The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year to recruit candidates for various prestigious posts like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and more. The UPSC CSE is one of the most competitive and challenging exams in the country, with lakhs of aspirants vying for a few hundred seats.

If you are one of those aspirants who dream of becoming an IAS officer or serving the nation in any other capacity, you might be wondering how to start UPSC preparation from zero level. You might have many doubts and questions in your mind, such as:

• What is the eligibility criteria for UPSC CSE?
• What is the exam pattern and syllabus of UPSC CSE?
• What are the best books and resources for UPSC CSE?
• How to make a study plan and time table for UPSC CSE?
• How to prepare for current affairs and general studies for UPSC CSE?
• How to improve writing skills and answer writing practice for UPSC CSE?
• How to prepare for the interview or personality test for UPSC CSE?
   

In this article, we will answer all these questions and more, and provide you with a complete guide on how to start UPSC preparation from zero level. We will also share some tips and tricks that will help you crack the UPSC CSE in your first attempt.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CSE

Before you start your UPSC preparation, you should first check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the exam. The eligibility criteria for UPSC CSE are as follows:

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin or a Tibetan refugee or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
• Age Limit: You must be between 21 and 32 years of age as on August 1 of the year of examination. There are relaxations in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
• Educational Qualification: You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification. You can also appear for the exam if you are in the final year of your graduation or awaiting results, but you will have to produce proof of passing before the mains exam.
• Number of Attempts: You can attempt the exam up to six times, with relaxations for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
   

Exam Pattern and Syllabus of UPSC CSE

The UPSC CSE consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam and Interview or Personality Test. The exam pattern and syllabus of each stage are as follows:

Preliminary Exam

The preliminary exam is the first stage of the UPSC CSE, which is conducted in June every year. It is an objective type test with two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (also known as CSAT). Each paper has 100 questions carrying 2 marks each, with negative marking of 0.66 marks for wrong answers. The duration of each paper is 2 hours.

The syllabus of General Studies Paper I covers topics like:

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography
• Indian Polity and Governance
• Economic and Social Development
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
• General Science
   

The syllabus of General Studies Paper II covers topics like:

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal Skills
• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• General Mental Ability
• Basic Numeracy
• Data Interpretation
   

The preliminary exam is only a screening test, which means that its marks are not counted for the final ranking. However, you need to score at least 33% marks in General Studies Paper II and qualify in General Studies Paper I as per the cut-off decided by the UPSC to be eligible for the mains exam.

Mains Exam

The mains exam is the second stage of the UPSC CSE, which is conducted in September/October every year. It is a descriptive type test with nine papers: four papers of General Studies, one paper of Essay, two papers of Optional Subject, one paper of Indian Language and one paper of English. Each paper carries 250 marks, except for the language papers which carry 300 marks each. The duration of each paper is 3 hours.

The syllabus of General Studies Papers covers topics like:

• General Studies Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
• General Studies Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
• General Studies Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
• General Studies Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
   

The syllabus of Essay Paper requires you to write two essays of 1000-1200 words each on topics of general interest.

The syllabus of Optional Subject Paper depends on the subject you choose from the list of 26 subjects given by the UPSC. You can choose any subject that you have a graduation degree in or any subject that interests you.

The syllabus of Indian Language Paper and English Paper covers topics like:

• Comprehension of given passages
• Precis Writing
• Usage and Vocabulary
• Short Essays
• Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa
   

The mains exam is the most important stage of the UPSC CSE, as its marks are counted for the final ranking. However, you need to score at least 25% marks in each of the language papers and qualify in all the other papers as per the cut-off decided by the UPSC to be eligible for the interview or personality test.

Interview or Personality Test

The interview or personality test is the final stage of the UPSC CSE, which is conducted in February/March every year. It is a face-to-face interaction with a board of eminent persons who assess your suitability for a career in the civil services. The interview carries 275 marks and has no fixed syllabus.

The interview or personality test is not a test of your knowledge, but a test of your personality, attitude, aptitude, mental alertness, critical thinking, communication skills, leadership skills, social skills and moral integrity. You can expect questions on your hobbies, interests, current affairs, general awareness, ethical dilemmas, situational judgement and decision making.

The interview or personality test is also an important stage of the UPSC CSE, as its marks are added to the marks of the mains exam for the final ranking. You need to score well in both the mains exam and the interview or personality test to secure a high rank and get your desired service and cadre.

