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How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims In 90 Days?

How to prepare for UPSC Prelims in 90 days? The answer is with a dedicated plan. Learn how to prepare for UPSC Prelims in 90 days with a systematic plan.
authorImageAnil Solonki3 Jan, 2025
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How To Prepare For UPSC Prelims

UPSC Prelims In 90 Days: What to do when only 3 months are left for the exam? How to manage the vast syllabus of UPSC Prelims in 90 days? The answer is by making a systematic plan. UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam requires months of dedicated preparation and to match in 90 days candidates should devote 10 to 12 hours daily.

Make a subject-focused plan and allocate specific time to each subject for 90 days. The mantra is to revise and practice as much as possible. If you're wondering how to prepare for UPSC Prelims in 90 days, keep reading for 3 month study plan, a study timetable, and practical tips to maximize your preparation.

Essentials to Prepare for UPSC Prelims In 90 Days

As you begin the preparation ensure you have all the basics things ready. This includes the syllabus of UPSC Prelims, the last 10 years' question papers, study material, and test series. Here are the essentials to get ready for UPSC Prelims in 90 days:
  1. NCERT: Gather relevant NCERT books recommended by toppers, particularly Class XI and XII.
  2. Reference Material: This includes standard books such as GC Leong that complement foundational knowledge.
  3. UPSC PYQs: Have ready UPSC Previous year's question paper from 2011 onwards that will guide you through preparation.
  4. Timetable: Create a realistic and detailed timetable covering all subjects and allocating sufficient time for revision and mock tests.
  5. Mock Tests: Have 30 to 40 mock tests for GS and a minimum of 10 mock tests for CSAT ready to cover each topic of the UPSC Prelims syllabus.
  6. Past 1 Year Current Affairs: Refer to quality current affairs magazines that comprehensively cover the past 1 year’s syllabus.

How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims in 90 Days?

A 3 month study plan for UPSC Prelims requires focused effort, consistency, and a strategic approach. Since the exam covers vast subjects like General Studies and Aptitude, breaking your time into smaller segments and focusing on specific topics each day will help you stay on track. Here is a sample 3 months plan for UPSC Prelims 2025:

Week 1-4: Foundation Phase

The first month should focus on building a strong foundation. At this stage, you should cover the basic concepts and fundamentals of the subjects. The key subjects to focus on during this phase are:
  • Polity and Governance: Understand the structure of the Indian Constitution, the role of institutions like the President, Parliament, and Judiciary, and fundamental rights.
  • Geography: Begin with the basics of physical geography, maps, and major landforms of India and the world.
  • History: Focus on Ancient and Medieval History. Read NCERTs for clarity on important events, personalities, and movements.
  • Current Affairs: Start reading a good newspaper daily, like The Hindu or The Indian Express. Make notes of important events and their implications on governance, economy, and society.
  • General Science: Cover the basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through NCERTs (Class 6-12).

Week 5-8: Intensive Learning Phase

During the second month, dive deeper into each subject. Focus on making detailed notes and solve practice questions. The second phase is all about consolidating your knowledge and improving speed. Here are some key areas to focus on:
  • Polity: Delve into important topics such as the electoral system, emergency provisions, and constitutional bodies.
  • Geography: Focus on economic geography, resources, and important geographical phenomena.
  • History: Move to Modern History, including freedom struggle movements, and significant events like the Revolt of 1857 and Quit India Movement.
  • Economics : Begin with the basics of microeconomics and macroeconomics, focusing on economic policies, poverty, and planning.
  • Science and Technology : Keep yourself updated on advancements in the field of science and technology. Study government initiatives, key facts, and scientific developments.

Week 9-12: Revision and Mock Tests Phase

The final month should be dedicated to revision, solving mock tests, and working on weak areas. Here’s how to manage the last 30 days:
  • Revise Notes: Go over your notes from the previous two months. Focus on difficult areas and weak topics.
  • Mock Tests : Take as many mock tests as possible to practice time management. Focus on your speed and accuracy in solving questions.
  • Current Affairs: Keep reading newspapers for current affairs and revise the key topics and events that are likely to appear in the exam.
  • Solve Previous Year Papers: Going through past year questions will help you understand the pattern and nature of questions asked in the Prelims.
By following this 3-month study plan for UPSC Prelims, you will be able to cover all the essential subjects and boost your confidence for the exam.

