Preparing for the UPSC CSE: A Comprehensive Guide for 17-Year-Olds

After your Class 12, it is crucial to lay a strong foundation for your UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) preparation. The first step is to complete the NCERT textbooks from 6th to 12th standard. Following this, you can join an offline or online coaching program, or opt for self-study if you prefer to learn at your own pace.

Follow My Comprehensive Program

This program is designed to help you build a strong knowledge base and develop the necessary personality traits to succeed in the UPSC CSE. Whether you have 2 years or more, starting now is essential.

Personality Development via Knowledge Base

The essence of personality development in the context of the UPSC CSE means expanding your knowledge base exponentially. This involves reading widely and deeply from various sources such as newspapers, books, and other materials that will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the world around us.

Steps towards Preparations

Begin by daily reading one newspaper. Ideal choices are the Indian Express and The Hindu. Read the front page, editorials, opinion pieces, the world page, economy page, explained articles, and sports section.

Expand your knowledge by reading magazines such as Yojana, Kurukshetra, and India Today. Focus on government schemes and developments, and analyze these schemes from a social angle – how they impact individuals and society.

Expand your reading further by delving into classical authors like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Hardy. Read contemporary Indian authors and thinkers, as well as modern international authors like Grisham, Sheldon, and Ludlum. This will provide you with a diverse perspective and understanding of different cultures and systems.

For understanding international relations after World War II, study key events such as the Yalta, Potsdam, and San Francisco Conferences. Study important figures like Roosevelt, Stalin, Churchill, and other political leaders.

Learn about India's foreign policy and its role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Understand the structure and functions of the United Nations and its organs and agencies. Read about the Indian freedom movement and leaders such as Gandhi, Bose, Tilak, and others. Analyze their roles and contributions to the movement.

Complexity of the UPSC CSE Syllabus

Begin reading NCERT books from 6th standard onwards. Follow the guidance provided by experts like RA Israel, Jeba Singh. Keep the Preliminary and Mains syllabus in focus at all times. Discuss current issues with a friend, mentor, or another aspirant. Start writing a précis of the first editorial every Friday to improve your comprehension, increase your vocabulary, and train yourself to write succinctly.

Essays for Mains Preparation

Writing an essay from previous year's CSE papers twice every month is beneficial. This will increase your ability to think and write, train you for long questions in the Mains, and improve your fluency in writing on many topics.

Physical and Mental Strength

Build your physical and mental strength through regular exercise for an hour daily by yoga, running, jogging, or gym. Combine this with daily pranayama or meditation. Practice conversing in English as much as possible to improve your verbal skills and prepare yourself for the job.

Ethical and Professional Conduct

Develop a smart turnout, always greet and smile, and maintain ethical behavior. Quit smoking completely and moderate your alcohol intake. Reduce your social media presence.

Humility and Positivity

Approach the UPSC CSE with a positive attitude, feeling happy and looking forward to serving as a civil servant. However, avoid becoming haughty or arrogant. Stay humble at all times.

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