The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India. It is conducted to recruit officers for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services.

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📌 UPSC Exam Overview

The exam is conducted in three stages:

1️⃣ Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Objective type (MCQs)
2️⃣ Main Examination (Mains) – Descriptive type (Written)
3️⃣ Personality Test (Interview) – Face-to-face evaluation

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📌 1. UPSC Prelims Exam (Objective Type)

Subjects & Marking Scheme

• Paper 1: General Studies (GS-I) – 200 marks

• Paper 2: CSAT (GS-II) – 200 marks (Qualifying – 33% required)

🔹 GS-I Syllabus:
✅ Current Affairs (National & International)
✅ History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Freedom Struggle)
✅ Indian & World Geography
✅ Indian Polity & Governance
✅ Economic & Social Development
✅ Environmental Ecology & Climate Change
✅ General Science

🔹 CSAT Syllabus (Qualifying Paper):
✅ Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
✅ Comprehension & Communication Skills
✅ Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation

Prelims Key Points:

• Total Marks: 400

• Negative Marking: 1/3rd deduction for wrong answers

• Duration: 2 hours per paper

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📌 2. UPSC Mains Exam (Descriptive Type)

If you clear Prelims, you appear for Mains, which consists of 9 papers (2 qualifying + 7 merit-based).

Compulsory Papers (Qualifying – 33% Needed)

1️⃣ English (300 Marks)
2️⃣ Indian Language (300 Marks)

Merit-Based Papers (Total: 1750 Marks)

✅ Essay Paper – 250 Marks
✅ General Studies-I (GS-I) – 250 Marks (History, Geography, Society)
✅ General Studies-II (GS-II) – 250 Marks (Polity, Governance, International Relations)
✅ General Studies-III (GS-III) – 250 Marks (Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, Security)
✅ General Studies-IV (GS-IV) – 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude)
✅ Optional Subject Paper-I – 250 Marks
✅ Optional Subject Paper-II – 250 Marks

📌 Optional Subjects – Candidates choose one subject (History, Geography, Political Science, Public Administration, etc.)

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📌 3. UPSC Interview (Personality Test)

• Marks: 275

• Total Exam Score: 2025 Marks (Mains + Interview)

• Purpose: Tests leadership, decision-making, current affairs knowledge, and personality traits.

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📌 UPSC Eligibility Criteria

✔ Education: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
✔ Age Limit:

• General: 21-32 years

• OBC: 21-35 years

• SC/ST: 21-37 years
  ✔ Number of Attempts:

• General: 6

• OBC: 9

• SC/ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)

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📌 How to Prepare for UPSC? (Step-by-Step Guide)

1️⃣ Start with NCERT Books (Class 6-12) 📚

• History: Old NCERTs + Spectrum Modern History

• Geography: NCERT + GC Leong

• Polity: M. Laxmikanth

• Economy: Ramesh Singh

• Science & Tech: NCERT + Current Affairs

• Ethics: Lexicon Book

2️⃣ Read Newspapers Daily 📰

• The Hindu or Indian Express (Editorials, Current Affairs)

• PIB (Press Information Bureau) for Government Schemes

• Yojana & Kurukshetra Magazines

3️⃣ Solve Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests 🎯

• Practice last 10 years' question papers

• Join test series for Prelims & Mains

4️⃣ Focus on Answer Writing Practice ✍️

• Practice daily answer writing for Mains

• Join an Answer Writing Test Series

5️⃣ Revise, Revise & Revise 🔄

• Make short notes for quick revision

• Revise current affairs weekly

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📌 UPSC Study Timeline (12 Months Plan)

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📌 Difference Between UPSC & WBCS

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📌 Final Tips for UPSC Success

✔ Be Consistent – Study 6-8 hours daily.
✔ Follow a Structured Plan – Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
✔ Keep a Positive Mindset – The journey is tough but rewarding!
✔ Join Coaching (if needed) – For guidance & test series.
✔ Stay Updated – Follow current affairs daily.

