UPSC Prelims 2026: 10 Simple Preparation Tricks to Crack Prelims in First Attempt

1. Master NCERTs First: Start your prep with NCERTs (6th–12th). They form the foundation for History, Geography, Polity & Economy.

2. Focus on Standard Books: After NCERTs, move to trusted sources like Laxmikanth (Polity), Spectrum (History), and Shankar IAS (Environment).

3. Daily Current Affairs: Follow WWW.SAKSHIEDUCATION.COM and Read one reliable newspaper (like SAKSHI, The Hindu or Indian Express) and revise monthly compilations regularly.

4. Create a Realistic Study Schedule: Plan your day with focused study blocks, revision slots, and test practice. Stick to the plan strictly.

5. Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve at least 10 years’ question papers to understand UPSC’s pattern and frequently asked topics.

6. Work on Concept Clarity: Avoid rote learning. Understand why and how — this helps in eliminating wrong options easily.

7. Take Mock Tests Seriously: Attempt full-length mocks under exam conditions. Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas immediately.

8. Revise Multiple Times: Revise every subject 3–4 times before the exam. Consistent revision improves memory retention.

9. Strengthen CSAT & Current Affairs: Don’t ignore CSAT. Practice comprehension and reasoning regularly to secure your qualifying marks.

10. Stay Calm & Consistent: Consistency beats intensity. Stay positive, sleep well, and maintain confidence till exam day.

Bonus Tip: Join a study group or online community to stay motivated and share resources effectively.