Starting the IAS Journey: Lessons from Experience
Embarking on the IAS preparation journey is like setting sail into uncharted waters. When I first decided to pursue the Indian Administrative Service, I was fueled by a mix of ambition, curiosity, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to society. But back then, I had little idea about the challenges, strategies, and mindset shifts this path would demand. Looking back, there’s a lot I’d do differently today—lessons learned through trial, error, and reflection.
The Early Days: Enthusiasm Meets Confusion
My preparation began with a surge of excitement. I bought stacks of books, subscribed to every current affairs magazine, and joined a coaching institute. At first, the sheer volume of the syllabus felt overwhelming. History, geography, polity, economics, ethics—it was like trying to drink from a firehose. I spent hours reading, underlining, and memorizing facts, but without a clear direction.
What I missed back then was a structured approach. I underestimated the importance of understanding the exam pattern and the weightage of each subject. For instance, I spent weeks memorizing historical dates but later realized that UPSC focuses more on analytical questions about historical trends than rote facts.
Key Steps I Took (and Their Pitfalls)
1. Joining a Coaching Institute: While coaching provided a basic framework, I relied too heavily on classroom notes. I skipped reading original textbooks like NCERTs, assuming the summarized material was enough. Big mistake! NCERTs build foundational clarity, especially for subjects like polity and economy.
2. Current Affairs Overload: I subscribed to multiple newspapers and apps, hoping to cover every news piece. This led to burnout. Today, I’d stick to one quality newspaper (like The Hindu) and a curated monthly magazine for analysis. Quality trumps quantity.
3. Ignoring Answer Writing: Early on, I treated answer writing as a “last-month” task. By the time I started practicing, I struggled with structuring arguments and managing time. Regular answer writing from Day 1 would’ve sharpened my skills incrementally.
What I’d Change Today: Smarter, Not Harder
Hindsight is 20/20. If I were to restart my IAS journey, here’s how I’d optimize my efforts:
1. Start with Self-Assessment
Before diving into books, I’d take a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses. Understanding where I stand would help prioritize topics. For example, if ethics is a weak area, I’d allocate more time to case studies and philosophical concepts early on.
2. Master the Basics with NCERTs
I’d treat NCERT textbooks (Classes 6–12) as my bible. These books simplify complex topics and align closely with UPSC’s demand for conceptual clarity. Once the basics are strong, advanced resources like Laxmikanth for polity or Shankar IAS for environment become easier to grasp.
3. Integrate Current Affairs Early
Instead of treating current affairs as a separate subject, I’d weave it into my daily preparation. For instance, while studying international relations, I’d link recent geopolitical events to historical contexts. Tools like Mindmaps or OneNote could help organize notes thematically.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
I’d make answer writing a daily habit. Even 1–2 answers a day, reviewed by peers or mentors, can build confidence. Platforms like ForumIAS or Vision IAS’s answer review programs offer constructive feedback. Mock tests would start 6–8 months before prelims—not 2!
5. Focus on Health and Balance
Back then, I sacrificed sleep and social connections for study hours. Today, I’d prioritize mental and physical health. Yoga, short walks, or even 10 minutes of meditation can improve focus. A balanced routine prevents burnout and keeps motivation alive.
6. Leverage Technology Wisely
I’d use apps like ClearIAS for quick revisions or YouTube channels like StudyIQ for visual learning. But I’d also set strict screen-time limits to avoid distractions (goodbye, Instagram rabbit holes!).
The Power of a Growth Mindset
One thing I wouldn’t change is my persistence. The UPSC journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There were moments of self-doubt—especially after failed attempts—but giving up was never an option. Today, I’d pair that persistence with self-compassion. It’s okay to take a day off or revise a topic multiple times. Progress isn’t linear.
Final Thoughts
The IAS preparation journey is as much about personal growth as it is about cracking the exam. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: “Trust the process, stay adaptable, and focus on learning—not just clearing the exam.” Every stumble taught me resilience, and every adjustment brought me closer to success.
For aspirants reading this: Your journey will be unique. Learn from others’ experiences, but craft a strategy that aligns with your strengths. And remember, it’s never too late to course-correct. The road to becoming an IAS officer isn’t easy, but with clarity, consistency, and a little self-care, it’s absolutely within reach.
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