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Home / IAS Preparation / How Much Time is Required to Prepare for UPSC Prelims & Mains Exam

How Much Time is Required to Prepare for UPSC Prelims & Mains Exam

Last Updated on Mar 03, 2025
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When aspiring to become a civil servant through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), one of the first questions that comes to mind is, "How much time is required to prepare for UPSC?" The time required for UPSC preparation largely depends on an individual’s background, dedication, and understanding of the subjects. While some candidates may take a year to prepare, others may take up to two or three years. In general, it is advisable to plan for at least 1-2 years for effective preparation. A consistent study schedule, focused revision, and dedicated efforts are crucial in preparing for this prestigious examination.
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How Much Time is Required to Prepare for UPSC?

The time taken to prepare for the UPSC exam varies mainly according to one's background, dedication, and the time in years he/she can devote to study daily. On average, it takes around 1-2 years to get ready for that exam. However, both times depend on whether a candidate comes to prepare from a scratch level or has some prior education in relevant subjects. It is very essential to have a well-structured study plan and do it with consistency and focus on the syllabus. Some other factors like prior knowledge, time management, and current affairs are also important in time determination.

Check out the Top IAS Interview Questions here.

How Much Time is Required to Prepare for UPSC Prelims?

The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the examination, and it is crucial to clear this round to move on to the Mains. The Prelims is a multiple-choice exam and includes two papers: 

  • General Studies and 
  • Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). 

The General Studies paper covers topics such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs. The CSAT paper is designed to test a candidate’s analytical and problem-solving skills.

To prepare for the Prelims, candidates should ideally give themselves 6-9 months of focused preparation. This includes:

  • Understanding the syllabus: The first step is understanding the UPSC Prelims syllabus in detail.
  • Making a study plan: Creating a timetable and adhering to it is very important.
  • Constructing knowledge: It is necessary to read the NCERT books and the standard reference materials and include current affairs updates from the newspapers and magazines. The most popular of these are The Hindu, The Indian Express, and Yojana.
  • Mock tests: Taking mock tests regularly helps in managing time and sharpening accuracy.

During the 6-9 months, candidates must focus on concepts and factual knowledge, as well as developing speed and accuracy for solving multiple-choice questions.

Also Read UPSC Preparation for Beginners: 12 Months Study Plan & Tips!

How Much Time is Required to Prepare for UPSC Mains?

The UPSC Mains is the second stage of the examination and is more comprehensive and time-consuming than the Prelims. The nine papers comprise those of General Studies, Essay, and the Optional Subject paper. These Mains examine a candidate's knowledge base, understanding, and writing ability. It is strongly recommended that candidates set aside at least 12-15 months to prepare for Mains while preparing for Prelims concurrently.

The Mains preparation involves the following steps:

  • Subject-specific preparation: Mains require detailed preparation of subjects, including optional subjects. Candidates should focus on both General Studies and their chosen Optional Subject (e.g., Geography, Political Science, Sociology).
  • Answer writing practice: Practicing answer writing is crucial for Mains as the exam is subjective in nature. The aspirants are expected to make model answers and write previous years' question papers so that they can work out their presentation skills.
  • Essay writing: The essay paper of Mains is another important dimension. One should start writing essays on a number of topics to self-assess thinking clarity and coherence in writing.
  • Current affairs: Regularly reading newspapers and magazines is important to stay updated for General Studies papers and the Essay paper.

This preparation phase is more in-depth and requires sustained effort over a longer period.

Also, know How to prepare for UPSC at home here!

Factors Influencing the Preparation Time for UPSC

Several factors influence how much time a candidate needs to prepare for the UPSC exam. These include:

  • Background knowledge: Candidates with a background in subjects related to the UPSC syllabus, such as Political Science or Geography, may take less time compared to others who are less familiar with the topics.
  • Time management skills: The ability to create a study schedule and stick to it is critical in determining how much time is required. The aspirants are expected to make model answers and write previous years' question papers so that they can work out their presentation skills.
  • Essay writing: The essay paper of Mains is another important dimension. One should start writing an essay on a number of topics to self-assess thinking clarity and coherence in writing.
  • Mock tests and revision: Regular practice through mock tests and proper revision of the syllabus helps in increasing the efficiency of preparation.
  • Personal commitment and discipline: The amount of dedication and discipline a candidate puts into their study schedule also affects the time needed for preparation.

Also, know the UPSC Mains Strategy here!

General Timeline for UPSC 2025 Preparation

Below is a general guideline for a 12-month preparation plan for UPSC 2025, divided into Prelims, Mains, and Interview phases:

General Timeline for UPSC 2025 Preparation

Time Period

Phase

Key Focus Areas

Months 1-4

Prelims Preparation

Focus on General Studies and CSAT; complete the basic reading of NCERTs, current affairs, and start practicing mock tests.

Months 5-6

Prelims Final Phase

Revise key topics, take mock exams, focus on improving speed and accuracy, and ensure coverage of all topics.

Month 7

Prelims Exam

Take the Prelims exam. Focus on accuracy and time management during the exam.

Months 8-10

Mains Preparation

Begin detailed preparation for General Studies and Optional Subjects. Focus on writing practice and improving answer quality.

Months 11-12

Mains Final Phase

Focus on revision and answer writing. Practice essays and review current affairs. Complete your Optional Subject preparation.

Post Mains (if qualified)

Interview Preparation

Prepare for the UPSC Interview (Personality Test), focusing on your DAF (Detailed Application Form) and current affairs.

This is a general plan, and candidates should adjust the timeline as per their individual needs and circumstances.

Also, read How to make NCERT notes for UPSC?

We hope this article about “how much time is required to prepare for UPSC” helps you with a detailed understanding of the scope and extent of the Economics subject. To study more topics for UPSC, download the Testbook App now!

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How Much Time is Required to Prepare for UPSC FAQs

No, 25 is not too late to start UPSC preparation. Many candidates start at this age and succeed with the right strategy and dedication.

A year is enough for UPSC preparation if one is focused and disciplined with prior knowledge of the syllabus. However, maximum candidates prefer anywhere between a year and a half to two years for more assurance in preparation.

The 7/5/3 rule refers to the number of hours divided among various sections of UPSC preparation, i.e., 7 hours on study, 5 on revision, and 3 on current affairs, thus ensuring balanced preparation.

UPSC preparation lasts 1.5-2 years, varying with a candidate's background and dedication. Certain candidates may take even longer, and some may need even less time.

Yes, 2 years is considered an ideal time frame for UPSC preparation, giving candidates enough time to cover the syllabus, revise, and practice.
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