAS Mains exams as one integrated unit. The two exams are held about three months apart, and if you try to focus on the Prelims alone first, there is no way you can cover the vast syllabus for Mains in this short span of time.
Stay up to date with current affairs Keeping yourself abreast with contemporary issues and current affairs is the key to your IAS qualification. Religiously reading at least one newspaper every day is an effective way to enhance your general knowledge over time. Apart from this, you should also study current affairs and topics like constitution, polity, economy, governance, sports, science, and technology from general knowledge books.
Choose Your Subjects Wisely Choosing the elective subjects for the IAS Mains is another critical factor that determines your odds of success in the IAS exam. There is a prevalent myth of ‘high scoring optional’ in the world of IAS preparation, where some subjects are considered to be more scoring than others. As a beginner, you will have a lot of suggestions and advice thrown at you on how to pick such a high-scoring subject.
Make Your Own Note From newspapers to current affairs books, NCERT books to IAS books, whatever you read, keep making notes. Create your own pattern and structure to make these notes, so that they come in handy when you revise. Divide your notes into flow charts, pointers, mind-maps and other handy shortcuts of your choice for better retention and quick revision.
Test Your Progress The importance of benchmarking your progress at different stages of your preparation cannot be stressed enough. Are you well prepared to apply your knowledge to solve questions, and attempt General Studies 1 of UPSC IAS Prelims, CSAT and IAS Mains exam based question papers. IAS Mock Tests, and IAS Previous Year Question Papers are reliable litmus tests for your preparation level.