How to Prepare for UPSC Civil Services?

Civil Services Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recommend candidates for appointment to the following posts:

• Indian Administrative Service;
• Indian Foreign Service;
• Indian Police Service; and
• Central Services, Group A and Group B

Unpredictability is the strategy to crack UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE/IAS/IPS). UPSC is well known for its nickname Unpredictable Public Service Commission. UPSC Civil Services demands a variety of skills such as knowledge, intelligence, and luck. Hence the following FAD (Foundation, Application, and Dynamism) success strategy works to clear UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE/IAS/IPS).

Civil Services are called as “Steel Frame of India”

Steel is too strong to break. The steel frame in general parlance refers to any structure made by iron and steel to construct a building. Afterward, a complete building can be completed. In a similar way, civil services are a basic administration frame with which India can be built and maintained its integrity. Hence Civil Services are called as “Steel Frame of India”.

FAD – Foundation, Application, and Dynamism

Foundation

If you can complete reading of NCERT and Standard books, you would get basic knowledge of all subjects. This basic knowledge acquired is the foundation to build your career.

Application

Foundation knowledge has many applications in real-life. It can be a product, a new innovation or a new service. For example, LiFi is a new innovation of science and technology. You should pay special attention to such types of real-life useful applications.

Dynamism

Current affairs add dynamism to the preparation. You should regularly follow the news.

Type of Questions

For example, consider the news that president rule is imposed in a particular state.

Direct Questions

The name of the state where the president’s rule is imposed is a direct question. You can answer these questions if you follow the news regularly.

Current Affairs Oriented Concepts

Now articles related to President’s rule (Article 356) may be asked. You have already studied basic concepts in the Foundation Stage. So you should be able to answer.

Indirect Analytical Questions

These questions mix current affairs, concepts, applications, any landmark judgements etc. These are the most difficult to answer. For example, consider the statement that says “Governor is an agent of the centre”. You may mark it as Yes. However, the Supreme court decreed that the Governor is not an agent of the centre, but the bridge between the centre and states. So you should be extra careful before you answer these types of questions. You feel like you know the answer, but you may not know.

Preparation Strategy to Crack UPSC Civil Services

How to Prepare for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

Preliminary and Mains - Preparation Strategy

How to Choose Optional Subject for UPSC?

How to Study History as Optional Subject?

How to Prepare for Interview (Personality Test)?

How to Prepare for UPSC Medical Test?

All India Services Cadre Allocation Policy 2017

Awareness

• 2022 Official Notification
• Basic Information
• Scheme of Recruitment
• Syllabus:
  • Preliminary Syllabus
  • Mains: English and Indian Languages – Mains Qualifying Papers
  • Mains: Essay — GS I — GS II — GS III — GS IV
• Cut-off Marks – Prelims and Mains

Examination Process

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination (Written Descriptive)
3. Main Examination (Personality Test)
4. Medical Test
5. Service and Cadre Allocation