How I Embarked on My IAS Preparation Journey — and Lessons Learned Along the Way
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam is often described as one of the toughest competitive exams in the world. For many aspirants, the journey begins with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and a burning desire to make a difference. My story was no different. Looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown—not just in knowledge but in understanding what it truly takes to crack this exam. Here’s a candid reflection on how I started my IAS preparation and the changes I’d make if I were to begin today.
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The Early Days: Enthusiasm Meets Confusion
Like many aspirants, I jumped into IAS preparation with a head full of dreams but little clarity. Back then, I believed that buying every recommended book and subscribing to multiple coaching materials would magically pave my way to success. I spent hours compiling study plans, creating color-coded timetables, and scouring online forums for “success secrets.”
What went wrong? I underestimated the importance of strategy. I treated the exam like a college test, assuming sheer volume of reading would suffice. Without analyzing past papers or understanding the exam’s evolving pattern, I ended up drowning in irrelevant details. My initial months were chaotic, with no focus on answer-writing practice or current affairs—a critical mistake I’d rectify today.
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The Reality Check: Where I Stumbled
Three months into my preparation, reality hit hard. I hadn’t covered even half the syllabus, and mock tests revealed glaring gaps in my knowledge. Here’s where I went off track:
1. Overloading on Resources: I switched between multiple books for the same subject, wasting time on redundant content. For instance, I read three different books for Indian Polity before realizing NCERTs and Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity were more than enough.
2. Ignoring Answer Writing: I postponed practicing answer writing until the “final months,” not realizing it’s a skill that needs nurturing from Day 1. My first mock essay took me three hours to complete—a far cry from the 7-8 minutes per question required in the exam.
3. Neglecting Current Affairs: I treated newspapers as a casual read rather than a strategic tool. Important policy changes or government schemes didn’t get the attention they deserved.
4. Burnout Cycles: I oscillated between studying 12 hours a day and taking week-long breaks, leading to inconsistent progress.
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What I’d Do Differently Today
Hindsight is a powerful teacher. If I were to restart my IAS journey, here’s how I’d approach it:
1. Start with Clarity, Not Confusion
Instead of blindly following toppers’ strategies, I’d first dissect the exam pattern. Understanding the three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—and their unique demands would shape my preparation. For example:
– Prelims: Focus on conceptual clarity and elimination techniques.
– Mains: Prioritize answer structuring and integrating current affairs with static topics.
– Interview: Work on communication skills and ethical dilemmas early on.
A phased approach, dedicating specific months to each stage, would replace my earlier haphazard routine.
2. Quality Over Quantity in Resources
I’d stick to standard books and supplement them—not replace them—with online resources. For instance:
– History: NCERTs + Bipin Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence.
– Economy: Ramesh Singh + Monthly Economic Survey updates.
– Ethics: Lexicon’s Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude + real-life case studies.
Most importantly, I’d avoid hopping between sources for the same topic—a habit that diluted my focus.
3. Make Answer Writing a Daily Habit
Answer writing isn’t just for the “final stretch.” Today, I’d dedicate 30-60 minutes daily to:
– Practicing previous years’ questions.
– Simulating exam conditions with timed tests.
– Reviewing model answers to identify gaps in content and presentation.
Platforms like Vision IAS’s Answer Writing Challenges or self-organized peer groups would keep me accountable.
4. Integrate Current Affairs Smartly
Rather than treating current events as a separate subject, I’d link them to static syllabus topics. For example:
– A new agricultural policy → Connect to topics like MSP, land reforms, or rural development in the Economy and Geography syllabus.
– Climate change initiatives → Relate to Environment Ecology and International Relations.
Monthly compilations from trusted sources (e.g., InsightsIAS) and mind-mapping tools would streamline this process.
5. Balance Consistency with Self-Care
No more all-nighters or guilt-driven study marathons. I’d adopt a sustainable routine:
– 6-7 hours of focused study daily.
– Weekly revision slots to consolidate learning.
– Regular exercise and hobbies to prevent burnout.
Remember: The IAS journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
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The Biggest Lesson: Mindset Matters
What I’ve learned over the years is that success in the IAS exam isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart work and resilience. Many aspirants get discouraged by failures or peer pressure, but the ones who persist with a flexible, adaptive approach often cross the finish line.
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: Trust the process, stay curious, and don’t let fear of failure overshadow your purpose. Whether it’s your first attempt or third, every step forward is progress.
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Final Thoughts
The IAS exam isn’t just a test of knowledge; it’s a test of character, strategy, and adaptability. While my early journey was riddled with missteps, those experiences taught me invaluable lessons. Today, I’d approach preparation with a calmer, more structured mindset—focusing on depth over breadth, consistency over intensity, and self-belief over comparison.
To every aspirant reading this: Your journey will be unique, and that’s okay. Learn from others, but carve your own path. After all, the goal isn’t just to clear the exam—it’s to grow into the leader you aspire to become.
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