Prelims is the first and most important step for UPSC exam,most people are eliminated in this stage,this is very tough exam and it needs lot of hard work.Many people repeatedly fail in prelims not due to lack of knowledge or hard work but due to other factors.
Right frame of mind is the most important thing for this exam and if possible read this post by Prince Dhawan daily till you get in to that frame of mind. I assume that you know the syllabus and exam pattern.
Still for benefit of all I am posting the syllabus based on 2016 notification.
Table of Contents
Syllabus :
CSAT Paper I – (200 marks) 2 hours this is General Studies Paper
- Current events of national and international importance.
- History of India and Indian National Movement.
- Indian and World Geography -Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
- Indian Polity and Governance -Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation
- General Science.
CSAT Paper II- (200 marks) 2 hours CSAT Paper.
- Comprehension Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
- Logical reasoning and analytically ability
- Decision-making and problem solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. -Class X level)
- English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level).
in informal sense you can divided this entire prelims syllabus both papers.below is very crude classification of syllabus but these are the only things that will help you clear the exam,I am not good at expressing Ideas or in formal writing,so I intend to write this post as if I am writing mail to a Close friend on how to prepare for prelims.
How to Prepare For Prelims:
Golden Rules According to us
- Read one book 10 times than reading 10 diff books.
- Keep the book list short and trust it.
- The more you practice the better.
- Prepare for mains prelims is covered automatically. (most part at least)
- What everyone can attempt you must attempt, Extra questions is your edge.
CSAT is king maker, everything is dependent on CSAT(Paper 2)- Prepare daily and slowly you cannot read everything in one month even if you are a genius.
- Have the Right Mind set.
- Surround yourself with Doers and Serious people.
- Finally don’t leave any subject or topic. Leave no stone unturned.
I sincerely hope this helps you at-least by 1% , I have failed and cleared prelims so please listen to me don’t waste time and do the same mistakes I did , learn from others mistakes too. Take a leap of faith ,even if you fail you will fall in the correct path … which brings you a step closer to your goal !
- Polity
- Economy
- History
- Geography
- Science
- Environment and Biodiversity.
- Maths
- Reasoning
- Passages.
- Current Affairs
Books list
Update : 25th Jan 2017
UPSC prelims have become lot tougher and demanding than the time this post was originally written, UPSC is unsettling the set pattern of preparation 2016 Prelims was the proof with lot questions from Current affairs and less questions from conventional static part. But one cannot and in my humble opinion should not guess the paper rather than change his strategy and approach which in any kind of paper will help to clear the prelims.
So every aspirant has to be strong in both static part and current affairs part, and above all equal importance should be given to writing prelims test series , so choose one book per subject and read it thoroughly, revise as much as possible, Read News papers + 1 year of Vision current affairs and write every prelims test you can get your hands on .
One more important thing is we usually postpone writing tests to the end , convincing ourselves that we need little more preparation to write tests, but trust me its not a good strategy, start writing, think it as a feedback mechanism and learning process, gently nudging you to the important topic which you know or dont know, even if you get 2/100 questions still its ok , you get a chance to learn and improve up on those 98 questions, so its also in a way learning only, so start writing tests. DONT POSTPONE .
personally I will say Insight/Vision/Gk today /Forum IAS tests are good online availability is also a factor, its also important to revise the answers and learn from our mistakes, before the exam.So Join only reputed test series, now a days it has become a fashion for every one to start a blog, and start a test series. It’s a responsibility , a life altering choice, to guide or misguide some one is huge thing, so be careful not to write a test by every website out there.
Finally nothing is more beautiful than seeing your hall ticket number in UPSC list and seeing that happiness in your parents eyes, so be careful not to waste your time following every site out there and download every material you can. read selectively, revise,write, revise.
* end of update.
If you are in to online reading Buy a Kindle, not a tablet as it offers no distractions but just simple reading. (Kindle is good Only for articles and books, very very bad for PDF’s all kinds)
Update : for prelims 2017 buy latest edition only !
India year book 2016 (English|Hindi) is out so do read selective chapters, specially for beginners.Also Economic survey is going to come out soon will update the links.
Polity:
15-20 questions are expected from this section,yearly it might change but this is a must read most important subject. Laxmikanth is the only book you will ever need, read it at-least 2-3 times before prelims line by line. Check and buy latest 5th edition only.
Economy:
Sri Ram Economy Xerox books is the best place to start and you can answer most of the questions from this book alone, If you don’t have it Ramesh Singh economy book is more than enough. Check and buy latest edition only.
Read Economic survey 1st and 2nd chapters and chapters on HDI and Environment, for summary you can read Mrunal if he provides it on other chapters.
- Watch Mrunal Videos
History:
Ancient-Medieval-Modern-Culture.
Focus on Modern and Culture,you can even ignore Ancient and Medieval to large extent.the out put ratio is very low so focus on these two.
- Bipan Chandra India struggle for Independence
- or Modern India by Rajiv Ahir spectrum publication.
- Plassey to partition if you have time.
- Nitin Shinghania for culture.
- Tamilnadu class 11 (Ancient + Medieval India) link in the end.
- Culture Videos from Mrunal
Geography:
This will be another section where lot of confusion is there so just read 11th and 12th NCERT books(links in the end) and A good atlas to cover the map pointing.If you read name of any city refer atlas reading like this reduce burden in long run.
- Watch Rajtanil Solanki’s Videos on Youtube
- Oxford Atlas
- Orient Blackswan Atlas
Science:
7-12 NCERT. Mrunal Bhai has kindly created a table to read chapter wise.
Class | PHYSICS | Chemistry | Biology |
7 | 4, 13, 14 & 15 | 5 & 6 | 1,2,10; 11 & 12 |
8 | 11 to 16 | 3 to 6 | 2, 8, 9 & 10 |
9 | 8 to 12 | 1 to 4 | 5,6,7 & 13 |
10 | 10, 12 & 13 | 1 to 5 | 6 to 11 |
11 | 1,5,8 | 1,14 | 2 to 5 |
12 | 15 | 14,16 | 4,5 then 7 to 16 |
Environment and Biodiversity:
Shankar IAS academy notes and MoEF for laws and acts will cover every thing. Also refer Mrunal Bhai’s PPT and videos on this section very useful for revision. + vision IAS for current affairs of Environment.
Maths:
I used to have mortal fear of maths,but slowly with practice you can over come this fear,I did not knew even the basics and it used to be a huge problem,but thanks to Narendra(my friend) and Mruanl Bhai’s posts on maths I started with NCERTS for basics then I moved on to other books.
Rajesh Verma book is perfect for those who are like me,who hate maths. Trust me he explains in very easy way,you can do most of the problems.
Reasoning:
The standard in CSAT is not complicated or tough but time taking,so Practice is the only solution to manage time. If you are like me again who never did any reasoning or dont know how to solve basic problems, Arihanth CSAT guide is a good place to start.
Passages:
Luckily for me I have the habit of reading books and blogs, this helped me immensely in this section,Reading is the only practice,read editorials of various news papers daily . Arihanth CSAT will help.
practice practice Practice … the only mantra for CSAT .
Current Affairs
This year many questions came from Current affairs so best sources
Important Links.
- NCERT Books.
- NIOS books.
- Tamil Nadu History Books .
- 14000+ Objective Questions is a wonderful books which have questions topic wise very useful for GS revision.buy from Flipkart or Amazon Update : buy 2016 edition !
- Career Launcher 2014 CSAT papers.
- India Year book 2016 selective chapters.
Final advise :
- If you are in a town or city where Career launcher test series is available please do join,I don’t have affiliate with them but their test series are very helpful,so please write with all seriousness.
