How to Prepare for Indian Civil Services (ICS) Examination

Strategy for preparation for the Indian Civil Services (IAS etc.) Examination


First of all it should be noted that it is not possible to crack the Civil Service Examination with just two or three months' efforts. In order to become a fore runner towards selection one is recommended atleast one and half years dedicated and rigorous preparation. But, if you don't have a craving for entering into the arena of Civil Service from your childhood days or atleast from college days, it is very tough to make a way into it. Start your basic level of your preparation while graduating.


One of the Toughest Exams

Indian Civil Service Examination is undoubtedly one of the toughest exams in the world, but it is not impossible to crack. Many youngsters cracked the exam at their first effort. Hence, you should remember that once you are in action, you should never stop till success. So, if you are graduating don't waste your time and start preparing.


Collect syllabus

Collect syllabus and monitor the subjects you have in your honours or pass course. Cover your syllabus of your college subjects completely. Don't forget that success has no short cut.


No Suggestion Oriented Preparation

Don't go for suggestion oriented preparation. You can easily cope with the college exam, but not with the Civil Service Examination.


NCERT Books

Read NCERT books from class IX to XII thoroughly. Try to strengthen the base of each and every topic instead of only memorising topics.


Read India Year Book

Read India Year Book by 'Information and Information Broadcasting Ministry' regularly. Make it a habit. You can develop a clear understanding of Indian Polity, Economy etc. The latest data of industrial development, statistics and govt. policies are covered here in detail. Questions from these aspects are very common. Besides, don't forget to go through the year books published by other reputed publications.


NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE

Reading newspapers and magazines should be your daily routine. Read atleast a National Daily and a magazine. Read the editorial section with minute attention. If needed go to libraries to keep watch on foreign magazines. But, I think that Indian magazine are sufficient to cover issues of international importance. Also read and solve the papers given in different Competitive Exam related Magazines like Civil Service Chronicle, Competition Succes Review, Protijogita Daroan etc. This will definitely give you a clear understanding of the current trend of Civil Service Exam.


TV/ INTERNET

TV and Internet have become the part and parcel of Civil Service Examination preparation. Educational programs, news channels play a vital role to keep us updated about current national and international affairs. Internet is the largest source of information. But don't follow any source in internet blindly. However, now a days there is no lack of reputed and highly effective online study portals. Besides, Youtube Videos can boost your preparation easily.


Previous Question Papers

Never forget to collect atleast previous 5 years' question papers to get a clear understanding of the type of questions asked. Internet is your best friend again if you cannot collect them from your near and dear ones. Ask "Google" about your need.


Optional Subject

Optional Subject plays a key role in keeping one in race for selection. So, think again and again before selecting the Optional. Once it is opted and preparation started in full swing, do not try to change it if possible. If possible keep one of your graduation subjects as optional. Don't choose it just listening from some friends "this one is much scoring". Think twice how you can do hours of dedicated study daily in a scoring subject for which you have no interest or liking. So, your Optional must be a subject of your interest also.


The Books you may follow for Preliminary as well as Mains GS papers. This list includes, but does not limit to...


HISTORY:

  • National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class XI and XII books.
  • Freedom Struggle by National Book Trust


GEOGRAPHY:

  • Class XII books by NCERT.
  • A good book for Map pointing section.


INDIAN POLITY:

  • Introduction to the Indian Constitution


INDIAN ECONOMY:

  • NCERT Books on Indian Economy
  • Economy related Newspapers and Magazines


GENERAL SCIENCE:

  • NCERT Science Books
  • One or two science magazines


CURRENT AFFAIRS:

  • A National Daily
  • Two career and competitive exam related Magazines
  • Year Books
  • Give special emphasis on the Editorial Section of the Newspaper. This section comes with minute analysis of Current Events of national and international importance.