IAS study plan 2026

Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam is not about studying harder — it’s about studying smarter.
Every year, thousands of beginners start their journey with enthusiasm, but only a few succeed. Why?
Because they follow a plan — a structured UPSC preparation strategy that’s built on consistency, guidance, and focus.

This guide from Trademark IAS, Kolkata’s trusted UPSC and WBCS institute, will show you exactly how to start your IAS journey — the right way.

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1️⃣ Understand the UPSC Exam Structure

Before jumping into study materials, know what you’re preparing for.

The UPSC exam has three stages:

• Prelims: Objective questions (GS + CSAT)

• Mains: Descriptive written papers

• Interview: Personality test

Each stage needs a unique approach. Beginners often make the mistake of treating all three the same — don’t.
Start by analyzing the UPSC syllabus and past papers to understand what’s truly important.

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2️⃣ Build a Solid Foundation with NCERTs

Every topper swears by NCERTs — and for good reason.
They help you develop conceptual clarity and simple understanding of complex topics.

Start with:

• History: Class 6–12 NCERTs

• Geography: Class 6–12

• Polity: Class 9–12

• Economy: Class 11–12

• Science: Class 6–10 basics

At Trademark IAS, we integrate NCERT learning into our foundation batches, ensuring every student builds from the ground up.

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3️⃣ Current Affairs: The Daily Habit That Builds Rankers

No UPSC preparation strategy is complete without daily current affairs.
Read one standard newspaper — The Hindu or Indian Express — and follow monthly compilations.

Our mentors at Trademark IAS provide daily news analysis sessions and monthly current affairs magazines to simplify this for you.

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4️⃣ Choose the Right Optional Subject Early

Your optional paper can make or break your rank. Choose a subject that matches your interest and background, not what’s trending.

Ask these questions:

• Am I comfortable reading this subject for a year?

• Is there enough material available?

• Can I get proper guidance for it?

Trademark IAS offers specialized optional coaching with expert faculty in subjects like Political Science, Sociology, History, and Geography.

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5️⃣ Make a Realistic Study Plan

A beginner’s mistake is trying to study everything at once.
Instead, divide your preparation into phases:

• Phase 1: NCERT + Basic Concepts

• Phase 2: Standard Books + Notes

• Phase 3: Test Series + Answer Writing

• Phase 4: Revision + Mock Interviews

Our faculty helps students design custom study plans based on their timelines — whether you’re a college student or a working professional.

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6️⃣ Practice Answer Writing from Day One

UPSC Mains isn’t about knowledge — it’s about articulating your thoughts clearly.
Start with simple questions and gradually move to past-year UPSC Mains papers.

At Trademark IAS, we conduct weekly answer writing practice sessions and UPSC test series that simulate real exam conditions.

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7️⃣ Stay Consistent and Mentally Strong

Preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll have ups and downs — stay consistent.
Join a peer group or a coaching program where you can stay motivated and track your progress.

Our mentors ensure you get regular feedback, mental support, and structured guidance — so you never lose momentum.

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⭐ Why Trademark IAS Is Ideal for UPSC Beginners

• Foundational Coaching: Perfect for first-time aspirants.

• Personalized Mentorship: Small batches for one-on-one guidance.

• Integrated UPSC + WBCS Courses: Dual advantage for Bengal aspirants.

• Affordable Fees & EMIs: Access to quality education for all.

If you’re just starting your UPSC journey, this is where it should begin — at Trademark IAS, where dedication meets direction.

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🚀 Final Thoughts: Start Today, Not Someday

The best time to begin your UPSC preparation is now.
Every day counts — and every smart step brings you closer to your dream of becoming a civil servant.

👉 Take your first step with a free demo class at TrademarkIAS.com
Let’s build your strategy, together.