Best Books and Resources for UPSC CSE

One of the most common questions that beginners ask is how to choose the best books and resources for UPSC CSE. There are hundreds of books and resources available in the market and online, but you do not need to read all of them. You should stick to one or two trusted and recommended books for each subject and supplement them with online resources like websites, blogs, podcasts, videos etc.

Some of the best books and resources for UPSC CSE are:

• NCERT Books: NCERT books are the best source to start your UPSC preparation from zero level. They form the foundation of your knowledge and cover the basic concepts of each subject. You should read NCERT books from class 6th to 12th for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science etc.
• Standard Books: Standard books are the books written by experts and scholars on various subjects. They provide you with in-depth knowledge and analysis of each topic. You should read standard books after completing NCERT books for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy etc. Some examples of standard books are:
  • Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
  • A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir
  • India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
  • Indian Polity by M Laxmikanth
  • Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G C Leong
  • Environment by Shankar IAS Academy
     
• Newspapers and Magazines: Newspapers and magazines are the best source to prepare for current affairs and general studies for UPSC CSE. They provide you with updated information and opinions on various issues related to national and international importance. You should read newspapers and magazines regularly and make notes of important facts and figures. Some examples of newspapers and magazines are:
  • The Hindu or The Indian Express
  • Yojana or Kurukshetra
  • The Economic Times or Business Standard
  • Down to Earth or Science Reporter
     
• Online Resources: Online resources are the resources that are available on the internet in various forms like websites, blogs, podcasts, videos etc. They provide you with additional information and guidance on various topics related to UPSC CSE. You should use online resources wisely and selectively after verifying their authenticity and credibility.
   

How to Make a Study Plan and Time Table for UPSC CSE

Another common question that beginners ask is how to make a study plan and time table for UPSC CSE. A study plan and time table are essential tools to organize your UPSC preparation and manage your time effectively. A study plan and time table should be realistic, flexible and personalized according to your needs and goals.

Some of the steps to make a study plan and time table for UPSC CSE are:

• Analyze the syllabus and previous year papers: The first step to make a study plan and time table is to analyze the syllabus and previous year papers of UPSC CSE. This will help you understand the scope, depth and weightage of each subject and topic. You will also get an idea of the type, level and pattern of questions asked in the exam.
• Divide the syllabus into manageable units: The next step is to divide the syllabus into manageable units or chunks. You can do this by breaking down each subject into sub-topics or themes. For example, you can divide History into Ancient, Medieval, Modern and World History, and further sub-divide them into smaller units like Harappan Civilization, Delhi Sultanate, British Raj, World Wars etc.
• Allocate time for each unit: The next step is to allocate time for each unit or chunk. You can do this by estimating the difficulty, importance and length of each unit. You should also consider your own strengths, weaknesses and interests while allocating time. You should give more time to the units that are difficult, important or lengthy, and less time to the units that are easy, less important or short.
• Make a daily, weekly and monthly schedule: The next step is to make a daily, weekly and monthly schedule based on the time allocated for each unit. You should make a daily schedule that specifies the number of hours you will study each day, the subjects you will cover, the books you will read, the notes you will make etc. You should also make a weekly schedule that specifies the units you will complete each week, the revisions you will do, the tests you will take etc. You should also make a monthly schedule that specifies the milestones you will achieve each month, the feedback you will seek, the improvements you will make etc.
• Follow the schedule diligently: The final step is to follow the schedule diligently and consistently. You should stick to your daily, weekly and monthly schedule as much as possible and avoid any distractions or procrastination. You should also monitor your progress regularly and evaluate your performance periodically. You should also review your schedule from time to time and make necessary changes or adjustments as per your needs and goals.
   

How to Prepare for Current Affairs and General Studies for UPSC CSE

One of the most important aspects of UPSC CSE preparation is current affairs and general studies. Current affairs and general studies cover a wide range of topics related to national and international issues, events, developments, policies, schemes etc. Current affairs and general studies are not only relevant for the preliminary exam but also for the mains exam and the interview or personality test.

