Is Self preparation enough to qualify the UPSC Exam?
Whenever an aspirant decides to prepare for any exam including UPSC CSE he/she always a questions strikes their head that ‘whether they should opt for a coaching or not’?
Coaching gives you a right guidance for preparation but it is not impossible to crack UPSC without attending a coaching. To crack any exam self study is one of the most crucial factors. One must remain focused and consistent towards his/her goal.
This article will provide you a guidance on should you opt for coaching or self preparation is enough. Our experts have also provided some tips for better self preparations for the IAS exam.
Self Study for IAS Exam-
It is not necessary to take admission in a coaching institute in order to crack an examination. What really requires to crack an examination is the efforts you put in it, a strategy and extreme focus. These things will help you in clearing any exam with flying colors.
There is no requirement to attend coaching institute in order to pass the IAS examination – Candidates should keep in mind that participation in coaching is not a requirement for success. You can pass the IAS exam by simply doing self-study and even rank among the highest performers. A candidate must inculcate positive attitude and mindset which is really very necessary before one starts to prepare for an exam. Self discipline is must. A right strategy and a proper schedule can help a person to crack an examination with flying colors. Along with hard work it is very necessary to do smart work. One must not waste time on unnecessary topics or easy topics. Clearing the UPSC exam without joining a coaching institute is not easy but it is also not impossible. Hard work and dedication can help in achieving every dream in life. Also it is very necessary to keep yourself motivated throughout the journey. If you stay focused and prepare thoroughly you will definitely succeed. Without coaching, one can pass the IAS examination. However, it depends on how well they self-study.
Only go for self study if you have extremely good focus and are disciplined. If you have these qualities in you there is no need for a coaching institute. You are aware of your strong and weak topics and start preparing according to yourself. If you are a working professional then self preparation will really help you a lot.
All the study material is available on the internet and you can also buy books. You can also order study material online. Just buying a good test series would work. There are even some free resources online that can be of great help.
IPS officer Sakshi Verma, who is presently stationed in Kinnaur, passed the UPSC test in 2014 with the help of self-study. Although there is no harm in receiving coaching, in her opinion, self-studying allows for a more focused approach.
How can Coaching Institutes Boost the Preparations?
There is no as such rule to join a coaching institute while preparing for IAS exam. The best UPSC coaching facilities will provide you with access to the most comprehensive and complete study resources. Coaching ensures that the IAS preparation begins and continues in accordance with what is relevant for the exam. This comprehensive study resource will boost your preparation for each subject, as well as your chances of passing each UPSC exam level on the first try.
You have access to lectures which are given by some of the most experienced and well qualified faculty members. You will readily get all the details like syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility, previous year question papers, mock tests, UPSC notifications, exam news, etc.
There are even free online coaching programs which can really help you boost you IAS exam prep. If economically there is an issue to join a coaching then free online coaching programs serve as good opportunities. Coaching provides you a healthy competitive environment this helps you to get a reality check of your preparations.
For knowing about some of the best coaching institutes you can visit our website. Our experts have prepared a list of best coaching institutes for guaranteed success. This can help you in making a decision.
Coaching Institutes v/s Self Study-
Below given are some comparison points that will help you in making a right decision with a clear mind.
| Basis of Difference | Coaching For UPSC Preparation | Self Study For UPSC Preparation |
| Syllabus Completion | They have a proper planning for everything. Time and periods are fixed for topics and lectures. This helps in completing syllabus in time giving you a good time for revision. | Aspirants don’t have much experience and proper planning which causes delays in completing the syllabus. |
| Guidance | The faculty are having vast experience in the UPSC field, so it becomes helpful for the candidates. | Candidates doing self-study lack guidance from experienced teachers. |
| Investment Of Money | Coaching centres have a high fee structureHowever, Testbook UPSC Coaching offers quality coaching at affordable fees. | Self-study can save a lot of money, but it demands extreme hard work, dedication and consistency. You can also opt for free online programs. |
| Mock Test For Preparation | Every coaching centre organises multiple Mock Tests to test the performance of candidates. | In Self Study, you don’t get this facility. However, you can buy Testbook Mock Test separately and test your performance. |
| Preparing effective and useful notes | The experienced teachers teach the candidates how to make crisp and short notes for the final revision. | Doing Self Study, you have the liberty to prepare notes at your convenience and understanding. You can watch YouTube videos and get the required tips on note-making. |
| Getting Updated | Staying updated with the latest UPSC exam news becomes easy if you join Coaching. The faculty provides you with all the latest news related to exam pattern, syllabus, etc. | During Self Study, candidates are very busy managing everything on their own, so they may miss the latest updates related to the UPSC exam. |
| Reality check about the competition | As there will be many candidates in the UPSC coaching class, you get to know where you stand among these candidates. This can give you a good push in your preparation. | During Self Study, there is no one to compete with! This way you won’t know where you stand among the other aspirants. |
Tips for Self Study-
If you decide to prepare for your exam without coaching below are some tips you can follow to boost your preparations:
Before starting the preparation for the UPSC one must go through the detailed structure of syllabus and thoroughly understand the exam pattern of UPSC. Also we have provided some general information on what exactly this exam is, the syllabus of the exam, the exam pattern and other factors which are necessary to understand before starting the preparations.