- Start with NCERT books if possible,or else jump in to these books read them at-least 2-3 times before prelims.
- I also presume that You are reading newspaper daily as a ritual.
Practice maths and reasoning daily no excuse.- practice as many MCQ’s as possible, don’t leave scoring subjects like polity,eco,geo and history.
- Put more emphasis on conceptual clarity .
- GS every mark counts. so Practice a lot.
I am deeply indebted to many people who taught me so many things and helped me in my journey. I take this opportunity to thank my friends and guides Suresh,Krishna,Mrunal Bhai,Narendra,Chaitanya,Ranjan and many others. Lastly remember
No Effort is too big,No detail is too small.
Disclaimer: This post is more like a guidelines/suggestions than any science or theory,We shall not be responsible for anything,so please use your own discretion, any errors or mistakes are purely unintentional. If you have any problem with this post, regarding links or any other matter please mail me kalyan [at] iksa.in.
thanx alot sir but i live in a village and no source for coaching and other things i am hindi medium student plz help me for this exam
How can I help you? any thing mail to us to [email protected] we are here to help 🙂
i have subscribed to your website
so kindly mail me the updates and some important points which i should remember while prep.
well i thank you for taking such a noble step to guide people.
as i am one of them who is prep for UPSE by self study so kindly guide me what to read other than NCERT as i have already done with them.
cheers
Thank you for your kind words, as you are subscribed you will receive email when ever we update the content.
Hello sir
I m CA final student (cleared 2nd grp)
I want to prepare UPSC 2016… So sir pls tell is there enough time if I start from today? Guide me regarding scoring subjects, books & coaching( in Rajasthan)….
I think You should keep commerce as optional, will save a lot of time for you. As this post suggests, you need to start with NCERT and move to the standard books mentioned in the list.
Sir..I have completed my engineering in EC in 2015. Can u pls guide me for the ias prelims exam?
Kindly specify few n imp books which are useful for clearing ias Pls sir
Reply
Meri baat suno Tum logo ka mazaak ku bana rahe ho Aur Ek dum se big book ko jump kar Diya saalo aisa Bolo 6 to 12 all ncert read Karo mat Karo aisa oki
Sir,i am a 3rd year B.COM(H) student.I will graduate this year…so how do i go about and prepare for UPSC Exams from now on?any books which i start reading/learning from now on….
This post contains all the books and basic you need to start with, please go through it again. Start with NCERT books, build basics, then read the standard text books mentioned in this post.This will help you gain basic knowledge, Also go through old papers both prelims and mains, Logically you can keep commerce as optional, will save a lot of time for you.
Find some mentor, that will help a lot 🙂 hope this helps 🙂
Sir im in b.tech 2nd sem.So plz provide me right path for preparation of upsc exam.So that i will get taste the IAS post in very early age…………
sir,
your details are too useful for us. i would like to say thanks for this info. please say if i am starting my preparation today onwards for a upcoming upsc exam, is it enough time clear this exam. if is it enough time, then say how many hours/ day need to this preparation. because i am already in another work. so, please give me a suggession to me
Please check your mail , I have replied in detail 🙂
thank you sir,
your reply mail was too useful and i am going to attend 2015 upsc exam. i have a confidence and hard work to clear this this upcoming upsc. and you mentioned that, if i am strong in mathematics and reasoning, i should clear this prelims. that was the beat one for me. because i am too poor in english, economics and polity ( not for understanding, only for replying) not in maths, reasoning, history, etc….
And once again thanks for your valuable reply… ☺
I am very happy that you found it useful. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay in touch 🙂
need help,,how to start ,maintain ,and finish…
sir,
can you reply me same as you reply mr Chidambaram for below issue
your details are too useful for us. i would like to say thanks for this info. please say if i am starting my preparation today onwards for a upcoming upsc exam, is it enough time clear this exam. if is it enough time, then say how many hours/ day need to this preparation. because i am already in another work. so, please give me a suggession to me.
Regards,
Rajkumar.c
Sir ,really it is enough?..
and how i can make self notes…..
Hi, Yes these books cover most, the more times you read them the better, notes I have no suggestion , as I never made notes. For example Laxmikanth and Spectrum history book they are notes by themselves every line is imp for prelims 🙂
hello,
First of all,thank you very much for the effort you are putting in to benefit many of us.I am a B.Tech comp graduate(it’s been 10years :)),homemaker,mother of a 6 year old.My problem is more like the inability to channelize my resources for optimum benefit.Of course, iksa,mrunal ji,roman saini’s videos are of immense help and you people give me a confidence that coaching is not that necessary as we all think .Every morning when i look at your mail suggesting articles for that day,that itself is a huge inspiration to me to stay dedicated. As i said, my problem is, i am not able to organize or stick to schedule but i don’t want to give up..Any help in this regard is much appreciated.Thank you once again..
Finally i got something for which i am looking for…… book list many thanks
Many thanks!
Regards
D. Mishra
pls send me further detail my email id is [email protected] can started now for CSAT 2015???
Hi, your dedication is wonderful, to start preparation from January is very good. For prelims focus on CSAT paper 2 it is the decider ,if you score exceptionally well in paper 2 you will clear prelims, given that you have limited time read selective books and gists, and news papers. try to revise more than reading more new books. If you have any other quires mail to us [email protected]
Thank you
with regards sir,I am an corporate employee I am trying for IAS 2015 I have books for economy and polity but I don’t get what to study for social development and demographics and moreover is it possible to crack to crack CSAT being in a job and without coaching??
sir please guide me,
Thank You
have mailed you the answer in detail hope it helps 🙂
Hello Sir,
I’m working guy and preparing for IAS 2016. I’ve started with Indian Polity by laxmikanth and looking for CSAT-2 guidance..Do you have any idea which coaching classes is best in nominal fee as I’m very economic. Kindly also guide how can do better self study and proper study plan with good book lists.
Looking forward to your reply soon. Help me out sir
Hi Nishant,
For CSAT I suggest that first you test your self with previous papers that will give you an idea, if you are comfortable with the papers then all you in need is practice, but if you have problem with maths or reasoning Career launcher or TIME institute is good place to start but they too can help to a limited extent.
Coming to GS part , again you can solve old papers and understand what kind of question will come from a certain subject, you can buy 14000 mcq book (link in sidebar) after reading any chapter in laxmikanth you can solve that specific chapter in that mcq books, by testing your self immediately you will know how well you read and what points you ignored which can be useful for exam, this can be repeated with all GS subjects.
This book list is my suggestion and personally used one and I think this will be enough,each aspirant has his own list each subject have alternative books, but as I mentioned else where read one book 10 times that reading 10 diff books. Coming to your study plan read you optional daily along with News papers, slowly complete the syllabus and GS. All the best, if you have any quires do mail us to [email protected] we are here to help 🙂
Thank You So Much Sir. I got your point. I have to focus only on GS-1.
Regards,
Nishant
Hello sir…
Sincere thanks for the valueable posts..
Sir I m working in a s/w firm. Although I am studying on a regular basis and have finishes reading all ncert books n indian polity but unable to understand indian economy by Ramesh Singh..
Sir I have applied for leave from 25th may..please please please sir..give me a schedule for cracking exam and I was much more dependent on Paper 2 but since now we just have to qualify it so please help me in my preparation now on. I will be highly obliged..will wait for your reply….
Hi , Mailed you a reply in detail . All the best 🙂
Hi sir,
Please let me no books for ias prelims and I have very less time of 2 months m so confused please help me out.
Kindly specify few n imp books which are useful for clearing ias prelims in 2 months.
