IAS preparation for beginners

The decision to become an IAS officer is easy. The real confusion begins the moment you decide. “Which books should I buy?” “Should I read the newspaper first?” “Do I need coaching immediately?” How to Start UPSC Preparation

If you are asking these questions, you are not alone. Every topper was once a confused beginner. At Trademark IAS, we believe clarity is power. Here is our proven 5-step roadmap on how to start UPSC preparation from scratch.

![Image: A clean desk with UPSC syllabus, NCERT books, and a planner. Alt Text: How to start UPSC preparation from zero]

Step 1: Know the Beast (The Syllabus) How to Start UPSC Preparation

Before you buy a single book, you must read the syllabus.

• Why? The syllabus is your compass. Without it, you are lost in an ocean of information.

• Action: Download the official syllabus and memorize the keywords for GS Paper 1, 2, 3, and 4.

• Resource: Download Simplified Syllabus PDF (Internal Link).

Step 2: Build the Foundation (NCERTs) How to Start UPSC Preparation

Many beginners jump straight to heavy books like Laxmikanth (Polity) or Ramesh Singh (Economy). This is a mistake.

• The Rule: You cannot build a skyscraper on weak pillars.

• The Strategy: Spend the first 2-3 months reading NCERT Textbooks (Class 6-12). They explain complex concepts in simple language.

• Must-Read: History, Geography, Polity, and Economy NCERTs.

Step 3: The Daily Ritual (Current Affairs) How to Start UPSC Preparation

How to start UPSC preparation without a newspaper? You can’t.

• The Habit: Start reading The Hindu or The Indian Express daily.

• The Shift: Don’t just read the headlines; read the Editorials. This helps you form opinions, which is crucial for Mains answers.

• Short on time? Use our Daily News Analysis (Internal Link).

Step 4: Choose Your Weapons (Standard Books)

Once your NCERT base is strong, move to the standard reference books.

• Polity: M. Laxmikanth

• History: Spectrum (Modern India)

• Economy: Nitin Singhania or Ramesh Singh

• Environment: Shankar IAS

• Caution: Limit your resources. “One book, ten times” is better than “ten books, one time.”

Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice How to Start UPSC Preparation

Knowledge without application is useless.

• Prelims: Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to understand the exam pattern.

• Mains: Start answer writing after you finish 50% of the syllabus.

• Mock Tests: Join a test series to simulate exam pressure.

Conclusion: Self-Study or Coaching?

Can you crack UPSC with self-study? Yes. Will coaching make it faster and smoother? Also yes. If you need a disciplined environment and expert mentors to guide your path, Trademark IAS is here to hold your hand from Day 1 to LBSNAA.

Start Your Journey Today. Book a Free Mentorship Session with our experts in Kolkata or Patna.

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