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Home / IAS Preparation / UPSC Preparation From Zero Level

How To Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level? - Detailed Steps Explained

Last Updated on Aug 12, 2023
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How To Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level is a question that concerns most of the UPSC aspirants as the UPSC exam is one of the toughest and most challenging exams. In order to qualify for the UPSC IAS exam a consistent schedule, a good preparation strategy, and a disciplinary life is required. Starting the UPSC preparation from zero level requires a smart and effective strategy, regardless of the candidate’s capabilities. In this article, we will be discussing some tips and steps on How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level at Home and Without Coaching.

Meanwhile, candidates can also check out the article How To Start Preparing for UPSC at Home here.

How To Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level?

Starting UPSC preparation from scratch (Zero Level) requires a systematic and focused approach. Begin by understanding the UPSC exam pattern, syllabus, and requirements. Develop a study plan that covers each subject and topic comprehensively. Build a strong foundation in basic concepts and current affairs. Utilize reliable study materials, recommended books, and online resources. Regularly practice mock tests and previous year papers to gauge your progress. Stay consistent, manage time effectively, and seek guidance from mentors or coaching institutes if needed. Cultivate a disciplined routine, stay updated with current events, and maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation journey.

Let's understand UPSC Preparation From Zero Level Step-By-Step below.

Step 1: Be Mentally Prepared

One of the most challenging aspects of the UPSC IAS exam is its time period because the UPSC exam procedure takes around a year to complete, taking into account all the exam stages and the pre-preparation phase of the candidate. A candidate must be mentally prepared for the UPSC exam because it is one of the top competitive exams in India. Only a healthy mind and body will enable the applicant to handle all of the hurdles and guide them in the right direction. A UPSC Mentor can help you with the necessary guidance needed. Additionally, it is important for a UPSC aspirant to have a clear understanding of the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus.

Step 2: Check The Eligibility Criteria

A candidate who is starting UPSC preparation from the zero level should first check the Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Exam. The eligibility criteria include the age limit, age relaxation, educational qualifications, nationality, and the number of attempts.

Step 3: Understand The Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam is another important step in starting the UPSC preparation from the zero level. Candidates can better understand the key concepts and organize their time for exam preparation if they have a clear understanding of the UPSC Exam Pattern. The exam pattern includes details about the three stages of the UPSC IAS exam.

Step 4: Know The Syllabus In & Out

The Union Public Service Commission publishes the UPSC Syllabus, which is available on the website. Candidates appearing for the IAS exam must thoroughly understand the syllabus before beginning their preparation. The topics and courses that applicants must be knowledgeable about in order to pass the IAS exam are included in the UPSC syllabus. The purpose of the UPSC syllabus is to evaluate candidates’ knowledge, abilities, and suitability for a specified job. Therefore, in order to perform well in the exam, it is crucial for candidates to fully comprehend the UPSC syllabus and prepare accordingly.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF UPSC Mains Syllabus PDF

Step 5: Choose Your Mentor

A mentor is someone who inspires a UPSC aspirant and provides proper guidance. The role of a mentor is important in the UPSC preparation journey of a candidate who has started his preparation journey from the zero level. A great mentor undoubtedly inspires every IAS topper.

Every IAS topper definitely gets inspired by a great mentor. The role of a mentor carries great importance. A beginner aspirant must, at all costs, receive mentoring from an experienced mentor. The mentor’s job is to point out the candidate’s errors and make the appropriate corrections.

Step 6: Decide Your Graduation Degree

Deciding the right graduation degree course helps in UPSC IAS preparation. There is no one graduation degree that can ensure success because the exam depends on the candidate’s abilities and weaknesses as well as his areas of interest. Many top performers have claimed that the graduate degree and the optional subject selected for the UPSC IAS Main Exam are intimately connected. However, a candidate’s enthusiasm in the subject matters even though there isn’t a single optional subject that will guarantee success on the exam.

So, read Which Is The Best Degree For UPSC? with this link!

Step 7: Read UPSC Toppers Journey

Another option to start UPSC preparation from zero is to read and understand top UPSC candidates’ preparation journey. Many UPSC toppers discuss their complete journey, including their strategy, booklist, exam timetable, coaching experience, and methods for managing their mental health. Beginning candidates would be further motivated by reading about their experiences, which will improve their UPSC preparation and confidence.

Also, check out IAS 2023 Toppers here.

Step 8: Choose Your Optional Subject

Choosing the best optional subject for the UPSC exam is a key factor in determining how well you will score in main exams. The optional subject in the UPSC mains exam is included in Papers VI and VII out of 9 papers. Each paper carries 250 marks. The Mains test scores are taken into account for the purpose of creating the final merit list. Candidates should choose the optional subject based on their interest, capability, and weightage of a particular subject in the UPSC prelims and mains syllabus.

