How to Clear UPSC in the First Attempt, A Winning Strategy

UPSC in the First Attempt: It is a popular belief that clearing the UPSC in the first attempt is tough, as the UPSC Civil Service Exam (UPSC CSE) is one of the hardest in India, with a vast syllabus and a challenging selection process. However, over the years, many toppers have proven that UPSC in the first attempt is definitely possible with the right approach.

By following a well-planned strategy, staying dedicated, and focusing on key areas, you can also achieve this goal. Let’s explore how to clear UPSC in the first attempt and the role of the right guidance!

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Is it Possible to Clear UPSC in the First Attempt?

Roadmap to Crack UPSC in the First Attempt

Start Early and Set Clear Goals

• When to Begin: Ideally, start your UPSC preparation during the first year of graduation or immediately after. This gives you a head start and more time to understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
• Goal Setting: Set clear, achievable goals. For instance, aim to complete the entire syllabus by the end of the final year, allowing sufficient time for revisions and mock tests.

Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

• Exam Pattern: The UPSC exam has three stages— Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Understand the structure, types of questions, and the marking scheme for each stage.
• Syllabus Breakdown: Divide the syllabus into manageable sections. For example, cover subjects like History, Geography, and Polity first, as they form the core of both Prelims and Mains.

Choose the Study Material

• Pick the Right Books: Stick to a few good books rather than trying to read everything available. Start with NCERTs to build a strong foundation. Refer to UPSC Wallah books for complete syllabus coverage.
• Explore Online Course: Consider enrolling in online UPSC courses by Physics Wallah to get guidance that will help you ace UPSC in the first attempt. PW offers live lectures, tailored study material, exam-level test series, 24/7 doubt support, and regular motivation sessions.

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Create a Detailed Study Plan

• Morning (3 hours): Study static subjects like Polity, History, or Geography.
• Afternoon (2 hours): Focus on current affairs. Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express, and make notes.
• Evening (3 hours): Revise what you studied in the morning, solve quiz questions on ‘pwonlyias.com/quiz’, and practice answer writing at pwonlyias.com/mains-answer-writing ’.
• Revision Plan: Set weekly targets. For example, complete one section each week and revise the previous one. At the end of each month, review your progress. Adjust your plan if needed, ensuring you stay on track.

Prioritize Important Subjects and Topics

• High-Yield Topics: Focus on subjects that are frequently asked in the exam, like Indian Polity, Economy, and Modern Indian History. Spend at least 2 hours daily on current affairs. Follow reliable sources, make notes, and revise them regularly.
• Optional Subject: Choose your optional subject wisely, as it weighs 500 marks in UPSC Mains. It should be a subject you are comfortable with and one that has ample study material available. Enroll in the PW UPSC Optional course to cover the syllabus on time and practice exam-level questions.

Practice Mock Tests and Answer Writing

• Mock Tests: Begin attempting mock tests after completing 60-70% of the syllabus. Aim to complete at least 30-35 full-length mock tests before the Prelims.
• Answer Writing: Start practicing answer writing from day one to develop articulation skills. This skill is regularly taught in the PW UPSC courses through daily questions. Alternatively, you can join a test series or use previous years' question papers to practice.

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Exam Stage Focused Strategy

• Regular Revision: While regular revision must be an integral part of your preparation plan, revise each subject at least three times before the exam. Follow the rule of 3Rs—Read, Revise, and Recall—until the exam day.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas through mock tests and spend extra time strengthening them. Tailor your strategy according to the exam stage. For instance, as Prelims approaches increase MCQ practice, and as Mains approach increases answer writing.

By following these tips to crack UPSC in first attempt, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success in the IAS exam. You can also go through this roadmap to learn how to ensure selection in the UPSC in the first attempt:

Role of Coaching in Clearing UPSC in the First Attempt