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How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims In 6 Months?

Clearing UPSC Prelims in 6 months might seem like a challenging task but it can be done with hard work and dedication. Find out how to prepare for UPSC Prelims in 6 months here.
authorImageAnil Solonki30 Apr, 2024
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UPSC Prelims in 6 months

UPSC Prelims In 6 Months: UPSC Civil Services Prelims have evolved as a challenging stage in recent years. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 have a significant syllabus which takes 8 to 10 months to be completed. Added to that, candidates must be ready for the UPSC Mains exam having 9 papers. Due to all this, preparing for UPSC Prelims in 6 months seems highly difficult.

However, with hard work and determination anything is possible. So it is possible to clear UPSC Prelims in 6 months with flying colors. Here 6 months strategy for UPSC Prelims is discussed to guide you through your preparation journey.

Strategy to Clear UPSC Prelims In 6 Months

To begin with, candidates must first understand the UPSC Prelims syllabus and pattern . This will help them know what is to be covered and the format of the exam. Next, make a plan for the next 6 months devising specific time for each subject. The target is to cover the syllabus in the first four months followed by revision and practice in the next two months.

Phase 1 - Focus Foundation

Have an overview of the subject-wise weightage of topics through the last 10 years of UPSC Prelims question papers to align your preparation strategy effectively.
  • Gather essential UPSC Prelims study materials such as NCERTs, Laxmikanth for Indian Polity, Ramesh Singh for Economy, etc.
  • Keep in mind to prioritize quality over quantity while choosing study material.
  • In the first phase, focus on covering NCERTs in the beginning and later move to standard textbooks.
  • For guidance enroll in a good online course for UPSC Prelims.
  • Make a structured study schedule and dedicated time slots for each subject.
  • Start subject-wise revision and practice as soon as you complete a topic.

Phase 2 - Intensifying Preparation

In the next phase, start moving to standard textbooks and reference materials. While covering current affairs, cover at least past 1 year events, and if manageable go through the past 2 years' topics through PW Udaan magazines.
  • Have a solid command over foundational knowledge of major concepts.
  • Factual topics like Ancient History, Art and Culture, etc. can be covered in this phase.
  • Start preparation for the CSAT paper by the end of the third month.
  • Try to start with the mathematical aptitude section initially in the CSAT paper as you will need time to acquire speed and accuracy.
  • Start taking regular mock tests to gauge your preparation level and identify areas of improvement.
  • Analyze your performance consistently through the UPSC Prelims test series and modify your study plan accordingly

Phase 3 - Revision and Practice

The final two months before the UPSC Prelims exam must be exclusively reserved for revision of the syllabus and practice of mock tests. Ensure that you have covered each topic related to the syllabus by the fifth month.
  • Take 30 to 40 mock tests in the last two months to constantly check preparedness.
  • Keep revising weak areas, particularly in the static subjects.
  • Ensure to revise the whole syllabus a minimum of 3 times including current affairs.
  • Attempt UPSC Prelims previous year question papers in exam-like condition.
  • Learn all necessary skills such as time management, problem-solving, and elimination techniques.
  • In the CSAT mock tests focus on improving your accuracy and speed by the final month.

Other UPSC Related Links

UPSC Prelims Cut-off Analysis UPSC Prelims Exam 2024
UPSC Prelims Test Series Important UPSC Prelims Topics
UPSC Prelims Exam Centre UPSC Prelims Previous Year Papers

Timetable to Study for UPSC Prelims In 6 Months

Having a timetable benefits in two respects. First, it ensures that all topics are covered timely, and second, it keeps you disciplined. Therefore, make a proper timetable for the UPSC Prelims, emphasising coverage of the syllabus and ample time for revision. Here is an example of the UPSC 6-month timetable for reference:
6 Months Timetable for UPSC Prelims
Month Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
First
  • History (Bipin Chandra or Spectrum)
  • Indian Polity (Laxmikant)
  • Continue History and Polity
  • Current Affairs (PW UDAAN 500)
  • History and Polity Revision
  • Geography (NCERT)
  • Current Affairs Part 2
  • Start Static Subject’s Revision
Second
  • 1 Year Current Affairs (CA)
  • History and Geography
  • Economy (Ramesh Singh)
  • Subject Wise Mock Test
  • Economy
  • Science and Technology
  • Subject Wise Mock Test
  • Economy
  • Revision of Covered Topics
  • Practice with UPSC Prelims PYQs
Third
  • Intensive Revision.
  • Subject Wise Mock Test
  • Continue Polity and Economics
  • Environment and Ecology
  • Environment and Ecology
  • Start CSAT Preparation
  • Subject Wise Mock Test
  • Medieval and Ancient History (NCERT)
  • CA Revision
Fourth
  • Allocate Time for Each Subject
  • Art and Culture(Nitin Singhani)
  • Continue Revision
  • International Relations
  • Mock Test Practice
  • Revision of Covered Topics
  • Analysis of Mock Test Performance
  • CSAT Practice
Fifth
  • Revise Current Affairs and Static Subjects
  • Mock Tests
  • Mock Tests
  • Focus on weak areas.
  • Mock Tests
  • Revision of All Subjects
  • Mock Test Practice
  • Second Revision
Sixth
  • Third Revision of All Subjects
  • Mock Test
  • Mock Test Practice
  • Revision of Weak Areas
  • Mock Test Practice
  • Revision of Low Scoring Areas
  • Final Mock Test Practice
  • Final Revision

How to Prepare For UPSC Prelims In 6 Months Online?

While preparing for UPSC Prelims in such a limited time, candidates cannot afford to waste time on anything. Many online resources, such as Physics Wa llah , can be utilized for interactive learning and holistic preparation. Enroll in a targeted batch by PW and follow it religiously. Remember success can only be achieved with consistent study in UPSC Prelims. Hence, follow your study routine and mentor's advice till the exam day to clear the cut-off for UPSC Mains. Gear up to become an officer, Join us now!

UPSC Prelims In 6 Months FAQs

How many months are sufficient to clear the UPSC Prelims?

Candidates require 8 to 10 months to clear the UPSC Prelims.

Are 6 months enough to prepare for UPSC Prelims?

Yes. Six months are enough for UPSC Prelims preparation, provided candidates prepare with dedication and consistency.

How to crack UPSC Prelims in the first attempt in 6 months?

Make a plan, cover the syllabus diligently in the first 3 months, and revise and practice in the next two months.

Can I clear UPSC Prelims without reading current affairs?

No. Current affairs are an integral part of the UPSC Prelims preparation. 

Is 6 months of current affairs enough for UPSC Prelims?

Candidates must read at least the past 1 year of current affairs for UPSC Prelims. They can refer to Udaan 500 for UPSC Prelims current affairs.
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