UPSC prep: 5-6 hours of focused study daily can work, not just 16

The UPSC Civil Services Exam is considered one of the toughest in the country, which leads most people to believe that clearing it requires 15 to 16 hours of study a day. But the reality is quite different. Interviews with several toppers and accounts of their preparation journeys show that the UPSC exam is not about counting study hours but about the right strategy and consistent effort. If studied the right way, 5 to 6 hours of focused study daily can be enough to clear the exam.

According to experts, it is better to study with full concentration for a shorter period than to study for long hours without focus. Study hours can vary depending on each candidate's circumstances. It depends on what stage of preparation the candidate is at and what other responsibilities they have. Many candidates preparing for the exam while working a job have cleared it on the strength of 5 to 6 hours of mindful study every day.

One thing common in the preparation of UPSC toppers is that instead of gathering a large number of books, they pick a few reliable study materials and read them repeatedly. Starting with NCERT textbooks to build a strong foundation in subjects like history, geography, political science and economics is considered the first step. Linking current affairs to basic study and consistently practising previous years' papers further strengthens preparation.

A good daily routine should include reading the newspaper in the morning and making notes on important current affairs, studying one or two key subjects in depth during the afternoon, and revising previously studied topics in the evening or at night. Along with this, practising writing one or two answers daily is also necessary for the Mains exam.

Just making a daily timetable and studying is not enough; targets should also be set on a weekly and monthly basis. Taking sectional mock tests on topics covered during the week and analysing and correcting mistakes made is quite beneficial. Setting a goal of completing a portion of general studies and taking full-length tests every month helps in gradually and easily covering even a large syllabus.

In the initial phase, 5 to 6 hours of study a day is enough, but in the last 3 to 4 months before the exam, most candidates increase their study hours by focusing entirely on revision and mock tests. During this period, instead of picking up any new book, it is best to repeatedly go over material already studied and focus on solving as many questions as possible.