Can I Still Crack UPSC 2024 if Starting Preparation in September 2023?

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a marathon, not a sprint. However, it is possible to crack the UPSC 2024 exam even if you start preparing in September 2023, provided you have a well-structured plan, discipline, and effective time management. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started.

Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The first few days of your preparation should be dedicated to understanding the UPSC syllabus and exam pattern. This is crucial because it helps you plan your study strategy based on the weightage of various subjects and sections. By familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern, you can identify the number of questions, the types of questions, and the marking scheme. Open Google to search for

Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Spend the first few days familiarizing yourself with the UPSC syllabus and exam pattern. This is crucial to understand what you need to study and the depth of preparation required.

Prioritize Your Study Materials
Focus on NCERT books for basic concepts and standard reference books like Laxmikant for Polity, Spectrum for History, and Economic Survey for Economics.

High-Weightage Subjects
Allocate more time to high-weightage subjects such as Polity, History, Geography, and Economics.

Daily and Weekly Goals

Creating a solid roadmap is essential for effective preparation. Here’s how you can structure your daily and weekly goals:

Daily Routine
Divide your day into slots for different subjects and revision. This helps in maintaining a balanced study schedule and ensures that you cover all necessary topics.

Weekly Goals
Set achievable goals every week to cover portions of the syllabus. This keeps you on track and motivated.

Daily Revision
Ensure to revise what you study daily. Revision is crucial, especially given the vast syllabus.

Joining a Test Series

Regular testing is an essential part of preparation. Enroll in a test series for both Prelims and Mains:

Prelims Test Series
Practice as many prelims tests as possible to understand the format and to gauge your preparation level.

Mains Test Series
Participate in mains test series to improve your answer writing skills and understand the evaluation criteria of the Mains exam.

Focus on the Optional Subject

Select your optional wisely and start its preparation early. Dedicate specific time slots for it each week. This helps in covering the optional subject thoroughly and builds a strong foundation.

Regular Revision and Answer Writing Practice

Revision is key, especially given the vast syllabus. Regular answer writing practice will help in improving your speed and presentation skills. Make a habit of writing answers on a daily basis and seek feedback to improve.

Staying Consistent and Motivated

Consistency is crucial. It is easy to get discouraged by the vastness of the syllabus, but staying focused and disciplined will lead to success. Remember that small steady progress is better than sudden bursts of activity.

Smart Work

Given the constraints of time, focus on smart work. Concentrate on important topics, previous years’ papers, and high-probability areas. This will maximize your preparation efforts and increase your chances of success.

In conclusion, with a well-structured plan, discipline, and effective time management, it is entirely possible to crack the UPSC 2024 even if you start preparing in September 2023. Use reliable resources and stay consistent to achieve your goals.