Preparing for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam after 12th standard can be a challenging but rewarding experience. If you are planning to take the IAS exam, here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of success:
- Make a habit of reading newspaper daily: One of the most important things you can do to prepare for the IAS exam is to develop a habit of reading the newspaper daily, especially The Hindu and Indian Express. Do not skip the editorial section!
This will help you stay updated on current affairs and improve your general knowledge. It will also help you improve your reading and comprehension skills, which are important for the IAS exam.
- Go through all the NCERT books: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books are an excellent resource for IAS exam preparation. These books cover a wide range of topics from various subjects such as history, geography, economics, political science, etc., which are relevant for the IAS exam. Make sure to go through all the NCERT books thoroughly and make notes while you study.
Comprehensive coverage: The NCERT books cover all the topics in the UPSC syllabus in a clear and concise manner. They also provide a good balance of theoretical and practical concepts, which is helpful for the UPSC exam.
Easy to understand: The NCERT books are written in simple and easy-to-understand language, which makes them accessible to students from different educational backgrounds.
Widely recommended: The NCERT books are widely recommended by experts and toppers as a key resource for UPSC exam preparation.
Focus on core concepts: The NCERT books focus on the core concepts and principles of each subject, which is important for the UPSC exam as it tests your understanding of the underlying concepts rather than just rote learning.
Affordable and easily available: The NCERT books are affordable and easily available at bookstores and online.
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus: It is important to have a good understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus for the IAS exam. The IAS exam consists of three stages – the preliminary exam, the main exam, and the interview.
The preliminary exam is a qualifying exam and consists of two papers – Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II (CSAT – Civil Services Aptitude Test).
The main exam consists of nine papers – two qualifying papers (Paper A – Indian Language and Paper B – English) and seven papers on various subjects.
Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus for each stage so that you can focus your studies accordingly.
- Develop a study plan: Creating a study plan can help you stay organized and focused while preparing for the IAS exam. Make sure to allocate sufficient time for each subject and set aside time for revision as well. You can also break down your study plan into smaller chunks and set daily or weekly goals for yourself.
- Use study materials wisely: There are many books and online resources available for IAS exam preparation. Choose the materials that are most relevant and suitable for your learning style. You can also join a coaching institute or take online classes to get guidance and feedback on your preparation.
- Practice previous year’s question papers: Solving previous year’s question papers can help you get a feel for the exam and understand the types of questions that are asked. It can also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on improving your performance.
- Stay updated on current affairs: In addition to your general knowledge, the IAS exam also tests your knowledge of current affairs. Keep yourself updated on national and international events by reading newspapers, magazines, and online news portals. You can also follow websites and social media pages that provide updates on current affairs specifically for the IAS exam.
- Work on your language skills: The IAS exam tests your language skills in both English and the Indian language of your choice. If you are not confident in either of these languages, work on improving your language skills. This can include reading books and articles in the language, watching movies and TV shows in the language, and practicing your writing and speaking skills.
- Take care of your physical and mental health: The IAS exam is a demanding and competitive process, and it is important to take care of your physical and mental health while preparing for it. Make sure to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. You can also consider taking breaks and engaging in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as meditation or yoga.
I hope these tips are helpful in your prep!
