UPSC IAS Toppers Strategy for Prelims and Mains Exam 2025

Unlock the UPSC IAS Topper Strategy. Explore the tips and techniques used by top rankers, from NCERT reading to mock tests and time management, to ace your UPSC exam.

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The UPSC IAS exam is one of the toughest exams in India. But many toppers have shown that with the right plan, smart study, and regular practice, students can crack it. This article shares the strategies and study tips used by UPSC toppers. This article explores the various strategies adopted by top rank holders in UPSC through the lens of the UPSC toppers Strategy.

Also Read: UPSC Toppers 2025

UPSC IAS Toppers Strategy Overview

UPSC IAS toppers follow a well-planned study routine. They study smart, focus on basics, revise regularly, and practice many questions. They make short notes, follow a fixed time table, and stay calm during the exam.

Also Read: UPSC Marksheet

Toppers Strategy for Prelims Exam

Every UPSC aspirant dreams of securing an All-India Rank (AIR), especially AIR-1. While toppers often say they never expected to reach the top, they prepare with dedication, clarity, and precision.

Topper Rank & Year Prelims Strategy
Shruti Sharma AIR 1, 2021-22
  • Strong base in NCERTs
  • Regular current affairs note-making
  • Focus on answer writing
  • Smart use of internet & minimal distractions
Kanishak Kataria AIR 1, 2018
  • Studied 10–12 hours/day
  • Focused on standard books
  • Newspaper reading routine
  • Joined coaching in Delhi
Ishita Kishore AIR 1, 2022
  • Followed NCERTs + standard books
  • Strict and consistent routine
  • Focused on mock tests and revision
  • Included meditation
Tina Dabi AIR 1, 2016
  • Emphasized self-awareness and time management
  • NCERTs as base
  • Multiple revisions
  • Focused on consistency
Yash Jaluka AIR 4, 2020
  • 8 hours/day prep
  • 3–4 hours for current affairs
  • Referred to monthly magazines
  • Focused on static and dynamic balance
Satyam Gandhi AIR 10, 2020
  • Prioritized core subjects (Polity, History, Economy)
  • Regular test series practice
  • Weekly targets and self-assessment
Sourabh K AIR 260, 2022
  • Used 8+8+8 strategy (sleep, study, rest)
  • Made notes using MS Word & speech-to-text
  • Took 15 full length + 10 sectional tests
Yasharth Shekhar AIR 12, 2021
  • Referred to both old & new NCERTs
  • Books like GC Leong, PMF, Spectrum
  • Focus on Science & Tech through CA
  • Solved 60–100 mock tests

Also Read: UPSC Result 2025

Toppers Strategy for Mains Exam

The UPSC Mains exam is a big challenge for many students. But don’t worry! You can learn from the strategies of toppers who passed with flying colors. The UPSC IAS Toppers Strategy can help you prepare in a smart and organized way.

Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The first thing you need to do is understand the syllabus. Toppers always read the syllabus carefully.

  • They know exactly what subjects are included.
  • They check which topics are more important by looking at past exam papers.
  • The exam has different papers like Essay, General Studies, Optional Subjects, and Language Papers.

Make a Study Plan

  • A good study plan is key to success. Toppers follow a set schedule to stay on track.
  • They make a daily plan for each subject: General Studies, Optional Subjects, and more.
  • They divide their study time wisely based on how easy or difficult the subject is.
  • For example, 3 hours for General Studies and 2 hours for Optional Subjects.

Practice Writing Answers

Writing answers is very important in this exam. Toppers practice answer writing every day.

They start by writing answers to past questions.

They follow the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion format.

They add examples and facts to make their answers better.

Make Simple and Useful Notes

  • Toppers know that good notes help with studying. They make short, easy-to-read notes.
  • They use pictures, charts, and bullet points to make notes easy to remember.
  • They keep separate notebooks for each subject.
  • They also add current news and important facts to their notes.

UPSC Toppers Result Marks PDF

Link Current Affairs with Subjects

Toppers know that current news is important for the exam. They always link what’s happening in the world with their studies.

