1. HOW TO PREPARE FOR UPSC ? 

 

Millions of aspirants have Indian Administrative Service as their dream career. Recruitment to 24 different services including IAS,IPS,IFS etc is conducted through a common exam called UPSC Civil Service Exam ( CSE ) 

 

How to Start . . . ? 

1. Know about the exam 

Understand that UPSC consists of 3 stage 

• Preliminary exam ( Objective ) 

• Main exam ( Written ) 
• Interview ( personality test ) 

To know more about the prelims and mains subjects Click Here 

 

1. Find a Mentor 

The very important phase that most of them usually skip is to find the right mentor/Guide for you. Your mentor will walk you throughout your journey with each and every aspects and decisions. He/She will be there to analyze, review, suggest and correct you based on their own experience –  That is why it is important to find a mentor who has appeared in UPSC examination and knows exactly what needs to be done.  

To talk to our professional mentor and take a suggestions pls click here 

 

1. Schedule your time 

• To become an IAS officer you need to organize your time on a daily basis  

• Creating a timetable makes it easy to achieve your goals on a daily basis and allows you to evaluate your result.  
• Make a prior preparation and stick to it 

  

1. Current Affairs and daily updates 

• The most significant element of the IAS test is newspapers. 

• You cannot hope to pass the IAS exam if you do not read the daily newspaper or keep up with current events. 
• The civil service test questions are either directly or indirectly related to current events. As a result, it’s critical to keep up with pertinent news in your daily newspaper. You can go through Topper IAS YouTube channel to keep an update about daily news and Current Affairs by clicking here 

 

1. Choose your optional wisely  

• In the UPSC final tally, the optional subject accounts for 500 marks. 

• As a result, you should choose an optional subject carefully and after considering the advantages and disadvantages of the subjects you are considering. 
• Some of the elements to preserve in thoughts earlier than choosing an optional are: Interest with inside the subject Prior know-how in it/academic background Overlap with the GS papers Availability of coaching Availability of materials  

 

1. NCERT 

• The NCERT textbooks from class 6th grade to 12th grade play an important role in the UPSC examination 

• UPSC students/aspirants can learn the basics from these books 
• There are previous year records that shows questions asked directly from NCERT textbooks 
• Categorize the subjects and study the materials in a systematic way 

 

1. Solving previous year question papers 

Whether it is UPSC or any other examination, solving previous year question papers are always a good practice. By doing this you can judge what type of questions are recurring and what concepts are frequently asked. It is also a good practice to self evaluate yourself about your standings before you start solving them 

 

1. Notes and records 

 

Yes, everyone takes notes while they prepare for examinations but what is so special about IAS ? The syllabus for UPSC is so vast that it is pretty easy to lose track of your own writing. Organize different files for different subjects, focus on current affairs and keep yourself updated about it, and doct forget to learn more than what is expected 

 

 

1. Mock tests and revisions 

 

Since the UPSC program is large and diverse, covering varied subjects, it’s natural to forget things that you simply had studied earlier. Therefore evaluating yourself consistently is the key. It will also facilitate UPSC aspirant in realizing and learning from mistakes, shaping what approach they have to follow in continued the preparation and characteristic strengths and weaknesses. it’s extremely counseled to affix mock test series, particularly if you’re getting ready from home. this may assist you to assess yourself and help you further. 

 

1. Workshops/Events 

 

As a UPSC trainer I recommend you to attend workshop, events organized by different institution. This is mainly because you will get an amazing opportunity to interact with like minded, like goal people and most of all you will interact with different resource people who are usually going to be retired or current officers, Trainers and higher level authorities. 

The other reason why this helps is because there will always be a small giveaway session where you may revive books, study materials, generate contacts, and may also be offered scholarship by an institute.   

 

1. Interview 

 

As mentioned before, the Final stage within the UPSC examination is the interview or temperament Test or personality test. this can be a vital stage in the process and here, you need more than just knowledge to crack it. you’ll be assessed on qualities based on diplomatic skills, communication skills, presence of mind, reaction to stress, and so forth you’ll even be asked questions about your interests, hobbies, education and work experience, if any. That is why PERSONALITY Training is also an important aspect of this journey

2) HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN IAS INTERVIEW 

 

 

1. Mind your attire 

When you appear for the iterview it is important to give a first impression. Wear appealing formals – for men a light colored formal shirt with blazers is preferred and women can choose from wearing a decent saree or chudidar or even Blazer worn formal attire. 

When it comes to facial hair it is recommended to be well groomed with a decent haircut. It is fine to have mustache and also beared but one needs to be appealing. You wont be getting additional markes for how you look but it is good have an appeal. 

