How to Prepare for UPSC in 3 Months Effectively

Are you aspiring to crack the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam in just three months? Are you wondering how to prepare for UPSC in 3 months? If yes, you have come to the right place. Preparing for the UPSC exam is no cakewalk, and it requires months of hard work and dedication.

Competition is growing and staying ahead of your peers is the demand of time which needs your smart planning for fruitful preparation for the UPSC CSE competitive exam.

However, with proper planning and strategy, it is possible to achieve your goal in just three months. In this article, we will guide you on how to prepare for the UPSC exam efficiently and effectively, covering all the essential tips and tricks to help you secure a place in the top ranks.

Get ready to dive into a comprehensive study plan and make the most of your time, as we guide you on your journey toward a successful UPSC career.  This article will walk you through the strategy on how to prepare for UPSC in 3 months.

UPSC 2022 Prelims Paper Trend Analysis

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Prelims 2022 exam on June 26, 2022. It is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India.

The result for the same was declared on July 15, 2022, and a large number of candidates appeared for the exam. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the UPSC Prelims 2022 exam, including the expected cutoff and difficulty level.

Exam Pattern

The UPSC Prelims exam consisted of two papers – General Studies I and General Studies II. The General Studies I paper was worth 200 marks and was of 2 hours duration, while the General Studies II paper was worth 200 marks and was of 2 hours duration.

Both papers were objective type and consisted of multiple-choice questions.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of the UPSC Prelims 2022 exam was moderate to tough. A large number of candidates found the General Studies I paper to be relatively easier compared to the General Studies II paper.

The General Studies II paper consisted of a higher number of challenging questions and required a deeper understanding of the concepts.

Exam Analysis

The UPSC Prelims 2022 exam was well-balanced and covered a wide range of topics from different subjects.

The General Studies I paper consisted of questions from history, geography, economics, and general science.

The General Studies II paper consisted of questions from the polity, international relations, and environment and ecology.

Expected Cutoff

The expected cutoff for the UPSC Prelims 2022 exam is expected to be around 105-110 marks for General Studies I and 120-125 marks for General Studies II. The actual cutoff may vary based on the performance of the candidates and the difficulty level of the exam.

Key Takeaways

• The UPSC Prelims 2022 exam was of moderate to tough difficulty level.
• The exam was well-balanced and covered a wide range of topics from different subjects.
• The expected cutoff for the exam is expected to be around 105-110 marks for General Studies I and 120-125 marks for General Studies II.

In conclusion, the UPSC Prelims 2022 exam was a challenging yet fair examination that tested the candidates’ understanding of a wide range of subjects. The expected cutoff for the exam is expected to be competitive, and the candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for the exam to secure a good score. Here is a table showing the subjects and the number of questions in the UPSC Prelims 2022 exam:

Subject	No. of Questions
General Studies I	100
History	20
Geography	20
Economics	20
General Science	40
General Studies II	100
Polity	40
International Relations	30
Environment and Ecology	30

How to Prepare for UPSC in 3 Months – 3 Phases

As the UPSC Exam is divided into three phases, your strategy also needs to be divided into several phases to prepare for UPSC in 3 months.

The 3 phase strategy on how to prepare for UPSC in 3 months is listed below to enhance your preparation for the UPSC exam.

Understand UPSC Mains & Prelims 

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is conducted in two stages: the Preliminary stage and the Mains stage. The Preliminary stage is the first stage of the exam, while the Mains stage is the second and final stage of the exam.

Check out the linked article to know last month’s preparation strategy for UPSC prelims.

Here is a table that summarizes the difference between the Preliminary and Mains stages of the UPSC Civil Services Exam:

Preliminary Exam	Mains Exam
Purpose: Screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam	Purpose: Final evaluation of a candidate’s suitability for the Civil Services
Exam format: Objective-type questions	Exam format: Descriptive-type questions
Subjects: General Studies (GS) Paper I and Paper II	Subjects: General Studies (GS), Essay, and Optional Subject papers
Marking Scheme: +2 for each correct answer and -0.33 for each incorrect answer	Marking Scheme: Depends on the individual paper
Passing Marks: Qualifying in nature, minimum 33% in each paper	Passing Marks: Merit-based, evaluated on overall performance
Total Marks: 400 marks (200 marks per paper)	Total Marks: 1750 marks (excluding the Interview stage)

Note: The Mains exam also includes a Personality Test (Interview) stage, which is conducted after the Mains exam. The Interview stage carries a maximum of 275 marks and is used to assess a candidate’s personal qualities and overall suitability for Civil Services.

