Students should develop a brief and accurate understanding of the UPSC exam syllabus' nature and scope. Such knowledge is exceptionally crucial for good preparation as it helps to understand what to read and what to not.
As mentioned above, a proper strategy is a key to commencing preparations. A good strategy is an extensive plan that gives the preparation a clear direction and highlights what is to be done and how to achieve it with limited resources.
Candidates should never ignore the previous year's question papers, as they are the pool of wealth that can lead to success. They help understand the syllabus better and identify critical areas from which questions have been asked.
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.
UPSC Prelims is undoubtedly the first target, but it is mainly inseparable from the Main exam as the syllabus is most common. Students need to get ready to clear the multiple-choice based exam (MCQs), which are there in Prelims.
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.
Read NCERTs: NCERTs from 8th to 12th are wonderful sources of information, especially for beginners. They are an-important not only because questions are asked directly from them but also because they are very introductory yet very informative.
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.