Every year, so many students appear for the UPSC civil services examination (CSE). The competitive nature of this examination makes it very difficult for aspirants, especially to crack it in the first attempt. Hence, students need to work hard to ensure that they score well and fulfill their dream of becoming officers. But what is the right approach to achieving this? In this blog, we have discussed the top tips that will help you crack the UPSC CSE exam with flying colors. So, keep reading!
Tips to Crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam / IAS Exam in First Attempt
Here are some of the most valuable tips that you must follow if you want to crack UPSC CSE on the first attempt:
1. Make Sure You Understand the Syllabus Correctly
In order to pass the UPSC CSE examination, it is essential that you understand the syllabus very thoroughly. To do this, you can visit the official portal of the Union Public Service Commission. Then, you will understand how many phases the examination is conducted in. This way, you will be able to get clarity about how hard you need to work. This will also help you come up with the most effective study plan that you can follow for the upcoming months of your preparation.
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2. Be Disciplined With the Preparation
When you prepare for the UPSC CSE examination, you cannot be casual about it. You need to be extremely disciplined. Set clear goals for yourself and come up with the most effective timetable for your preparation. Divide the syllabus into various categories and set priorities so that the topics with the maximum weightage are covered first. Of course, it is easy to feel stuck and get into the trap of procrastination when studying. However, it is important to remember your goal and be consistent with your preparation throughout the months before the examination.
3. Come Up With an All-Inclusive Strategy
Then, you also need to come up with a good strategy or study plan. A study plan not only includes what you will study and when. It should also include your break times, your revision sessions, answer writing practice, etc. You must also make sure to save enough time for note-taking and optional-subject preparation. Added to this, you must focus on your health and well-being. This includes exercising on a regular basis, consuming nutritious meals, and getting adequate sleep.
4. Download the best UPSC Based Study Material
You also need to seek the help of the right study material and resources when you prepare for the UPSC civil services examination. This includes books, notes, current affairs, and a lot more. Most of these study materials are available on trusted websites for you to download and access. However, if it is a reference book you want, you may have to buy it online or from a bookstore near you. Always remember that without the right set of study materials, your preparation journey for the UPSC examination will be incomplete.
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5. Focus on the Current Affairs Section
If you have researched even a bit about the UPSC exam, you must understand that being good at current affairs is of paramount importance for success. Thus, you need to focus on the current affairs and improve your general knowledge as well. There are multiple booklets and handouts available for students willing to study for the current affairs section for the UPSC examination.
6. Learn the Skill of Answer Writing
To crack the UPSC CSE examination, it is also important to enhance the way you write the answers to the questions asked. You need to start by understanding the question clearly. Then, you need to write clear answers to the questions. Make sure to avoid generic and vague answers to any questions. Also develop the skill of time management, because you have to write detailed answers in a specific time frame. Lastly, remember to review your answer before moving forward.
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7. Strengthen Concepts from NCERT
Having a strong grasp of the basis is important for cracking the UPSC examination in the first attempt. And what could be a better reference for building strong concepts than the NCERT textbooks? You should read all the topics relevant to the latest UPSC syllabus and remember to take notes when studying so that you don’t have to open the book the next time you sit to revise. If you want to assess your learning abilities and ensure that your preparation is in the right direction, try solving the questions after each chapter.
8. Practice Regularly
After you have learned the theories and concepts, it is also important to practice and check whether you are actually ready to solve the questions that will be asked in the examination. For this, you need to get your hands on as many questions as possible. You need the following for a thorough practice:
- Mock tests
- Subject-wise tests
- Section-wise tests
- Previous years’ question papers
- Sample questions
9. Revise at Least Twice
If you want to cement a concept in your mind and perform well in the UPSE CSE entrance examination, you must also know the correct way to revise. Studying all the concepts throughout the months and going through your notes at the end are not enough. You need to adopt a double revision approach, one of the most effective ways to ace any competitive entrance examination. In this, you need to revise the concept you learned on day 1 twice. This can be on day 2 and day 4, or day 2 and the end of the week.
Also Read: List of Services in UPSC (Detailed Guide)
10. Choose the Best Coaching Centre for Guidance
Many students have turned to the best coaching institutes to seek guidance and assistance with their UPSC preparation. There are many advantages to choosing the right UPSC coaching center near you. Firstly, you will receive guidance from the most experienced individuals in their respective fields. Secondly, you will also get access to the finest study material and additional resources. These are meant to help you when you are self-studying and even during classroom sessions. Moreover, the best coaching institute also conducts regular tests along with performance assessments. With these, the aspirants can get motivation and direction for improvement.
Conclusion on How To Crack UPSC Civil Services Exam in First Attempt
Those were the top 10 tips that will help you crack UPSC CSE exam on first attempt. By following the tips mentioned in this detailed blog, you will be able to ensure that you get a commendable All-India Rank and become an officer in this country. Of course, with the right preparation techniques, study plan, and hard work, you will be able to get the best results possible.
Read More: List of Best YouTube Channels for UPSC Preparation, How to Prepare for the UPSC / IAS Interview? Is NCERT Necessary to Read for IAS Exam?, IAS vs IPS (Which is Better??), Is Coaching Necessary to Crack IAS / UPSC Exam?, List of optional subjects in UPSC CSE, How to prepare for ESSAY for UPSC Mains?, Perks and Salary of an IAS Officer.
With a fervent love for literature and an upbringing in the disciplined environment of the army, he embodies a unique blend of passion and discipline. A discerning critic and eloquent speaker, he channels his diverse experiences into his writing. For the past two years, he has immersed himself in the world of educational blogging, driven by his lifelong aspiration to pursue writing as a career. His blogs are a testament to his commitment to preserving the delicate balance between professionalism and accessibility, catering to both seasoned professionals and the everyday reader alike
