How to Start UPSC Preparation from Scratch – A Beginner’s Guide | IASji

Are you planning to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Exam but have no idea where to start? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of aspirants like you dream of becoming IAS, IPS, or IFS officers — but the real journey starts with a smart and structured plan.

At IASji, we believe in making UPSC prep simple, strategic, and effective — especially for beginners. Let’s walk you through a step-by-step guide to start your UPSC preparation from zero.

1. Understand the UPSC Exam Structure

The Civil Services Exam (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission has three stages:

• Prelims (Objective type)

• Mains (Descriptive type)

• Interview (Personality Test)

✅ Prelims:

• 2 Papers: GS-I and CSAT (both are qualifying)

• MCQ-based, 200 marks each

• Focus: Current affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science

✅ Mains:

• 9 Papers (Essay, GS I-IV, 2 Optional Papers, Language papers)

• Descriptive answers

• Total: 1750 marks

✅ Interview:

• 275 marks

• Assesses personality, communication, and decision-making

2. Syllabus is Your Bible

Download and read the UPSC syllabus at least once a week. It will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary topics.

👉 Download the syllabus from: https://upsc.gov.in

3. Choose the Right Resources (Booklist)

Stick to one standard book per subject. Quality > Quantity.

📚 Basic Booklist:

• Polity – Laxmikanth

• History – Spectrum for Modern History, NCERTs

• Geography – NCERTs, GC Leong

• Economy – NCERTs, Ramesh Singh, Current Affairs

• Environment – Shankar IAS

• Current Affairs – The Hindu / Indian Express, PIB, monthly magazines (Vision/Insights)

4. Build a Timeline (12-Month Plan)

Here’s a basic roadmap:

• Months 1-4: NCERTs, basic books, and newspaper reading

• Months 5-8: Standard books + revision + mock tests

• Months 9-10: Full Prelims focus + solve 30+ mocks

• Month 11: Revise Prelims + attempt previous year papers

• Post Prelims: Start Mains answer writing and optional prep

• After Mains: Prepare for the Interview round

IASji Tip: Consistency is more important than speed.

5. Make Notes – the Smart Way

Start making your own handwritten or digital notes. Keep them short and focused. Revise them multiple times.

Use apps like:

• Notion or Evernote for digital notes

• Toppers' notes for reference (but don’t blindly copy)

6. Practice Answer Writing (for Mains)

Start with 1 answer a day from current affairs or GS topics. Focus on:

• Clarity

• Structure (Intro, Body, Conclusion)

• Balanced views

Join IASji’s free answer writing challenge on Telegram/Instagram.

7. Mock Tests & PYQs – Your Real Teachers

• Practice at least 30+ Prelims mocks

• Solve 5 years’ previous papers

• For Mains, write weekly full-length tests

Mock tests train your brain for time management and accuracy.

8. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily + follow monthly compilations.

At IASji, we post daily news summaries and UPSC-relevant topics on our Instagram and blog.

9. Join a Support System

Whether it's a coaching institute, online course, Telegram group, or a study buddy — don't walk alone.

Follow IASji on Instagram and Telegram for daily tips, test updates, and mentorship.

10. Be Consistent, Not Perfect

The UPSC journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be ups and downs — your mindset matters more than your marks.

Believe in your preparation, stick to your plan, and keep showing up — daily.

✅ Final Words from IASji

You don't need to be a genius to crack UPSC — you just need clarity, consistency, and courage.

At IASji, we are here to support you with smart strategies, curated resources, and regular motivation.

Follow @IASji for Daily UPSC Tips
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