Every year, millions of applicants apply for IAS examinations for few hundred posts. Consequently, the level of competitiveness is quite
high. Aside from competitiveness, the extensive material and unexpected exam
structure make it even more difficult.
Many IAS candidates may be asking if it is possible to pass the UPSC Prelims in
just 60 days. The answer is a loud yes. People have done it before, and you
can, too! You need to stick to a plan and work really hard. Preparing for the
IAS preliminary exams in two months may seem daunting, but nothing is impossible.
After reading this, you would undoubtedly believe that you can prepare for the
IAS preliminary exams in two months. Continue reading to discover the key of
IAS prelims preparation in two months.
Simply follow the instructions outlined below and see what magic you can
create!
1: Understand the IAS Exam Pattern.
First and foremost, you must understand the IAS exam format. There are three
phases to the IAS exam:
UPSC Prelims
UPSC Mains
Personality
Test/Board Interview
To be eligible for the IAS Mains test, you must first pass the preliminary
examination.
The Prelims comprises of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General
Studies Paper-II (also known as the CSAT).
2: Know the IAS Prelims Syllabus.
IAS Syllabus for GS Paper I:
Current
events of national and international importance.
History of
India and Indian National Movement.
Indian and
World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
Indian
Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public
Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic
and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion,
Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
General
issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not
require subject specialisation General Science.
IAS Syllabus for CSAT:
Comprehension
Interpersonal
skills including communication skills;
Logical
reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making
and problem-solving
General
mental ability
Basic
numeracy & Data Interpretation
3: Review Previous Year Question Papers.
You must look through prior year UPSC question papers so that, despite the time
constraints, you have a good notion of the types of questions offered by the
UPSC. Also, be aware that the USPC does not repeat questions. This will help
you prioritize your study.
4: Test Yourself
Always examine yourself using mock tests. This is especially critical for the
preliminary exams. They can benefit you in the following ways:
You can determine exactly how much time you can devote to a subject. You may
develop the skill of making intelligent guesses. Practicing mock exams will
undoubtedly improve your speed in answering the papers. Finally, you will
understand your own strengths and flaws. You can determine which issues require
greater attention, etc.
5: Subject-Based Strategies
HISTORY
For the IAS preliminary exams, focus more on Modern History and Art &
Culture.
Books for History Prelims:
NCERTs: History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra.
Bipan Chandra,s India's struggle for independence.
NCERT Books on Art and Culture
GEOGRAPHY
This subject includes both Indian and world geography. Indian geography is
given significant weight in the UPSC Prelims. Here, you should concentrate on:
Indian physiography
Climate and Rivers of India
Types of Soil in India
India's Mineral Wealth
Forests
Agriculture
Human Geography
Wildlife and Conservation
In World Geography, you must study the Earth, the Universe, land forms and
their formation, the wind system, the atmosphere, clouds and precipitation, the
hydrosphere, and the world's climate types and climatic zones.
Books for Geography Prelims:
Certificate: Physical and Human Geography (G.C. Leong) Wizard Geography
POLITY
Remember that in politics, questions are both static and changing. Give
attention to any key court decisions, new legislation and acts approved by
Parliament, and so forth. Always link what you read to the UPSC syllabus.
Books for Polity:
Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations - M. Laxmikanth
Introduction to the Constitution of India - D Das Basu
ECONOMICS
When it comes to economics, which might be intimidating if you don't have a
history in it, be sure you understand the fundamentals. For the fundamentals,
see the NCERTs.
Macroeconomic Principles: Std. XII
Microeconomic Principles (Std. XII) and Indian Economic Development (Std. XI).
March of the Indian Economy: I.C. Dhingra
Review the Budget and Economic Survey.
Science & Technology
Read the NCERTs for a fundamental understanding of general science. The Hindu's
Science & technological section contains up-to-date technological news.
Keep up to date on the newest scientific and technological developments.
Remember that the static questions are also designed to reflect current events.
ENVIRONMENT
For this part, study through the NCERTs of Geography (VI to XI), Science (VII
to X), Economics (XI), Biology (XII) and chemistry (XII) disciplines. Also,
read 'Ecology and Environment' by P.D. Sharma.
CURRENT AFFAIRS
When preparing for the IAS Prelims, keep current events in mind at all times.
Try to tie what you read in the daily newspapers to the UPSC curriculum. This
will help you focus your IAS prelims preparation.
CSAT
CSAT requires a minimum score of 33% to qualify for the IAS Mains test. TMH's
'CSAT Manual: General Studies for Civil Services Preliminary Examination (exam
- 2)' provides a thorough overview of the topics covered in this exam. This
book also provides practice test questions and solutions to previous year UPSC
CSAT question papers.
Tips to Help You Crack the IAS Prelims
in Two Months
Maintain an optimistic attitude.
Avoid negative ideas and people.
Review and practice on a daily basis.
Set short-term goals and achieve them.
Get up early for your IAS studies.
Develop discipline in your life.
Eat wisely and exercise to keep fit and avoid sluggishness.
Reduce stress with meditation and yoga. Read on
Stay inspired and remember your IAS dream anytime you feel overwhelmed by the
immensity of the challenge.
Two days may transform a life. So, how about two months? You can certainly
break through the first obstacle to your target right now if you put in the
work and have the appropriate mindset. All the best!