Relatable article: How To Prepare For UPSC Prelims And Mains Together?

UPSC Preliminary Syllabus

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) Preliminary stage consists of two papers: General Studies (GS) Paper I and General Studies (GS) Paper II, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The syllabus for the Preliminary stage of the UPSC Civil Services Exam is as follows:

General Studies (GS) Paper I:

1. Current events of national and international importance
2. History of India and the Indian National Movement Geography section covers the Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World. Candidates need to have a good understanding of the geographical features of India and the world, including climate, vegetation, and natural resources.
3.  An in-depth analysis of the Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, and Rights Issues.
4. A thorough examination of Sustainable Development, Poverty Alleviation, Inclusiveness, Demographic Changes, and Social Sector Initiatives.

General Studies (GS) Paper II:

1. Comprehension
2. Interpersonal skills including communication skills
3. Logical reasoning and analytical ability
4. Decision-making and problem-solving
5. General mental ability

Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)

Note: The UPSC may modify the syllabus for the Preliminary stage of the CSE from time to time, so it is advisable to refer to the official UPSC website for the latest information.

Check out the linked article to learn about How to Prepare Geography for UPSC?

1st Phase: Basic Points Before Commencing Preparation for UPSC

Know the Course Planner

Reading the syllabus will decode the content/topics covered in it. It gives you an idea of what is covered in the UPSC syllabus for the Prelims Exam and Mains exam.

Besides this, acknowledging the syllabus of IAS will let you know whether you have to prepare the topics of the syllabus in-depth or if basic knowledge is required. It gives you a comprehensive overview that answers the question ‘what’ and ‘how much’ to cover.

In short, the syllabus is a roadmap that directs you on the right path to succeeding in the UPSC Exam.

Study of Previous Year’s Question Papers

Analyzing previous year’s question papers helps you to comprehend the trend. There are several other reasons besides the types of questions that make it necessary to study previous year’s papers:

1. The idea of Exam Pattern: Being an important aspect, previous year’s papers give you ideas related to the preparation you have to do.
2. Makes you clear whether questions are repeated or not in UPSC Civil Services Exam and if repeated then what is the number of such questions.
3. Understand subject weightage: Examining the previous papers of the UPSC Civil Services Examination will make you understand the weightage of different subjects, units, or topics. Subject weightage knowledge will help you to frame your strategy for preparation for UPSC and will let you know how much time you should devote to each section of the UPSC syllabus.
4. Portrays the difficulty: Being an authentic source, examining previous year’s papers will aid you to understand the difficulty level of the questions asked in the paper. It also gives you a clear picture of:
   • Whether questions are direct or indirect
   • Whether the asked questions are dynamic or static
   • Whether the questions require your basic or in-depth knowledge.

Besides the knowledge of the subject framework and the mindset of the question setters, knowledge of the requirement of the post you have applied for will help you in the preparation for UPSC effectively with the right strategy in the right direction.

2nd Phase of How to Prepare for UPSC In 3 Months: Framing the strategy

Chalk the strategy that best fits you and prepare a study schedule according to your capacity. While structuring your strategy keep the following points in your mind:

1. Weightage that the subject carries.
2. Which section or unit of the syllabus is more or less important?
3. Which portion requires more or less focus.
4. Which portion has maximum or minimum content covered in the syllabus?
5. Which portion is easier for you to cover and hardly takes any time to complete and which is difficult for you to cover? In short, with which section of the syllabus you are familiar?

The first phase of preparation for UPSC will help you to figure out the answer to such questions and hence will guide you to structure your strategy and plan out the studies schedule accordingly.

While framing the study schedule, allocate time to each subject, and current affairs, and keep some time on the weekends reserved for revision and practice. Divide the sections of the syllabus into smaller sections so that you can easily cover them instead of rote learning.

