I still remember the first time I sat with a group of wide-eyed aspirants 15 years ago. The hope, the doubt, the dream — all of it packed in one cramped classroom. Since then, thousands have come and gone, but one thing has stayed the same: UPSC does not test your knowledge alone, it tests your discipline.

Today, I want to share a simple, honest roadmap — something I’ve refined after guiding hundreds of rank-holders — to help you navigate this marathon.

📌 1. Study at Home — It Begins With You

Before you think of coaching, test series or answer writing — remember this: Your first teacher is you.

Build a daily study habit. Even 4 focused hours at home can beat 12 distracted hours anywhere else.

Pick NCERTs — don’t run behind fancy books. Master basics.

Make short notes — don’t just highlight.

Discipline > Motivation. Fix a timetable you can stick to.

📌 2. Coaching — A Catalyst, Not a Crutch

Coaching institutes don’t guarantee selection. If someone tells you they do, they’re lying. What we really do is:

Give you direction — so you don’t waste years figuring out what’s relevant.

Provide structure — daily classes, tests, discussions keep you accountable.

Build your answer writing habit — this is where most students struggle alone.

Surround you with peers — you realise you’re not alone in this fight.

I tell my students at Chanakya IAS Academy Jammu: Coaching is a map — you still have to walk the road yourself.

📌 3. News — Your Daily Dose of Reality

The biggest mistake I see? Aspirants ignoring current affairs till the last moment.

Read one standard newspaper. I recommend The Hindu or Indian Express — don’t read ten.

Make daily notes — stick to facts and analysis.

Link news to your syllabus — budget, bills, SC verdicts, reports — all are hidden questions.

Revise your notes every Sunday — otherwise news becomes noise.

📌 4. Tests — Practice Before the Main Show

Don’t wait to finish the syllabus to write tests. Write before you feel ready.

Join a good test series for prelims & mains.

Analyse every mistake — this is where real learning happens.

Don’t chase scores blindly — focus on improving attempt strategy, time management.

📌 5. Keep Your Sanity Intact

Lastly — and I say this as someone who’s seen the ups and downs of thousands of dreams — your mental health is non-negotiable.

Take breaks. Walk. Talk to family. Meet a friend.

Sleep well. No 20-hour study heroic stories — that’s not how toppers clear this exam.

Believe in progress, not perfection.

In the end, remember — the UPSC journey is lonely but never alone.

If you ever feel lost, reach out — to mentors, to peers, to your own self. I’m here with my doors open at Chanakya IAS Academy Jammu, as always.

Your roadmap is ready. Now, take the first step.

With you, always —
Owais Ali Bhat
Director, Chanakya IAS Academy Jammu
15 years & counting