Thanks inadvance….
Regards,
Swapna
Mailed you a detailed reply, all the best 🙂
Sir, plzzzzzzz Mail the same information about what topics we should focus on and what to do to clear prelims in 2 months I am really confused….hope u saw my message
Sir,
Is it possible that one can clear preliminary in 3 months study? If yes ,how, can I crack IAS preliminary by this short time as I have only 3 months for prep..with a hope for your reply..
Hi, Assurance no one can be sure this time till they see the GS paper, but If you put lot of effort in these remaining 96 (approx days), you have a good chance.The IMP subjects will be polity,history/culture,environment,geography and economics. read one book for each subjects as many times as possible and read Hindu daily. all the best 🙂
Sir,
Please update this article as GS has become the game changer after scrapping CSAT (making it qualifying means scrapping)…How should one now prepare GS as every single mark will be imp for qualifying prelims?
Thanks , I updated the post. The list stays the same ,only more revisions and lot of practice from GS papers of various institutes. All the best.
kindly update me
confusion is on:
why confuse:—just tell me now csat2 paper will be just for qualifying.so now getting only 33% is enough and no additional score will be added of paper.
if suppose someone had scored 70% in CSAT 2 then only 33% marks will be added on the pre.or whole 70% marks will be included while making/cutoff
kindly reply ASAP
Hi,
Its simple lets say csat paper 2 is for 200 marks you need to get 33% which is 66 marks, it makes no difference how many marks you get above that. all that matter is 33%. they don’t take even that 66 marks in to the cutoff. Just qualifying with no weight-age.
The cutoff will completely depends on GS paper 1 .
ok got it
hello sir
i want to know about current affairs as i am covering from july2014 to july 2015 .listing of issues as per their importance becomes difficult for me..can you please suggest as to how shud i make it easier and better .
i have seen number of articles
pib(which article to pick and from when in features section
)PRS what all bills passed process should we look upon can you please help in identifying these areas
hi, July to July will be waste of time , I mean though you will gain knowledge it wont be fully useful for this years exam, Dec 2014 to nov 2015 will be perfect for this years exam , for prelims focus on dec to aug 1st week.
Listing the topics is always hard, but to simplify the current affairs part you can follow, Vision IAS current affairs material, they arrange it in topic/area wise format it will lessen your burden.
PRS monthly policy review will summarize all the events of the month giving the summary of each bill, having an idea about most imp ones will be enough . To have the braod classification of most useful topics, follow spotlight news analysis daily also Rajya sabha Big picture.
thanks alot sir. regarding current affairs again sir dec to aug is enough as per your recommendation.please throw some light on pib features article…whether we should do it..or if we do it we should do it month wise or issue/policies etc wise
There is no end to the prelims prep, Some people suggest PIB some dont, I personally dont refer it for the prelims part, If you feel like May- Aug of PIB will help, that too topic wise will save time. But again Any institute material and news papers will cover almost all imp news.
Coming to science and tech part, vision IAS material and Hindu will be enough, for Mains Sriram’s IAS material is good. Hope this helps 🙂
Sir,
I have applied for civils prelims this year recently. however , I’m still unable to figure out the best plan to study and prepare. I’m an employee in a private organization where almost 10-15 hrs daily time is sucked upon. Also,I cannot afford to spend big amounts for buying books and I have very limited time except weekends. I request you to guide me through this exam and help me qualify. I want to appear in this exam for a better life and for the sake of knowledge the preparation provides at the same time.
Thanx & Regards,
Chaitanya
Sir,
First of all many thanks for the suggestions and useful links given. I’v already started preparing. I would like to clear a few things with regard to the prelims. 1) To clear paper 1 of Prelims how many marks one should score. Regarding the second one I got idea from your explanation. Also send me some study tips.
God Bless!
Sincerely,
Abin
I personally don’t like to speculate, but this time competition will be very very high . as 2011 aspirants are also allowed any extra attempt, along with that every one will focus on GS, so I am expecting 55 questions or 110 marks will be safe minimum for general candidates, depending on paper it might go up to 120.this is pure guess work.Hope this helps, all the best 🙂
Sir please upload sufficient source for culture n environment for upsc 2015
shankar IAS environment book will be more than enough also read Laws and acts from MOEF site. all the best.
Can i get pdf of shankar ias environment notes??
Shankar IAS environment book amazon link
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for the prompt reply. God bless
Sir ,how can I select Optional paper sub.(I mean on what basis?) and how I preapre optional side by side regular GS studies..
need help..
Sir,
Please provide me the details of marks evaluation for both the paper in preliminary. And how will be the exam like writing or ticking the correct option? Please help me.
Hi, the Morning paper GS paper is for 200 marks and with .33 negative marks that is 100 questions 2 marks for each question.
The afternoon paper CSAT paper is for 200 marks, but 80 questions only this year the paper 2 qualifying score is decided as 33%.
It will be OMR sheet you need to round/fill the omr marks sheet. Prelims is objective paper. you can find previous paper of both GS and CSAT in upsc site also you can find model OMR here
First of all thanks a lot for your such an enlightening guidance and preparation strategy. I wanted to know that what to read for Environment and Ecology portion I am confused between whether to read only ncerts and Wikipedia or nios notes or Shankar IAS academy notes as you referred. please help me out. again thanks a lot
Just go with Shankar IAS academy notes, also update laws and acts from MOEF site, or other material. All the best 🙂
Dear sir,
Many thanx.. Actually I am good in CSAt 2 but almost 0 in CSAt I , Please guide me to clear paper I as I am going to appear in prelims 2015.. Please reply as sooon as possible.
With warm Regards,
hi,
GS there are no shortcuts, u have to read the books I mentioned in the list , and practice a lot from questions papers. That is the only way .
plz help .
How to do selective reading of spectrum geography [ which / hw many chapters ] ?
which/ hw many chapters we need to study frm bipin chandra along wid spectrum by rajiv ahir n ncert ‘s of xi,xii [ tamilnadu state board]?
After reading ncert’s n particul books of each subject in GS , do i really need to read any Manual too like TMH Arihant , pearson etc.
cud u plz provide d link t no itin singhania notes? I’d b so much thankful to u .
Geography / zoology which one wud take longer time n which one is more scoring . I’m comfortable wid both of them n i was a science student[ zoology , botany , ] during my school days .
very good information for the beginners like me…
Thanks exactly what I had in mind where I wrote this post 🙂
please suggest for science and technology as well
Hi sir,
I have Cmpltd my one sitting (distance education) degree of sk university. Now am studying MBA at Sv university.am eligible to prepare for Civils plz rply to my mail id
[email protected]
Hi Pradeep,
I am not sure about the details , so I dont want to misguide you , but Mrunal Bhai’s site might be a good place to start.
sir,now i am continuing M.Sc in physics.I want to take an attempt on civil service exam in this year and i want to prepare for it from today.how can i prepare myself for it.please relpy me on my mail
hi,
I will suggest you that, if you are a complete beginner and have no preparation till now , please dont give the attempt this year, and plan properly for 2016. Having said that Prelims this year is all about GS as paper 2 is made qualifying.
1.See the prelims papers from 2011 onwards.
2.This is the suggested prelims books list,
3.read the NCERT books for basic idea, or Jump directly to main books like laxmikanth due to lack of time.
4.Try to collect various institute papers of this year and try and solve them .
