UPSC Civils Mains Exam Preparation Tips & Strategy

Lakhs of people compete for the Civil Services (Civil Service) exam which is conducted annually for the appointment of IAS and IPS, the highest services in the country.  The UPSC CSE prelims exams have been completed and now candidates are preparing for the Mains exam.

It is not easy to succeed in civils which is known as the toughest exam. That is why they prepare for this exam with concentration. But only some will succeed in it. Many coaching centers are available in the country to train students as civil servants. Many people are preparing for civil service examinations under their guidance. But Civil Services coaching costs a lot of money. Being economically backward conditions, poor students prepare on their own. Many people are clearing civils with their own preparation.

As you prepare to tackle the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination, it is essential to adapt your study approach and strategy to the demands of this stage. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and effective strategies to optimize your preparation for the UPSC Civils Mains Exam. From understanding the exam structure to mastering answer writing skills, we will guide you through the process of preparing comprehensively and efficiently for this challenging examination. So, let's delve into the realm of Mains preparation and pave the way for success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination!

UPSC CSE Mains Exam Pattern

Paper

Subject

Duration

Marks

Paper A

Compulsory Indian language

3 hours

300

Paper B

English

3 hours

300

Paper I

Essay

3 hours

250

Paper II

General Studies I

3 hours

250

Paper III

General Studies II

3 hours

250

Paper IV

General Studies III

3 hours

250

Paper V

General Studies IV

3 hours

250

Paper VI

Optional I

3 hours

250

Paper VII

Optional II

3 hours

250

UPSC Mains General Studies Syllabus

General Studies I

General Studies II

General Studies III

General Studies IV

Indian Heritage and Culture

Governance

Technology

Ethics

History and Geography of the World

Constitution

Economic Development

Integrity

Society

Polity

Bio-diversity

Aptitude


Social Justice

Environment



International relations

Security and Disaster Management



UPSC Mains Paper VI and VII Subjects

Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Geology, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Literature, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Commerce and Accountancy, History, Medical Science, Anthropology, Economics, Law, Philosophy, Sociology, Botany, Electrical Engineering, Management, Physics, Statistics, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Political Science and International Relations, and Zoology.

Tips to follow to Clear Civils Mains Exam

  • Civils exam preparation requires dedication. Concentration and self-confidence are essential to qualify for the civil exam.
  • For some time, one should keep aside other issues and concentrate on preparation. CTET
  • Set your goal clearly. Prepare yourself mentally and physically.
  • Be prepared to work hard to achieve it.
  • Understanding the syllabus properly is very important to clear civils. It is necessary to prepare your own notes according to important books and subjects.
  • If possible take advice and guidance from those who have cleared civils. - In civils, current affairs have more weightage of marks. That's why keep up to date with international and national issues.
  • One optional subject has to be chosen in UPSC Civs. 500 marks were allotted for this. Choose a subject according to your interest.
  • NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 play a vital role in your success.
  • Read other books along with them. Make short notes.
  • It is very useful during revision.
  • In the UPSC interview, questions are asked to test your diplomatic skills, communication skills, and stress response.
  • Practice more on them. The UPSC Civil Services Exam is conducted in three phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
  • Candidates appearing for this exam will have to attend the preliminary first. Mains will be conducted for those who qualify.
  • There will be an interview for those who have cleared the mains.
  • Final selection will be done on the basis of marks obtained in mains and interviews.
  • All information related to the civil syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation tips is available at www.upsc.gov.in.

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam requires dedication, perseverance, and a well-planned strategy. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success in this highly competitive examination. Remember to create a study plan, cover the syllabus comprehensively, practice answer writing regularly, and stay updated with current affairs. Additionally, maintain a positive mindset, stay focused, and take care of your physical and mental well-being during the preparation process. While the journey may be challenging, remember that every step you take in your preparation brings you closer to your goal of becoming a civil servant. With consistent effort and determination, you can navigate the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam with confidence and achieve your dreams of serving the nation. Good luck!