Preparation Strategy for UPPCS Examination
UPPCS preparation needs to include UP-centric elements and learning UPPSC fundamentals. Learn NCERTs, standard books, UP GK (projects like ODOP, Kumbh) needs to be integrated. Read daily newspapers, 3-5 revisions with notes or mind map assistance, practice 100+ mocks. Focus on Prelims accuracy (try 110-120) and Main answer writing with state-specific.
Preparation Strategy of UPPCS 2023 Topper Siddhartha Gupta (AIR 1)
Siddhartha Gupta (AIR 1, UPPCS 2023) achieved the top rank in his 2nd attempt through self-effort.
Strategy:
- Emphasize on PYQs, short notes based on the range of 15-20 pages for each subject cycle in UP-GK.
- 10 hrs of daily effort, increased scores in Hindi: 77→93/150, GS papers increased by 20 marks.
- Prelims: High number of attempted questions based on elimination.
- Mains: Written answers and GS-VI: UP Economy, which fetched 123 marks.
- Interview: Confidence building
| Paper | 2023 Score | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| General Hindi | 93/150 | Practice comprehension |
| Essay | 83/150 | UP examples |
| GS-I | 104/200 | History/Culture notes |
| GS-II | 103/200 | Polity focus |
| GS-III | 107/200 | Economy revision |
| GS-IV | 105/200 | Ethics cases |
| GS (V–VI) | High (123 GS-VI) | UP-specific |
| Mains Total | 817/1500 | Answer writing |
| Interview | 60/100 | Inculcate communication skills |
| Grand Total | 877/1600 | Practice, Precision & Success |
UPPCS Toppers Preparation Strategy
- Complete syllabus first via NCERTs + standard books.
- Read daily newspaper + UP Budget analysis.
- Prelims: 2 rounds (attempt 110–120), no cutoff discussions post-exam.
- Mains: GS-(V–VI) UP focus (law-order, schemes). 20-mark improvement via revisions.
- Interview: Give a few mocks to improve your personality.
- Time management: Don't get stuck on tough questions.
- CSAT: Quick solving, formula revision.
- Prefer self-notes over coaching.
- Practice mocks for evaluation.
- Do's: PYQs, mind maps.
- Don'ts: Over-reading, ignoring UP GK.
Priority Subject List for UPPCS Prelims
| Subject | Average Questions (Out of 150) | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs (National/UP) | 25–30 | UP schemes (ODOP), Budget |
| History (India/UP) | 20–25 | Freedom struggle, Awadh rulers |
| Polity | 15–20 | Constitution, UP Panchayat |
| Geography | 10–15 | UP rivers (Ganga, Yamuna) |
| Economy | 10–15 | UP planning, agriculture |
| Environment/Science | 10–15 | UP disasters, basics |
Priority Subject List for UPPCS Mains
| Paper | Priority Subjects | Marks Focus | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS1 | History/Culture | 100+ | UP art (Lucknow Gharana) |
| GS2 | Polity/Economy | 100+ | UP governance |
| GS3 | S&T/Environment | 100+ | UP industry |
| GS4 | Ethics | Full | Case studies |
| GS5 | UP Administration | High | Welfare schemes |
| GS6 | UP Economy/Society | High | Development, PPP |
Important Tips for UPPCS Preparation
- Prioritize UP GK (Kumbh, ODOP schemes).
- NCERT base + standard books.
- Multiple revisions with short notes.
- 2 hrs daily current affairs (UP focus).
- Prelims: 2-round strategy, 110–120 attempts.
- Mains: Structure answers, GS V–VI practice.
- Detailed look at past PYQs trends.
- Daily 10 hrs study with health balance.
- Toppers: More revisions, less new topics.
- Self-evaluate mocks.
Important Tips for UPPCS (Prelims Paper-II) Preparation
- Comprehension (35%): Practice with newspaper editorials and 2 passages.
- Basics: NCERT Class 6-10 (Number System, Percentage, Ratio, Time-Speed-Distance)
- Reasoning: Seating arrangement, syllogism, blood relations, from R.S. Aggarwal.
- Mock Tests: 2 per week - full length (target for 120 marks), review your mistakes.
- Time Management: Make attempts on strong regions first, bypass lengthy calculations.
- PYQs: 70% syllabus theme gets repeated every year.
- Goal: Achieve 80+ (qualifying) through a devoted 60-day.
FAQs
What are the best books for UPPCS Prelims?
NCERTs (Class 6-12) – Basics NCERTs Augmented with Polity, Modern History E-book Compilation - State specific - For Up GK & Up Economic Survey.
How many hours of study per day is required for the UPPSC?
8 to 10 hours to start with, stretching to 12 hours around the time of exams. Spend 2 hours on current affairs, 3 hours on mock tests/revision, and distribute for other subjects.
Whether coaching is required for UPPCS success?
No, Self Study with test series (NEXT IAS). Toppers like Siddhartha Gupta suggest PYQs, Self Notes over coaching.
What is the Prelims attempt strategy for UPPCS?
Attempt 110-120 questions safely. Use elimination technique, avoid blind guesses due to 0.33 negative marking. Aim above 130 marks in prelims.