It makes no diff how many mistakes we do before the prelims, learn from every mistake and make the most out of it in prelims hall, hope this helps you to an extent .. all the best 🙂
hello sir
i am in such a confused state please please tell me hw shud i do current affairs..what shud be the duration which we shud cover. and how shud i prepare it..which and how(newspaper,magazine,site(jagranjosh ,gktoday…mrunal.))please…sir help me please tell me in detail
Hi, News paper is the best source for current affairs as it will help you in mains too, I also suggest Vision IAS current affairs material , the duration is JAN 2015 to July ending. Economic survey is another good source for lot of useful info.
ok….not from aug 2014 to july….and vision material one which are available online is it.
please also comment on current affairs by jagranjosh and gktoday .in MOnthwise.
Yeah from Jan to July for prelims will be enough , Vision IAS Material ,I think is available on net,no need for other material from any other source, you wont be able to revise ,that will be too much effort, also If possible get Vajiram+insights+Career launcher prelims papers of this year, they cover a lot of current affairs questions too, at least we will get an idea how a question might come for the latest current affairs.
UPSC dont asks a lot of current affairs, the ask the concept behind the thing, so try focus more on static part, the concepts.
sir please suggest approach and what to study for science and science and technology
how good is gktoday.in and jagranjosh online material for s&t.
and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_government_schemes_in_India how sufficient is for schemes policies
For prelims S&T the questions are conceptual oriented,GK today publishes good materials, Even Sri Rams IAS comes out with S&T material every year for mains. For Schemes India year books is a good place along with PIB site.
Thank u for ur valuable posts…
Glad to be of help 🙂
Sir I’m confused between vajiram and sriram.. Which one should I join??
Please can you help me?
I personally don’t Endorse any Institute, both are equally good. They both have good faculty and almost similar in every aspect. Generally people prefer V over S just saying, both of them are much better than any other Institute.
Sir,i am prep. For 2016 prelims.how should i actually begin my preparation.
Hi sir
I’m not so good in eng written for mains please suggest me some sources or book which boost my English language
Pl rply as soon as possible
With warm regards
hi,
The best practice is reading Hindu paper daily and writing test series.Only by writing regularly we can improve writing skill, I also suggest you write one answer daily. and an essay every sunday. Not only for UPSC in general also the more we read and write , the better our skills will be.
Sir, what will be the expected cut off marks for UPSC prelims 2015?
Hlo, sir I want to prepare my self for 2016 upsc exam ,but I m little bit confuse from where I start .plz help me and provide a way .
Hi,
First get the basics from NCERT books, read most of the books from 6-10th .
Next get your optional done along with daily news papers. For clarity always refer to previous papers both for prelims and mains. Dont seperate GS prep as mains and prelims.
Hope this helps all the best 🙂
just want to ask if it will be sufficient to read current affairs from Hindu Jan 2015 To July 2015 science reporter jan 2015 to July 2015 economy survey,india 2015(selected topics),budget speech.
along with NCERT 6-10.
For Pre and Mains
Sir pls mail me in details.
Thanks.
Hi sir,
I am pursuing ENG (HONS) from SOL Delhi university session 2013-2016 . Is I’m eligible for given UPSC Exam in 2017 or not….I’m so confused about my degree…pl reply as soon as possible
With warm regard
I understand the doubt, this detailed post (link) will help you I guess
thanks alot ur help indeed on time i was very confused about s and t and current affairs but you help me in sorting look at the things i am following for s&t and i was earlier covering current affair from aug to july..from hindu we archives thanks fr suggestions
http://mrunal.org/2014/03/yearbook-india-2014-science-tech-biotech-space-tech-defence-tech-prepare-iyb-12th-five-year-plan-sample-mcqs.html
http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/category/current-affairs-2015/science-and-technology/page/67
Step1: NCERTs topicwise
Preparation must begin with NCERTs
Class PHYSICS Chemistry Biology
7 4, 13, 14 & 15 5 & 6 1,2,10; 11 & 12
8 11 to 16 3 to 6 2, 8, 9 & 10
9 8 to 12 1 to 4 5,6,7 & 13
10 10, 12 & 13 1 to 5 6 to 11
11 1,5,8 1,14 2 to 5
12 15 14,16 4,5 then 7 to 16
• NCERT alone not sufficient for UPSC prelims because:
o Biology: they don’t cover all diseases, nutrient deficiencies etc.
o physics and chemistry: they don’t cover all real-life examples of various physics principles
• Therefore, after NCERT, you should augment preparation with help of following
• Mrunal’s public health compilation
• Mrunal’s Space tech compilation
• any “competitive book”
o Lucent GK OR
o General studies manual
o Or similar book on science-tech.
• India Yearbook Chapter on science technology- although co
science reporter
1. NCERT Books for Science Class VIII, IX, X and also XI & XII for selected topics
2. The Hindu
3. Science Reporter and Vigyan Pragati
4. Yojana and Kurukshetra (for selected topics only)
5. India year Book (for selected topics only)
6. The Frontline (selected articles or issues)
7. All India Radio (Current Affairs Programmes)
http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs-science-technology-1286444078-1
That is a huge list, thanks.
I am pharmacy final year student ,I would like prepare civils entrance exams,but I don’t have any idea about civils,plz give me suggestions,how to prepare the exam,syllabus,exam pattern, books &author s name
Please refer to this post. http://iksa.in/upsc-civil-service-ias-preparation-guide/
dear sir,
my strategy for ias 2016
for csat paper-1
history -(old ncert)
geography(ncert+ gc leong)
economic(sriram booklet)
environment(shankar booklet)
science (ncert+vajiram booklet)
polity(laxmikant)
art and culture(specturm)
modern history(specturm)
and tmh manual
for csat paper 2 (tmh manual)
mains strategy :-
for gs paper 1,2,3 above books
for paper 4 (please tell me best notes or books if any )
my optional- anthropology
please also tell me a good book or noted for this
for current affairs ( hindu -reading+ writing notes from it)
mrunal.org
gktoday material
vajiram notes also for c.affairs
dear sir
please tell me how much is good my startegy and from above list of books please tell me which book should be remove or change for better understanding as easy reading for me for any change please tell me 🙂
For ethics, there is xerox notes of synergy available its very good, I have not read any other book, my score is 98 in that paper. not bad I guess 🙂
I also suggest to read editorial pages of Indian express daily, they are very good. dont read too much material for Current affairs, just papers and Yojana will do.
I have no Idea about anthropology, sorry about that. Also read Ramesh Singh for economy, will be useful in mains. The list seems good, as time passes some adjustments can be made, for starters its nice, all the best 🙂
Hi Sir,
I want to Clear Civils 2016.I have heard many people saying the preparation should be common for both prelims and Mains.As prelims is objective,we can study the concepts and select the alternatives in the exam.What is the way to prepare for Mains.Do we need to prepare notes ourselves for mains.Kindly Guide me.
hello sir
i have online vision current affairs material from aug 2014 to july 2015 .please tell me if i refer only this for aug- dec followed by hindu from jan to july …is it the right strategy.
and what to refer for science and technology section as i dont have any vision and vaji material with me,please guide in detail sir.
If you are referring to prelims,Jan 2015 – aug Current affairs will do, focus more on static area for prelims, though current affairs is imp too, along with newspapers, vision material is a good supplement.
For Prelims S&T Ncert will do, for mains Sri ram IAS materials is very good.
Firstly I say thanks for this kind of effort for the future aspirants….. Sir For 2016, I m preparing by myself , thus can u plz tell me after completing all ncert books and polity laxmikanth and modern spectrum, what should my next step? Secondly also suggest me how can I manage my study routine bcz there is lots of stuff including newspaper and optional HV to be complete. Plzz suggest me sir I m very confused how can I manage my schedule. 8 hope u reply my problem.
