Before trying to understand how to start preparing for UPSC at home, you should prepare yourself for the journey.
To become an IAS officer, it is necessary to be like an officer with a well-organized daily routine. You should set a comfortable timetable before your preparation and stick to it.
The syllabus is the soul of any exam. Knowing the syllabus is the foremost thing to do before you go through the books.
Choosing the most relevant study materials is not easy among the vast pool of reading materials coveted for this exam and requires proper guidance. It is ideal to start preparations by accumulating subject fundamentals in place.
The optional subject accounts for 500 marks in the UPSC final tally. Hence, you should choose an optional subject wisely and after a thorough think-through of the pros and cons of the subjects, you have in mind.
Current affairs and contemporary issues are the most dynamic areas in the UPSC exam domain. In this context, reading newspapers and media websites is quintessential to identifying the latest trends in a balanced and prioritized manner.
It is helpful to make short notes during UPSC preparation. Since the UPSC syllabus is very vast, it helps to keep track of the portions covered and also serves as a ready-reckoner for revision.
Start reading newspapers: Newspapers such as The Hindu or The Indian Express should be a must-read! It will help you in keeping a tab on the recent happenings and will also enhance your reading, writing, and comprehending skills. Hence, do not skip reading newspapers.