» How to Prepare for IAS Exam

IAS exams are conducted by UPSC. It tests the applicant right from the point of preparation. A candidate can get through it only if he devotes his full concentration with dedication.  One should prepare for Mains along with Prelims as there is not much time between the two.

First of all, know each & every detail about the IAS exam pattern. This will help you a lot in deciding the time management.

How to prepare for the Preliminary exam :

As you must be knowing that the prelims contain 2 papers of general studies & optional subjects. For general studies, make yourself updated. Read all the news, magazines, etc. Also read the class 11th & 12th NCERT books of history, economics, political science, etc. This will help you a lot. Select the optional subject carefully. If you have a degree in any subject & you are very much confident in that choose that. Or have a look at the syllabus. If the syllabus of any subject looks ok with you, choose that. Or if you are good in mugging up, choose history or geography as these subjects require mugging up only.
Since prelims are objective type so, try to make short notes. Jolt down important things on the form of charts or tables that is easy to remember. Try to make your concepts clear. Grasping things will lead to confusion. Also, try the previous year's questions. This will give you the type of questions asked. Also will boost your confidence. In the exam be patient & relaxed. Don’t be over excited. Presence of mind is very important to clear any competitive exam.

How to prepare for Mains :The preparation of Mains should be started along with prelims. In Mains, you have to choose 4 optional subjects. Choose them as mentioned above as per your convenience. This test is a descriptive type. So you must be knowing the art of elaborating the length of your answer. This needs a keen knowledge of all subjects. Since there are 9 papers so, the workload will be more. but don’t forget to devote full concentration on each subject as each & every subject is important. Try to solve the previous year's question papers. This will increase your speed of writing.

I hope this will help you.

All the best.