  • They follow one good source for news.
  • They keep a notebook for current affairs and link the news with General Studies topics.

Focus on Essay, Ethics, and Optional Subjects

There are some papers like Essay, Ethics, and Optional Subjects that can help you score higher marks. Toppers work hard on these subjects.

  • Practice writing essays every week.
  • Choose topics that are easy to write about and related to real-life.
  • Read about real-life examples and stories to explain ethics topics.
  • Understand the main ideas and definitions well.
  • Choose a subject you like and can easily study.

Join a Test Series and Track Your Progress

  • Toppers always take mock tests to practice for the real exam.
  • They join a good test series to help them know how ready they are.
  • After each test, they look at their mistakes and improve.

Stay Positive and Keep Working Hard

  • They take breaks, relax, and keep a positive attitude.
  • They stay focused on their goal and don’t compare themselves to others.
  • Celebrate small achievements, like completing a topic or finishing a test.

 Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC Exam

 

UPSC  Toppers Study Time Table

UPSC Toppers Study Time Table helps aspirants manage their day wisely by balancing study, revision, and rest. Following a structured routine like toppers increases focus, boosts confidence, and ensures full syllabus coverage before the exam.

Time

Activity

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Wake up, exercise, and meditation
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Freshen up and have breakfast

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Study Slot 1 – Polity/Economy/Environment/History

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Study Slot 2 – Optional Subject

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch and rest
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Study Slot 3 – Ethics/Essay/CSAT
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Study Slot 4 – Remaining Subjects

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Physical activity, yoga, or sports

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Study Slot 5 – Current Affairs
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Study Slot 6 – Revision and Practice

8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Dinner and leisure activities

9:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Final Revision/Daily Quiz

10:00 PM

Lights out and sleep

Also Read: UPSC Exam Pattern

The UPSC IAS Toppers Strategy is a mix of hard work, smart decisions, and unwavering commitment. Adopting these strategies can help every UPSC aspirant align their preparation towards success in the Prelims examination.

Are you preparing for UPPCS Mains 2024? Join IAShub’s UPPCS coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!

UPSC IAS Toppers Strategy FAQs

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To become a topper, understand the syllabus well, study smartly, and stay consistent. Regular revision and self-assessment are crucial throughout the journey.

Start early, follow a disciplined routine, and stick to trusted resources. Practice answer writing and stay updated with current affairs regularly.

Toppers usually study 6 to 10 hours a day, depending on their comfort and stage of preparation. Quality and consistency matter more than long hours.


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Best IAS Coaching In Delhi, UPSC Online & Offline Classes by IAShub

Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.

UPSC Online Classes by IAShub

IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.

Key Offerings Provided by IAShub

Here are some important services provided by IAShub:

  • UPSC Prelims: IAShub teaches for Prelims with a focus on basics. It also gives daily current affairs and monthly magazines.
  • Classroom Courses: IAShub has classroom learning for students in Delhi. The environment is good and peaceful for study.
  • Live Classes: Students who live far can join live UPSC online classes. These classes are just like real classes.
  • QEP for Mains: The Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) is special for Mains preparation. It helps students write better and faster.
  • Answer Writing: Regular answer writing practice is given. Teachers also check answers and give tips to improve.
  • Free Resource: IAShub gives free notes by toppers and helpful Main Booster material.
  • Test Series: Test series are available for every subject. These help students know their weak points and improve.
  • Interview Guidance Session: IAShub also gives interview practice sessions with experts. These help students feel confident.

UPSC Exam Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:

  • Prelims: It has two papers: General Studies and CSAT.
  • Mains: It has nine papers, including essays and optional subjects.
  • Interview: It tests the personality and confidence of the student.

This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.

How IAShub Helps in the UPSC Journey

IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.

Best IAS Coaching In Delhi FAQs

Yes, IAShub offers live and recorded online classes. Students can attend from any part of India.

Classes are available in both English and Hindi, so students can choose the language they are comfortable with.

The classroom centre is located in Delhi. Students can visit and join offline batches there.

IAShub gives interview guidance sessions to help students prepare for the final round of UPSC.
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