Step 1- UPSC Exam Pattern-
One should go through and understand the syllabus in detail. All the compulsory subjects and optional subjects should be understood and then only the candidate must make the choice of the subject which are comparatively easy for the candidate and help in scoring better in the UPSC CSE exam.
STEP 2- Strictly Adhere to the Syllabus
The UPSC exam syllabus is tough and very lengthy. One must stick to the syllabus so that you can complete it on time and also get adequate time for revision. Make a list of important topics, difficult topics and topics you have completed so you know what to study next. Plan your schedule well so you can complete everything on time. Analyze the syllabus properly before starting the preparations.
For your convenience we have provided a general overview of the syllabus which will give you a basic idea of your strong and weak topics.
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern
The candidates should understand the exam pattern of the UPSC Prelims, for better understanding a table is given below-
| Two Compulsory Papers | • General Studies Paper-I • General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) |
| Number of Questions asked in GS Paper-I | 100 |
| Number of Questions asked in CSAT | 80 |
| Total Number of Marks | 400 marks that means 200 marks each for every subject |
| Negative Marking | For every incorrect answer 1/3 of the marks are deducted from the allotted question |
| Time Allotted | Two hours each |
The subjects in Prelims are common and compulsory to all the students. But there are optional subjects in the mains exam.
Syllabus for Paper-1 (GS-1)
Listed below is the syllabus for GS-1 that is General Studies Paper -1
• Current events of national and international importance
• Current affairs
• Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World
• Indian History
• Indian National Movement
• Economic & Social Development (Poverty, Demographics, Sustainable Development, Social Sector Initiatives)
• Biodiversity
• General Issues on Environmental Ecology
• Climate Change
• General Science
• International Relations
• Indian Polity
• Indian Governance
UPSC Prelims Syllabus Paper-2 (CSAT)
Listed below is the syllabus for GS-2 that is General Studies Paper -1 or CSAT- Civil Services Aptitude Test.
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Comprehension
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (orders of magnitude, numbers and their relations & others)
• Data Interpretation (Charts, Tables, Graphs Data Sufficiency, etc. Class 10 level knowledge would be sufficient for these topics.
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern-
• After clearing the Prelims the candidate is eligible to appear for the main exam which is the second phase of the UPSC exam.
• The Mains examination constitutes of total 9 papers
• Two papers of language out of 9 are the qualifying papers of 300 marks each
• These two qualifying papers are English Language Papers and Any Indian Language
• The papers on General Studies, Essay and Optional Subjects of only those candidates are evaluated who get 25% marks in both language exam papers. If a candidate fails to do so the marks are not counted.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper-I | Essay (can be written in the medium of the candidate’s choice) | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies – I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society) | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations) | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 |
Paper 1-
Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English
Structure of the language papers:
The types of questions asked are –
1. Essay – 100 marks
2. Reading comprehension – 60 marks
3. Precise Writing – 60 marks
4. Translation:
• English to compulsory language (e.g. Hindi) – 20 marks
• Compulsory language to English – 20 marks
Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks
The rest of the seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India or in English.
The pattern of the papers is as follows-
English Language:
• Comprehension of given passages.
• Precise Writing.
• Usage and Vocabulary.
• Short Essays.
Indian Languages:
• Comprehension of given passages.
• Precise Writing.
• Usage and Vocabulary.
• Short Essays.
Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.
II. Paper-I: Essay
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics.
They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. The more exact and efficient the writing is the better you score.
