The Complete Roadmap To UPSC Prelims 2026 By Sankalp Maheshwari

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): There comes a moment in every aspirant’s life when a decision, though quiet and personal, can change everything. If you’re reading this, let today be that day. The Civil Services Examination—conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)—demands not just preparation but purpose. And that begins with understanding the first challenge: the Preliminary Examination.

Prelims is not just a test of knowledge; it's a test of direction. It consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I (merit-based) and CSAT (qualifying). To clear this stage, you must learn to prepare smartly, not randomly.

The first step is understanding the syllabus. Not just once, but repeatedly—till it becomes a filter for everything you read. When browsing the newspaper, this mental filter will help you ignore political drama and focus on relevant issues like international relations, environmental developments, or policy updates.

Next, build a foundation—and that means NCERTs. From Class 6 to 12, these books cover the basics of history, polity, geography, economy and science. Old editions offer depth, while newer ones provide updated perspectives. Finish them in three months, with a fixed daily routine of 5–6 hours, and leave time for revision. Evaluate yourself every Sunday.

Avoid the temptation of collecting too many books. You don’t need to read everything—you need to understand and retain the right things. After NCERTs, graduate to standard sources like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and a reliable current affairs compilation.

Paper I demands an integrated understanding. For example, a question might ask how a wetland treaty relates to urban flooding, combining environment, geography, and policy. This is not rote learning—it’s real-world application.

CSAT is often underestimated. But comprehension passages and logical reasoning have become tougher in recent years. Even those from technical backgrounds have faltered. So start early, solve past year papers, and take timed tests.

As for the cut-off, it varies. But aiming for 85–90 marks in Paper I is a safe bet. Remember, this stage is only qualifying—its marks don’t count in your final rank—but without clearing it, there’s no next step.

In my next article, I’ll guide you paper-by-paper with booklists, time management plans, and mock strategies. But for now, understand this: your journey starts today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Start here. Start now.