Looking for tips on how to clear UPSC IAS prelims? The IAS or Indian Administrative Service Examination is by all means the most challenging test conducted in India. In context to the Civil Services Exam, the IAS is the most superior and difficult examination which is the focus of lakhs of candidates who appear for the tests on an annual basis.
If you wish to become a member of the esteemed Indian Civil Services, then passing the UPSC IAS Exam is the one and only option. Some of the other services you could enter through the IAS Test include IRS, the Indian Police Service (IPS), IRTS and IRPS.
Number of Stages within the Indian Administrative Service Exam
The Civil Service Exam is divided into 3 levels, which is one reason it is tagged as difficult. The initial step is the Preliminary stage, which is generally referred to as Prelims or CSAT. It is important to know that the IAS CSAT is conducted in the month of May every year. As per the latest modifications to the Preliminary Syllabus, the non-compulsory papers under the CSAT have now been eliminated and the Preliminary presently consists of several mandatory subjects weighing two hundred marks each common to all the appearing applicants.
Insight about IAS Prelims
The Union Public Services Examination conducts the Civil Services Preliminary examination which is believed to be the hardest stage in the entire process of an IAS selection. Also, out of 100 candidates who appear for the Prelims, there are heavy chances that 97 may not clear due to two main reasons:
- Fewer vacancies
- No Sense of Correct Approach
It has been noted that, out of lakhs of candidates who apply for the examination every year, close to 10-17 thousands are only able to clear the prelim stage. It is no cake-walk which needs to be realized by the aspiring candidates. There needs to be a proper plan if you are a serious candidate. Try to frame the right strategies and study material in order to confidently clear the IAS Prelims.
How to Prepare for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination?
It is always important to frame a potent strategy in order to clear IAS prelims and be ranked among the top thousand candidates. One needs to realize that, clearing prelims might turn out to be a cakewalk if he/she gets proper orientation and guidance.
Revise every subject!
Till 2014, the aim to score high in GS Paper 2 (popularly known as CSAT) was considered as the easiest and fastest method to crack Civil Services Prelims. Also, lesser effort was required as compared to GS Paper 1 the aspirants used to acquire high in this paper and passed the prelims. However, with the changes in the UPSC pattern in 2015 the planned strategy won’t count feasible in the near future.
It is advised by experts that, covering every subject of civil services preliminary exam is known to be the perfect approach for passing the prelims. Also, it’s not recommended to prioritize any particular book or area if you are assuming the questions will come from that source. Similarly, it is equally important not to skip easy questions from subjects like Economics, History, Geography and Polity. Moreover, working to revise NCERT books and previous years’ question papers is also a good idea if you are time-crunched. You must also keep a good eye on areas like culture and environment. Candidates need to also focus on Current affairs preparation which should be done based on the latest schemes and bills issued by the government.
Clear IAS Prelims Mock Exams
Practice always acts as a weapon to move forward towards your goal. You need to test yourself time to time in order to gain expertise before the prelims. Mock tests are an integral part of regular preparations for all the candidates. Make a point to revise attempted tests for acquiring a good idea about your mistakes. One of the major advantages of mock tests is the rush of confidence which seeps inside after every attempt.
Invest in the Right Books
Picking up recommended books and correct study material is quite importance. The NCERT books are known to be a must-read according to experts as well as bright candidates. These books are helpful as they clear doubts at the fundamental level and guide candidates in acquiring higher marks at both stages, that is, Prelims and Mains.
You can buy the books on Amazon.in.
Follow Prelims cum Mains Approach
For GS Paper 1, the most perfect strategy would be to go through GS Mains and Prelims syllabus in a detailed manner which would help you gain concept clarity related to all the major topics. The kind of questions asked in Prelims and Mains are indeed different, however, there are many areas where the pattern is similar. An integrated prelims-cum-mains approach is becoming popular among civil services aspirants. Holding a good knowledge of overlapping and non-overlapping areas from the UPSC GS syllabus for Prelims and Mains does help you boost up the competitive mileage.
Go With a Relaxed Mind
Make sure that on the exam day you keep a good level of composure. A head would help you memorize all that you have prepared. It is a must to read questions carefully and be sure that you do not make careless mistakes. When you are relaxed, it would be quite easy to relate to the questions and answer accurately in the designated time. Also, count your abilities and stay confident that you can pass the civil services preliminary exam.
Top IAS Coaching Institute in India
Here is a list of the top 10 IAS coaching institutes in India, including their course fees, duration, mode of education (online or offline), and website links:
| Institute Name | Course Fee | Duration | Education Mode | Website Link |
| Vajiram & Ravi | ₹1,98,500 | 1 year | Offline | Vajiram & Ravi |
| Rau’s IAS Study Circle | ₹1,75,500 (General Studies) | 1 year | Both | Rau’s IAS |
| Drishti IAS | ₹1,45,000 (Offline), ₹1,00,000 (Online) | 1 year | Both | Drishti IAS |
| Vision IAS | ₹1,25,000 | 1 year | Both | Vision IAS |
| Byju’s IAS | ₹1,72,000 (Offline), ₹90,000 (Tablet) | 1 year | Both | Byju’s IAS |
| Chanakya IAS Academy | ₹1,50,000 | 1 year | Offline | Chanakya IAS |
| Shankar IAS Academy | ₹1,40,000 | 1 year | Both | Shankar IAS |
| ALS IAS Academy | ₹1,25,000 | 1 year | Both | ALS IAS |
| Sathya IAS Academy | ₹1,00,000 | 1 year | Both | Sathya IAS |
| Khan Study Group (KSG) | ₹1,40,000 | 1 year | Both | Khan Study Group |
Details and Sources:
- Vajiram & Ravi: One of the oldest and most reputable IAS coaching institutes, known for its high success rate and experienced faculty. The courses are primarily offline but are complemented by online resources
- Rau’s IAS Study Circle: Established in 1953, Rau’s IAS offers a comprehensive program for IAS aspirants with both online and offline modes. They provide a well-structured curriculum and regular assessments
- Drishti IAS: Offers classes in both Hindi and English. Known for its quality study material and test series, Drishti IAS provides flexible learning options with both online and offline classes.
- Vision IAS: Recognized for its innovative teaching methods and excellent study materials. Vision IAS also provides extensive online courses and test series
- Byju’s IAS: An EdTech giant that offers a blend of traditional and modern learning methods through offline classes and digital learning programs
- Chanakya IAS Academy: Known for its dedicated faculty and personalized mentorship programs, Chanakya IAS Academy offers comprehensive offline classes
- Shankar IAS Academy: Provides a balanced approach with both offline and online classes, known for its extensive test series and study materials.
- ALS IAS Academy: Offers both English and Hindi medium courses with a strong emphasis on current affairs and regular mock tests.
- Sathya IAS Academy: Located in Chennai, Sathya IAS is known for its quality education in Tamil and English, offering both online and offline classes.
- Khan Study Group (KSG): Renowned for its experienced faculty and comprehensive study approach, KSG offers both online and offline classes.
These institutes are considered the best due to their consistent track records, quality of education, and comprehensive support systems for IAS aspirants.
Conclusion
The above mentioned tips are useful for candidates who have a will to clear the exams. There are no shortcuts which are there to guide you through the UPSC IAS Prelims. You are your own master, so make sure to frame a systematic strategy which simplifies your way ahead. Talk to other aspirants as well as seniors who have already attempted the prelims. This would help you share a lot of useful information which would widen your vision about the IAS exams.
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