How to Crack UPSC CSE 2023 in First Attempt?

All UPSC CSE aspirants are aware that it is one of the most difficult exams. Due to this, many of them doubt that it can be qualified in the first attempt. It is also noticed that many candidates require three to four attempts to qualify the exam. They must not forget that following the right approach and an effective strategy can help in clearing the UPSC exam in the first go.

With dedicated efforts and hardwork, candidates can crack the UPSC exam in the first attempt. While preparing for the exam, candidates must know what topics should be covered, how much part of the topic should be given importance, what can be avoided and how to present it in the best answer form. The presentation skill for an answer requires in-depth knowledge, innovative thinking and high creativity. With a combination of all these, candidates can present the required answers and score high marks. 

To qualify for the UPSC exam in the first attempt, candidates require strong preparation skills and a positive mindset. They should develop a rational mindset towards building up the basic knowledge. In this article, we are going to focus on some important points that can help candidates crack the UPSC in the first attempt. 

How to become an IAS in the first attempt?

There are some basic tips that can help in preparing for the UPSC exam.

1. Make a Study Plan

Making a study plan is the key to success. It is highly necessary for candidates to prepare a strategy that helps them in focusing on all subjects and topics one by one. Time management is one of the most important factors when preparing for the UPSC exam. Undoubtedly, the syllabus is wide but candidates must not forget that they have studied most of the topics in schools or colleges. So, it is time to brush up the knowledge and add their approach in it to present the answers in the best format. While covering the syllabus, start making notes and divide the syllabus in small sections. In this manner, they will also be able to find out the sections that need more attention. 

2. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

Understanding the UPSC exam syllabus is highly necessary to prepare for the UPSC. For all subjects, candidates have to cover a long and diverse syllabus. The UPSC CSE syllabus is divided into three categories including, General Studies, Indian Languages, and Optional Subjects. Among different subjects, candidates find the current affairs section a quite challenging one. It is a wide subject that covers content from across the world. 

In General Studies, candidates have to cover various topics such as history, economy, geography, and more. The candidates must have a good command over these subjects. Besides this, the UPSC syllabus includes optional subjects, which refers to diverse subjects like Sociology, Psychology, and so on. The candidates can choose any of the subjects based on their interests. The third category of the syllabus includes Indian languages, such as Hindi, English, and more. The candidates must make a wise decision when choosing the optional subject. 

3. Divide the Syllabus into Smaller Sections or Units

When preparing for the UPSC exam, candidates must learn to effectively divide the syllabus in smaller sections. By dividing the subjects and topics in different parts, candidates will be able to devote proper time to each of the topics. While dividing the topics, they can also allocate the required time to each of the topics. If they are able to finish the topics within the desired time, it will be easy for them to prepare the entire syllabus.

• Theory Papers: When preparing these subjects (History, Geography, Economy, Polity, Optional subject), candidates require a good amount of time.
• Aptitude Test: To prepare for CSAT, it is important to use intelligence more. It does not demand a great amount of time but high intelligence.

4. Follow the Timetable Wisely

Prepare a realistic timetable that can be followed easily. Do not prepare a timetable which needs more than 8 -10 hours of a day to dedicate to for the IAS preparation. Once candidates have decided on the amount of time required to cover different topics each day, they will find it easy to follow the timetable daily.

In the timetable, every subject must be given a certain amount of time for preparation. It would be better to devote more hours to study for UPSC but the number of hours should match candidates’ capacity to study and learn in a day. They should avoid overburdening themselves.

By making a study schedule, it becomes possible to centralize the priorities and ensure equal efforts are given for each and every subject. It is imperative to study for the UPSC Exam according to the syllabus and paper pattern. It is also necessary to follow a study timetable that covers the entire curriculum and allows ample time for revisions.

4. Have Healthy Discussions

Make a habit of discussing all important events that are related to the UPSC Exam. This is one of the most crucial tips given by all IAS toppers and teachers. Discussing different aspects of news enhances the thought process of candidates. Good discussions help students to develop a critical approach that enables them to differentiate between the positive and negative aspects of any issue. With an improved thought process, it is not only easy for students to qualify for the Prelims and Mains but also qualify the interview round. Especially, discussion on topics affecting society will help in preparing for the UPSC. These discussions also help students to remember the dates and names of specific events.

5. Solve Mock Papers Regularly

After completing the syllabus, ensure you solve a sufficient number of mock papers. The previous year question papers and sample papers will help students to prepare for both Prelims and Mains examination. It is highly necessary for students to solve mock papers before going for the first attempt. By solving mock papers, it will also be easy for candidates to revaluate their performance. By keeping a track of their performances, candidates can analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

6.Focus on Answer Writing Skills

In the UPSC exam, covering the entire syllabus is not the only important thing. It is also necessary to present your knowledge with accurate and impressive answers. More than the knowledge gained, the presentation of answers matters the most. Only with clear and precise answers, candidates can reflect their understanding of the subject and score UPSC CSE Mains Passing Marks. It is necessary for candidates to make the most of the three hours and write impressive and accurate answers. The answers with an analytical approach are given high marks.

7. The Two Time Revision Rule

While preparing the study plan, ensure you have sufficient time for revising twice. If candidates revise general studies and CSAT syllabus twice, they have high chances of qualifying the exam. It would be great if candidates revise the syllabus a week before the examination.

8. Regularly Read Newspapers

Regularly reading the newspapers can introduce candidates with the latest developments across the world. The newspapers can answer many of the UPSC questions in detail. There are many questions related to the current events asked in the UPSC exam. If candidates regularly read the newspapers, they can easily answer the questions. Hence, it is not only important to read the newspaper but to understand which part of the newspaper is the most important.

9. Develop a Habit of Asking Questions

Candidates must anticipate the questions that can be asked in the examinations. The experts advise UPSC aspirants to maintain a separate notebook for the Current Affairs. They can note down the recent updates at regular intervals. All the updates related to the fields of Art, Economy, Polity, and more should be noted. This information should be regularly revised for the UPSC exam preparation. 

10. Execute the Plan 

Planning is the first step to UPSC exam preparation. Besides planning, it is also important to execute the next step. The candidates must understand the importance of the plan and keep revising it according to the situation. For each and every subject, it is necessary to prepare a strategy. This must be updated according to the preparation level of candidates. 

11. Stay Healthy and Take Proper Sleep

Maintaining good health during the UPSC exam preparation is an important prerequisite. The candidates must follow the study plan without ignoring the body cycle. Less number of hours of sleep can affect your health and preparation too. Therefore, following a regular diet and taking proper hours of sleep must be the topmost priority for UPSC aspirants.

12. Stay motivated 

Due to the lengthy preparation journey of the UPSC exam, candidates might get demotivated at times. To avoid negative thoughts, it will be good to take small breaks. Candidates can indulge in yoga, meditation or light exercise to relax the body and brain. Such activities lessen the mental pressure and allow candidates to perform better in the exam.