Sir I had mailed u regarding the 2nd stage preparation strategy after ncert,polity laxmlkant and modern spectrum, what should I next do? And Aldo about managing of study in a day including newspaper reading as well as optional. Kindly help me sir what is the right way of managing study including daily current affairs and all articles reading. Plz sir reply me this is necessary in my case bcz I don’t take any coaching guidance. I will wait for our reply☺
Hi,
Dont separate the preparation process, its all included, Optional is most important ,so stat preparing optional. An ideal strategy for 2016 is to complete your Optional and write a optional test series by dec this year, this should be done along with reading both Hindu and Indian express daily not more than 3 hours for paper.
You should know syllabus by heart, if you are reading an article you should know where it belongs exactly.
More time on optional + Papers till dec. If possible read GS paper static part of all 4 papers.
From jan till april complete all 4 GS papers static/current part along with revising optional daily and daily news paper.
from write mains GS test series(may+june)+ july-aug just revise for prelims.
Hope this helps 🙂 all the best 🙂
Thanks a lot sir, for such a nice information . including with this I also want to know the delatiled information regarding step by step preparation methodology for crack the 2016 prelims at any cost, for the beginners what u suggest, kindly show me in a consequetive manner .
IF you do the preparation correctly for mains, Prelims will not be an issue for you.
only ncerts for s&t for prelims…no science reporter india year book..or online material
koi to reply karo
ncerts …current static kya padu..details to de do bhai
mailed you the reply .
Awesome site for beginers
I thing this site gives a good plateform for like minded candidates to share there views and ideas.
Dear sir mera selection capf(ac) 2013 m ho gya Hi ihv got crpf .bfor 5 months I actually start my Ias prep. Now I m living in my village .some one hs told me that after joining I will not get time for prep so I’m confuse what to do?I want to become Ias
Plz guide me sir.waiting for ur advice
Please check your mail 🙂
Dear sir
I am preparing for ias 2016 ..
Kindly suggest me books for preliminary paper 1 and paper 2
Dear sir
I am not able to download ncert books whom link you have shared in the book list. Please help me
for prelims
geo ncerts+ india year book and map
history ncerts..spectrum..crackias
polity laxmikant
science as suggested
current jan to july vision and monthly policies reviews and govt policies and schemes
enviorment shankar ias
loaded test series..mrunal.insight..vaji…vision
please tell me am i on right track for prelims
Sir ..I want to prepare for 2016 prelims.plzz guide me for d same n suggest me some good books.
The very purpose of this post is detailed list of book for each subject for prelims.
sir,i started prep. of uppsc hindi med. Tell me the full list of books and other.guide me plz
sir,
i want to ask you that how many hour or days are needed to crack / enough for prelims .
sir ,
i had forget something to write in my previous comment that how much marks is required to crack prelim.
hello sir,
sir i just started my preparations for upsc prelims 2016 but i m very confuse that one year is sufficient or not ???
or i should prepare myself for upsc 2017.
plzz sir give me some suggestions.
n sir, i had forget to mention in my previous comment that…. i just completed my b tech n i m not going for a job or any coaching classes so right i don’t have anything to do except studies i.e. self studies, so plzz sir suggest me should i prepare myself for upsc 2016 or upsc 2017.
hi,
Please call me kalyan, I am an aspirant like you , so no need for sir and all 🙂
Coming to your SELF STUDY doubt, I have read both your comments, as I have been in UPSC for few years now(not a good achievement) I can safely say that If you read 8 hours a day every day from today till next year exam day, you will surely be in a position to attend interview in the first attempt it self, but there are many IF’s and But’s involved.
Humanly it is possible, but ordinarily we waste time also.
Technically speaking you will have more than an year, from Today till August 6th -2016 will have time for Prelims+ mains
after that till December 2016 3 more months .just for mains
after that 3 more months to prepare for Interview.
If you keep your focus and determination you can give a real good attempt in 2016 it self, postponement in mind will reflect in you preparation (which will be half hearted.)
So stop thinking and go will full force for 2016. Treat it as any other exam ,and see it just like any other one, forget the hype and Hungama surrounding this exam. You will do fine .
Hope this reply helps you to an extent 🙂 all the best 🙂
thanks a lot Mr. kalyan……for giving me such a nice suggestions
sir can u guide me which coaching institute is good for all Gs paper ? like vajii vs vision ias… which is good for me . or kindly suggest from ur side for a begginer. at that time i only competed 2 subjects ncerts and lucent history portion . can u give me a detailed mail for the extensive preperation for mains as well as pre for 2016 exam subject /topic wise list for the first attempter. including wth this ialso guide me, if i want to collect aug – july current affairs as well as selective article what should i do? preparing notes or collecting yojana magzines for future rivision or the vajii s current affairs. kindly give me a detailed answer of all my queries , at this time i planning for join the coaching so, it,s too late. reply me soon sir.
Sir, Can we avoid to read NCERT Books for IAS-Main exam ?
If not, then how NCERT Books helped except for beginners ?
NCERT books are always useful , even for mains, For art&culture,World history,Post independence consolidation, Polity basic topics , Geography all these topics can be read from ncert books.
Hi Kalyan,
I am targeting CSE in 2016 with job. Can you please share strategy of GS mains exam and book resources? I am planning with integrated approach.
u can now undo the striking off (CAST2) part.
and well i really enjoyed prelims plans from your side.
looking forwards for pre results.
hello sir
I am from a very small village and I want to become a civil servant pls guide me through the basics sir. it will be more helpful for me and I need support from someone who know abt these things
Will mail you in detail 🙂
Hello sir,
Thanks alot … this list really helped me and clear my various doubts.
I want to attempt upsc in 2016 and opting anthropolgy as optional, pls guide me for that as to how to prepare and books.
as i am a it graduate , i m really week in history and culture , can you pls guide me through that as well.
Thanks alot.
Nikki
Hi,
Glad that the post helped you, Please look up for anthropology strategy in the toppers section, which will help you. Coming to History & culture, its pure static , so start with NCERT books for them.It will help you easily get an overall Idea.
Thank you sir. will gladly do it.
thanks
nikki
How can I get yojna august-sepember, 2015???
Please see the end of this post, I updated the sources.
I didn’t find for August-September 2015. It’s last up to April ‘2015.
sir, i am studying in class 10th and i am good in geo,eco,his, and civics and i don’t like maths and science should i can participate in upsc without science and maths. And also name the basic book for upsc.
hey buddy,
it’s nice to see you planning for UPSC at such young age, but Maths and science do play a role in UPSC, so I suggest you learn them too. Focus on your basic studies till 12th grade, try to get very good score in all subjects. Apart from that if possible read Hindu paper, develop an awareness of the world we live in, the things that are happening in India, etc . In the long run it will help you. Be curious, develop the habit of asking why,who,what,when .
I am sure there is lot of time, so not suggesting you any basic books as of now.Sorry to sound like every other grownup but focus on your studies for now.
Keep in touch 🙂 all the best 🙂
hello sir I want to start preparation for civil service. cn u please guide wht I read . which books are relevant for mains, also reports etc….. how I make my schedule and timetable . please help me out. I m so confused……….
After searching alot i finally come to this. First of all I thanks you for your support for beginers. As i also a beginer for upsc preparation n not able to go for coaching. I want to prepare at home. After discussing with many n got confused. I want to know the books for prelims n mains also the ncerts whichone I read or which one not. Wanna go with Geography as optional. Please kindly mail me the full book list including prelims mains current affairs n what ever required. Please mail me. Thanks alot in advance.
