How to Prepare for UPSC 2027 While in College by Dr. Shivin Sir (AIR 297, UPSC 2022) | Sarrthi IAS

Dr. Shivin, AIR 297 in UPSC CSE 2022, recounts his UPSC preparation journey, which began during medical school. He acknowledges making many mistakes and aims to guide college students on effective preparation strategies. He emphasizes that UPSC is one of the toughest exams globally, requiring extensive and detailed study due to its three-stage format—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—and cut-throat competition. An early start in college can be beneficial if approached with the right direction and focus.

Dr. Shivin started his formal preparation in mid-2018, dedicating time to understanding the exam. He advises against blindly following common advice like reading NCERTs and newspapers at the initial stage, as their relevance diminishes over time and foundational knowledge is often lacking. He joined a costly online foundation course but found it insufficient, realizing he needed more specialized courses and test series. His first attempt in 2021 cleared Prelims but failed Mains, eventually securing AIR 297 in 2022. Key lessons include understanding that college preparation builds a foundational base, requiring at least six dedicated months post-college for intensive study, and never ignoring college exams.

The primary goal for college students should be to thoroughly understand the UPSC syllabus and have a complete idea of the exam format by graduation. This means covering all topics in detail, including GS papers and optional subjects (though optional can be deferred). Focus should be on static subjects, as their content doesn't change, unlike current affairs, which are often irrelevant years later. He advises spending 2-4 hours daily, attending one class, and supplementing it with standard books. Skipping current affairs and elementary NCERTs is recommended to avoid wasting time on non-critical or basic information.

Choosing a foundation course requires careful consideration. Instead of focusing on big brands, assess the credibility of the teachers—ideally, they should have cleared the exam or reached the interview stage. Ensure the course covers both Prelims and Mains comprehensively, with teachers for each subject. Be wary of marketing tactics that use toppers who only attended free interview guidance. Listen to toppers' feedback on specific course benefits. Lastly, consider affordability. UPSC preparation is a long-term financial commitment, and overspending on just the foundation course can strain future needs like test series, mentorship, and living expenses.

Beyond academic study, college is the best time to develop crucial skills. These include good speaking skills, participating in debates and public speaking events, as this helps build confidence for the UPSC interview. Critical thinking, the ability to logically analyze and question information, is vital. Lastly, cultivate the ability to sit and study for long durations (10-12 hours), as this is a fundamental requirement for UPSC preparation and hard to develop later.

Do not assume you can attempt the UPSC exam immediately after college; at least six dedicated months of full-time study are typically needed. Avoid giving 'experience' attempts, as the first attempt comes with less mental pressure and has been observed to have a slight advantage in interview scoring. Most importantly, never neglect college studies; failing or getting backlogs can negatively impact your UPSC journey and remain a concern up to the interview stage.