{"id":898,"date":"2023-07-05T12:25:01","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T12:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/?p=898"},"modified":"2023-07-22T09:33:48","modified_gmt":"2023-07-22T09:33:48","slug":"how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Embarking on the journey of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) without coaching may seem daunting, but with the right approach and dedication, success is achievable. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide step-by-step strategies to kickstart your <strong>UPSC preparation from zero level<\/strong>, enabling you to study at home and pave your way towards success. We&#8217;ll cover how to utilize free IAS preparation material, build a strong foundation, stay updated with current affairs, practice answer writing, and maintain persistence and mental health throughout the journey.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_77 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Understanding_the_UPSC_Exam\" >Understanding the UPSC Exam:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Develop_a_Well-Structured_Study_Plan\" >Develop a Well-Structured Study Plan:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Utilize_Free_IAS_Preparation_Material\" >Utilize Free IAS Preparation Material:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Focus_on_Building_a_Strong_Foundation\" >Focus on Building a Strong Foundation:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Stay_Updated_with_Current_Affairs\" >Stay Updated with Current Affairs:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Practice_Answer_Writing\" >Practice Answer Writing:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Take_Practice_Exams_and_Solve_Past_Years_Question_Sets\" >Take Practice Exams and Solve Past Years&#8217; Question Sets:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Consider_Joining_Study_Groups\" >Consider Joining Study Groups:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Regularly_Revise_and_Update_Your_Notes\" >Regularly Revise and Update Your Notes:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Maintain_Persistence_and_Mental_Health\" >Maintain Persistence and Mental Health:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/how-to-start-upsc-preparation-from-zero-level\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_UPSC_Exam\"><\/span>Understanding the UPSC Exam:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before diving into preparation, familiarize yourself with the UPSC CSE format, course outline, and eligibility requirements. The exam consists of three components: the Preliminary Examination (Objective Type), the Main Examination (Descriptive Type), and the Personal Interview. Thoroughly analyze the curriculum to understand the subjects&#8217; range and complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Develop_a_Well-Structured_Study_Plan\"><\/span>Develop a Well-Structured Study Plan:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Create a well-structured study plan that covers all subjects and allows for adequate time allocation. Divide your study hours for each topic, giving priority to areas where you feel less confident. Set achievable daily, weekly, and monthly goals to track your progress effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Utilize_Free_IAS_Preparation_Material\"><\/span>Utilize Free IAS Preparation Material:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessing free <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/best-study-materials-for-ias-upsc-prelims-mains-preparation\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/best-study-materials-for-ias-upsc-prelims-mains-preparation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IAS preparation material<\/a> <\/strong>is crucial for self-preparation. Numerous online platforms offer e-books, websites, and courses that can supplement your learning. Rely on trusted sources like standard textbooks, reference books, current affairs magazines, and UPSC-specific resources for accurate information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Focus_on_Building_a_Strong_Foundation\"><\/span>Focus on Building a Strong Foundation:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a beginner, concentrate on building a strong foundation in fundamental subjects such as Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Science &amp; Technology. Develop conceptual clarity and understanding of key concepts, terminologies, and historical events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stay_Updated_with_Current_Affairs\"><\/span>Stay Updated with Current Affairs:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying updated with<a href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-current-affairs-in-upsc-apsc-exams\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-current-affairs-in-upsc-apsc-exams\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <strong>current affairs<\/strong><\/a> is vital for the UPSC examination. Read newspapers daily and follow reliable news websites, magazines, and television programs. Make notes of important events, government schemes, and policies that may be relevant for the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practice_Answer_Writing\"><\/span>Practice Answer Writing:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer writing is a critical skill for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.upsc.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UPSC Main Examination<\/a>. Regularly practice writing answers to essay-type questions, case studies, and descriptive questions. Focus on structuring your answers effectively, maintaining a logical flow, and incorporating relevant facts and examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_Practice_Exams_and_Solve_Past_Years_Question_Sets\"><\/span>Take Practice Exams and Solve Past Years&#8217; Question Sets:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To improve your preparation, take practice exams and work through<a href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/apsc-cce-exam-2023-previous-question-papers-for-mains-examination\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/apsc-cce-exam-2023-previous-question-papers-for-mains-examination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/apsc-cce-exam-2023-previous-question-papers-for-mains-examination\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/apsc-cce-exam-2023-previous-question-papers-for-mains-examination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">past years