Strategy for UPSC

Strategy for UPSC

  • The first step in the strategy formulation for UPSC is reading and understanding the detailed Syllabus for UPSC Exam
  • Go through the previous year question papers to understand the nature, quality and difficulty level of questions
  • Gauge the current level of your own understanding/level
  • Finalize your optional(Preferably a subject you are already familiar with or have a deep interest in) as early as possible and go through it once.
  • You can prepare for GS papers of Mains along with the Prelims preparation

Prepare a comprehensive set of resources and a booklist to cover all the parts of the syllabus. Below is a summary of all the books as recommended by toppers of the past 5 years. We have carefully analyzed their blogs, interviews and answers on multiple forums and the first thing that becomes apparent is that there is a great overlap and consistency in the books they have recommended over the years. Also all toppers have suggested sticking with your booklist and not refer to multiple resources for the same topic. Please note that this is a consolidated list and subject to our interpretation:

Strategy for UPSC: NCERTS

· NCERTs (6-10th Standard) Geography, History, Social Science/Polity

· NCERTs (11-12th Standard) Art and Culture, Geography (Focus on mineral distribution, agriculture etc.) History (Selective reading)

· NCERT Class 12 Biology last 4 chapters on environment

Strategy for UPSC: History

· Spectrum’s A Brief History of Modern India- Rajiv Ahir Spectrum

· India’s Struggle for Independence- Bipan Chandra (Selective reading)

· TN Board History (Class 11)

Strategy for UPSC: Polity

· Indian Polity – Laxmikanth

Strategy for UPSC: Geography

· Certificate Physical and Human Geography-G.C. Leong (Selective)

· Oxford Atlas for maps

Strategy for UPSC: Environment

· Shankar IAS Notes/Book

Strategy for UPSC: Economics

· Indian Economy- Ramesh Singh

· Economic Survey of India(Selective)

Strategy for UPSC: Science & Technology

· Don’t refer to any specific book (Cover it using current affairs preparation)

Strategy for UPSC: Art and Culture

· Indian Art and Culture – Nitin Singhania (Selectively)

Strategy for UPSC: Test papers

· Past 5-10 years papers of UPSC CSE

· A standard test series /MCQ booklet from any standard publication (Try to do 10-20 tests)

z

Current Affairs

· Hindu notes

· Monthly summary by any standard coaching or publication

Book list for UPSC: CSAT

Don’t refer to any book if you are good at it/Getting more than 33 percent in practice tests

Else any one of

· Mc Graw Hill – General studies II

· Arihant’s CSAT

There are certain books that can be avoided during the preparation. It is especially crucial for working professionals or candidates who do have limited time. We present below a list that most toppers believe can be put on hold or be used as reference books. However we advise that you use your own discretion in choosing a booklist for yourself.

· India’s Ancient Past – R.S. Sharma

· A history of Medieval India – Satish Chandra

· India Since Independence – Bipan Chandra

· A brief history of modern India – Bipan Chandra

· Introduction to Constitution of India – DD Basu

· Indian Economy- Dutt and Sundaram

· Geography of India – Majid Hussain

· Environment Studies – Bharucha

· Manorama Yearbook

Stick to these resources and revise them regularly. Do not keep switching books.

  • For the current affairs cultivate the habit of reading newspapers. If that is not possible you can use the summary of current affairs published monthly by various institutes
  • Practice previous year question papers and other practice papers
  • Keep doing mains answer writing practice after you have a decent grasp over subjects
  • Most importantly keep a positive mindset and prepare with a marathon like attitude