100 days preparation plan for IAS prelims exam 2023

Indian Administrative Services 2024 ( IAS )

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Registration: 22 Jan '25 - 11 Feb '25

Rachit Kumar
Rachit Kumar Saxena
Manager-Editorial
Updated on Feb 2, 2022 12:05 IST

UPSC IAS prelims 2023 was conducted on May 28. The Union Public Service Commission also released the result on June 12.

IAS_preparation_in_100_Days

IAS Preparation

The IAS 2023 prelims exam was conducted on May 28. The IAS prelims exam is the screening exam that weeds out most of the candidates and severs as the filter for the IAS main exam. The IAS prelims exam is the first stage of the three. Though qualifying only, it is very difficult to get through the IAS prelims exam because of the tough competition at the prelims stage. The candidates must concentrate on the IAS prelims to get a call for the IAS main exam.

The candidates need to keep up the momentum of the IAS preparation for the prelims exam. The candidates need to plan more effectively to face the fierce competition in the IAS prelims exam 2023. See here the minimum basic required to clear the IAS exam in 100 days. One thing is very important and candidates should keep in mind that they must study at least six hours daily effectively to get selected in the IAS exam. Effective study is different from long study hours. Effective study means the study done with full concentration and with connecting the topic with others.

See Here: IAS Syllabus 2023

IAS Preparation in 100 days

The candidates need to set their daily routine first and then plan their studies. A consistent daily routine is a key to success in the IAS exam. As the IAS toppers suggest, the candidates need to chalk out a plan based on their strengths and weakness and follow it daily. The candidates should give time for the physical workout also as physical fitness is very important to sustain the long study hours for the period of over one year. The candidates can also do yoga instead of whatever they feel like.

Q:   How many hours of study are required for IAS?

A:

All the IAS toppers and mentors suggest that a consistent and quality study of 8-10 hours over a period of over one year is required in IAS preparation. The number of hours does not matter, it is the quality of study that matters. The candidates should read, understand, learn extensively. Moreover, the candidates should think the solution of the ongoing Socio-Economic problems of the Common man and devise a sustainable solution to those problems.

The Study of hours will also depend on the affinity of the candidate towards a subject, their previous knowledge and the stage of exam for which they are preparing. 

Q:   Which is the easiest optional subject in UPSC syllabus?

A:
Hi Vikas, Choosing an optional is a difficult task. One can't choose an optional based on one's academic background. It depends on the factors like - Availability of the material Availability of reliable faculty / mentor with a proven track record. For eg., M. K. Mohanty for Public Administration (Synergy), Upendra's for Sociology (runs his classes in South Delhi), etc. One needs to also figure out their own way of understanding and interest in any particular subject. Good luck.

Q:   Is IAS Exam Difficult?

A:

The Indian Administrative Services (IAS) exam is considered one of the toughest exams in India. The exam has a low pass rate and a rigorous selection process. The syllabus is vast and varied, making it difficult for even the most experienced candidates to prepare.
Here are some reasons why the IAS exam is considered difficult:

  • The IAS syllabus is vast and varied, covering a variety of topics.
  • The competition is high.
  • The selection process is rigorous.
  • The pass rate is very low.
  • The number of vacancies is limited.

It may take more than one attempt and multiple years to get into the service.
Every year, Lacs of people take the IAS prelims exam. Only about 25% of those who take the prelims exam move onto the IAS mains. The success rate of candidates appearing for the exam is less than 1%.

The candidates should divide the day into three parts. Ideally, these three parts should be as follows

  • Current affairs
  • Fundamental Topics
  • Revision and Practice

All three parts are important pillars for the IAS preparation. The IAS preparation is based on the dynamics played by these three components. The IAS aspirants can prepare a timetable for the daily studies and study accordingly.

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Current Affairs

The current affairs include the newspapers, PIB, and other current affairs websites. The current affairs study material in increasing with each passing day and the candidates should complete it daily. There is an e-version of newspapers available daily and the candidates can access them easily. The candidates should do research for the topic and write about the background of the topics, the facts in its entirety. UPSC asks the minute details related to any aspect of the event.

See here: How to read Newspaper for IAS?

To get the details regarding the current affairs, must read the current affairs syllabus in detail

The candidates should prepare the notes based on the fundamental topics and current affairs in a combined way. The notes should be such that the current event and the fundamental issue behind it become clear in one reading only. The notes are immensely helpful at the time of revision and save a lot of time.

Q:   What is the procedure to prepare the IAS prelims result?

