Complete UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation guide for beginners. Learn about the exam pattern, syllabus, best resources, study strategy, and how to start your IAS preparation from scratch.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is India's most prestigious and challenging examination. Every year, over 10 lakh candidates register, but only about 1,000 are finally selected—a success rate of roughly 0.1%.
Yet, thousands succeed every year. What separates them isn't just intelligence—it's strategy, persistence, and the right approach from day one.
If you're a beginner wondering how to start your UPSC journey, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: exam pattern, syllabus, resources, study strategy, and a realistic roadmap to becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination annually to recruit officers for:
| Stage | Type | Marks | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Objective (MCQ) | 400 marks | Screening test |
| Mains | Descriptive (Written) | 1750 marks | Main selection |
| Interview | Personality Test | 275 marks | Final assessment |
Final Merit: Based on Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks Prelims is only qualifying—marks don't count in final selection.
| Event | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Notification | February |
| Prelims | May/June |
| Mains | September/October |
| Interview | January-April (next year) |
| Final Results | May (next year) |
The complete cycle takes about 14-16 months from notification to final result.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian (some posts have relaxations) |
| Age | 21-32 years (relaxations for reserved categories) |
| Education | Any graduation from recognized university |
| Attempts | General: 6, OBC: 9, SC/ST: Unlimited (within age) |
Two papers, both MCQ-based:
Paper 1: General Studies (GS) | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Questions | 100 | | Marks | 200 | | Duration | 2 hours | | Negative Marking | 1/3 of marks for wrong answer |
Syllabus Coverage:
Paper 2: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Questions | 80 | | Marks | 200 | | Duration | 2 hours | | Qualifying | Only 33% needed (66 marks) | | Negative Marking | 1/3 of marks for wrong answer |
CSAT Covers:
Important: CSAT is qualifying only. Focus most energy on Paper 1.
Nine papers in total:
Qualifying Papers (Not Counted in Merit): | Paper | Subject | Marks | |-------|---------|-------| | Paper A | Indian Language (listed in Constitution) | 300 | | Paper B | English | 300 |
Both need 25% to qualify. Marks don't count in final selection.
Papers Counted in Merit: | Paper | Subject | Marks | |-------|---------|-------| | Paper I | Essay | 250 | | Paper II | GS-I: Indian Heritage, History, Geography | 250 | | Paper III | GS-II: Governance, Constitution, Polity | 250 | | Paper IV | GS-III: Technology, Economic Development, Environment | 250 | | Paper V | GS-IV: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude | 250 | | Paper VI & VII | Optional Subject (2 Papers) | 500 |
Total: 1750 marks
What They Test:
1. Current Affairs
2. History
3. Geography
4. Polity
5. Economy
6. Environment
7. Science & Technology
GS Paper I: Indian Heritage, Culture, History, Geography
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice
GS Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Environment
GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude
Choose ONE optional subject from 48 options (common choices):
Choosing Optional: | Factor | Consideration | |--------|---------------| | Interest | Genuine interest helps long-term | | Overlap with GS | Reduces total study load | | Availability of resources | Guidance and materials | | Scoring potential | Check previous years' results | | Word limit management | 3000+ words per answer needed |
Week 1-2: Understanding the Exam
Week 3-4: Starting NCERT
Subjects to Cover:
Daily Schedule:
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Newspaper + Current Affairs
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: NCERT/Standard Books
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: NCERT/Standard Books
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Revision + Note Making
Activities:
Sources: | Resource | Purpose | |----------|---------| | NCERT (6-12) | Foundation | | Spectrum Modern India | Modern History main book | | Bipin Chandra | Freedom struggle | | Tamil Nadu State Board | Ancient and Medieval | | Nitin Singhania | Art and Culture |
Approach:
Sources: | Resource | Purpose | |----------|---------| | NCERT (6-12) | Foundation | | G C Leong | Physical Geography | | Majid Husain | Human Geography | | Oxford Atlas | Map work | | Mrunal's videos | Economy-Geography link |
Approach:
Sources: | Resource | Purpose | |----------|---------| | M. Laxmikanth | Bible of Polity | | Constitution of India | Primary source | | PRS Legislative Research | Current affairs | | Current Affairs magazines | Updates |
Approach:
Sources: | Resource | Purpose | |----------|---------| | NCERT (11-12) | Foundation | | Ramesh Singh Indian Economy | Main textbook | | Economic Survey | Annual reference | | Budget | Annual reference | | Mrunal.org | Video lectures |
