How should I prepare for IAS exam?

HI Praful, Even though the exam to be undertaken is popularly known as IAS exam, it is officially called UPSC civil services exam. The UPSC CSE consists of 3 stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Getting into Indian Administrative Service is not easy considering the competition involved, but not impossible for a candidate with right attitude and approach. This exam is widely considered as the toughest exam in the world, considering the exam duration (extends 1 year), depth of the syllabus and the competition involved. The first stage of the exam Preliminary (objective) is usually conducted around June, while the second stage, Mains (written), is conducted around October. Those who clear Mains will have to face interview/personality test in the March-May period. The final result usually comes in June. A disciplined and focused mind with a passion for learning and reading is the basic trait of all successful candidates. The UPSC Civil Services exam is more a test of the analytics and presentation skills along with knowledge gained by the candidate rather than a test which checks candidates mathematical or verbal skills. If you start your preparation early, then you should concentrate more on the static syllabus and complete it comprehensively and in depth. Plus, pick up the habit of reading the newspaper regularly, which help you in understanding current affairs and various socio-political affairs. Some of the important books are: History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra (History) Indias Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra (History) History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra (History) Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania (Culture) Geography of India by Majid Husain (Geography) Oxford School Atlas Oxford (Geography) Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations by M. Laxmikanth (Polity) Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh (Economy) or Mrunal Video Lectures Economic Survey (Economy) Science and Technology: Follow current affairs Environmental: Shankar IAS Environment Book India Year Book (Current Affairs) Manorama Yearbook (Current Affairs) For CSAT: CSAT Paper 2 Manual by TMH or CSAT-II Arihant (CSAT Paper 2) Analytical Reasoning M. K. Pandey (CSAT Paper 2: Analytical Reasoning) Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning RS Aggarwal (CSAT Paper 2: Reasoning

1 Upvote 1 Upvote 0 Downvotes

• • Report Abuse
• Comment

First of all, you need to Graduate from a recognised university. Apart from your main subjects, you should focus on current affairs and GK, choose some online blogs which provides competitive questions answers, follow IAS toppers interviews, discuss more about current. Do hard work and be focused.

1 Upvote 1 Upvote 0 Downvotes

• • Report Abuse
• Comment

Hi, First of all, you should be well aware of the IAS syllabus which you can have at the UPSC portal. You have to daily read at least 2 or 3 newspapers one of which should be an English newspaper. You need to make a time table for your study. Regarding books, you can consult with NCERT (9th-12th) for basic knowledge and others can be viewed at UPSC portal.

0 Upvotes 0 Upvotes 0 Downvotes

• • Report Abuse
• Comment