Thanks for A2A.

It is a good thing that you have decided to give UPSC examination at this age. Before
advising you on how to prepare for this examination, I would first convey to you that study
well in 11th and 12th standard and get good marks in board examination. This is important
for you to get into good institute for graduation. Your graduation will form the basis of your
career ahead. DO NOT NEGLECT GRADUATION STUDIES.

The minimum eligibility conditions for UPSC Civil Services Examination is 21 years age
and a graduation degree. You can give examination in the last year of graduation. So
from 11th standard to 3rd year or 4th year of college ( depending on academic or
professional degree), you will have 4–5 years for preparation.

At present, I would advise you following things:

 Develop the habit of reading newspaper daily( preferably Indian Express,

The Hindu). Develop interest in what is going around in our country and the world
and how it impacts us.
 Avoid Coaching institutes. They will just make a hole in your parents’ pocket
and can even misguide you.
 Start reading NCERT’s - Economics, History, Polity, Geography, Science to
familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and content.
 Read some good books which you may not find time to read later. This will
help to develop the right mindset.
o E.g. India’s struggle for Independence and India Since Independence by Bipin
Chandra,
o Discovery of India,
o The Honest Always Stand Alone – C.G.Somiah.
o The Insider’s View- Memoirs of a Public Servant
 Next, go through the UPSC syllabus to understand the syllabus and the demand
of the examination.
 Regarding the choice of Graduation Stream: If you are drawn to Academics,
you can take up B.A.(H) and BSc.(H) courses as your graduation stream or you can
also go for professional courses like Law, Engineering, MBBS. You can choose a
subject out of the list of optional subjects given by UPSC. List of Optional Subjects
for UPSC Examination which UPSC Aspirants Can Choose. This will definitely
reduce the burden of preparing an optional subject different from your graduation
subject.
 Watch inspirational videos of officers doing good work in the society to keep
up your motivation levels.
 Keep yourself updated with any new developments in the examination..
Watch YouTube videos of selected candidates to understand their strategy,
book list and changes in examination pattern.
 Keep asking questions here. We are here to clarify your doubts.
This is enough at this stage. Start your preparation fully in 2nd year so that you are ready to
appear in 3rd or 4th year accordingly. I hope this helps!

All the Best!