Thank u very much sir for ur valuable information regarding the upsc prelim examination . I want to buy this books today so I prepare to upsc 2016 prelim examination . so I request to u please tell me how much money required to buy all prelim books.?
please reply me as soon as possible
thank u
hi Sunil,
all the ncert and nios material is available free online and other ebooks and materials are also free. other books like laxmikanth are available on flipkart or amazon their rate varies.
Thank you sir for reply. I’ll start preparation of UPSC 2016 as soon as possible.
Good morning kalyan sir
My self shaziya
Sir I am preparing for prelims
Sir I have one doubt regarding science is it enough to refer only ncert books from 6 to 10 th standard for prelims or have to refer also 11 and 12th standard also?
I am in confusion sir plz help me
Hi,
Reading till 12 with help in many aspects, as questions are getting more standard , also it covers some topics from Envi & bio topics too 🙂
Please check you mail, I have replied in detail .
Gud morning sir.
M doing government job class 2..
But want to crack upsc..
M in confusion that… I left dis job and give full time for upsc preparation.. Or do both job n preparation??
Your suggestions will help me…
Dont leave a GOVT job.
I dont know the nature of your job or the pressure you face, But If you can get 5-6 hours of time each and every day that will be enough for upsc preparation. before prelims/mains you can take leave , AGAIN DONT LEAVE GOVT JOB.
I m civil engineer… And sir easily I get 5-6 hours per day…
Okay sir… thank you very much for reply..!! (Y)
Please call me kalyan, sir and all not needed, Glad to be of help 🙂
🙂
Kalyan I have msgd u 3 days back but u didn’t gave reply
Reply plzzz I am waiting for ur reply
Thank you
I have mailed you the same day, please check your gmail, in spam or promotional tabs. Thank you 🙂
sir plzz send prelims exam syllabus.i am so confused,and what are books was followed of the prelims exam sir don’ t forget it sir pizz
hi, link to prelims syllabus and books list.
hi,
sir please suggest how to study paper 2.
paper 1 i confident sir but paper 2 quantitative aptitude its difficult to me..so please tell me any short cuts use to study paper 2 CSAT
thanks a lot for guiding us .
sir i am living in delhi ,pursuing b.a programe final year from du. apart from studying i have to do job in a bpo for my livelihood beacuse parrents are unable to support me financely. doing job in a bpo hurts me because they give me too much pressure and it finishes my entire day of time nearly 10 hours .
i want to appear in cse 2016 and honestly dedicated to get a rank this year so looking for a part time job for 6 to 7 hours and which could pay me at least 6000 a month.
it will be great help if you would give few minute to think for me and give some idea to earn money .
once again i would be giving a lot blessing for your life and family because you are showing a clear path for our destiny.
please keep continiue .
thankyou.
Hi Virendra, Thank you for your kind words and appreciation,
First of all my honest suggestion is dont leave your present job till you find a new one or any job for preparation.
I am an aspirant like you , but I can suggest you to visit all old rajendar nagar institutes/libraries for job, they might need a help or staff that is a good option. Other than that, nothing comes to my mind.
if you can spend 6 hours every day, seriously with focus, that will help a lot 🙂 Sorry for not being any more help , all the very best to you.
thnx a lot sir…..
you post, old and General things, can
you tell shriram notes and Ramesh Singh economy how many questions solve 2013, 2014 and 2015 ias pre questions.
geography mi???
history mi????
i’m happy you are not told D.d Bashu. book for politely every one told .
As you might have already know, this is aspirants run site, so we are not in to material creation as of now. Coming to your economy question, almost all static part questions can be answered just by reading sri ram and current question from that year eco survey.
Geo 11-12 ncerts , majority questions can be solved.
History – modern India spectrum .
Anyone interested to buy all upsc recommended books at discount.optional handwritten and printed notes Geography-alokranjan and Psychology- mukhul patak notes
contact: 8527575218(watsapp only)
Bangalore
Sir,
I have completed my MCA Last Year and currently working in an IT Firm. Is it enough for me to prepare for CSAT 2016 prelms exams if I start today?
For prelims, yes .assuming you can give 4-6 hours each day.
Sir,
Please send me the Details and other related informations to start preparing myself for the prelims,
thanks n advance
Please go through this post http://iksa.in/prelims-book-list-and-important-links/ after reading it, mail us if you need anything. thank you
Dear Sir,
I Have completed my MCA on 2014 and currently workiing in IT sector, belongs to OC Category. Am I Eligible for CSAT ?
Yes you are eligible, all Gen/OC candidates have 6 attempts and Upto 32 age, with degree as qualification.
Fazal
Class PHYSICS Chemistry Biology
7 4, 13, 14 & 15 5 & 6 1,2,10; 11 & 12
8 11 to 16 3 to 6 2, 8, 9 & 10
9 8 to 12 1 to 4 5,6,7 & 13
10 10, 12 & 13 1 to 5 6 to 11
11 1,5,8 1,14 2 to 5
12 15 14,16 4,5 then 7 to 16
What are these? chapters?
Selected Chapters… to read in science .
Sir i don’t know any thing about upsc exxam what should be read in preliminary and mains
So sir as u describe science subject in chapter wise in same manner plz provide me book name and topic which is necessary for prilims exam.
Plz plz plz plz reply me
I am new in this upsc exam
My email is [email protected]
is it necessary to join coaching for upsc prelims, mains, and interview
Sir,
Thanks for the parivartan you hve already brought.
Sir I am newly subscribed to your site.appeared twice but could not clear prelims even.books and material part you covered nicely.
I do need your guidance regarding pre mains both.
Pre apart whenever I tries to write a sentence,I can’t write more than two sentences.how to develop a quality to develope writing skill and start analysing a topic with limited resource.how to aggregate pre and mains preparation??I am reading the Hindu since last 2years,a up board Hindi medium student I am.my exam medium is English.
hi Amit, Just focus on sentence formation, go back to basics, take some ones help. You have to read more to write better, so start reading some good books also, apart from that, see essays of fellow aspirants on Insights on India sight, see how they are writing. Honestly its like going back to school to correct your problem, you need to work extra hard than others . Hope this helps 🙂
Sir,
Thanks for the prompt response.
And sorry for the wrong information by me…..
Sir actual problem is that I am a gov employee working in a hectic scheduled job.usually I use to get 3-4 hrs almost.and some Sundays..
So would you guide me regarding how within this time limit preparation can be done for pre and mains…???am I on the right track or is possible to crack upsc…
I will be obliged if you can mail me ……it will be of immense help….plz if feasible
As you have limited time , you can out source your hard work and depend completely on vision IAS for current affairs part, rest you can use on your optional subject and prelims static part.
can u plz tell me sir about world history ?
NCERT books (W.history), for basic understanding and vision IAS material will be mostly enough.
Sir, I am unable to manage my time in a day for the various to-do’s needed for civils preparation and as the time for exam is approaching, i have realized that i am lacking behind. Studies are getting piled up everyday and it has started to become a burden to recover the leftovers. Can you please give a guide how to study systematically and complete the syllabus?
hi,
Its quite natural to procrastinate, and pile up things, First thing we all need it Determination and desperate desire.
My personal experience is, fix a rock solid timetable , and avoid all distractions, mobile and net being top on list.
If you can , please join a library. It will avoid external distractions.
Focus on 10 most important books and repeat them ,dont try to do too many things at once.
Thank You. i will work on the suggestion..
Sir..I have completed my engineering in IT in 2015. Can u pls guide me for the ias prelims exam?
Can u pls mail me the notes?
