How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level – Vajirao and Reddy IAS Institute,

1. How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level? Boarding on the journey of UPSC CSE examination preparation from zero level can be confusing and daunting, especially for beginners. The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a highly competitive exam and due to its vast syllabus, this exam becomes rigorous, which demands a well-structured approach. To start UPSC preparation from level zero, start by understanding the UPSC exam structure and syllabus, then build a strong foundation with NCERT books, create a regular study plan, and read newspapers daily for current affairs. Choose your optional subject according to your expertise and practice answer writing, while also regularly reviewing previous year's question papers and taking mock tests to gauge progress and build confidence.

2. How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level - Complete Beginner’s Guide Starting UPSC preparation from zero level requires a clear plan. Begin by understanding the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus. Focus on NCERT books, daily newspaper reading, and strengthening your basics. Gradually move to standard reference books and practice mock tests. Consistency, discipline, and smart strategy are key to success in UPSC 2025-26. Understanding the UPSC Exam Structure Before you start your UPSC preparation from zero level, it is crucial to understand the UPSC exam structure. The UPSC CSE examines three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Mains Examination, and the Interview Test. A. Preliminary Examination: The UPSC Prelims consists of two objective papers -General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II, which is also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). 1.a) GS Paper 1- General Studies Paper I includes subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Current Affairs and General Science. 2. b) CSAT- The UPSC CSAT exam incorporates analytical and reasoning abilities, comprehension, decision-making skills and Basic Numeracy If a candidate scores 33% by combining both papers, GS Paper-I and CSAT, then they are qualified for the mains examination.

3. B. Mains Examination: The UPSC Mains is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE). UPSC Mains is a written exam that incorporates nine papers, in which two are qualifying papers English paper and one Indian language paper (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, etc.) which Paper A and Paper B is qualifying in nature and their marks do not include in the final merit, but Paper A and Paper B are required to qualify. Paper Subject Marks Paper A Indian language 300 Paper B English 300 Paper I Essay 250 Paper II General Studies I (History, Geography, Society) 250 Paper III General International Relations) Studies II (Polity, Governance, 250 Paper IV General Studies III (Economy, Environment, Science) 250

4. Paper V General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) 250 Paper VI Optional Subject Paper I 250 Paper VII Optional Subject Paper II 250 C. Personality Test As we know, the candidates who qualify the mains examination can only be selected for the personality test, also known as the Interview. The Interview round of UPSC assesses the candidate’s knowledge, personality and decision-making skills. It’s a crucial and decisive round for every aspirant. The personality test is the final stage of the UPSC CSE exam. Know the Syllabus of UPSC CSE One of the most challenging aspects of UPSC preparation is staying aligned with the syllabus. The UPSC CSE syllabus is vast, and starting your preparation from zero level could be very challenging since you are in the beginning phase. Every subject in the UPSC exam syllabus has a set structure, and it’s important to stick to it while preparing. Knowing the complete UPSC syllabus is crucial for aspirants. Instead of jumping from subject to subject or reading multiple books, prioritize your topics as per the syllabus. This will help in targeted learning, reducing your mind distractions, and avoiding unnecessary stress. Prepare a Well-structured Study Plan The key to cracking UPSC lies in consistency. A well-structured study plan is important to start UPSC preparation from zero level at home. Allocate

5. time for each subject, revision, and current affairs daily. Set realistic goals, follow a daily routine, and track your progress continuously. A balanced plan helps manage the vast syllabus systematically and keeps you focused and consistent. Analyse all previous year question papers, then create a study plan which reflects your weaknesses and strengths in core subjects. Focus on NCERT Books For beginners, NCERT books are the key pillar of UPSC preparation. Reading and studying from the NCERT is always a smart move since it is the base and first. You should follow NCERT books before following any standard book because NCERT books will provide you a strong base for your preparation to deal with fundamental concepts in various subjects like history, geography, economics, political science and more. ● History: Start with Class 6 to 12 NCERTs on ancient, medieval, and modern history. ● Geography: Begin with Class 6 to 12 books. ● General Science: Focus on Class 6 to 10 NCERTs for basic concepts. ● Political Science and Economics: Always read the Class 9 to 12 NCERTs. Staying Updated with Current Affairs Staying updated with current affairs is crucial for UPSC preparation from zero level. Read daily newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express, follow reliable sources, and make concise notes. Focus on national, international, economic, and environmental issues. By studying current affairs from reliable sources, aspirants can gain knowledge that can be valuable for the UPSC Civil Service Examination. ● Daily News Reading: Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express to stay informed about national and international developments. ● Make Concise Notes: Summarize important events with relevance to the UPSC syllabus for easy revision.

6. ● Link with Syllabus: Connect current affairs with static topics in GS papers and optional subjects to enrich your answers. Follow Standard Reference Books Begin with NCERTs for building strong fundamentals across subjects. After that moves to standard reference books like Laxmikanth Polity, Spectrum for History, and GC Leong for Geography. Stick to limited, reliable sources and revise them multiple times to ensure conceptual clarity and avoid unnecessary confusion from too many materials. To maintain the quality of answer writing and for a deeper understanding, every aspirant should follow standard books. Stay Motivated and Be Patient Stay motivated and be patient during your whole UPSC journey. As we all know, success takes time, effort, and consistent hard work. Avoid comparing yourself with others and focus on your personal growth. Believe in your preparation process and stay committed. With the right mindset, guidance, and motivation, your goals are achievable. Conclusion Starting UPSC preparation from zero level may seem difficult, but with the right strategy, consistency, and patience, success is achievable. Focus on understanding the UPSC syllabus and exam structure, staying updated with current affairs and preparing a good study plan. Remember, perseverance and smart preparation are key to clearing one of India’s toughest exams. Aspirants who are starting their preparation from zero will find it difficult, confusing and daunting, but the correct approach, consistency and determination, and guidance will always help them.

7. Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ’s Q. How to start UPSC preparation from zero level at home? To start UPSC preparation from zero level at home, begin by understanding the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus, then build a strong foundation using NCERT books for basic concepts in subjects like history, geography, and polity. Q. What are the first books I should read for UPSC preparation? Begin with NCERT textbooks (Class 6-12) for subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. After that, move to standard reference books like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History, etc. Q. How much time is enough to prepare for UPSC from scratch? Ideally, 12-15 months of dedicated preparation is sufficient for UPSC CSE. However, consistency and effective time management are more important than the number of months. Q. Do I need coaching to start UPSC preparation from zero? No, you do not need coaching to start UPSC preparation from zero, as many successful candidates have cleared the civil services exam through self-study and a well-structured plan.