Points to Remember

1. Instead of cramming one subject at a time, go for multiple subjects and try to achieve the target set in each subject. Otherwise, you may lag in the race due to the vast UPSC syllabus.
2. Cover current affairs daily to stay updated about current events of national and international importance. Otherwise, it will get piled up and will be difficult for you to cover all at once.
3. Make a schedule in such a way that you can complete the entire UPSC syllabus in two or two and a half months and utilize the remaining time for practice and revision.
4. After solving previous year’s papers and mock tests on the weekends, analyze them to understand your mistakes and your weak areas of the syllabus.
5. Split the weak portion into further smaller blocks and cover it in the upcoming week.
6. Reserve some time on the weekends to revise the section you have covered that week.

Note: Maintain the study, revision, and practice cycle for effective UPSC Preparation.

3rd Phase of How to Prepare for UPSC in 3 Months: Preparation for UPSC

1. Prepare Seriously: Follow the defined study plan wisely to prepare for UPSC consistently.
2. For basic concepts go through study materials like the NCERT books.
3. After NCERT, increase your preparation level by referring to standard books on the respective subject. For example, Politics can be studied from Laxmikanth’s book. Visit the linked article for the booklist.
4. Covering current affairs daily from the Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper is very important. Also, consider a monthly magazine for current affairs. Being comprehensive and sometimes crisper provides you with a good revision tool.
5. This will help you to revise the whole thing for that particular month. It also helps you to recall information if anything escapes your memory.
6. Leave no doubts uncleared: Rather than piling up the doubts, clear them up. The more uncleared concepts you have, the more hurdles in your path to success. Clearance of doubts will boost your confidence and inspire you to stay ahead in your preparation.
7. Revision and Practice: Preparation for UPSC is incomplete without its essential elements – proper revision and practice. Synchronize the two to your studies to win the race of UPSC CSE. Regular revision, practicing answer writing, attempting mock tests, and solving previous year’s papers help you to be thorough on the subject by gauging the strength of the knowledge on the respective subject.

The more you get your hands on revision, the better you aim for higher marks. Lack of revision will lead you to write wrong answers in the exam and will award you with negative marking.

Quick Tips to Crack UPSC in 3 Months

1. Choose the Optional Subject Carefully

Choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC exam can play a crucial role in determining a candidate’s success. Here are some tips for choosing the optional subject cleverly:

1. Interest: Choose an optional subject that you are interested in and have a passion for. This will help you stay motivated and focused during the preparation process.
2. Syllabus: Ensure that the syllabus of the optional subject is well-defined and covers a wide range of topics. A subject with a well-defined syllabus will be easier to prepare and will also increase your chances of scoring well.
3. Availability of Study Material: Make sure that there is an ample amount of study material available for the subject you choose. You should be able to access quality study material, including books, notes, and online resources.
4. Previous Years’ Question Papers: Review the previous years’ question papers for the optional subject you have selected. This will give you an idea of the type of questions asked and the weightage given to different topics.
5. Success Rate: Consider the success rate of other candidates who have chosen the same optional subject. A subject with a higher success rate indicates that it is easier to prepare and score well in.
6. Exam Pattern: Ensure that you are comfortable with the exam pattern for the optional subject you have chosen. Some subjects may have a higher weightage for theory, while others may have a higher weightage for practicals or fieldwork.

In conclusion, choose an optional subject that you have a genuine interest in, has a well-defined syllabus, ample study material, a success rate, and an exam pattern that you are comfortable with. This will increase your chances of clearing the UPSC exam and achieving your goal.

Similar Blogs:

• How Many Optional Subject In UPSC
• Success Rate Of Optionals In UPSC
• Most Scoring Optional Subject In UPSC

2. Create a Study Plan for Science & Technology

Preparation for the Science & Technology section of the UPSC exam in 3 months can be a challenging task, but with a well-planned approach, it is possible to achieve success. Here are some tips for preparing for Science and Technology for the UPSC exam in 3 months:

1. Create a study plan: Start by creating a detailed study plan that covers all the important topics and breaks down your preparation into manageable chunks. Plan your study schedule in such a way that you have sufficient time to revise the topics you have covered.
2. Focus on the basics: Ensure that you have a good understanding of the basic concepts and principles of Science and Technology. Focus on building a strong foundation in the subject.
3. Use quality study material: Use quality study material such as textbooks, online resources, and coaching notes to prepare for the Science and Technology section.
4. Solve practice questions: Solve as many practice questions as you can to test your understanding of the subject. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving your weaker areas.
5. Stay updated: Stay updated on the latest developments and advancements in the field of Science and Technology by reading newspapers, journals, and online resources.
6. Focus on important topics: Identify the most important topics for the Science and Technology section of the UPSC exam, and focus your preparation on these topics.
7. Time management: Ensure that you are managing your time effectively during your preparation. Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice, and avoid procrastination.