General Studies -1 Syllabus
Also known as Paper-II of UPSC Mains. The syllabus here includes- Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Let us have a look at the detailed syllabus of General Studies-1:
The topic Indian culture includes Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
| • Modern Indian History |
| • The Medieval History |
| • The Indian Freedom Struggle, Freedom fighters and their contributions. |
| • India Post-independence |
| • History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc. |
| • Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. |
| • Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues |
| • Poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. |
| • Effects of globalization on Indian society. |
| • Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
| • Salient features of world’s physical geography. |
| • Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). |
| • Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone. etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. |
Mains GS-II (Paper III) Syllabus
| 1. Indian Constitution- a detailed study |
| 2. Federal Structure |
| 3. Distribution of Power |
| 4. Comparison between other nations and Indian Constitution |
| 5. Parliament and State legislatures |
| 6. Indian Executive and Indian Judiciary |
| 7. Representation of People’s Act. |
| 8. Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies |
| 9. Various quasi-judicial bodies |
| Government policies and implementation |
| The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders |
| Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections |
| Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector S Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources |
| Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
| Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures |
| Role of civil services in a democracy |
| India and its neighbourhood- relations |
| Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests |
| Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests |
| Important International institutions and agencies. |
Mains GS-III (Paper IV) Syllabus
| 1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment |
| 2. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it |
| 3. Government Budgeting |
| 4. Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers |
| 5. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing |
| 6. Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management |
| 7. Land reforms in India |
| 8. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth |
| 9. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways and others |
| Investment models |
| Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life |
| Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development of new technology. |
| Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights |
| Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment |
| Disaster and disaster management |
| Linkages between the development and spread of extremism |
| Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security |
| Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention |
| Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism |
| Various Security forces and agencies |
Mains GS-IV (Paper V) Syllabus
| 1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values -lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; the role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values |
| 2. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion |
| 3. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections |
| 4. Emotional intelligence concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance |
| 5. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world |
| 6. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance |
| 7. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. |
Mains Optional Paper (VI & VII) Syllabus-
It is very necessary to choose an optional subject which is right for you and helps you score better marks. Many candidates do their graduation in fields that they wish to choose their optional subjects in the UPSC exam or even you can choose the subject which you are most familiar to. Choose a subject which you feel is easy for you and has less syllabus to cover. Many applicants adopt the overlapping technique, in which they select an optional subject that is also a significant component of General Studies. Optional choice should be made correctly as this can boost your marks in the final exam.
Here is a list of total 48 optional subjects in the UPSC Mains exam, which includes 25 core subjects and 22 Literature optional.
For a more detailed syllabus you can visit the official website of UPSC.
STEP 3– Choosing an Optional Subject
Once you have analyzed the syllabus rightly choose the optional subject before starting the preparations. It is very necessary to choose an optional subject which is right for you and helps you score better marks. Many candidates do their graduation in fields that they wish to choose their optional subjects in the UPSC exam or even you can choose the subject which you are most familiar to. Choose a subject which you feel is easy for you and has less syllabus to cover. Many applicants adopt the overlapping technique, in which they select an optional subject that is also a significant component of General Studies. Optional choice should be made correctly as this can boost your marks in the final exam.
STEP 4– Right guidance makes path easier
To succeed in an exam it is necessary that you are guided rightly so that you don’t waste time on unnecessary stuffs and topics. If you are not attending any coaching it is necessary that you find a right guidance whether it is a mentor or any you tube channel.
STEP 5– Making Strategies
Once you have read about the detailed syllabus, make strategies and plan on how to start and from where to start. Start finding the necessary reading material, books, newspaper reading should be made a habit, read the magazines for current affairs and general knowledge. The NCERT books should not be ignored. The notes made in Class 11, 12 and graduation level should also be used. Organize everything like books, notebooks, text books, magazines etc. so you they become easy to access.
STEP 6– Making a time table of the daily routine
UPSC exam is a tough exam and requires a great level of preparation. You should make a time table so you can make every day productive and don’t end up wasting your time. You can also make a to-do list for the next day before you go to sleep this will help you work in an organized pattern. Make a list of topics to be done on a particular week so at the end you know what is left and what is done. You can also work in a pattern like difficult topics first and easy topics later or vice- versa, whatever suits you.
Making a time table is not enough; you must adhere to the schedule you have made for yourself. It would certainly be difficult in the starting but once you do it on a regular basis it will become a habit and easy to follow.
Step 7- Make Notes
Making notes of the topics makes it easier to revise and memorize the important points. Make notes of the topics you find difficult so during revision you need not refer to many other books.
STEP 8– PYQs
Analyze PYQs, that is, Previous Year Questions. Analyze the previous year papers thoroughly, practice the questions, make a list of repeated topics or the topics which make the highest weightage and are repeated almost every time. This will help you mould your preparation in the right direction and will help you in working smartly.
STEP 9– Practicing Questions and Answer Writing
You should practice the questions from every topic you read. A proper time should be dedicated to practice the questions daily. This helps in clearing the confusing topics and memorizing important points.
You should analyze the exam writing pattern followed by UPSC. You must practice writing sample answers and try to use all the information you have gained to answer the questions in the most efficient manner.Compare your answers. Ask someone to judge them. Make improvements if needed. Practice more and more.
Step 10– Attempting Mock Tests
Mock tests are a very important factor that boosts your exam preparation. You can buy test series and mock tests from a renowned institute. Do not skip tests because they help you in analyzing your preparations. These tests help you in keeping a check about your progress. This also helps in limiting the negative marking.