 

 

1. Study your DAF ( Detailed Application Form ) 

It is important to know about YOURSELF before you attend the interview. Study your DAF form throughly from the details of your hometown , what is it famous for, what are the major events happening around, about your family bachground to every aspect that will connect different question with your application. Prepare an excel sheet or a handwritten notebook to keep track of such details 

 

1. Be Updated 

As a UPSC asprirant it is well understood that you will be preparing notes about the current affairs. During the day of interview revise the last 3 months of current affairs that you have noted down. This is to make sure you are update with all the important aspects happening around you and be able to answer any questions breifly and confidently. When you are well prepared, well aware of most of the scenarios, you will automatically show a positive attitude while you face them 

 

1. Hypothetical senarios 

It is imortant to know the powers of an IAS/IPS/IFS officers because you will be questioned based on a situation. The purpose of this is to understand wheater you will  go out of the way to certain scenarios and therefore you need to answer these questions within the power limit of the role given to you. Make a list of important data 

• What are the powers of an IAS/IPS/IFS OFFicer 
• What is the duration 
• What are the fascilities provided 
• Additional benefits received 
• Limitations and difficulties that may be faced 

• Responibilities 
• Rights as a civil servant 

And many more. Remember, if you can make your own scenarios based on the above list, it will be a self mock preparation. There might be other important situational questions like 

• How will you react during XYZ Situation ? 
• How will you react to certain situation ? 

• What is your plan to address the media during a crisis situation? 
• Solutions to certain issues that has been running since decades 
• Common issue solutions ( Poverty, unemployment, education, etc ) 
• Religious based problems 
• Pressure from higher authorities 

Prepare well, be confident and have a positive attitude. 

 

1. Chose your words carefully 

The interviewers are very trained and they usually spot and play with your own words. So when you use a particualr word or when you say something make sure you have judged 3 important aspects 

• It is needed ? 

• Is it relevant ? 
• Is it offensive ? 

Your mind must be quick enough to judge these in fraction of seconds and that is what exactly the interviewers expect form a candidate. 

 

1. Never Lie !!! 

At any point during the interview no matter what the situation is –  NEVER LIE. The information you have provided must be authentic and provable but false data is not tolerated. The officers will be having more experience than your age and it is very easy for them to identify such cases.  

 

1. Mock interviews 

It is good to have attended as many mock interviews as possible. In Topper IAS we provide free mocks to our students based on their requirement. Our mentors will train you all the above and below mentioned contents until you are capable enough to be an officer 

 

1. Prepare common questions 

You might be having an idea about what type of questions are generally asked. Below are a few listed 

• Why do you want to become an IAS/IPS/IFS officer? 
• Why are you interested in joining the Civil Service of India ? 
• What is your top 3 preferred posts ? 

• Why are they preferred over other posts ? 
• What is going to be your first order/decision ? 
• How do you think you will make a difference from other officers ? 

To know more about such interview questions and how to anser them, click here 

 

 

1. Final preparations 

This is your last preparation before you give the interview so make sure you have all your DOCUMENTS with you, studied the DAF application, make sure you are having a positive vibe to avoid the last moment pressures.  

 

1. Rest well previous night 

The most common mistake candidates do is due to stress and overthinking they be awake late night thinking about what might happen the next day. To avoid stress and to have a fresh and positive look it is very important to have good amount of sleep the previous night. 

1. 3) Why should you chose UPSC/UPSC as your career ? 

 

“Image of Topper IAS” 

 

In Topper IAS before we register any candidates to our institution we always ask this question – “Why did you choose UPSC/KPSC as your career ?” This is to not to understand the reason behind the candidate’s decision but to understand where he/she want to be after they pass all the hurdles. 

In fact, there is no one answer or there is no perfect answer to this question. Any reason which can be strongly justified morally, ethically, and motivationally can be accepted. 

 

There are basically 3 stages in an UPSC examination –  Preliminary exam, Main exam, Interview. To know more about them and how to prepare for these exams click here. 

 

Once you clear them all you will be given one among the following 24 roles – 

 

 

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Based on what role you’ve been designated you will have several roles/responsibilities and benefits. There are many reasons why one needs to pursue UPSC/KPSC and their career but briefly one can categorize them as below 

 

Authority and Power: 

Being an IAS/IPS/KAS officer has its main perk – Power and authority. Your decision may effect an entire city/state or even the country. The position commands respect no matter there they go. This ins one among the main reasons aspirants wants to perceive UPSC as their career. 