3 Months Study Plan for UPSC Prelims

Candidates should make a detailed subject-wise plan to complete the syllabus in time. While reading books make concise and organized notes to facilitate quick revision. This will help in the last-minute revision. Here is a subject-wise plan for UPSC Prelims in 90 days:
3 Months Study Plan for UPSC Prelims
Subjects Study Plan
Indian History Study Material:
  • Old NCERT books by RS Sharma and Satish Chandra.
  • Spectrum for modern history.
  • Class XI NCERT for Art and Culture.
Strategy:
  • Focus on key events and themes in Indian history, especially the Indian independence movement.
  • Make notes and revise regularly.
Indian and World Geography Study Material:
  • Fundamentals of Physical Geography (XI NCERT)
  • India Physical Environment (XI NCERT)
  • GC Leong.
Strategy:
  • Cover basic concepts from NCERTs.
  • Practice map-based questions regularly.
Indian Polity Study Material:
  • M. Laxmikanth (Latest Edition)
Strategy:
  • Read important chapters such as DPSP multiple times.
  • Regularly revise and practice the previous year's questions.
Environment Study Material:
  • Selective NCERT
  • One Standard Reference Material
  • PW Udaan 500 for current affairs.
Strategy:
  • Complete basic concepts of environment and ecology in  1 week.
  • Focus on current affairs related to environmental issues, policies, etc. later on
Economics Study Material:
  • NCERT Class XI and Ramesh Singh for fundamental concepts
  • Budget, and Economic Survey for current economic trends.
Strategy :
  • Understand macroeconomic concepts based on PYQ themes
  • Analyze the latest Indian budget and Economic Survey.
General Science Study Material:
  • General Science books of IX and X standards.
  • Udaan 500 for current affairs.
Strategy:
  • Cover fundamental concepts in physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • Focus more on recent scientific developments and their implications.
Current Affairs Study Material:
  • Regularly read ‘The Hindu’ newspaper
  • Udaan 500 by Physics Wallah
Strategy:
  • Integrate with other subjects like Economy, Environment, Polity
  • Solve all mock tests and note down crucial information
CSAT Paper Study Material:
  • RS Aggarwal for quantitative aptitude. Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
Strategy:
  • Practice mathematical aptitude and logical reasoning regularly.
  • Daily read newspapers and comprehend editorials in your own words.

3 Months Timetable for UPSC Prelims

A well-defined timetable is essential when preparing for UPSC Prelims in 90 days. Here is a sample timetable that you can adapt according to your personal schedule:
3 Months Timetable for UPSC Prelims
Time Slot Activity
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM Current Affairs
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM General Studies (ex. History/Polity)
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Break
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM General Studies (ex. Geography/Economy)
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CSAT Practice
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch and Rest
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Topic-specific Revision
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM Break
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Mock Test and Analysis
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Relaxation
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Current Affairs Revision
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dinner
10:00 PM Revision and Light Reading
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UPSC Prelims In 90 Days FAQs<span style=

Can I crack UPSC Prelims in 3 months?

Yes. Make a proper plan, solve PYQs, cover the syllabus systematically, and do multiple revisions to crack UPSC Prelims in 90 days.

How to crack UPSC IAS Prelims in three months?

Crack UPSC IAS Prelims in three months by following a focused study plan, prioritizing key subjects, and practicing mock tests regularly.

Has anyone cleared the UPSC exam in 3 months?

Yes. Many toppers have cleared the UPSC exam with 3 months of prelims preparation in the past.

Which books should be referred to to prepare for UPSC Prelims in 90 days?

Candidates should refer to NCERTs, Laxmikanth, GC Leonge, and other books recommended by experts.

How to practice for the UPSC Prelims in 90 Days?

Enroll in a quality test series having 30 mocks for GS and 10 to 12 mocks for CSAT paper. Take the test regularly and analyze the results to work on weak areas.
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