Start UPSC preparation from zero in 2026. Complete beginner guide: understand the exam, create study plan. Free resources included.
So you want to become an IAS officer. But you don't know where to start.
You're not alone. Every year, lakhs of students face the same confusion. This guide will take you from zero to a clear starting point.
UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission. It conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to recruit officers for:
10+ lakh apply → 5-6 lakh appear → 10,000 clear Prelims → 2,500 clear Mains → 800-1000 get selected
Yes, it's competitive. But thousands clear it every year. You can too.
Before starting, check if you're eligible.
| Category | Minimum | Maximum | Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 21 years | 32 years | 6 |
| OBC | 21 years | 35 years | 9 |
| SC/ST | 21 years | 37 years | Unlimited |
| PwD General | 21 years | 42 years | 9 |
Age calculated as on August 1st of exam year.
Stage 1: Prelims (June)
Stage 2: Mains (September-October)
Stage 3: Interview (March-April)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS Paper 1 | 100 MCQs | 200 | 2 hours |
| CSAT Paper 2 | 80 MCQs | 200 | 2 hours |
CSAT is qualifying (need 33%). Only GS Paper 1 marks count for cutoff.
| Paper | Topic | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language | Qualifying |
| Paper B | English | Qualifying |
| Essay | Two essays | 250 |
| GS-1 | History, Geography, Society | 250 |
| GS-2 | Polity, Governance, IR | 250 |
| GS-3 | Economy, Environment, Security | 250 |
| GS-4 | Ethics | 250 |
| Optional-1 | Your choice | 250 |
| Optional-2 | Your choice | 250 |
Total: 1750 (written) + 275 (interview) = 2025 marks
GS Paper 1:
CSAT Paper 2:
GS-1: Indian Heritage, Culture, History, Geography, Society
GS-2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations
GS-3: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, Disaster Management
GS-4: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude
Note: Detailed syllabus available on UPSC website
First, read the UPSC notification carefully. It's available on upsc.gov.in.
What to note:
Honestly answer:
This helps create a realistic plan.
For Beginners, you need:
NCERTs (Must Have):
Why NCERTs?
One Standard Book per Subject:
Newspaper:
Don't plan too far ahead. Start with a 3-month plan.
Month 1: NCERTs
Month 2: More NCERTs
Month 3: Standard Books Start
How to read NCERTs:
Speed:
After NCERTs, add one standard book per subject.
How to read standard books:
Current affairs is crucial. Start early.
Daily routine:
What to note:
Knowledge without practice is useless.
How to practice:
For Mains, you need writing practice.
Start small:
❌ Reading Laxmikanth without reading NCERT Polity first
✅ Always start with NCERTs, then standard books
❌ Buying 5 books for each subject
✅ One NCERT + One standard book = Enough
❌ "I'll read newspapers later when I finish static"
✅ Start newspaper reading from Day 1
❌ Just reading and highlighting
✅ Make your own notes, however short
❌ "I'll take mocks when I'm fully prepared"
✅ Start basic MCQ practice from month 3-4
❌ Reading new topics daily, never revising
✅ Revise weekly, monthly
❌ "My friend finished 5 books already"
✅ Follow your own pace, consistency matters
Here's a detailed plan for your first 30 days:
| Day | Morning (2 hrs) | Evening (2 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read UPSC notification | NCERT History Class 6 |
| 2 | Understand exam pattern | NCERT History Class 6 |
| 3 | List required resources | NCERT History Class 7 |
| 4 | NCERT History Class 7 | Make notes |
| 5 | NCERT History Class 8 | Make notes |
| 6 | NCERT History Class 8 | Revise week's notes |
| 7 | Weekly revision | Plan next week |
| Day | Morning (2 hrs) | Evening (2 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 8-14 | NCERT History Class 9-12 | Notes + Newspaper reading starts |
| Day | Morning (2 hrs) | Evening (2 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 15-21 | NCERT Geography Class 6-10 | Notes + Newspaper |
| Day | Morning (2 hrs) | Evening (2 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 22-28 | NCERT Geography Class 11-12 | Revise all notes |
| 29-30 | Monthly revision | Plan Month 2 |
NCERTs:
Current Affairs:
YouTube:
PYQs:
Test Series:
Notes:
Monthly Magazines:
When to buy:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 - 8:00 | Morning study (fresh topics) |
| 9:00 - 12:00 | Main study session |
| 2:00 - 5:00 | Afternoon session |
| 6:00 - 7:00 | Current affairs |
| 8:00 - 10:00 | Revision + MCQs |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 - 7:30 | Morning study |
| Commute | Audio/Notes revision |
| Lunch | Current affairs reading |
| 9:00 - 11:00 | Evening study |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 - 7:30 | Morning study |
| Between classes | Quick revision |
| 4:00 - 6:00 | Afternoon study |
| 9:00 - 10:30 | Current affairs + MCQs |
Answer: Most successful candidates prepare for 1-2 years seriously. Some clear in first attempt with 10-12 months preparation. Don't rush, but don't delay either.
Answer: No. Many toppers are self-study aspirants. Coaching helps some, but it's not mandatory. Good study material + self-discipline is enough.
Answer: Don't worry about optional now. Focus on GS first. Choose optional after 3-4 months based on your interest and aptitude.
Answer: Absolutely! UPSC doesn't test genius, it tests hard work, consistency, and smart preparation. Many IAS officers were "average" students.
Answer: It's competitive, not impossible. If you're disciplined and smart with your preparation, you can definitely clear it.
Answer: Choose the medium you're comfortable with. Many toppers write in Hindi medium. Language doesn't determine success, content does.
Answer: You can prepare with minimal investment:
Total: ₹10,000-15,000 for basic preparation
None of these require genius. All of these require effort.
Don't just read this guide. Take action now.
Starting is the hardest part. You've already taken the first step by reading this guide.
UPSC is a journey. It will test your patience, discipline, and perseverance. But it will also transform you into a better, more knowledgeable person.
Key takeaways:
Welcome to your UPSC journey. Start today, stay consistent, and success will follow.
All the best!
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