Also, see: Medical Science optional for UPSC

3. Formulate a Plan for the Preliminary Stage

1. Understand the exam pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and the syllabus for the preliminary stage of the UPSC exam. This will help you plan your prelims preparation effectively.
2. Focus on current affairs: Stay updated on current affairs, as a significant portion of the preliminary exam questions are based on current events. Read newspapers, journals, and online resources regularly.
3. Study NCERT textbooks: NCERT textbooks are an excellent source of information for the UPSC exam. Cover the NCERT textbooks for classes IX to XII thoroughly.
4. Make use of study material: Make use of study material such as coaching notes, online resources, and mock tests to prepare for the preliminary stage of the UPSC exam.
5. Practice with previous year’s papers: Solve previous year’s papers to get an idea of the type of questions asked in the exam. This will also help you improve your time management skills.
6. Create a revision plan: Create a revision plan that covers all the important topics for the preliminary stage of the UPSC exam. Regular revision is essential to consolidate your learning and improve your recall.
7. Join a coaching institute: Joining a coaching institute can be beneficial as it provides structured guidance and helps in overcoming any gaps in your preparation.
8. Time management: Ensure that you are managing your time effectively during your preparation. Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice, and avoid procrastination.

Check out the linked article to figure out how to draft time table for UPSC preparation.

 4. Analyze the Topics in History Subject

1. Understand the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus for the history subject in the UPSC exam. Make a list of all the important topics and sub-topics that you need to cover.
2. Read NCERT textbooks: NCERT textbooks provide comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the history subject. Read the NCERT textbooks for classes VI to XII to gain a solid foundation in the subject.
3. Study ancient, modern, and medieval history: Study ancient, medieval, and modern history separately and focus on the important events and personalities of each period.
4. Read standard reference books: Read standard reference books such as Bipin Chandra’s “India’s Struggle for Independence” and Romila Thapar’s “A History of India” for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
5. Make use of study material: Make use of study material such as coaching notes, online resources, and mock tests to prepare for the history subject in the UPSC exam.
6. Focus on important events and personalities: Focus on important events and personalities in history and try to memorize their dates and contributions.
7. Map work: Prepare a map of the important geographical locations mentioned in the syllabus. This will help you in answering map-based questions in the UPSC exam.
8. Write essays and answer questions: Practice writing essays and answering questions based on the history subject to improve your writing skills and analytical abilities.
9. Time management: Ensure that you are managing your time effectively during your preparation. Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice, and avoid procrastination.

Related Post:

• Delhi Sultanate Dynasty
• Tughlaq Dynasty: Medieval Indian History UPSC Notes
• Khilji Dynasty: Medieval Indian History UPSC Notes
• Lodi Dynasty: Medieval Indian History UPSC Notes

Still worried about how to prepare for UPSC in 3 months?

Consider Examarly – Study smarter, not harder.

It helps you stay focused and achieve the milestones you aim for. This platform is based upon the philosophy of preparing for UPSC at a faster rate without affecting the quality. It provides 100% free UPSC preliminary examination exam-oriented notes and video lectures.

Want to do your UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation with ease? Start your journey today with Examarly.

Conclusion

Preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is a challenging task that requires discipline, focus, and perseverance. However, with the right approach and effective time management, it is possible to achieve success even in just three months.

The key to success is to have a clear strategy, focus on the most important topics, and stay motivated throughout the preparation process.

Practising papers will provide you with a comprehensive revision of what you studied. By attempting the tests/ sample papers or previous years’ papers, you will be able to make the right choice among the four alternatives.

The key to success is to have a clear strategy, focus on the most important topics, stay motivated, and be consistent in your efforts. With the right approach and effective time management, you can achieve your goal of becoming a civil servant and making a difference in the world.

Thus this element of the study will help you refine your question-solving skill and hence help you solve the actual paper properly.

Frequently Asked Questions