UPSC Exam is strictly prepared by the Union Public Service Commission to pick candidates for the reputed posts of IAS, IRS, IFS, and IPS. The syllabus for UPSC is divided into two sections for the two phases of the examination- UPSC Prelims Syllabus and UPSC Mains Syllabus. The main purpose of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus is to check an individual’s basic knowledge. At the same time, the UPSC Mains Syllabus is designed to judge the professional knowledge of an applicant. Usually, the aspirants start their preparation for completing the UPSC Syllabus after the secondary level. Still, if you want to cover the UPSC syllabus in a short period, then it is not impossible.
Tips to Cover UPSC Syllabus in Six Months
The UPSC Syllabus for Prelims is divided into the general studies syllabus and the UPSC CSAT Syllabus. The syllabus of UPSC Mains includes nine theory papers, including the Language papers, Essay, GS I-IV, and Optional syllabus. Though it is a vast syllabus, you can cover it in six months with the following tips-
- Get determined– Clearing the UPSC Exam is a tough job. Millions of people appear for the exam yearly, but only a thousand people make up for this position. Not only do you need to study for the exam, but you also need to be actively involved mentally and physically. Prepare yourself well for the exam, get determined, and start with motivation.
- Know about Syllabus– UPSC syllabus is vast and covers almost all the subjects. Along with getting familiar with the syllabus, you need to know and analyze the exam pattern thoroughly. This helps you understand the time division for preparation. One needs to know where to emphasize and what to skip.
- Stick to a timetable– Managing time is one of the most important aspects while preparing for the exam. It will help you in equal time division. But, keep in mind that you have to keep the resting window while preparing. Else, it will be difficult for you to memorize a bulk of things all at once.
- Never skip newspapers– If you an aspirant, then you must know that Current Affairs holds vital importance in the UPSC Exams. The best way to prepare for the same is to read newspapers like the Hindus and important Magazines. You need to learn about the news related to the topics as per your syllabus. You can opt for weekly magazines for UPSC.
- Choosing optional– One of the biggest mistakes made by the aspirants is that they opt for an optional subject that doesn’t relate to them. You need to know that an optional subject is not only important for the Mains exam, but it is important for the interview round. So, choose an optional subject wise. Go for the one that seems interesting to you or for the one that is connected to your academics ground.
- NCERT is a must– Wait! Before looking out for the UPSC Books for studying, you must go for the NCERT books. The NCERT books have all the relevant information about the topic. Studying from the NCERT books will help you in getting basic knowledge. It is observed a significant number of questions have been asked in the UPSC exams from the NCERT books. So, never skip studying from the NCERT textbook.
- Make notes– Another important method to save your precious time is to prepare appropriate notes depending on your understanding of the topic under study so that you can revise the same anytime without much effort.
- Go for a Mock test– If you want to judge your preparation for the exam, then one of the best ways to analyze your understanding is to go through the previous year’s question papers or mock tests. Not only for the prelims exam, but you should also be able to write well for the questions asked in the mains exam. So, try to write long answers to the questions asked in the main exam.
Preparing for the UPSC Exam is not a genie’s wish. You need to prepare yourself for the exam with full determination. You need to differentiate between the essentialities and the things that don’t require emphasis while studying. All the best for your exam.