How to Start UPSC Preparation from Scratch: A Beginner’s Roadmap 

Start your UPSC preparation from scratch with this 2025 beginner’s roadmap. Learn proven strategies, syllabus tips, book lists, and how Impacteers can boost your first attempt success. 

Starting your UPSC preparation from scratch might feel overwhelming—but don’t worry, thousands crack the exam every year, often in their very first attempt. What sets them apart? Clarity, consistency, and a smart roadmap—which you’ll get right here. 

Let’s break down your UPSC journey into achievable steps. 

Understanding the UPSC Exam Structure 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is India’s most prestigious civil services examination. It’s held in three stages: 

• Prelims: Two objective-type papers – General Studies (GS) and CSAT. 

• Mains: Nine subjective papers – 4 GS, 2 Optional, 1 Essay, and 2 language papers. 

• Interview: Personality Test conducted at UPSC Bhawan. 

Each stage is elimination-based, and your strategy must evolve accordingly. 

Know the UPSC Syllabus Inside Out 

The syllabus is your Bible. It doesn’t just define what to read, but what not to read. 

• Prelims: Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science & Current Affairs. 

• Mains GS Papers: Indian Society, Constitution, International Relations, Ethics, and Governance. 

• Optional Subject: Choose one subject from a list of 48. 

• Essay: Write two essays in 3 hours on abstract or current issues. 

Always compare each topic in books with the syllabus. Impacteers offers syllabus breakdown workshops that make this process easy. 

Setting Realistic Goals for Your First Attempt 

If you’re aiming for the next UPSC cycle, say 2026, your study year begins now. 

• Year 1: Foundation building through NCERTs and basic materials. 

• Year 2: Intensive answer writing, test series, and interview preparation. 

Break goals into: 

• Daily: One chapter + 1 hour current affairs. 

• Weekly: Complete 2-3 topics. 

• Monthly: Finish a GS subject + one test paper. 

Choosing the Right Optional Subject 

Your optional can make or break your Mains score. 

• Don’t go by toppers alone. 

• Choose what interests you and has manageable content. 

• Subjects like Anthropology, Sociology, and PSIR are popular due to their overlap with GS. 

Impacteers’ Optional Masterclasses can help evaluate what suits you best. 

Selecting the Best Books for Preparation 

A UPSC aspirant needs a minimal yet powerful booklist: 

Subject	Book Recommendation
Polity	Laxmikanth
History	Spectrum Modern India
Economy	Sriram IAS Notes or Ramesh Singh
Geography	NCERT + G.C. Leong
Ethics	Lexicon

Pro Tip: Stick to one book per subject, but revise it multiple times. 

Importance of NCERTs and How to Read Them 

Don’t underestimate NCERTs. They build conceptual clarity that helps both in Prelims and Mains. 

• Prioritize Class 6-12 books for History, Geography, Polity, Economics. 

• Make micro-notes after every chapter. 

• Use highlighters and flowcharts. 

Impacteers’ “NCERT to Mains” program streamlines this with guided classes. 

Building a Time-Tested Study Routine 

The most effective aspirants follow a structured daily plan: 

• 6:00 AM – Wake up, revise previous day. 

• 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Core study time. 

• 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM – Reading newspapers. 

• 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Optional Subject. 

• 8:00 PM – Answer Writing or Test Review. 

Use time-tracking apps. Stick to fixed goals, not hours. 

Mastering Current Affairs 

Newspapers (The Hindu / Indian Express) are essential, but so is smart curation. 

• Focus on issues, not events. 

• Maintain a separate notebook or digital file. 

• Use monthly compilations for revision. 

Impacteers provides daily current affairs analysis videos + quizzes. 

Practicing Answer Writing from Day One 

UPSC Mains is not about facts, but how you present them. 

• Begin with 5-10 marker questions. 

• Learn to write structured answers with intro, body, and conclusion. 

• Use diagrams and flowcharts. 

Impacteers’ daily answer writing program gives expert feedback on your answers. 

Regular Revision and Test Practice 

Revision is what makes your effort stick. 

• Make a revision calendar. 

• Give a mock test every 10 days. 

• Analyze what went wrong—don’t just mark scores. 

Impacteers offers all-India mock tests with rank predictors to gauge your progress. 

Using the Power of Study Groups and Mentorship 

UPSC prep can get lonely. Find a community. 

• Join Telegram or WhatsApp groups. 

• Discuss doubts, exchange notes. 

• Seek mentorship, not just motivation. 

Impacteers assigns every student a personal mentor—a UPSC topper or senior faculty. 

Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes in UPSC Preparation

• Don’t keep changing resources. 

• Don’t blindly follow toppers. 

• Don’t ignore answer writing until Mains. 

Stick to your plan. UPSC is about consistency, not intensity. 

How to Stay Motivated Throughout the Year 

• Track progress weekly. 

• Watch topper interviews. 

• Take one Sunday off every fortnight. 

Even failures have success stories. You’ll write yours too. 

When to Join a Coaching Institute or Course 

Not everyone needs coaching—but structured guidance can: 

• Save time. 

• Prevent mistakes. 

• Speed up concept-building. 

Impacteers offers affordable online courses, live classes, daily targets, doubt-clearing sessions, and access to UPSC mentors. 

Role of Impacteers in Smart UPSC Preparation 

Why Impacteers? 

• Curated courses for Prelims, Mains, and Optional. 

• One-on-one mentorship with toppers. 

• AI-driven performance tracker (without the fluff). 

• Live doubt-clearing and monthly strategy updates. 

Real students. Real results. 

“Thanks to Impacteers, I cleared Prelims on my first attempt.” – Aarav, 2023 UPSC Aspirant. 

Planning Your Final Months Before the Exam 

• Focus shifts to revision + test practice. 

• Avoid new books. 

• Solve previous year questions (PYQs). 

• Simulate real exam environment. 

Final Checklist Before Your First Attempt 

Task	Status
Covered full syllabus	✅
Completed test series	✅
Practiced daily answers	✅
Prepared documents	✅
Mentally prepared	✅

Conclusion: Trust the Process, Believe in Yourself 

Starting from scratch may seem daunting—but so did every topper’s journey. The UPSC exam isn’t just about intellect, but patience, planning, and persistence. Stick to the roadmap. Trust the syllabus. Seek support when needed. 

Enroll in Impacteers UPSC Courses today—because smart preparation deserves smart mentorship. 

FAQs About Starting UPSC Preparation 

1. What is the best time to start UPSC preparation? 
Ideally, start 1.5 to 2 years before your target exam year. For 2026, begin now in 2025. 

2. Can I prepare for UPSC without coaching? 
Yes, but guidance is key. Platforms like Impacteers offer affordable mentorship and structured plans online. 

3. How do I know if my preparation is on track? 
Regular mock tests, self-assessments, and mentor feedback help you stay aligned. 

4. Which booklist is sufficient for UPSC? 
Stick to NCERTs + standard texts (Laxmikanth, Spectrum, GC Leong) and current affairs compilations. 

5. How important is the first attempt? 
Very. Your energy, motivation, and focus are highest. Make it count with the right strategy and support like Impacteers.