STEP 11- Revision is the KEY
Revision is the key to success. Reading once and covering a topic is not enough until and unless you revise it again and again. The number of times you revise is important but at the same time how well you revise is the most important thing. Revision is the main thing that gives you success in a competitive exam. Make a weekly or daily schedule of topics that are to be revised. The difficult topics should be revised again and again. One must not ignore the easy topics as sometimes those easy topics get ignored and then they create problem while writing the exam. Revision should be done effectively and efficiently.
STEP 12– Interview Preparation
Once you clear the first two phases of the exam then you must start preparing for the last round that is the interview. Be prepared for questions related to your education, the optional subject that you chose. You can even join coaching classes for this as there they have experience panel and they create a perfect environment for practice. Do not take this round lightly. In the interview do not mention anything that you do not have enough information about. Be confident and prepared for each and every question that is asked.
Step 13- Discipline and consistency is the Key
For qualifying a competitive exam and even for achieving anything in life discipline is must. One must remain consistent throughout the preparation period. The schedule should be followed in a disciplined manner.
STEP 14– Living a Healthy Lifestyle
During your preparation time it is very important that you are healthy and free from diseases. If unfortunately you suffer from any type of illness it can waste your complete year. So it is necessary to stay fit and healthy. One must take balanced diet and avoid junk food. You can also go for walks as they refresh your mind. You can also practice yoga or simple exercises at home. Self care is also very important.
STEP 15– Staying motivated and focused
Do not get demotivated during your preparation period. Stay positive and focused during your journey. Don’t let yourself feel bad because of other people who are settled or at a better place then you. People will judge you and make comments which will let you down but you need to ignore them and work on your goal. Listen to motivational speakers when you feel bad.
Also we have provided a list of books that are recommended by our experts and also by toppers. This will guide you for self studying and making notes.
Best Books for UPSC Prelims
History
o India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra
o Indian Art & Culture by Nitin Singhania
o History of Medieval India (Old NCERT) – Satish Chandra
o ‘Concise History of Modern India’ – Sujata Menon
o NCERT 11th Ancient and Medieval
o NCERT 12th Modern Indian History
Geography
o World Atlas – Orient Black Swan
o Certificate Physical Geography – G C Leong
o Fundamentals of Human Geography – NCERT
o India: Physical Environment – NCERT
o NCERT VI-X Old Syllabus
o NCERT XI, XII New Syllabus
Polity
o NCERT IX-XII
o Indian Polity – M Laxmikanth
o The Constitution of India – PM Bakshi
o India’s Foreign Policy – Rajiv Sikri
o Introduction to the Constitution of India – DD Basu
o Economic Development & Policies in India – Jain & Ohri
Economics
o Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania
o The Indian Economy – Sanjiv Verma
o Economic Development & Policies in India – Jain & Ohri
o NCERT XI
International Relations
o Current Affairs
o NCERT XII (Contemporary World Politics)
Current Affairs
o The Hindu
o Indian Express
o Yojana Magazine
o Economic and Political Weekly
o Kurukshetra Magazine
CSAT Books
o Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual
o Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R S Aggarwa
Solved Question Papers
o IAS General Studies Prelims Solved Papers by Vishal Publications
| List Of UPSC Books For Mains GS Papers | ||
| Subject | Mains Paper | UPSC Books |
| History, Indian Heritage & Culture | GS Paper 1 | o Ancient India by RS Sharmao Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhaniao History of Medieval India by Satish Chandrao India after Independence by Bipan Chandrao India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra |
| Geography | o World Atlas (Orient Black Swan)o World Geography by Majid Husaino Geography of India by Majid Husaino Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G C Leongo Fundamentals of Physical Geography NCERT Class 11 | |
| Polity & International Relations | GS Paper 2 | o Indian Polity by M. Laxmikantho International Relations: Pushpesh Panto Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu |
| Economy | GS Paper 3 | o Indian Economy – Nitin Singhaniao Environment and Disaster Management by Tata McGraw Hillo Challenges to Internal Security of India by Ashok Kumar |
| Ethics | GS Paper 4 | o Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudary |
Books for Mains Optional Paper-
Supplementary Books for UPSC Preparations-
Some of the supplementary study materials from where candidates can prepare their notes for UPSC CSE are listed below.
1. 2nd ARC Report
2. Budget (Latest)
3. Economic Survey (Latest)
4. Niti Aayog Action Agenda
5. Finance Commission Report (Latest)
6. Annual reports by central ministries
Conclusion–
Hope by now you would have made your mind on how to start your preparation and do you need a coaching institute or not. There is nothing bad in joining a coaching institute but if you have self discipline and focus you can surely avoid joining a coaching institute. Make a wise decision because this is going to decide your future. Do not make any decisions in hurry; you can also take demo classes from different coaching institutes before making final decision.
Good wishes from our team.
