How to start UPSC preparation from zero level without Coaching? what should be the strategy?

How to start UPSC preparation from zero level without coaching ? 

Written by: Gaurav Joshi

                   Former Retired IPS

A lot of aspirant who starts their preparation is at level 0. But with time, they study more and more due to which they move ahead and ahead.

Basic Preparation:

Once you have made your mind, prepare the background for the battle. If you are shifting to Delhi or any other place, choose the location, maid, meals, very wisely. You should not waste your time in such things when you are neck deep in the competition.


Planning:

Make your preparation timeline.

1. Fix the day you are going to take your First/Next attempt - calculate the days remaining and then plan the journey accordingly .
2. Always Plan from the exam day backwards. Right when you start you should be aware what you are supposed to do during the last month and that thing should guide today's preparation.
3. If your Planning has faults, there's always a high probability that you might have to suffer later, so take enough time at this step.

Pattern:

Syllabus : Firstly, read the syllabus, then divide it into various subparts. Plan for each subpart like the books, the time you are going to allot to each subpart. Talk to successful candidates(if you know any) and know which subparts should be focused more and which less.

Past Year Papers: DO solve at least Past 3 year Prelims (Static + CSAT) questions and 3-5 year Mains ( GS + Optional). Also, 5-10 year Essays. Because , it gives you an idea of the kind of questions you can expect in the exam.

Resources: Gather all the resources one by one. Keep Standard Books, Class Notes ( 1-2 books per Subpart of the syllabus). Get the right Book list. And learn how to read those books smartly (which saves times and improves efficiency).

Online resources: Use technology to your advantage. Use trusted websites.

Interview:

Read few DAF’s. You'll find that it helps if you have a hobby. Start developing a hobby ( whether its reading, singing , dancing , painting, sports, etc... anything that helps you to relax) and practice it daily for an hour.

Optional:

Optional is a Game changer. Decide your Optional wisely - the 5 factors that you should look into are -

1. Scoring in past 3 years
2. Your interest,
3. Help in other GS papers,
4. Availability of Books/guidance and,
5. Your graduation or prior knowledge

Choosing a wrong Optional can really cause a lot of headache!

Your target should be to finish one reading of Optional before Prelims.

Simultaneous Preparation:

Start the study of Mains and Prelims simultaneously. The last 2-3 months before Prelims exam should be entirely dedicated for Prelims preparation. The time before that should be utilized to read Optional, all mains exam paper along with Current Affairs.

Time Management :

Make your time table in such a way that it include your GS, Optional and answer writing preparation. Follow your daily timetable strictly.

Months(1st and 2nd) - Cover NCERTs and Laxmikant because it will help you to understand the Current Affairs in a better way. Also, solve MCQs of Polity and Current Affairs,

After Month 2: Prepare for GS , History, Geography, etc. They help a lot in increasing your score. Regularly solve the question related to these topics. Cover your optional too.

Current Affairs - Read hindu. And follow a monthly gk magzine. That will be enough.

Coaching: Not necessity. If you are completely unaware of UPSC then you should. Other wise, enough material is available which can be fruitful.

Test Series: Compulsory.

You can’t test yourself on your own. SO, give 5 -8 mock test of Prelims and mains before jumping into final exam.

Enjoy: UPSC preparation is not a jail. So, if you feel uncomfortable and do activity to enjoy. Talk with your family , friends ,etc. You can give one hour for such things daily.

Discussions: If you have done good preparation, then only go for discussion and not more than 1 hour should be devoted to this thing. Keep the group small 2–3 people only.

Exercise: Stay healthy. Sickness can affect your preparation. So, exercise daily.

Relationships: 

If you are not in a relationship, then don’t go out looking for one. This is your preparation time. So, take a break. That would help you better.

Be Brave: 

Always believe in yourself. People won’t have much faith in you. Just believe that your have one seat among the 100. So, just do everything you can to achieve that.