Post-NCERT Preparation Strategy for IAS: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Once you have completed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books, it's time to embark on the next phase of your Indian Administrative Services (IAS) preparation. This guide will provide you with a structured approach, emphasizing the importance of consistent revision, reviewing standard books, and thoroughly preparing for your optional subject.

Key Points for Post-NCERT Preparation

Read on to learn about:

Strategic Post-NCERT Revision Plan (Hyperlink) Historical and Political Books (Hyperlink) Finalizing Your Optional Subject (Hyperlink) Mock Prelims and Answer Writing Practice (Hyperlink) The Importance of Consistency and Revision (Hyperlink)

Strategic Post-NCERT Revision Plan

Consistency is key in UPSC preparation. After thoroughly going through the NCERT books, make a detailed revision plan. Begin with revising the NCERTs and then delve into the standard textbooks. This step is crucial as it reinforces your understanding and makes the subsequent reading of advanced texts smoother.

Follow a thematic approach to cover the entire NCERTs through live classes, such as the Gyan Trishna course, which offers 120 hours of valuable content. This method ensures a comprehensive and thematic understanding, covering NCERTs, NIOS, and TN board books. The cost is affordable at just ?999, making it an excellent investment for your preparation.

Historical and Political Books

Parallel to your NCERT revision, start reading standard textbooks:

Polity (Lakshmikanth): This book is an essential guide to understanding the Indian political system. History (Bipin Chandra or Plassey to Partition): It covers key historical events from a detailed perspective, which is invaluable for the IAS exam.

Complete these texts, and don't limit yourself to just reading them once. Multiple revisions are crucial to embedding the information in your long-term memory. As you repeatedly revisit these books, your understanding will deepen, and you'll be better prepared for the exam.

Finalizing Your Optional Subject

With your standard textbooks in hand, it's time to finalize your optional subject. Opt for a subject that you are passionate about and would enjoy preparing for. Usually, options like History, Geography, and Art Culture are chosen. Begin your preparation early, aiming to complete it by December. January marks the beginning of your mock preliminary tests and answer writing practice.

Mock Prelims and Answer Writing Practice

Starting from January, engage in mock preliminary tests to gauge your preparedness for the actual exam. Simulate realistic conditions and environments to ensure you are as prepared as possible. Simultaneously, start your answer writing practice, aiming to write two to three answers daily based on the Insights on India's Secure Initiative .

Answer writing is a critical skill that requires consistent practice. Although it may seem challenging in the initial stages, with perseverance and consistent practice, you will see significant improvement. The sooner you start, the better prepared you will be as the exam approaches.

The Importance of Consistency and Revision

The IAS preparation journey is long and arduous. Consistency in your efforts and frequent revision are the driving forces behind your success. Each day, allocate a specific time to read, revise, and practice. This consistency will help you retain the information, making the exam day less daunting.

Remember, effective reading of NCERT books is not just about understanding the words on the page; it's about understanding the broader context and applications of the concepts. Notes are not necessary from NCERTs, as every word is important and needs to be read in context. As you read more, your contextual understanding will improve, and you will be able to make informed decisions about what is apt and what is not.

Conclusion

In conclusion, completing the NCERT books is just the beginning of your IAS journey. The journey ahead requires a well-structured plan, consistent effort, and thorough preparation. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you will be well on your way to success.

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