Sir i am confused in prelims only we have to choose our optional subject.pls hlp me
Hi,
I was wondering if you would even consider helping someone like me…
I am an English (H) graduate from Delhi university and am 28 years of age. I have been working for past 7 years and always wanted to appear for the IAS. But as it has been quite some time since I completed my studies and started working, getting back to studies for IAS and also managing my job is proving to be quite a challenging task for me.
I would really appreciate your guidance to a person like me, who would truly benefit with a sought out action plan so as to how to approach towards studying for the UPSC Exams.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
HI, I started this blog to share what I know, for every one who is interested. SO yes I do read every mail and comment, its very tough in the starting really. You need to spend 6-8 hours every day at least…
For prelims I have written a detailed post in this you will find all the books to be read, to start with current affairs listen to all India radio spotlight and big picture in RSTV, they will help you understand faster.
iam besically telugumediumstudent in wichmedium iwouldliketoprepareforcivilservice please sendmebookslist and some suggitions to get success if istart todayonwords for 2016 can i get success please send some smartwork tips kalyan thanks
The book list remains the same. It will be hard to cover all mains and Gs with in limited time, but still one can start preparing from now onwards.
Hello sir !
I wanted to purchase a reference book for prelims. Can you please guide which one should I choose between Pearson and tmh ?
If you have time, go through the above mentioned book list, but if you want to skip I think TMH is better. Hope this helps 🙂
This really helped sir. Thanks for the guidance.
more of a suggestion 🙂
Dear kalyan,
It gives me an immense pleasure to be a part of this blog.
First of all thanks a ton for providing us a medium to get all our queries clarified.
I am a s/w professional and have decided to appear for UPSCin coming years. I have noted all the book list which you have mentioned here in this blog and need to start on those.
But my question is , i am confused in when to give an attempt for UPSC ?. As this would be my first attempt and with not much knowledge on prescribed syllabus , am sure that, i will not be able to complete the basics itself before the Prelims – 2016. So, should i give an attempt this year to get to know the paper pattern. etc., (or), should i go for 2017 ?.
Kindly suggest on this .
Thanks in advance,
pranay kumar ji
[email protected]
As you said yourself, you are not sure ,I suggest you not to write, if you have age and attempts. You can get an idea about the exam even by writing mock test series. you will get an idea about where you stand.
Hi.. Sir
Thank you for the information.
Actually, I am planning to appear the prelims exam in this year. And I have started preparing since last 2 days. Is my decision right to appear in this year. Can I pass
I have seen people clear people prelims by studying 3 months, but most of them failed to clear mains, In my view, writing just out of curiosity or with out complete mains preparation is sin. If you have age, time and dedication, prepare for long term and write some mains test series for optional and GS and then give the attempt.
Hope this helps 🙂
Thank you sir.
Can you explain how should I complete the mains preparation
Hello…
Sir plz let me knw whether I should refer new NCERTS or Old one
Dear Kalyan, I appreciate the effort you put in to simplify the approach towards the toughest exam. Thanks for everything. Btw, have you given the exam last time? How did it go.
-Mohan
Hi Mohan, Thank you for your kind words and appreciation, it really means a lot.
I am struck at mains stage.
hi sir i am studying degree final year i want to prepare in online for civils please tell me how to prepare in online which websites gives coaching plzzz help me sir
hi sir please give complete guidance to prepare for CSE. It helps everyone. THANKYOU sir.
sir am preparing for upsc and its mah intial stage..need help and guide from you that how could i crack the exam and is the sufficient time for 2016…any coaching is mendatory or i can do without any coaching…books that i should prefer..syllabus for pre,mains….
Please refer to these two post ,
http://iksa.in/upsc-civil-service-ias-preparation-guide/
http://iksa.in/prelims-book-list-and-important-links/
Hope this helps.
Hello sir,
Suggest me how I correct my writting skill in english
Hi sir,
Your article is cool, but as I left my job to prepare for upsc exams I’m having some financial problems so i cant afford for any of books. So please suggest me soft materials like NCERT pdf books. Is everything to study and pass UPSC available in pdf or or in any format? i have access to free internet and have laptop. CSAT paper 2 i have no problem, i hope but i need complete pin to pin syllabus of both the papers. Pls help me
Hello sir
Plz tell me how to prepare for prelims as well mains.
Plz also tell me how to prepare for poltical science optional subject.
Thanku
Hi Sir, I will be beginning my preparation today on-wards. Is it doable?
It will be my first attempt, no coaching etc too as very little time is left.
Pls advise. Looking for your guidance
Doable , we can never know until we try , yes paucity of time is there but you can try. Focus on major subjects like polity,history,eco,environment and geography. Watch mrunal videos to quickly cover geo and eco . read NCERTs selectively and above all try to do as many previous questions as possible and lastly cover gs some where , preferably vision.
In the best case scenario you will cover a lot in short time and clear, if you fail you still have learnt a lot and failed in the right direction and that will help you some day. Be positive and think you will clear only then your preparation will be positive or else you will start thinking negatively and some where down the line give up and start planning for 2017, Dont do that.
sir the toppers textbook that u provide by vision IAS they are mains exam copies or vision institute copies i mean the same ques is asked in exam . Sorry if i had asked something wrong bt actually i am new here and i want to start my preparation for upsc bt i hav no idea. can we crack ias without coaching also. i m also confused b/w optional geo or political science plz guide so that i can start my preparation for upsc 2017
Hi, they are questions from tests conducted by vision and not upsc, they are similar to what upsc asks. They will just give you ideas on how to write, simplicity etc. It’s quite normal to have doubts in initial stages. Watch mrunal videos on you tube regarding preparation with out coaching. Also read gaurav agarwals blog on how to choose optional because you have to decide based on previous papers and syllabus and your interest in that subject. Hope this helps
hello sir im a pg student of advanced construction management…how i have to prepare plz help me with thes…thanks in adavance
hlllo sir i’m a degree 1st year student BA [ECONOMICS] …… I am preparing for upsc examinations sir and I’m confused about from where I should start my preparation soo kindly help me sir
thank u sir once again
Hello Sir,
I am confused. I want to start my UPSC preparation by Ncerts. But , from where should I buy all the Ncerts textbooks and after that please provide me all prelims & mains booklist (name). Please reply me Soon .
hello sir,
im btch frst yr comp. scnce student. I want to prepare for upsc xam.please say that.. how and what i should prepare in these 4 years.
Hello Sir,
I am 19 years old and want to give UPSC exams. What subject should I start with and how to go about it.
hello sir,
suggest me good online coaching website for ias.
hello sir,
Iam already working women as Assistant Engineer since 10 years in a electricity department, Iam 34 years old now.I want to prepare for civils.Can u plz suggest me the wright procedure for preperation and main subject to be elected and books plz.
Hellp sir I am very pleased with the links and sources you have provided for upsc prelims through your website. I request you to please provide sources for mains as well because I am finding difficulties in choosing sources for mains as it is confusing and vast. Please help
Thanks a ton!! This is very helpful indeed
Sir I want to start preparation for Upsc 2017 but I don’t know the Which class from NCERT start?.I want detail information about the every subject and from which standard NCERT start. I am from rural background please reply sir. Today just I sir information and got useful information. Thank you.
Sir, I just wanted your help in how to choose optional subject. I have done masters in Political science and have interest in history.
Thanks
Rajni
Hi Gaurav Agrawal sir, wrote it perfectly
“Choosing an Optional
People often have many criteria to choose the optional.. some of them are…
– ‘Scoring’ optional: People think some optionals are more scoring than others.. Don’t know what to say on this. Every year UPSC changes the optionals it favors / punishes, so u never know whether the ‘scoring’ optional u took may end up in the ‘butchering’ list of UPSC next year..
