By clearing the civil services exam offered annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), you can work as an IAS Officer. The country’s civil services, which include the IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and many others, recruit candidates for these positions through this exam. The IAS is the most sought-after and regarded as the most prestigious of all the services. Because of this, despite the fact that there is no IAS test, the UPSC civil services exam is referred to as the ‘IAS exam’! Continue reading to learn how to pass the UPSC civil services exam and become an IAS officer.

What Can I do to Become an IAS Officer? 

The preparation plan is where the real solution to “how to become an IAS officer in India” begins! The average time to prepare for the Civil Services test is 8 to 12 months. So, to prepare the complete curriculum comprehensively, you need to start roughly a year in advance. Here are some essential measures you should undertake to get ready for the Civil Services exam.

Step Zero: Know about the exam

It is crucial that you are quite familiar with both the UPSC exam syllabus and test format. Always maintain a copy of the syllabus nearby so you can consult it if you wish to see whether a subject is pertinent from the standpoint of an exam. In order to prepare effectively, it is crucial that you have the curriculum organised in your head. Next, look over a few papers from prior years to get a sense of the types of questions that are posed.

Step One: Work on building a strong foundation

If you want to provide a robust start for your preparation, a solid foundation is really essential. So, start with the fundamentals. NCERTs are a crucial and fundamental source of knowledge that will expose you to the disciplines you must thoroughly study for UPSC preparation. Consequently, use the NCERTs to begin your UPSC preparation!

Step Two: Read Standard Books

The first thought that might come to mind right now is, “What are the recommended books for UPSC preparation?” Therefore, the term “standard books” refers to the books that must be read from beginning to end for a certain subject. In the article that is linked, the list of required readings for the UPSC is mentioned. Look through it, find all the essential books, and begin reading them. A list of NCERT books that are available for quick download from the NCERT website is also included in the post.

Step Three: Master the Current Affairs

Every year, direct inquiries about current events are given in the Prelims test. For the UPSC, it is crucial to read current affairs for 12 to 18 months. You can either enrol in a course on current affairs, which will undoubtedly make it much easier for you to compile the relevant knowledge, or you can read about it in newspapers and publications. You can read this article on the significance of current affairs for the UPSC exam for additional information.

Step Four: Mock Tests and Answer-writing Practice

The two key foundations of UPSC preparation are mock exams and answer writing. Without them, you cannot finish your UPSC preparation! Answer-writing practice helps you hone your writing skills and refine your answer-writing procedures, whilst mock tests analyse your preparation and reveal your weak areas. Therefore, incorporate them both into your planning.

Step Five: UPSC Previous Year’s Papers

When it comes to the IAS exams, the adage “Practice Makes Man Perfect” is accurate. Your likelihood of being able to attempt more questions in the final UPSC Exam improve as you answer more questions and become more comfortable with the style and substance of the questions being asked. Students who practice with the UPSC Previous year’s paper thoroughly prepare for their exams more efficiently and manage their time. By completing UPSC Mains Exam Papers, candidates can develop the writing habits and abilities necessary to ace the exam.

Step Six: Revision 

Another crucial component of UPSC preparation is revision. Revision of the material you’ve studied several times is crucial for concept retention. It is crucial to review dates and events several times in order to make sure they stick in your mind because we have a tendency to forget them when studying General Studies.

Believe in your skills and abilities. Doubts about your abilities simply serve to weaken them. You will achieve your goals and enter the prestigious Indian civil services if you have chosen the proper plan and coupled it with relentless and unwavering effort.