How I Started My IAS Preparation Journey — And The Lessons I’d Apply Today
When I first decided to pursue the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), I felt a mix of excitement and panic. Fresh out of college, I had no idea where to begin. The vast syllabus, the competition, and the sheer weight of responsibility that comes with the role felt overwhelming. Let me share my story—and the lessons I wish I’d known from Day 1.
Phase 1: The Overeager Beginner
Like many aspirants, I started by googling “How to crack IAS.” The internet threw back a tsunami of advice: coaching institutes, booklists, success stories, and “secret strategies.” I bought every recommended book, joined three online courses, and created a color-coded timetable that allocated 14 hours a day to studying. Spoiler alert: this didn’t work.
My first mistake was confusing quantity with quality. I’d spend hours reading textbooks cover-to-cover, underlining paragraphs in neon colors, and memorizing facts without context. Notes piled up, but nothing stuck. Worse, I ignored newspapers and current affairs, assuming they were “optional extras.” By the time I realized my error, I was months behind on understanding real-world applications of the syllabus.
What I’d Do Differently Now:
– Start with the basics, not the noise. Instead of hoarding resources, I’d focus on the NCERT textbooks for foundational clarity. These books simplify complex topics and align perfectly with the UPSC’s approach.
– Integrate current affairs early. I’d dedicate 30 minutes daily to newspapers (like The Hindu or Indian Express) and link news events to syllabus topics. For example, a farm protest isn’t just a headline—it’s connected to agriculture policies, federalism, and social movements.
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Phase 2: The Reality Check
After six months of chaotic studying, I attempted my first mock test. The result? A humbling score of 42/200. I’d misunderstood the exam’s nature: UPSC tests analytical ability, not rote memorization. Questions like “Discuss the impact of climate change on Indian monsoon patterns” required connecting geography, environment, and governance—a skill I hadn’t practiced.
I also underestimated revision. My notes were disorganized, making it impossible to revisit topics quickly. And despite studying for hours, I avoided essay-writing and answer practice, fearing criticism.
What I’d Do Differently Now:
– Prioritize answer writing from Day 1. UPSC demands crisp, structured responses. I’d practice writing 2-3 answers daily, focusing on clarity and keyword usage. Platforms like [ForumIAS](https://forumias.com/) or InsightsIAS offer peer feedback, which I’d actively seek.
– Create smart notes. Instead of copying textbooks, I’d make bullet-point summaries with diagrams and flowcharts. Tools like Notion or OneNote help organize these digitally for easy access.
– Take regular mocks. Simulating exam conditions weekly would build stamina and highlight weak areas. Services like VisionIAS’s test series provide realistic question patterns.
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Phase 3: The Burnout
By my second year of preparation, exhaustion set in. Social life? Gone. Hobbies? Forgotten. I’d convinced myself that sacrificing everything was the only way to succeed. But isolation and stress backfired—my concentration dipped, and motivation tanked. Worse, I ignored optional subjects until the last minute, assuming my engineering background would save me in subjects like Mathematics. Big mistake.
What I’d Do Differently Now:
– Balance is non-negotiable. I’d schedule downtime—whether it’s a weekly movie, a walk, or a coffee with friends. Mental health directly impacts retention and creativity.
– Master the optional subject early. Unlike the general studies papers, the optional subject can be a scoring game-changer. I’d pick a subject I genuinely enjoy (like Sociology or Public Administration) and study it parallel to GS, not as an afterthought.
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Phase 4: The Turning Point
In my third attempt, I finally cleared the prelims. What changed? I stopped trying to “beat” the exam and started understanding it. I analyzed previous years’ papers, identified recurring themes (e.g., governance reforms, environmental treaties), and tailored my preparation accordingly. Group studies with serious aspirants also helped—we debated topics, shared resources, and kept each other accountable.
What I’d Do Differently Now:
– Reverse-engineer past papers. UPSC has patterns. For instance, questions on post-independence India often tie into modern socio-political issues. I’d categorize past questions by theme and depth-study those areas.
– Build a support network. Joining a dedicated study group or mentorship program prevents the loneliness that derails many aspirants.
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Final Lessons: Wisdom in Hindsight
Looking back, my journey was riddled with missteps—but each taught me something valuable. If I could restart, here’s my blueprint:
1. Simplify the syllabus. Break it into weekly targets instead of drowning in endless topics.
2. Focus on output, not input. Regular answer writing and revisions matter more than how many books you’ve read.
3. Stay updated, not overwhelmed. Follow 1-2 trusted sources for current affairs instead of obsessing over every news portal.
4. Health > Hustle. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise keep the mind sharp.
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To every IAS aspirant reading this: Your journey will be unique, but you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Learn from those who’ve walked the path, avoid common traps, and—most importantly—trust your ability to adapt. The UPSC exam isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, smart work, and growing into the leader you aspire to be.
So, take a deep breath, draft a realistic plan, and begin. The rest will follow.
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