How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims: A Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t need to study everything—just study the right things the right way.

Preparing for the UPSC Prelims 2025 can feel overwhelming, especially if you're a first-time aspirant or juggling a full-time job. The good news? With smart planning and the right approach, anyone can crack it. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essentials of UPSC Prelims preparation, tailored to both full-time students and working professionals.

Step 1: Know the Exam Format

The UPSC Prelims 2025 retains its core structure:

• Paper I: General Studies (GS) – 100 MCQs, 200 marks

• Paper II: CSAT – 80 MCQs, 200 marks (qualifying with 33%)

Note: The weightage of Environment, Economy, and Current Affairs has grown in recent years. Adjust your focus accordingly.

Step 2: Decode the Syllabus and PYQs

Start by downloading the official Prelims syllabus and printing it. Study previous years' question papers (PYQs) from 2018 to 2024. This helps you identify key areas like:

• Polity: Fundamental rights, governance, amendments

• Economy: Budget terms, monetary policy, indices

• Environment: Biodiversity, climate agreements

• History & Culture: Revolt of 1857, art forms, ancient dynasties

Tip for First-Timers: Spend a week just understanding what UPSC expects.

Tip for Working Professionals: Use weekends to deep-dive into PYQs and weekdays for topic-wise study.

Step 3: Choose the Right Resources (Limit is Power)

Don't get lost in endless PDFs and books. Stick to these basics:

• Polity: Laxmikanth

• History: Spectrum Modern India, NCERTs (Class 6–12)

• Geography: GC Leong, NCERTs, and maps

• Economy: 11th & 12th NCERTs, Mrunal videos

• Environment: Shankar IAS, and relevant current affairs

• Current Affairs: Vision IAS/PT365, or monthly compilations (February 2024–April 2025)

Smart Study Technique: Use the Pomodoro method (25 mins focused, 5 mins break) to maintain energy and focus.

Step 4: Make a Study Plan (Flexible for Both)

For First-Time Aspirants (6-8 hours/day)
Split your preparation into 3 phases:

1. Phase 1 (3 months) – NCERTs + Basic books

2. Phase 2 (3 months) – Current Affairs + Revision + PYQs

3. Phase 3 (Last 60 days) – Full Mock Tests + CSAT + Revision

For Working Professionals (3-4 hours/day + weekends)
Weekdays: 2 hrs GS + 1 hr current affairs
Weekends: 6-8 hrs revision + practice + mock tests

Use mobile apps (like ClearIAS, Testbook) during commute for quick revision.

Step 5: Prioritise Current Affairs (2024–2025)

Current Affairs have become dynamic and analytical. Cover key areas:

• Budget 2025 highlights & economic survey

• Global summits (G20, COP30)

• Important Supreme Court judgments

• Schemes & policies launched post-April 2024

Smart Study Tip: Don’t memorise – link events to the syllabus. For example, connect a new environmental scheme to biodiversity conservation.

Step 6: Practice with Mock Tests & CSAT

Mock Tests (at least 30–35 by May 2025)

• Join a reliable test series (Vision, ForumIAS, Insights)

• Practice OMR sheets at home

CSAT Tips (Often Ignored, Yet Eliminating)

• Comprehension + Basic Maths + Logical Reasoning

• Use Arihant or previous year papers for practice

• Dedicate 1-2 hours weekly till last month, then increase frequency

For working professionals: Use CSAT as a break from GS; it's less content-heavy but needs practice.

Step 7: Revise, Revise, Revise

Revision is non-negotiable. Make concise notes and mind maps. Use spaced repetition to keep concepts fresh. In the last 45 days, focus 70% on revision, 20% on mocks, 10% on CSAT.