Some of the tips to prepare for current affairs and general studies for UPSC CSE are:

• Read newspapers and magazines daily: The best source to prepare for current affairs and general studies is newspapers and magazines. You should read newspapers and magazines daily and make notes of important facts, figures, opinions etc. You should also analyze the issues from different perspectives and form your own views on them.
• Refer to online resources regularly: Another source to prepare for current affairs and general studies is online resources. You should refer to online resources regularly and supplement your newspaper reading with them. You should also use online resources to update yourself with the latest information and trends on various topics.
• Revise periodically: Another tip to prepare for current affairs and general studies is revision. You should revise periodically what you have read and noted down from newspapers, magazines and online resources. You should also revise using quizzes, mock tests, flashcards etc.
• Link with static subjects: Another tip to prepare for current affairs and general studies is linking them with static subjects. You should link the current affairs and general studies topics with the static subjects like History, Geography, Polity etc. This will help you understand the background, context and significance of each topic better.
   

How to Improve Writing Skills and Answer Writing Practice for UPSC CSE

One of the most crucial skills required for UPSC CSE is writing skills. Writing skills are not only essential for the mains exam but also for the interview or personality test. Writing skills involve expressing your thoughts clearly, coherently, logically and effectively in written form.

Some of the tips to improve writing skills and answer writing practice for UPSC CSE are:

• Read good essays and answers: The first tip to improve writing skills is reading good essays and answers. You should read good essays and answers written by experts, scholars, toppers etc. You should also read good essays and answers from various sources like newspapers, magazines, blogs, websites etc. You should observe how they structure their essays and answers, how they introduce and conclude their essays and answers, how they use facts, figures, examples, diagrams etc. to support their arguments, how they maintain coherence and flow in their essays and answers etc.
• Write regularly: The second tip to improve writing skills is writing regularly. You should write regularly on various topics related to UPSC CSE syllabus and current affairs. You should also write regularly on different types of questions like direct, analytical, opinion-based, case-study etc. You should also write regularly on different formats like essay, answer, letter, report etc. You should also write regularly under time and word limits.
• Get feedback and improve: The third tip to improve writing skills is getting feedback and improving. You should get feedback on your essays and answers from your teachers, mentors, peers etc. You should also get feedback from online platforms like websites, forums, blogs etc. You should also self-evaluate your essays and answers using the UPSC CSE marking scheme and criteria. You should identify your strengths and weaknesses in your essays and answers and work on them accordingly.
   

How to Prepare for the Interview or Personality Test for UPSC CSE

The interview or personality test is the final stage of UPSC CSE preparation. It is a face-to-face interaction with a board of eminent persons who assess your suitability for a career in the civil services. The interview or personality test is not a test of your knowledge, but a test of your personality, attitude, aptitude, mental alertness, critical thinking, communication skills, leadership skills, social skills and moral integrity.

Some of the tips to prepare for the interview or personality test for UPSC CSE are:

• Know yourself: The first tip to prepare for the interview or personality test is knowing yourself. You should know yourself well in terms of your personal details, educational background, professional experience, hobbies, interests etc. You should also know your strengths and weaknesses, achievements and failures, goals and aspirations etc. You should also know your views and opinions on various issues related to national and international importance.
• Know the board: The second tip to prepare for the interview or personality test is knowing the board. You should know the board members well in terms of their names, designations, backgrounds, interests etc. You should also know their expectations and preferences in terms of the type of candidates they are looking for. You should also know their style and pattern of questioning and answering.
• Know the current affairs: The third tip to prepare for the interview or personality test is knowing the current affairs. You should know the current affairs well in terms of the latest issues, events, developments, policies, schemes etc. related to national and international importance. You should also know the facts, figures, opinions etc. related to each topic. You should also be able to analyze the topics from different perspectives and form your own views on them.
• Practice mock interviews: The fourth tip to prepare for the interview or personality test is practicing mock interviews. You should practice mock interviews with your teachers, mentors, peers etc. You should also practice mock interviews with online platforms like websites, forums, blogs etc. You should also practice mock interviews under realistic conditions like time limit, dress code, body language etc.
• Be confident and honest: The fifth tip to prepare for the interview or personality test is being confident and honest. You should be confident in your knowledge, skills and abilities. You should also be confident in your views and opinions. You should also be honest in your answers and admit if you do not know something or if you have made a mistake. You should also be honest in your personality and attitude.
   

Last Words!

The UPSC CSE is one of the most prestigious exams in India that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, perseverance and strategy. If you are a beginner who wants to start UPSC preparation from zero level, you can follow the steps and tips given in this article. You can also enroll in online courses like ClearIAS or BYJU’S or Testbook that provide you with expert guidance, study materials, mock tests, feedback etc. to help you crack the UPSC CSE in your first attempt. Remember, nothing is impossible if you have a clear vision, a strong passion and a smart plan. All the best for your UPSC CSE preparation!