– Overlap with GS: “Pubad le lo, GS ki bhi taiyyari ho jaayegi”… Nothing could be more dangerous than this attitude.. coz if we don’t like pubad, and still take it, then we anyways won’t be able to study it well enough and not only will we screw the pubad portion of GS but also additional 500 marks optional. We only amplify our weakness by this attitude.
I believe an optional must be chosen out of our strength. When I took economics, many people advised me against it saying economics is technical, not scoring etc. etc. But I knew economics was my strength… doesn’t matter if no one has scored 400/600 in economics so far, I know I would score it (as per the older marking scheme). When UPSC is giving us 500 marks to play by our strength, why should we pick anything else? These are our marks and let us score the maximum out of it. And ofcourse, such a strength can only develop when we have deep interest and luv for the subject.
Optional preparation requires a great deal of in depth study as well as wide coverage. One has to write like a historian to take history optional, one has to write like an economist to score well in economics. This is only possible when the subject is our strength.”
Because it’s finally who will face the consequences and know your interests better, no one can choose it for you, hope this helps 🙂
Thankyou….
Thank you for suggesting books.i’m sure its very helpful for beginners
Hope it helps to an extent. Thank you.
Hello sir ,
Aapka current s related matter is much better ,kya sir aap AIR ki ye total recording Hindi m bhi uplabd kra skte h plz if u can sir , hindi medium students k liye bhi ye bhut important h .sir mujhe english aati h bt itni nahi ki english news sun sake so can u undrstand my reqst sir ,
Dear Sir,
For current affairs except hindu what else I will have to study??Is it necessary to to read CSR for every month or chronical??please help.How can I study current affairs precisely.
well, every one is reading Vision IAS monthly issue along with Hindu for Current affairs.
sir i m in 2nd year of my engineering!
and i hav 3 yr fr my prep!
plz suggest how to start!
cuz i have to concentrate on my semester also
Hi sir…
I’m currently doing my B.E-EEE final year. I have started my upsc preparation. Could you please suggest me what books should I prefer and what to learn for clear for upsc exams?..
Dear sir,
i am studying on 1st year engineering student.
My aim became a I.A.S. officer.please suggest me how to prepare preliminary exam .
Then which types of books learned on preliminary exam.
Sir I am from pune please give me latest sriram economy notes link
Sir I want name of Hindi medium books for c.s.e. pre& mains . plz give me information.
Pls clear my doubt Sir
If we read 1 book 10times then where will be the time for reading other books. I don’t understand this.
hi, it was way of expression and need not be taken in literal sense, it meant more time revision, coming to literal sense, reading laximikanth many times over, you can revise it in one day. first reading takes lot of time, 3 reading will take max a week, from then on you can revise it very quickly…. it applies for all books, hope it makes some sense now ?
Sir, im confused please help im a normal student with no good grades 54% in graduation i just can’t concentrate on preparation because whenever i see anyone who clear CSE had good grades,im am currently reading NCERT’s please help sir.
Also is it necessary to take coaching were there people who cleare CSE without coaching help.
Coaching is not mandatory at all, I think you should watch some videos on youtube from mrunal on how to prepare with out coaching.
How to start UPSC Prelim cum Mains Preparation for General Studies
Thanku sir
SIR, mains nd prelims should be separately? or studying for mains is sufficient for scoring in prelims?
hi, Mains and prelims prep overlaps to an extent, but you need to read for prelims in some what diff fashion from how we prepare for mains. Mock tests for prelims is a must and it also helps you gain the perspective.
Thankq sir..for this valuable info. My question is it necessary to covers yojna for prelims as i am planning to sit in upsc 2017. Can u tell me how to cover currrent affairs in thes 6 months. ? right now m reading the hindu only.
Hi, In general it is not suggested to separate preparation for mains and prelims its a continuous process. This year prelims paper gave too much weight to current affairs. So reading Yojana will help a lot in this exam, coming to current affaits Vision ias current affairs from May 2016- to may/June 2017 is must for next year prelims along with Hindu, it helps a lot in mains.
No other effort regarding CA will be needed , along with practicing lot of Prelims mock tests. Hope this helps 🙂
Sir I am starting my preparations now only will I be able to complete my preparations by prelims 2017. If done so, will I be able to clear my mains 2017??
I already have the books you have suggested.
Hope you help to do the needful.
Thanking you.
Hello sir,
Thank you so much sir its really very good information for the beginner like me.I don’t no how i can say you thank you because of above info i give lots of confidence but i have 1 question above book list its only for prelim or mains? whats about main exam book list? If u possible please send me book list on my email id.and also give me tips how i can start preparation ? joint coaching classes are necessary or not ?
I have confusion about select optional subject. how can i choice this? my maths is good can i select maths for optional i m completed B,Tech in ExTC Dept.
Actually i have so small small question to clear this how to contact u ?
Ones again thank you so much sir
Thanks & Regards
Kasturi Doshi
A. CELIN 24 . 11. 16
Hello sir iam celin from pondy. I completed B.SC(Nsg) this year , pls guide me to take important subject sir. How can i conduct you sir. Help me to clear upsc exams.
Sir this s Steffi dentist I wanna prepare IAS xam he shud I prepare pls help me sir
Sir i m very much confused….with the books…there r many books…all suggest different books for each subject….i want a names of limited number of books…which ll be of high quality
Hi, I understand your dilemma you can choose one book for each subject and revise it as much as possible, along with writing every test series you can get.
Polity – Laxmikanth
Economy- Ramesh Singh
History – Spectrum
Geography – NCERT
Environment – Shankar IAS
Culture – Nitin Singhania
Science – NCERT (Mrunal list as mentioned in the post)
Current Affairs – Hindu + Vision Material…
These are must do to get a very good foundation, no can predict the question paper may be lot of current affairs might come or lot of static ones might come, so try to revise a lot and write as many 2017 prelims test series as possible it really helps .
Thank you sir for your effort. This is very useful website because all the important points at one place I really appreciate it. Could you please tell me how can I fetch 10 years of Civil Engineering optional solved question papers?.
Thank You Sir for the info (veru useful).
Sir, I am preparing for CSAT & Mains from books published by Arhiant Publication, The Hindu (Newspaper), Yojana (Magazine), India Year Book (MI&B) & Economic Survey (MOF).
My question is- Are those books sufficient for the preparation (for both i.e., CSAT & Mains) or do I also need to refer other books?
Your advice will be appreciated & will also be implemented.
Thank You..
Harsh Bhardwaj
(Student- LL.B Hons.)
sir i dont know which books to refers for prelims exam plz tell me
we all are very thankful kalyan sir for your sincere efforts in giving every minute details…sir since very childhood my only aim is to be an. ias officer anyhow, right now i m in b-tech 2nd year… i hve started reading basic ncert’s from class 6-10 m i going in ryt direction
Thank you for your kind words. Yes NCERT are the very foundation for UPSC, reading them is the first step, as you have lot of time, I will suggest you to read Hindu newspaper daily at your own leisure and also read good non fiction books on India like India after Gandhi etc. Good luck 🙂
thank you sir, i wll be needing your valuable guidance throughout.?
download app you will get everything u want
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=swapnil.com.upschelp&hl=en
why there are no suggested articles from the hindu and indian express after january?
send me each and every subject links for prelims & csat& mains 2018 my mail ib :[email protected]
im witting first time civil services.im living in small village so pls send me any material my mail id .
the entire post is about that only, please go through it again thank you.
Sir, please highlight subjects( polity, ecocnomy, sci& tech) from the sources gist of hindu, yojana, economic survey, india year book. and recommend sources what to be covered for prelims and mains.