Step 9: Decide To Join Coaching or Not

Deciding whether to join coaching or not is another important step in how to start UPSC preparation from the zero level. Coaching is neither necessary nor can be completely ignored while starting UPSC preparation. However, it depends upon the candidate’s capabilities. UPSC coaching serves as a guide to boost the UPSC exam preparation as well as helps throughout the preparation journey. There are UPSC toppers such as Sakshi Verma, IPS who passed the UPSC examinations in 2014 without coaching, and on the other hand toppers like Tina Dabi who took the coaching and passed the UPSC exam in 2016.

Confused? Check out Is Coaching Necessary For UPSC? with this link!

Step 10: Set Goals

When you are preparing for the UPSC exam there should be a balanced approach that includes setting daily, weekly and monthly goals. This task should be done before starting the UPSC preparation from the zero level. Setting prior goals is the first step toward success in any exam because it provides a target that has to be achieved. The second step towards success is achieving the set target. The accomplishment of the goal is the second step on the road to success. Setting attainable goals and benchmarks can help you complete the entire syllabus required by UPSC.

Step 11: Gather Study Material

It is important to gather the study material needed for UPSC IAS exam preparation. Some of the important study resources are listed below.

  • NCERT Books
  • Standard Textbooks of particular subjects
  • Newspapers: The Hindu and The Indian Express
  • Magazines: Yojana and Kurukshetra
  • India Year Book
  • Current Affairs Compilations
  • Test Series
  • Previous Year Papers

Check out Best Books For UPSC here.

Step 12: Download the Preparation App

There is a tonne of alternative UPSC preparation apps on the market right now. They do, however, have some drawbacks because there are some apps that are not free and will charge you when you download them. One of the Best App for UPSC Preparation is Testbook. Every topic covered by the UPSC CSE syllabus is included in the app, and it is free. It will give you a sense of the kinds of questions the exam might contain. Some of the features of the Testbook preparation app are

  • Any candidate may enrol in Testbook’s free UPSC coaching program.
  • Mock Tests are available on the App for UPSC Civil Services Prelims for aspirants to perform well in the real test.
  • Obtain subject and chapter-level competence when preparing for the UPSC.

Step 13: Solve Previous Year Papers

It is mandatory to collect, analyze and download previous years’ UPSC question papers for an aspirant starting UPSC preparation from zero level. The most reliable resource for UPSC preparations is UPSC Previous Year Question Papers.

  • The previous year’s papers stand as the most important, trustworthy, and reliable resource of all the materials a candidate requires for their UPSC Exam preparation.
  • The UPSC previous year’s question papers serve as a kind of roadmap for candidates as they navigate the UPSC application process.
  • The applicants will benefit from an analysis of the difficulty level, question types, important subject areas from which questions are drawn, and the distribution of marks.
  • It is preferable to study the UPSC previous year’s paper rather than just reading it manually to acquire a clear and accurate understanding of the exam pattern.

Step 14: Start Reading Newspapers

A UPSC aspirant should develop the habit of newspaper reading while starting UPSC preparation from the zero level. Success in Civil Services cannot be accomplished without having enough insights into the current events segment, according to trends in the UPSC examinations from previous years. Reading the newspaper on a regular basis is required to get practical knowledge of the syllabus. A greater grasp of the topic is aided by newspaper coverage of practically all key events, both national and international. Some of the best newspapers for UPSC preparation are The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Economic Times.

Check out the article How To Effectively Read Newspaper for UPSC? Visit the linked article!

Step 15: Learn Time Management

Time management is one of the most disciplined ways to start UPSC preparation from the zero level. Time management can be done only by making a timetable for UPSC preparation and following it consistently. Time management is especially important for candidates who are preparing for a job or any other academic courses or graduation. UPSC exams have a vast syllabus that requires proper preparation strategy, revision, rest, sleep, and mental stability which can only be implemented through proper time management.

Check out the Strategy & Tips For UPSC Preparation With Job with this link!

Step 16: Learn The Art Of Making Notes

Making notes is the far best approach to comprehending the UPSC syllabus. The art of taking notes will aid in the comprehension of the key concepts and will be useful for exam preparation. A candidate may jot down quick notes on already-read subjects. The notes might be written offline or digitally. The notes should just cover the major ideas and concepts required for the UPSC.

Check out UPSC Notes PDF for exam preparation.

Step 17: Practice Answer Writing For UPSC Mains

In contrast to the UPSC Prelims, the UPSC Mains entails a comprehensive and in-depth study of all subjects. Candidates are urged to critically consider the fact that the UPSC Mains requires them to actually write their answers, as opposed to just marking them as correct. It takes a lot of experience to be able to articulate your ideas on paper while presenting all reasonable arguments. This is due to the fact that you get around 8 minutes for each question to present your arguments to the examiner. To increase your writing speed, practice daily answer writing. This will help in time management, provide concept clarity and enhance the revision of important topics.

