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How to Prepare for the IAS Prelims in Two Months?

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!