Approach:
Sources: | Resource | Purpose | |----------|---------| | NCERT (6-12 Science) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics | | Shankar IAS Environment | Environment | | Current Affairs | Recent developments | | PIB, ISRO website | S&T news |
Approach:
Sources: | Resource | Purpose | |----------|---------| | Lexicon for Ethics | Concepts and terms | | ARC Reports | Governance ethics | | Biographies | Examples for answers | | Case Studies | Practice |
Approach:
Newspaper Reading (1-1.5 hours):
What to Note:
Magazines: | Magazine | Frequency | |----------|-----------| | Yojana | Monthly | | Kurukshetra | Monthly | | Economic Survey | Annual | | PIB Compilations | Monthly |
Monthly Current Affairs Sources:
Current affairs should connect to static syllabus:
| Optional | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Geography | High overlap with GS, maps are interesting | Length of answers, physical geography challenging |
| History | Overlap with GS, factual content | Vast syllabus, answer writing intensive |
| Pub Admin | High overlap with GS II, scoring | Can feel repetitive, static content |
| Sociology | Conceptual, smaller syllabus | New terminology, analytical demands |
| Philosophy | Small syllabus, logical | Abstract concepts, limited coaching |
| Anthropology | Predictable, overlap with GS | Niche subject, limited experts |
| Phase | Timeline | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Selection | Month 1-2 | Research, talk to toppers, finalize |
| Foundation | Month 3-6 | Complete syllabus once |
| Answer Writing | Month 7-10 | Regular answer practice |
| Revision | Month 11-12 | Multiple revisions |
Goals:
Daily Hours: 6-8 hours
Subject Focus: | Subject | Priority | |---------|----------| | History NCERTs | High | | Geography NCERTs + GC Leong | High | | Polity (Laxmikanth) | High | | Economy (NCERT + Basic Ramesh Singh) | Medium | | Science NCERTs | Medium | | Optional | Starting |
Goals:
Daily Hours: 8-10 hours
Activities:
Goals:
Daily Hours: 10-12 hours
Prelims Focus (Last 3 Months):
For 150-word answers:
Introduction (20-30 words)
Body Point 1 (40-50 words)
Body Point 2 (40-50 words)
Conclusion (20-30 words)
For 250-word answers:
Introduction (30-40 words)
Body Point 1 (50-60 words)
Body Point 2 (50-60 words)
Body Point 3 (40-50 words)
Conclusion (30-40 words + way forward)
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| Month 1-3 | Copy good answers to understand structure |
| Month 4-6 | Write 1-2 answers daily (untimed) |
| Month 7-9 | Write 3-4 answers daily (timed) |
| Month 10-12 | Full mock tests (weekly) |
| Subject | Book | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
| Geography | Certificate Physical Geography | G C Leong |
| Modern History | A Brief History of Modern India | Spectrum |
| Economy | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh |
| Environment | Environment | Shankar IAS |
| Ethics | Lexicon for Ethics | Chronicle |
| Resource | Content |
|---|---|
| UPSC official website | Syllabus, notifications, previous papers |
| Forum IAS | Current affairs, discussions |
| Mrunal.org | Economy, Geography videos |
| Insights IAS | Current affairs, answer writing |
| PRS Legislative Research | Bills and policy analysis |
| PIB | Government announcements |
| Channel | Best For |
|---|---|
| Study IQ | Current Affairs |
| Drishti IAS | Complete preparation |
| Mrunal Patel | Economy |
| Unacademy UPSC | Various educators |
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Starting with advanced books | Begin with NCERTs |
| Joining coaching too early | Self-study foundation first |
| Ignoring current affairs | Daily newspaper habit |
| Not writing answers | Start answer writing early |
| Too many sources | Stick to limited, standard sources |
| Ignoring optional | Start optional early |
| No revision | Plan multiple revisions |
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Poor time management | Practice timed tests |
| Illegible handwriting | Practice writing speed |
| Not reading questions properly | Take time to understand |
| Panic in exam hall | Stay calm, have strategy |
| Leaving questions | Attempt all in Mains |
Coaching is not mandatory for UPSC. Many toppers are self-study candidates.
Consider coaching if:
Self-study if:
For genuine beginners: 12-18 months. For those with relevant background (humanities graduates, working in government): 8-12 months. Many prepare for 2-3 years, appearing multiple times.
Yes, but it's challenging. You'll need 4-5 hours daily minimum. Many successful candidates prepared while working. Consider taking leave 6-8 months before Prelims for intensive preparation.
No. Many toppers (30-40%) are self-study. Good online resources, books, and test series can substitute coaching. However, answer evaluation through coaching or mentors helps.
Choose based on interest, not just trending optionals. History, Geography, Pub Admin, Sociology are popular. Your background (graduation subject) can be an advantage. Research thoroughly before deciding.
Quality matters more than quantity. Focused 6-8 hours initially, increasing to 10-12 hours in intensive phase. Consistency is more important than long hours.
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