 

Job security: 

Clearing UPSC examination is difficult but once you are able to crack the final interview and get hold of a position, you cannot be easily fired. You may be transferred to different corners but unless its is an extreme emergency or if you manage to go out of the line ethically you cannot be detained. Officers are retired at the age of 60 and in some cases there are extensions made if necessary. 

 

Moral/Ethical: 

Majority of aspirants have a goal to serve the society. There may be hidden purposes like to eradicate poverty, unemployment, superstitious beliefs and many more. Lets face it – serving the society on a daily basis for a very long duration needs political powers and support and Civil Servants are the right potential people to achieve this. 

 

Financial : 

Civil servants are paid well. On average an IAS officer is paid RS1,00,000 with an extra benefits like government stay facilities until he/she is in power, Government vehicle for transportation and many more. The job is also secure as per the above statement and also other facilities like medical coverage, insurance is also a part of government offerings. With all these financial benefits the government wasn’t the civil servant to feel satisfied for the contribution he/she makes to the society. 

 

 

Personal Reasons : 

The  most underrated reason but truly an inspiring stories can be seen here. You may have chosen UPSC as your career because of some events you have experience in your life, or if you have seen someone else face an incredibly tough situation and want to provide solution to certain Problems. This reason can be anything connecting your mind that gives a strong motivation to do something to the society.  

 

In Topper IAS no matter what your reason is, we have just one goal –  To help you become an Officer. No matter how long it takes for you to achieve it, we will be there for you without charging you anything extra. PAY ONLY ONCE AND get Mentorship for lifetime.  

 

For more information call 6363 219 044 or e-mail us at [email protected]  

To check out our Institution, achievers and Mentors visit www.TopperIas.com/our_achievers 

 

1. 4) How to prepare for CSAT 

 

 

Civil Service Aptitude Test commonly known as CSAT is one among the two qualifying papers for UPSC. The most common mistake aspirants make is giving less importance to this paper because the qualifying marks required for clearance is 33% but it is particularly important to understand that candidates from both Math and non-math background require optimum preparation prior the examination. Below is the syllabus for CSAT 

 

Note : General Studies paper I and CSAT have negative marking 

 

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 

 

• Comprehension 
• Interpersonal Skills including communication skills 
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability 
• Decision making and problem solving 
• General mental ability 

• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, order of magnitude etc.) (Class X level) 
• Data interpretation (Charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – class X level) 

 

 

Tips to clear CSAT 

 

• You don’t need to have an advanced level of English proficiency but reading and understanding the language is a basic necessity. 
• Work on your grammar –  your writing skill determines a major part of your result 
• Ability to understand the problem/situation, logical reasoning and different approaches 
• Time management is the critical key – majority of the students complain about insufficient time, so make sure you have attempted enough test series to overcome the issue 

• COMMUNICATE IN ENGLISH! If you are not confident enough to talk in English, it’s a clear indication that you are not well prepared for CSAT. Make it a daily habit to communicate in English, read English newspapers (preferably The Hindu). “You decide your habits and your habits decide your outcome” 
• Patience is the key – remember that to crack UPSC examination you don’t need to be intelligent, but you need to be well organized and disciplined, and patience will help you get there 

1. 5) How to study NCERT Books for UPSC

 

NCERT is the bible of UPSC Aspirants. The foundation base and the most basic aspects of the examination. Let’s first understand why NCERT books are important for an UPSC aspirant  

 

Why NCERT is important for UPSC 

 

• They contain basic knowledge about History, Economics, Geography, Polity, constitution and  Environment 
• Direct statements from NCERT have been appeared in the past examinations. 
• Common books for most of the competitive examinations 
• They are 100% authentic and legitimate. 
• UPSC preparations can be started from class 6 at the most basic level 

• The books are designed for grade 6 students and it’s implied that the information given are Simple to understand for anyone  
• To understand basic concepts and theories NCERT syllabus has helped all aspirants to understand all topics in a systematic way 

 

How to start NCERT ? 

 

• The best way to start is from class wise. Starting from class 6 to 10 covers all the basics for each and every subject.  
• It’s also important to start subject wise preparation, say, history from class 6 to 10 to be completed first and then go with geography –> polity –> constitution etc.  
• Studying without a deadline is far dangerous, so always have a deadline. Make sure you complete one subject per week or weekend according to your capacity or time available. This will help you in the long run. 
• You can always google for help. These are grade 6 books and are in the most simplest manner. So understanding is not an issue but visualization help and henceforth googling to gain more perspective is a good way to study.