Think longterm. Preparing for the IAS exams can take years. Develop the skills and knowledge you need for the exams over years, rather than in a few cram sessions.
Read extensively. Improve your general knowledge and your understanding of current events, Indian and international affairs, business, politics, history, economics, science, geography, the Indian Constitution and other subject areas. The NCERT textbooks and newspapers recommended on the IAS Exams website provide you with the general knowledge needed for the IAS exams.
Learn to think critically and rationally. Join a debating club to develop your analytical skills and your ability to clearly articulate thoughts. Couple your knowledge gained through extensive reading with an understanding of how current affairs, business, science and other subjects affect the world.
Download past IAS exams on the UPSC website. Practice completing the multiple choice and essay questions in these exams to understand the structure and scope of IAS exams. Learn to write clearly, concisely and analytically.
Join IAS coaching classes a year before the IAS exams. Self-study is sufficient for some, but coaching classes can improve your potential IAS scores.
Improve your English language skills, and one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. You will be tested on English and one Eighth Schedule language. Use language textbooks or hire a language tutor to improve your language skills.
Prepare two subjects to be tested on in depth. You have a choice of being tested on two subjects in the specialized section of the IAS exam. Choose subjects you know well, such as chemistry, philosophy or mathematics.
Understand yourself. Be prepared to discuss your life, interests, career aspirations and strengths in your IAS interview. IAS interviewers will ask questions to understand your personality and determine your suitability for the civil services.
Create questions that test your awareness of social issues, ability to reason and arguing skills. Practice answering these questions yourself or have a friend ask you questions in a mock interview.
Improve the way you carry yourself and speak. Practice upright posture and speaking clearly, concisely, calmly, confidently and rationally.