How to clear prelims in 2 months/ 75 days or tips to clear prelims in limited time

Examination of UPSC for Civil Service, which after qualifying makes you an officer of all India service or other desirable central government jobs like Foreign service, revenue service, defense estate services etc, requires you to clear 3 stages of examination, prelims, mains and interview.

Prelims is the first step which intends to screen the knowledge, aptitude, decision making and understanding of candidates in the form of multiple choice questions. We will talk about it in detail a little further. The second stage is of mains, in which candidate have to write 4 papers of general studies and one optional subject of his choice. The scope and demands of mains examination is quite varied from prelims and interview as mains exam is of subjective nature and it intends to check a candidate’s depth, varied interest in topics of relevance for Civil Service, analytical power and approach regarding a question. Thus in this article I will be dealing only with aspect of prelims and go in detail regarding it's preparation time/duration and can it be done in short span of time etc.

What we need to study for prelims- the simple yet comprehensive answer is general studies and aptitude test (only qualifying in nature). It's very well said that for clearing prelims and UPSC in specific one must study everything which comes under sun or sky.

The specific answer for the above question of cracking prelims in limited time can be discussed and understood by following points:

What we need to study and from where?

First start with basic NCERT books of subjects like history (ancient, medieval and modern), geography (class 11th and 12th is sufficient) also watch some Best IAS online coachings videos on geography and polity (Als Onlive), UPSC online coaching do provide some informative videos on topics and subject which are often boring and tedious to understand.

Read polity from NCERT 11th class and Subhash Kashyap, environment and science and tech can be covered through newspapers or current affairs magazines which are available in market.

One can also watch some online classes or video on these topics of environment, current affairs and science and technology.

After one time reading and proper understanding of topics and subjects, attempt mock tests. While attempting mock tests don't bother about marks, rather try to comprehend your mistakes and read answer keys and model answers very clearly. It will help you not only in revision but also to practice in exam like conditions.

However while attempting prelims in such short duration; you must adhere to timelines which should be made by yourself. Like finishing basic NCERT and standard books within 40 days and the taking mocks for revision and practice. Further, along with books and conceptual clarity, one needs good command over current affairs. It can be done through newspapers or current affairs notes available on online coaching centers websites and portals from Best IAS Online Coaching center in Delhi.

While reading current affairs or NCERT books one must understand it's conceptual and application part of it. Now days, going by the trends of questions being asked by UPSC in prelims, it is quite indicative that UPSC also ask the conceptual and application part, analytics part of a topic or news, event.

What about economic survey, union budget, annual reports of ministry and debates of Raiya Sabha, editorial analysis etc

For prelims one need to go through economic survey, union budget only. If time permits then also read the annual reports or review by the different ministries of government of India. Make small and handy notes out of concerts and data or observation given in economic survey and annual financial statement which is union budget.

Listening to Rajya Sabha budget and reading editorials in detail will not of much help at stage of prelims. It's better to utilize ones time by reading books and current affairs and solving mocks.