How to Start Preparation for UPSC Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. Whether you dream of becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer, starting your preparation with the right strategy can make all the difference.

If you're based in Kerala and considering best IAS Academy in Kerala, this guide will help you understand how to begin your UPSC journey effectively  whether you choose self-study or join a coaching institute like LeadIAS.

Step 1: Understand the Exam Structure

Before jumping into study materials, get familiar with the three stages of the UPSC exam:

Prelims (Objective):

• General Studies Paper I

• CSAT (Paper II – qualifying only)

• Mains (Descriptive):

• 9 papers including Essay, General Studies I-IV, and two Optional Subject papers

• Interview (Personality Test)

Pro Tip: Visit the official UPSC website and download the latest syllabus and past year question papers.

Step 2: Start with NCERT Books

NCERTs from Class 6 to 12 are the bedrock of your preparation. Start with:

• History (Class 6–12)
  
  

• Geography (Class 6–12)
  
  

• Polity (Class 9–12)
  
  

• Economics (Class 9–12)
  
  

• Science (basic understanding from Class 6–10)
  
  

Begin reading 1-2 hours a day. Make your own short notes as you go.

Step 3: Follow the UPSC Syllabus Closely

Many beginners make the mistake of studying everything under the sun. Instead, stick to the syllabus. This helps you filter what's relevant and saves time.

Print out the syllabus and refer to it every day. Align your reading with the listed topics.

Step 4: Read a Daily Newspaper

Current affairs play a major role in both Prelims and Mains. Read The Hindu or The Indian Express daily. Focus on:

• Government schemes
  
  

• Supreme Court judgments
  
  

• National and international issues
  
  

• Editorial analysis
  
  

Optional: Use monthly current affairs compilations (Vision IAS, Insights, etc.)

Step 5: Choose the Right Optional Subject

This can make or break your Mains score. Choose an optional subject based on:

• Your interest
  
  

• Background (academic or professional)
  
  

• Availability of good material and guidance
  
  

Research 2–3 subjects and skim through their syllabus and question papers before deciding.

Step 6: Consider Joining IAS Coaching in Trivandrum like LeadIAS

Once you're comfortable with the basics, mock tests and answer writing practice are essential. You can:

• Join a Prelims test series (after a few months of self-study)
  
  

• Practice Mains answer writing weekly
  
  

Coaching can help if you prefer structure, but it's not mandatory. Institutes like LeadIAS in Trivandrum provide expert guidance, structured study plans, and regular evaluation to keep you on track.

Step 7: Build a Study Timetable

Create a realistic schedule based on your availability. A simple plan:

• Morning: NCERTs or standard books
  
  

• Afternoon: Current affairs/newspaper
  
  

• Evening: Revision and optional subject
  
  

Don’t forget to include breaks, exercise, and some free time to avoid burnout.

Step 8: Stick to Standard Books

Once NCERTs are covered, move to advanced books like:

• Polity: Laxmikanth
  
  

• History: Spectrum for Modern India
  
  

• Geography: GC Leong
  
  

• Economics: Ramesh Singh or class notes
  
  

• Environment: Shankar IAS book
  
  

Avoid switching books too often. Stick to one good source per subject.

Step 9: Revise Regularly

UPSC is not about how much you study but how much you retain. Make sure to:

• Revise weekly
  
  

• Maintain short notes for quick revisions
  
  

• Practice previous year questions
  
  

Step 10: Stay Consistent and Positive

UPSC is a long journey—often 12 to 18 months of preparation. Discipline and mindset are key.

Don’t panic if you feel overwhelmed. Everyone starts as a beginner. Take it one step at a time.

Final Thoughts

Starting your UPSC preparation in Kerala with the right balance of self-study and coaching can set you up for success. Whether you choose to begin with NCERTs or enroll in a reputed IAS Coaching in Trivandrum like LeadIAS, what matters most is your dedication and consistent effort.

Remember, UPSC is as much about smart work as it is about hard work. Start today, stay focused, and keep moving forward.

Effective Note-Making Techniques for UPSC Mains & Prelims

 UPSC preparation is not just about reading multiple books or watching countless lectures. It's about retaining and recalling the right information at the right time. This is where effective note-making plays a crucial role. Smart, well-organized notes can become your ultimate revision tool, especially in the final weeks before Prelims and Mains. Many top UPSC Coaching Centres in Trivandrum emphasize the importance of structured note-making as a key strategy for success in the Civil Services Examination.

Let’s explore how to master the art of note-making for both stages of the Civil Services Examination.

Why Is Note-Making Important for UPSC?

• Helps in quick revision before exams
  
  

• Enhances memory through active engagement
  
  

• Saves time by filtering out irrelevant content
  
  

• Encourages better understanding and analysis
  
  

• Helps in answer writing for Mains
  
  

General Principles of UPSC Note-Making

1. Keep It Concise
   Notes are not mini textbooks. Stick to keywords, phrases, and bullet points. The goal is to create a compressed version of what you’ve learned.
   
   

2. Be Consistent
   Use the same format, symbols, and structure for all subjects. This builds familiarity and makes revisions easier.
   
   

3. Use Your Own Words
   Writing in your own language ensures better understanding and longer retention.
   
   

4. Revise and Update Regularly
   Current affairs, policy changes, and editorial insights should be added to your static notes periodically.
   
   

Note-Making Techniques for Prelims

1. Subject-Wise Segregation
   Divide notes into major subjects: Polity, Economy, History, Geography, Environment, Science & Tech.
   
   

2. Fact-Based Notes
   Prelims is fact-heavy. Note important data, years, acts, institutions, reports, and statistics.
   
   

3. Use Charts and Tables
   Comparison tables (e.g., Fundamental Rights vs DPSP), mind maps, and flowcharts simplify complex topics.
   
   

4. One-Page Revision Sheets
   For high-frequency topics like constitutional articles, economic indicators, or environmental treaties, make one-pagers.
   
   

Note-Making Techniques for Mains

1. Topic-Wise Notes from the Syllabus
   Break down each paper (GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4) into sub-topics as mentioned in the syllabus and make notes accordingly.
   
   

2. Incorporate Current Affairs
   Link editorials, government schemes, committee reports, and relevant examples with each topic.
   
   

3. Answer-Oriented Format
   Practice noting down points in the introduction-body-conclusion format. Use data, examples, case studies, and keywords.
   
   

4. Ethics Case Studies
   Maintain a separate file for real-life case studies, moral dilemmas, and quotes that you can use in GS4.
   
   

Digital vs Physical Notes – Which Is Better?

• Digital Notes (e.g., Evernote, Notion, OneNote) are ideal for dynamic topics and current affairs.
  
  

• Physical Notes are better for subjects where diagram-making and quick recall are needed.
  
  

Choose the format that suits your learning style but avoid switching too often.

Bonus Tips for Better Note-Making

• Use color codes or highlighters to mark important sections
  
  

• Stick to the one-source rule per topic before making notes
  
  

• Avoid copying directly from books or PDFs – always filter and simplify
  
  

• Leave space in your notes to add new information later
  
  

• Keep your notes exam-focused, not content-heavy
  
  

Final Thoughts

Good note-making is a skill that improves over time. Start early, stay consistent, and revise often. Whether it's Prelims facts or Mains analysis, your notes can make or break your UPSC attempt. So, invest time in building your personal knowledge repository. It's one of the smartest moves you can make as a serious aspirant.