Best Ways To Set Up A Strategic Time Table For Your IAS Exam

Do you want to prepare the efficient time table for IAS exam? If yes, you are in the right place. Lakhs of aspirants appear for the UPSC exam each year. But, only a few of them clear the exam. Why? Because they have a  perfect study plan in hand.

Knowledge is not a reason for failure. Yes! It’s true. Majority of the students complain that they could not complete the huge syllabus in time. So, IAS exam preparation is not easy if you lack time management skills.

Trust me! It is not a magic but consistency that works out in topper’s preparation strategy. Include mock test practices, revisions, and measurable targets in your time table.

If you are struggling to prepare a suitable study plan, this blog post is for you. Find a detailed explanation and learn how to plan your own time table.

Things To Keep In Mind While Preparing The Time Table

You should have a long-term preparation strategy when appearing for the IAS exam. Later, plan the daily routine accordingly. In other words, divide the long term plan into daily, weekly, and monthly targets.

Plan your goals in advance. On-spot planning is highly not recommended. Consequently, review the work at the end of every month. Allow some time for leisure, breaks, and hobbies. It is necessary to refresh your energy in a timely manner.

Do not study for more than 4 hours continuously. Divide the lengthy sessions into small ones of 2 hours each. It is sufficient to complete the syllabus through a systematic plan.

After each session, take a small break. Your concentration power decreases after every 45 minutes. So, do not give it a chance. The break is a necessary element in your time table. At least 10 to 15 minutes break is recommended.

Do not ignore healthy food intake. The balanced diet and good sleep are extremely important. Maintain the good health of your body and mind.

Try to finish all the daily chores and routine work within 45 minutes. Do not spend too much time on it. Anyways you are going to take breaks in between.

Please avoid multitasking during the IAS exam preparation. For instance, do not watch tv and prepare for current affairs. Otherwise, students tend to surf through social media and then simultaneously read. It is not recommended.

Do not entertain any kind of distractions during the study time. Especially, your mobile phones. Keep it in silent mode and stay away from social media.

Just collecting the books and postponing to start the preparation is not a good idea. If you just pile the books and plan to study all of them in a week, it is quite impossible.

Preparations should be consistent. Moreover, you cannot study a single subject for 10 long hours. You have to mix them up. When you split the work into small portions, it is easy to remember and recall whenever needed.

How Do You Divide One Whole Year For IAS Exam Preparation?

Basically, you can divide the whole year into two terms. It includes July to November session and December to March session. In the below paragraphs, we would explain each in details. Have a look at it.

July To November Session

In this study period, you are supposed to plan for an integrated prelims cum mains preparation. Study the General Studies subject from paper 1 to paper 4. Practice the habit of reading newspapers.

The Hindu is a preferred newspaper. However, the magazine is just an option. Choose it if you need one. Spend time on essay preparation without fail.

Now, make the final decision about your optional subject paper. Read from the NCERT books and other standard study materials. Hopefully, you would have joined the coaching classes by now. Make notes during the classroom sessions without fail.

Useful Article to Read:Importance Of Self-Motivation During UPSC Preparation

Dedicate some time for the current affairs preparation. You can watch the parliamentary discussion and debate programs on television. Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha TV channels are mostly recommended.

December To March Session

Now, you should dedicate more time to prelims stage IAS exam preparation. Do not pause reading newspapers. However, continue with mains syllabus in the side.

In the months of April and May, reserve your time only for the purpose of revision. Are you weak in language paper? Then give some of your time to prepare for language. Otherwise, it is not necessary.

CSAT demands only 2 months of preparation. If you feel weak in CSAT, then get started from the month of November. It should give you a good confidence level.

A Brief Idea On How To Set Up The Time Table

This is just an example of IAS exam preparation time table we can suggest to you. However, you can always add the modifications needed. Go through the complete plan. You will definitely get some idea about time table preparation.

6:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Wake up early and do some physical exercise. Add some yoga postures and meditation to your routine.It increases the blood circulation to your brain. Ultimately, this morning routine reduces the stress level. In turn, it prepares you to face the long day.

8:30 AM: By 7:30 finish your breakfast and get ready to start the preparation. Be inside your room by this time.

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Read the newspaper especially The Hindu. Analyse the topics required as per the syllabus and make notes.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Dedicate this 30 minutes to revise the previous day’s topics. Later, evaluate you preparation level.

11:30 AM: Get a short break and drink some tea. It refresh your mind and prepares you for the next session.

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Study the new topic as per the weekly target you have made. Here, decide the topic based on the weekly plan you have already made long ago.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Have your lunch in the right time. So, that you can avoid stomach related unhealthy problems.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Get a short nap and relax yourself. As you have woke up bit early in the morning.

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Continue with your weekly target plan. Always maintain your mind active and do not let it go down in any case.

5:30 PM: It’s an evening snacks time. Relax your mind and keep it calm always. Please do not think about any study topics.

6:30 PM: Practice writing answers for mains exam.

7:30 PM: Get your answers reviewed and tested by the mentors. Improve based on the suggestions you receive. 

8:30 PM: Finish your dinner by this time.

9:30 PM – 11:30 PM: Prepare for the optional subject paper in this time slot.

11:30 PM: Do some talking and networking. You can also watch TV or any other activities which you like.

Sunday Special: In a month, take 2 Sundays completely off from studying. Dedicate only the other two days for preparation. It reduces the exam pressure and helps you to enjoy the tension-free journey.