A:

The IAS prelims result is declared based on the marks secured in the General Studies Paper-I only. The General Studies-Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only and the candidates need to score 33% marks in the General Studies Paper-II. The candidates who do not score 33 per cent marks in the General Studies paper -II (CSAT), such candidates do not clear the IAS prelims exam. The marks secured in the IAS prelims are not counted for the final merit list.

The IAS 2024 result is expected by April 15, 2024. The IAS interviews will end on April 9, 2024.

Q:   Can I clear UPSC prelim exam in the 6 months?

A:
Yes, you can clear the UPSC prelims in six months. However, you will need to dedicate at least 10 hours to studying. Here are some tips which can help you clear UPSC prelims in six months: 1. Create a proper timetable that you must strictly adhere to. 2. Divide subjects into two sections: the easy section, which you are familiar with, and the difficult section, which you are completely unfamiliar with. 3. Invest 60% of your time in learning the difficult parts and 40% in learning the easy parts. For example, if you can't understand economic basics, then give more time to clear up concepts in economics. 4. Regularly solve previous year's questions because themes often get repeated in prelims. 5. Take at least three mock exams per week, with one day dedicated to analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. 6. To avoid basic errors in the paper, review core concepts such as repo rate and reverse repo rate on a regular basis. 7. Do not ignore current affairs, particularly theme-based issues. For example, the tea board was in the news in 2022, and a related question was asked in the prelim. 8. Practice meditation to keep calm in actual situations, as UPSC is always unpredictable. For example, the 2022 prelim paper had a new set of question patterns. In this paper, students were asked to choose the number of correct pairs among given pairs in place of the correct answer. 9. Plan on spending two months preparing for all three CSAT sessions: Quant, Reasoning, and Comprehension. 10. Keep track of your progress each month.

Q:   How to choose optional subject for the exam UPSC. Mathematics is a good optional subject for this exam?

A:
It should be a subject to which you are familiar and is of our interest. Some subjects like Public Administration, Sociology, History, Political Science are easy to grasp and are in allignment with subject matter of general studies. You can choose subjects - of graduation / PG - of your interest - which is easy to prepare Mathematics is a good and scoring choice if you have good comment over concepts. You can also consult a experienced person teaching for IAS preparation for more guidance.

Q:   Which are the best subject options for UPSC exam?

A:
For choosing optional subject, you have to choose the subject of your interest, because optional subject is one wherein you can show all your creativity to score high marks. Also, you need to check the previous mark history of optional subjects and also the assistance which you get on choosing an optional subject. The most popular optional subjects among UPSC Aspirants are Anthropology, Sociology and Public Administration.

Q:   Is IAS a Colonial Legacy?

A:

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a legacy of the British Raj. The IAS was originally called the Indian Civil Service (ICS). The ICS was often called the "steel frame" of British rule in India. After India's independence, the name was changed to IAS, but the substance of the service remained the same. The IAS continues to have a significant impact on India's present and future.

The first IAS officer in India was Satyendranath Tagore. He was appointed to the Bombay Presidency in 1864 and served for 30 years.  The British equivalent of the IAS is Her Majesty's Civil Service, also known as the Home Civil Service. But, After independance, the IAS has changed its nature from supressor to facilitator.

See here: How to prepare Current Affairs for IAS

 

Fundamental Topics

The candidates should assess their preparation by solving the mock test and the IAS previous year question papers. They will get to know their weak areas and hence they should a lot more time to their weak areas.

The preparation for the topic should include the fundamental fact related to the topic and secondary issues. The topic should be covered from a neutral perspective, independent of any political bias.

Here also the candidates should write ten points related to each topic. It will help them in revising the topic and preparing for the main exam.

Revision and Practice

The revision is the most important pillar of the IAS preparation. IAS preparation requires the retention of the topic details and revision is the key to this requirement. The candidate should give a suitable amount of time for the revision of the topics.

The second aspect of revision is the practice with the previous year IAS question papers and the mock test provided by various coaching institutes. Now the candidates can get the mock test from various Telegram groups and practice with them.

Besides the above, the candidates study for at least ten hours to achieve an edge over the others.

Also Read:

IAS Toppers 2023 Tips

IAS Questions for UPSC Mains

Current Affairs Topics for IAS

Most Important Topics for IAS

About the Author
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Rachit Kumar Saxena
Manager-Editorial

With over thirteen years of experience in the government exam and its preparation domain, Rachit knows the life cycle of almost all government exams and related information. He deeply understands the user requiremen... Read Full Bio

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