question<\/a> <\/strong>sets. This will help you understand the exam format, learn time management techniques, and sharpen your problem-solving abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_Joining_Study_Groups\"><\/span>Consider Joining Study Groups:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Form a study group with like-minded aspirants to interact, discuss study materials, clarify doubts, and engage in group study sessions. However, remember that self-study and self-discipline are equally important, and you can achieve success without formal coaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Regularly_Revise_and_Update_Your_Notes\"><\/span>Regularly Revise and Update Your Notes:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinforce your understanding by regularly revising the topics you have covered. Create concise notes, mind maps, or flashcards to aid quick revision. Focus on revisiting weak areas and practicing more questions to improve your accuracy and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maintain_Persistence_and_Mental_Health\"><\/span>Maintain Persistence and Mental Health:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Preparing for the UPSC takes persistence, devotion, and patience. Maintain your motivation high and your outlook optimistic. Include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-relieving activities in your daily routine to support your physical and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting your UPSC preparation from scratch without coaching is undoubtedly challenging, but with determination and the right strategies, success is within reach. Follow this comprehensive guide, utilize free IAS preparation material, and focus on self-discipline and regular practice. Remember, everyone&#8217;s UPSC journey is unique, and with relentless effort and continuous learning, you can achieve success in the UPSC examination and make a significant impact on society. Opting for<a href=\"https:\/\/borthakursiasacademy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/borthakursiasacademy.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <strong>UPSC coaching<\/strong> <\/a>can be a beneficial decision for focused and structured preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, success in the UPSC examination is not limited to those who begin early or have access to coaching; it comes to those who work smart, stay dedicated, and believe in their abilities. So, start your UPSC preparation today, and let your aspirations soar high!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lastly, what a topper always says:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Develops a personal plan rather than mindlessly adhering to toppers&#8217; recommendations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>grasping the hand of a senior IAS mentor, enters the UPSC environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emphasises the &#8220;minimum resource, maximum output&#8221; principle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neither starts with a random NCERT nor reads all of them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn to take notes and to update them as well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learns how to construct a &#8216;Rule-of-thumb&#8217; response<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uses their time and energy wisely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-coblocks-faq__title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question\" itemprop=\"name\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__content\">Can I pass the UPSC exam using only self-study?<\/div><svg fill=\"none\" view-box=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19.39 14.99l-1.41 1.41L12 10.43 6.02 16.4l-1.41-1.41L12 7.6l7.39 7.39z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__answer\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>If you have the right assistance, you can <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/borthakursiasacademy.com\/upsc-coaching-in-guwahati.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prepare for the UPSC without coaching<\/a><\/strong>; it&#8217;s not a must. A person may choose to take coaching sessions or online courses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question\" itemprop=\"name\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__content\">How long do I need to study every day?<\/div><svg fill=\"none\" view-box=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19.39 14.99l-1.41 1.41L12 10.43 6.02 16.4l-1.41-1.41L12 7.6l7.39 7.39z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__answer\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>There is no predetermined time limit; one must study for the amount of time necessary. However, candidates must devote 12 to 14 hours every day to exam preparation one to two months prior to the UPSC.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question\" itemprop=\"name\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__content\">How many hours should a newbie spend studying for the UPSC?<\/div><svg fill=\"none\" view-box=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19.39 14.99l-1.41 1.41L12 10.43 6.02 16.4l-1.41-1.41L12 7.6l7.39 7.39z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__answer\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>One of the toughest exams in the nation is the UPSC civil services test. As a result, many individuals advise spending about 15 hours per day studying in order to prepare for the IAS exam.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also Read:-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/upsc-exam-how-many-candidates-appear-each-year\/\">UPSC Exam: How Many Candidates Appear Each Year?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UPSC Preparation from Scratch, Every year, a vast number of aspirants are captivated by the allure of serving the nation as bureaucrats through the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). However, the statistics surrounding this prestigious exam reveal a stark reality. With a staggering number of applicants ranging between 900,000 to 1,000,000, the competition is undeniably fierce. Out of this massive pool of candidates, only a mere 10,000 to 15,000 individuals manage to pass the exam.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=898"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/898\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2295,"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/898\/revisions\/2295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}