IAS Strategy

Strategy for successfully tackling the IAS Examination

A well thought-out and devised strategy accompanied by managing the time available for
preparation, optimally is imperative for successfully navigating the civil services examinations and
emerge victorious. Strategies need to be individualized and fine-tuned considering the strengths and
weaknesses of each of the aspirants and there does not exist a one-size-fits-all plan. However, we, at
iasstrategy.com offer a birds-eye-view of the best strategies and list out few proven methodologies
to succeed in this examination. It is all about focus and avoiding spreading one’s resources thin.
Familiarize oneself with the syllabus
It is imperative that the aspirants for the Union Public Services Commission Examinations, review
the syllabus in-depth and familiarize themselves with topics covered in the prior years question
papers. Analysis of the previous examinations question papers will provide insight on the topics
which are focused on by the examiner and these topics could be provided more weightage by the
students in their preparation. An analysis of the topics focused on in each of the sections of the exam
will offer a more minute awareness and understanding of important areas of the syllabus which need
more attention than others and will help in formulation of a better strategy to attempt the IAS
Training Resources and Study Material
List out the suggested reading for each of the subjects, narrow down the choice to one best book for
each topic that deals with the topic conceptually. Reputed books familiarize the students with the
concept, are easier to understand, save time and broaden the understanding, easier the learn and
remember. It is a better strategy to use available time and concentrate on one good book per topic and
gain a better understanding of the subject than to lose time by referring to multiple sources if
information.
Preparation of Notes and Summaries
The aspirants are advised to prepare running notes and summaries as they are going through the books
and other study material as properly prepared notes acts as a ready referencer, but also helps in the
revision of the entire syllabus but also do not take up as much time as having to revise the entire
book or study material.
Short notes and summaries key topics with bulleted points enable a quick and thorough revision and
enable quick grasping and make it easier to remember. Hence short notes and summary bulleted
points should definitely form part of your IAS examination success strategy
Work on your Handwriting
While the Prelims may consist of objective multiple choice questions, the
Mains on the other hand are descriptive and the answers are handwritten and needs to be legible that
can be produced comfortably, at a reasonable speed and with little conscious effort allowing the
examinee to attend to the higher-level aspects of writing composition and content. Examiners need to
decipher what has been written. Else, the IAS aspirant risks receiving lower marks, even where the
content of his/her answers may have been good. The standardized assessments and handwritten
essays emphasize the importance of handwriting. Without fast and legible handwriting, students may
miss out on learning opportunities and under-achieve academically. Candidates need to take care of
their spellings and grammar too.
Apart from the handwriting, the candidates also need to keep track of the prescribed word count for
the answers. It is recommended that answers not exceed the prescribed word count or spill-out of the
margins or boundaries of the rectangular space provided on the answer sheet, else the students risk
being penalized for the same.
18-month strategy to ace the UPSC 2020
Stage 1 October 2019 to February 2020 Initiate Preparation
Aspirants should initiate intensive preparation starting October building their foundation forthe
exams. Candidates should plan to have completed the NCERT books by December and otheressential
reading by February. Analyze exam question patterns from 3-4 prior years for both Prelims and
Mains. This allows building of a proper foundation for their General Studies paper.
Candidates should also simultaneously plan to prepare for their selected optional subjects and
also be abreast of the current events and issues through following news and analysis.
Students are advised to understand the subjects comprehensively and also focus on Mains,
make notes and summaries for future revision.Considering that the questions in the UPSC
exams are conceptual and analytical aspirants must try developing mnemonics, mind-maps and
find their processes best suited to match their capabilities.

For more info visit https://www.iasstrategy.com/

Three-month strategy to succeed in the UPSC 2020

Candidates should take up this ninety-day plan devised by iasstrategy.com, tenhance their chances of
qualifying the preliminary level of the IAS Examination. The ninety-day study plan should include aspirants
have to constantly and comprehensively revise to keep their knowledge fresh an accessible prior to the
exam. Considering the immense syllabus and topics in consideration,knowledge retention and recall requires
review and revision.
Revise the important topics from NCERT books
Revision of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)publications is
a mandatory requirement to clear the Preliminary Examination. It is highly recommended practice by
the civil services toppers as the NCERT books provide the best conceptual clarity to understand the
subject better.At this stage the students should have already completed a thorough reading of the
books and should restrict themselves to revision and review of the short-notes and bulleted
summaries they have prepared earlier.

For more info visit https://www.iasstrategy.com/