🔥 How to Prepare for UPSC Civil Services Exam (Step-by-Step Guide) 🔥

Preparing for UPSC CSE (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) requires a structured approach, discipline, and patience. Here’s a detailed preparation plan for you:

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📌 Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

UPSC is conducted in three stages:

1️⃣ Prelims (Objective, 400 marks) – Tests knowledge & elimination skills
2️⃣ Mains (Descriptive, 1750 marks) – Tests depth & analytical skills
3️⃣ Interview (Personality Test, 275 marks) – Tests confidence, decision-making, & awareness

✅ Prelims = MCQs (GS + CSAT)
✅ Mains = Essay + 4 GS Papers + 2 Optional Papers + 2 Language Papers
✅ Interview = Personality Test

📢 Tip: Download and print the official UPSC syllabus. Keep it with you always!

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📌 Step 2: Gather the Best Books & Study Materials

You need NCERTs + Standard Books + Current Affairs

1️⃣ History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern & Freedom Struggle)

📌 Books:
✅ NCERT (Class 6-12) – Ancient, Medieval, Modern India
✅ Spectrum’s Modern India – For Freedom Struggle
✅ Bipin Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence

2️⃣ Geography (India & World)

📌 Books:
✅ NCERT (Class 6-12) – Must read!
✅ GC Leong’s Physical Geography
✅ Atlas (Oxford or Orient Blackswan)

3️⃣ Indian Polity & Governance

📌 Books:
✅ M. Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity – Best book!
✅ NCERT Political Science (Class 9-12)

4️⃣ Economy

📌 Books:
✅ NCERT Class 9-12 Economics
✅ Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh

5️⃣ Environment & Ecology

📌 Books:
✅ Shankar IAS Environment
✅ NCERT Biology (Class 12)

6️⃣ Science & Technology

📌 Sources:
✅ NCERT Science (Class 6-10)
✅ Current Affairs (The Hindu, PIB, Science Reporter)

7️⃣ Current Affairs (Very Important!)

📌 Sources:
✅ Newspapers: The Hindu / Indian Express
✅ Magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra
✅ Government Websites: PIB, PRS, Rajya Sabha TV

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📌 Step 3: Create a Study Plan (6-12 Months Plan)

A well-structured study plan is essential for success.

🗓️ 12-Month UPSC Study Plan

📢 Tip: Follow the 3R Rule – Read, Revise, Repeat!

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📌 Step 4: Start Answer Writing Practice for Mains

UPSC Mains requires analytical and structured answers.

✔ Daily Answer Writing – Start with PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
✔ Follow Introduction, Body, Conclusion (IBC) Format
✔ Use diagrams, flowcharts & examples to improve answers

📢 Tip: Join an Answer Writing Test Series for feedback!

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📌 Step 5: Solve UPSC Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests

Why?

• Helps in understanding question trends

• Improves time management & accuracy

• Boosts confidence before the exam

📌 What to do?
✔ Solve last 10 years’ question papers
✔ Attempt daily & weekly mock tests
✔ Revise mistakes & weak areas

📢 Tip: Enroll in a reputed test series for real exam experience.

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📌 Step 6: Prepare for UPSC Interview (After Clearing Mains)

✔ Develop strong communication skills
✔ Stay updated with current affairs
✔ Practice mock interviews with experts
✔ Work on confidence, body language, and clarity

📢 Tip: Keep a positive & balanced opinion in the interview!

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📌 Step 7: Stay Motivated & Consistent

UPSC preparation is a long journey, so:
✅ Stay disciplined & focused
✅ Follow a daily routine
✅ Take short breaks & relax
✅ Avoid distractions (Social Media, TV, etc.)

📢 Tip: Surround yourself with serious aspirants & avoid negativity!

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📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫

❌ Ignoring answer writing practice
❌ Not revising properly (Revise at least 3-4 times)
❌ Overloading with too many books – Stick to limited sources
❌ Neglecting Prelims-CSAT (Many fail because of CSAT!)
❌ Not solving previous years’ papers

📢 Tip: Smart work > Hard work – Focus on revision & mocks!