HOW TO PREPARE FOR UPSC WHILE IN COLLEGE?

HOW TO PREPARE FOR UPSC WHILE IN COLLEGE?

HOW TO PREPARE FOR UPSC WHILE IN COLLEGE?

As we all are aware, civil services exams rank in the top as the largest population of Indian youth appears for it. Once you appear and get qualified for it, depending on your scores, rankings, and reservation quota, you are selected for different jobs for India's central government. Among these central jobs, the most popular jobs are IAS (Indian Administrative Services), IPS (Indian Public Services), IFS (Indian Foreign Services), Group-1, and Group-2 jobs at different ranks and levels. 

From this, we can clearly understand how competitive these exams are not only because the most significant portion of youth in India appears for this exam but also because of its heavy syllabus pattern and complicated grading system. So, while appearing for such exams, we have to ensure that we are completely prepared, and yes, it is always a good idea to start preparing for these exams as early as possible. But, how to prepare for UPSC in college?

During college times, our minds are fresh, which helps us gain and retain knowledge more efficiently and absorb and understand things better in our college lives. As most students start their preparation for the civil services exam during their college life, let us move to the tips and strategies on how to prepare for UPSC in college in a better way. 

Tips on how to prepare for UPSC in college

Take advantage of the early period and more time

As we all are going to pursue diploma and degree courses in college, it will take 2-3 years to complete. Do not forget that to appear for UPSC and other civil services exams, your age must be 21 and above. So, it is always a better option to utilize the early period and maximum available time during this period as you can plan out your strategies for exam preparation easily and work out your study plans accordingly. 

Give time more priority

The availability of more time does not mean that we will take things lightly and waste our time. We should make more use of this extra available time.

Set your priorities according to your college program and schedules. In this period, do only those things which are extremely important for your life and learn to understand and set your priorities. Be updated and thorough with the syllabus and sample and previous year question papers of UPSC. This will help you in getting on the right track. 

Purchase the most recommended books for civil services exams

Purchase only those books, materials, and other resources online and offline which are recommended by UPSC and other civil services examination portals. 

For example, purchase NCERT for the basics, current affairs, and general knowledge questions. So, for Political Science and Law, purchase Polity by Laxmikanth. For History, purchase the book History authored by Bipan Chandra, and for Economics, purchase the book Economics by Ramesh Singh. 

Enrollment for mock test series

Enrolling for mock test series by verified websites and applications is also a good option. It will give you an idea about the format and the type of questions in the civil services exams. Other than this, it will also be a good source of practice for you for the UPSC and civil services exam. 

Use your spare time productively

Whenever you find free time, especially while waiting for the bus or sitting in the library, use it to access the resources for the civil services exam. You can also take mock tests through different websites, apps, etc, and software available online.

Read magazines and newspapers daily

We may find it boring while reading newspapers and magazines because of the heavy content. But, for current affairs and general knowledge sections in the civil services exam and UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), newspaper and magazine knowledge constitutes an important part. 

Newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express are recommended for quality articles, op-ed articles, and editorials. In magazines, EPW is the best choice for the current perspectives. Subscribe to Yojana and Kurukshetra for government schemes and initiatives. 

Writing Practice

Writing Practice daily is essential for both quality and speed. The best advantage of college life is that you will not lose touch with pen and paper as compared to working professionals. 

Participation in essay writing competitions and writing letters to the editors of famous newspapers are the best options to polish your writing skills. 

Discussion of current issues with the family, friends, or the people around you

Peer learning is important when it comes to the preparation of the civil services exams. So, build up groups and friends circle with whom you can prepare, learn, grow and develop your knowledge and other skills. 

The experts believe that if we talk and discuss current issues with the people, it not only helps us to remember better, but it will also rectify your doubts and misunderstanding and helps you to grow more in terms of knowledge in current affairs. 

Try to finish maximum portions during semester vacations

It is always said that the more early, the better. So, if it is possible, try to cover complex and lengthy portions within this period. Complete either your optional subjects or the entire set of NCERT from classes 6-12 so that you can get time for the preparation of General Studies and current affairs after graduation. 

Interview of the Toppers

It is always considered better to learn from our seniors who have excelled in their exams during the previous years. 

This will help you to understand their preparation strategies, and it will also be a source of motivation and inspiration for you to be more fresh and energetic while preparing for the exam. You can access the interviews of the toppers through different websites which prepare for IAS, and also the videos of their interviews are also available on youtube. 

So, here we come to an end for the preparation strategy for UPSC or other civil services exams. While preparing for any exam, dedication and consistency play a key role. Do not forget to revise your portions regularly.

Hope this blog answered your question about how to prepare for UPSC in college. Wishing all civil services aspirants the best of luck for their upcoming exams! Also Read: 7 TIPS ON HOW TO REVISE CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC

Comments Section

    No Comment(s).

Leave a Comment