How To Prepare For UPSC in 6 Months?

Preparing for UPSC in just 6 months is definitely not easy. But with the right plan,limited resources, and full discipline- even this short period can lead to selection. Everyday counts,and you must prepare with calm focus, not panic.

Step 1: Understand the Exam first (Week 1)

• Begin with the complete syllabus both for Prelims and Mains .
• Go through previous year questions(MCQ )to understand what UPSC really expects 
• . Make a rough roadmap; What to study, and what to skip.
•  Finalize your strategy:

 Choose your optional syllabus.

Decide whether to make notes or use ready to revise notes.

Step 2: NCERT and core books ( Months 1)

•  Study NCERTs from class 6 to 12 for subject like Polity, History Geography, Economy .
• Start with standard books: 

Laxmikanth for polity ,

Spectrum for modern history ,

GC Leong for geography,

 Begin reading The Hindu or Indian Express for daily current affairs.

• Make short note alongside.

Step 3 : GS+Optional combo plan (Month 2- 4)

• Divide the General Studies syllabus into manageable slots:

GS 1: History, Geography, Society 

GS 2: Polity, Governance, IR 

GS 3: Economics, Environment, Science and Tech 

GS 4: Ethics - focus on examples+ short notes.

Simultaneously study your optional subject

 cover basic and previous year questions.

Makes short note point wise ( precise notes) .

Study daily answer writing even one answer per day is enough initially.

Step 4: Revision and Test ( Months 5)

•  Revise all GS topic and optional notes.
•  Join a test series( if possible) start with sectional test .

Analyse mistakes deeply after each test .

Ethics short notes must be finalised.

Step 5: Prelims focus +Light Mains Touch ( 6)

Shift focus to Prelims .

•  Practice 40-50 MCQ daily mix of static + current .
• Use standard source like vision PT 365 forum MCQ.
•  On alternative days write one or two GS /optional answers so your main group remains strong.

 Prepare 1 page quick revision notes for last moment recall.

Final thoughts: 

 Don't overload yourself with too many resources .

Revise what you studied.

Discipline and Motivation even 6 focused hours can beat 12 distracted hours .

 You will feel tired, frustrated, stuck but that's part of the UPSC journey.

 Keep faith in yourself and stay focused .

From One Aspirant to Another 

 Preparing for UPSC in 6 months is a test of smart planning not perfection .Everyone's journey is different- build a plan that fits you.

 Success doesn't come from reading everything it comes from understanding deeply and revising fearlessly .

Written by someone who understand what this exam demand and still shows up everyday.