How to Prepare For UPSC in 6 Months

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts one of the toughest exams in India. The selection process is tough, with rounds like Prelims, Mains, and Interviews. Every year, lakhs of aspirants take the exam, but only a few are selected for the UPSC IAS post.

While many spend years trying to clear the exam, Ansar Shaikh became the youngest to crack the UPSC CSE exam at the age of 21 on his first attempt in 2016 Ansar Shaikh’s father is an autorickshaw driver in Marathwada, Maharashtra, and his mother used to work on a farm. Due to financial problems, his younger brother dropped out of school in class VII and worked at a motor garage to support the family and Ansar’s UPSC preparation. Ansar Shaikh’s childhood was full of hardships.

Poverty Has Nothing to Do with Success.“My family and friends played a big role in my success. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my brother and friends, who helped me both mentally and financially. I owe them a lot,”Shaikh said. “Many people give excuses that they are poor. But remember, poverty has nothing to do with success. You should be hardworking and determined towards your goal. Your background doesn’t matter much,” Shaikh added. We all know that this exam demands years of preparation and dedication. But is there any way to prepare for UPSC exams in six months? Is it possible to prepare for such a hard exam in such a short span?

The short answer is: yes, it is possible, but it requires a well-structured plan and relentless effort. In this blog, we will see how you can create such a plan so that you can be prepared for the UPSC exam in a short span.

1. Create a Realistic Study Plan

Once you accept the challenge, the next step is to create a practical study plan. You can use a “SMART” plan to prepare for your exams. It should be Specific,Measurable,Achievable,Relevant, andTime-bound. You can break down the syllabus into pieces and allocate specific time for each subject.

• Know the Syllabus Inside Out:

  Start by thoroughly understanding the UPSC syllabus. This will give you a clear picture of the topics you need to cover.

• Gather Essential Study Materials:

  Collect the necessary books, notes, and online resources. Avoid gathering too many materials as it can be overwhelming.

• Time Management is Key:

  Create a daily and weekly study schedule. Allocate specific time slots for different subjects. Be realistic about the number of hours you can study daily.

• Prioritise Subjects:

  Identify your strong and weak areas. Focus more time on subjects you find challenging.

• Mock Tests and Practice:

  Regularly attempt mock tests to assess your preparation level. Analyse your performance to identify areas for improvement.

2. Focus on Core Subjects

Given the time constraint, it’s crucial to prioritise core subjects. These are the subjects that carry more weightage and are relatively easier to grasp.

• History:

  Focus on modern Indian history, especially the freedom struggle and post-independence developments.

• Geography:

  Cover physical geography, Indian geography, and world geography. Pay attention to maps and diagrams.

• Polity:

  Understand the Indian Constitution, governance, and political systems.

• Economy:

  Focus on basic economic concepts, Indian economy, and economic policies.

• Environment and Ecology:

  Cover environmental issues, biodiversity, and climate change.

3. Develop Answer Writing Skills

Answer writing is a crucial aspect of the UPSC exam. Practice writing answers to previous year question papers. Pay attention to structure, clarity, and coherence in your answers.

• Structure Your Answers:

  Divide your answer into introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Use Keywords:

  Incorporate keywords from the question in your answer.

• Write Clearly and Concisely:

  Avoid unnecessary jargon and fluff.

• Practice Regularly:

  Consistent practice will help you improve your writing speed and accuracy.

4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Current affairs play a vital role in the UPSC exam. Read newspapers daily and make notes of important events.

• Choose Reliable Sources:

  Opt for newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express.

• Make Notes:

  Summarise important news articles and events.

• Revise Regularly:

  Consistent revision is key to retaining information.

5. Take Care of Yourself

A healthy body and mind are essential for effective study. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat nutritious food.

• Prioritise Sleep:

  Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

• Exercise Regularly:

  Engage in physical activity to reduce stress.

• Eat Healthy:

  Fuel your body with nutritious food to improve concentration.

6. Believe in Yourself

The journey to crack UPSC in six months will be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Believe in your abilities and stay motivated. Surround yourself with positive influences and avoid distractions.

Best Books to Prepare for UPSC Prelims Exam

The Prelims exam has two papers (GS 1 and CSAT), both with multiple-choice questions and negative marking. Here are the best IAS books for Prelims:

Best Books For UPSC Mains

Final Thought

Cracking UPSC in six months requires exceptional dedication and smart work. While it’s a daunting task, it’s achievable with the right strategy and mindset. Remember, every minute counts. Make the most of your time, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Success will come to those who are persistent and resilient.

Remember:

This is just a basic guide on how to prepare for UPSC in 6 months. Do your preparation according to your strengths and weaknesses. Seek guidance from mentors or coaching institutes if needed. Most importantly, enjoy the learning process.

FAQs

Q1. Is Six Months Enough for UPSC Preparation?

Yes, six months can be a sufficient timeframe for UPSC preparation if used effectively. You can prepare your study plan using the “SMART” technique. A study plan that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Q2. Who Clears UPSC in Six Months?

Abhimanyu Gahlaut had cleared the UPSC exam in just six months. In 2015, he secured an impressive rank of 38 in the UPSC civil services exam. That proves that, even 6 months is enough if used properly.

Q3. Is an IAS Job Worth It?

An IAS job can offer you an opportunity to make a significant positive impact, commands respect, and comes with good salaries and benefits. However, entering the Indian civil service is extremely challenging.