Check out the UPSC IAS Mains Strategy 2023 with the linked article.

Step 18: Work On Your Communication Skills

Communication skills plays an important part in UPSC preparation, especially for the personality test (UPSC Interview)stage. A candidate will have to address the UPSC board and respond to their queries. Your general personality, leadership qualities, capacity for dealing with pressure, ability to see things from other perspectives, etc. will all be evaluated. Therefore, it is crucial that you interact with the board in an effective manner. There is no use in having all the answers if you can’t communicate your ideas and knowledge effectively.

Step 19: Develop Consistency

A candidate preparing for the UPSC from zero must maintain consistency throughout the preparation journey. To get high scores and pass all UPSC test stages, consistency is essential. Consistency entails studying every day for at least 8 to 9 hours, which includes reading the newspaper, keeping up with current events, and revising. Consistency is crucial because the UPSC exam is demanding and difficult and has a large syllabus. One thing to keep in mind is that if you get halfway through the race and decide to stop, you lose both the race and the effort you put in to get there. Therefore, in moments of adversity, keep striving and pushing yourself, and being consistent is the only key to sailing the exam easily.

Step 20: Be Calm & Stay Positive

Calm and a positive mind always lead to good thoughts and boost progress. Therefore in order to maintain good mental health and peace of mind, calmness and being positive is the key.

Step 21: Stay Updated With UPSC Updates

An aspirant should regularly visit UPSC websites to get updates regarding notifications, results, admit card status, application dates, and changes in exam dates.

Visit IAS Exam for more updates.

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How To Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level At Home?

Every year, thousands of people take the UPSC IAS exam, yet only a small percentage of candidates are selected. UPSC is one of the most difficult exams with a substantial syllabus. Although clearing the UPSC exam is challenging, but not impossible. You too can be among those chosen for UPSC and appointed to your desired positions with the correct amount of effort and dedication. Candidates are frequently confused about how to start UPSC preparation from zero level by self-study, but it all relies on how well-prepared they are on their own.

However, many UPSC top scorers studied independently at home. For a sincere aspirant, studying at home and starting their UPSC preparation from zero is not tough.

Also, check – Best college for UPSC preparation in India

How To Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level Without Coaching?

It may seem difficult to begin UPSC preparation from scratch without coaching, but it is achievable. Get acquainted with the UPSC exam format and curriculum first. Next, get the required study resources, such as the IAS curriculum and the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) notice. Create a study plan and follow it. Start with the fundamentals and work your way up to more complicated subjects. Practice with old test questions and practice exams. Join online forums or study groups to keep current and obtain support as needed. The most important thing is to continue studying with discipline and motivation. Keep in mind that UPSC preparation from zero level without coaching takes a lot of effort and commitment, but it is possible.

For more details, read UPSC preparation without coaching here.

Final Thoughts

In this article, you must have got all our answers regarding How to Start UPSC preparation from the zero level. The UPSC exam is challenging and tough however it can be cleared through efforts and hard work made in the right direction.

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UPSC Preparation From Zero Level – FAQs

Yes, an aspirant can prepare for UPSC from the zero level. However, it requires a good strategy, a timetable that should be followed consistently, standard books, UPSC preparation notes, and utter dedication and hard work.

A beginner should start a UPSC preparation at least 7-8 months prior to the UPSC prelims exam. An aspirant should get hold of the UPSC syllabus, analyze previous years' question papers and then read NCERT, newspapers, and standard textbooks.

Number of study hours totally depends upon the capability of the candidate. However, it is recommended to study at least 6-7 hours daily to get good marks in the exam, and study hours should compulsorily include revision (previously studied topics), and practice to clear the UPSC exam.

Any student can crack the UPSC exam. A student should follow some of the standard tips such as being consistent, remembering the syllabus, practising mocks, and previous years' question papers.

The first step to clearing UPSC is to know all about the exam. Start with reading the notification, eligibility criteria, number of attempts, exam pattern, UPSC exam syllabus, and exam calendar.

Yes, the UPSC exam can be prepared from a zero level without coaching. It is important to follow a strict time schedule, revise, analysis of previous papers, and daily answer writing practice for mains.

There are some UPSC toppers such as Tina Dabi (Rank 1) and Artika Shukla (Rank 4) who have cleared the exam on the first attempt. A smart and efficient preparation strategy is required to clear the UPSC exam on the first attempt itself.

Testbook coaching provides the best UPSC preparation from the zero level. Testbook has UPSC experts, mentors, and comprehensive guidance and provides free live classes with no hidden charges.

Firstly, the aspirant should read the UPSC syllabus in detail. The syllabus will provide an insight into the themes, topics, and overview of the UPSC exam. Secondly, the NCERT books should be read to get conceptual clarity, and simultaneously the standard newspapers such as The Hindu and The Indian Express should be read to cover the current affairs section and improve and develop a reading and analytical tendency.
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