How to Prepare for UPSC Along with College Studies?
Are you in college and dreaming of becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer? Wondering if you can manage UPSC preparation along with college studies?
The good news is YES, you can! Many aspirants have cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) while being in college. The key lies in smart planning, consistency, and time management.
This article will give you a practical roadmap to prepare for UPSC while juggling college assignments, exams, and social life.
- Understanding the UPSC Exam Before You Start
Before you dive into preparation, you need to know what you’re getting into.
Exam Structure: UPSC CSE has 3 stages—Prelims (MCQs), Mains (Descriptive), and Interview.
Syllabus: Covers History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Environment, Ethics, and Current Affairs.
Time Frame: Ideally, you need 1.5 to 2 years for strong preparation.
Tip: Download the UPSC syllabus and read previous years’ question papers (PYQs) to understand the pattern.
2. When to Start UPSC Preparation in College?
Best Time to Start: 1st or 2nd year of college.
- You have ample time to build strong basics.
- You can develop the habit of reading newspapers & making notes.
Starting in Final Year? No problem! You’ll need a more focused strategy and may have to sacrifice some leisure time.
3. How Many Hours Should You Study for UPSC in College?
Since you have college lectures, assignments, and exams, aim for 3-4 hours of focused study daily.
Here’s a realistic study schedule:
Morning (1 hour) – Newspaper reading & current affairs
Evening (2-3 hours) – Static subjects (NCERTs, standard books)
Weekends (4-5 hours/day) – Revision & answer writing practice
Tip: Even 2-3 quality hours daily can make a big difference!
4. Step-by-Step Plan to Prepare for UPSC in College
Step 1: Start with NCERTs
NCERTs are the foundation of UPSC preparation. Read Class 6-12 NCERTs for subjects like:
History (Class 6-12 NCERTs)
Geography (Class 6-12 NCERTs, GC Leong)
Polity (Class 9-12 NCERTs, Laxmikanth)
Economy (Class 11-12 NCERTs, Ramesh Singh)
Science & Environment (Class 6-10 NCERTs, Shankar IAS)
Tip: Take handwritten notes while reading NCERTs for quick revision.
Step 2: Read Newspapers & Make Current Affairs Notes
- Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily.
- Focus on editorials, government schemes, and international affairs.
- Make short notes in your own words.
Tip: Use apps like PIB, Rajya Sabha TV, and Vision IAS Monthly Current Affairs for revision.
Step 3: Choose the Right Optional Subject
- If your college subject overlaps with a UPSC optional (like Political Science, History, Geography, or Public Administration), go for it!
- If not, choose a subject you find interesting & scoring.
Step 4: Start Answer Writing Practice
- UPSC Mains is descriptive, so practice writing answers early.
- Start with previous years’ questions (PYQs).
- Join an online test series for practice.
Tip: Even writing 1-2 answers a day will help build confidence!
Step 5: Revise, Revise, Revise
UPSC is all about revision. Without revision, you’ll forget what you studied.
- Revise NCERTs at least 3 times before moving to advanced books.
- Make one-pager revision notes for each topic.
- Revise current affairs weekly.
Tip: Use mind maps & flashcards for quick recall.
5. Balancing College & UPSC Preparation: Time Management Tips
Use Your Free Time Wisely
- Commute time? Listen to UPSC podcasts & AIR news.
- Waiting between classes? Revise short notes or read current affairs.
Follow the 80/20 Rule
- 80% focus on static subjects (NCERTs, standard books).
- 20% on current affairs & answer writing.
Set Weekly Targets
- Break the syllabus into small, manageable portions.
- Instead of vague goals like “I’ll study History,” say “I’ll finish Ancient History NCERT this week.”
Take Mock Tests from 2nd Year Onwards
- Even if you don’t plan to appear for Prelims immediately, solve previous year Prelims papers.
Tip: Use platforms like Track IAS for online quizzes & mock tests.
6. Should You Join Coaching While in College?
Coaching is NOT mandatory! Many toppers have cracked UPSC with self-study. If you need structured guidance, you can opt for weekend coaching or join Track IAS to understand the world of UPSC.
7. UPSC Success Stories: College Students Who Cracked It!
Tina Dabi (AIR 1, 2015)
Started UPSC preparation in 2nd year of college at Lady Shri Ram College. Focused on smart study & answer writing.
Jagrati Awasthi (AIR 2, 2020)
Started serious preparation in final year of B.Tech. Focused on self-study & online resources.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Ignoring college studies – Your degree is important too!
❌ Not revising regularly – Without revision, you’ll forget everything.
❌ Focusing only on current affairs – Static subjects are equally important.
❌ Skipping answer writing – Mains requires good writing skills.
❌ Procrastinating – The earlier you start, the better!
Tip: Balance college exams & UPSC prep smartly.
9. Is It Worth Starting UPSC Preparation in College?
Absolutely YES!
You get a head start over others.
You develop good study habits early.
You can give multiple attempts after graduation.
Even if you don’t clear UPSC, the knowledge helps in other exams & career options.
Starting early gives you an edge, but don’t rush. Focus on strong basics, revision, and consistency.