As per the official UPSC Exam Calendar, Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2019, which is objective type, will be conducted on June 02, 2019, i.e. Sunday, while the Main written exam will start on September 20, 2019 (Friday).

Often candidates find UPSC Civil Services Examination extremely difficult to pass. The primary reason for this fear is not lack of hard work or potential, but of right strategy and a smart approach. You need to have a proper plan for it. Some of the effective tips are as below:

• Keep a positive mindset and practical strategy. You don’t need to know everything under the roof. Keep your sources limited and trust them.
• You need to know the nature of the UPSC exam. What to focus on and what not to. Understand your exam syllabus quite thoroughly. For instance, Modern India, Environment, Polity has constituted 35-40% of the GS question paper in 2017 and 2018 Prelims. Thus, focus on these parts of syllabus has to upright.
• The nature of the exam has become more dynamic but the syllabus remains the same. Therefore, it is advisable to be well prepared in understanding the basics i.e. fundamental NCERTS and standard books.
• Smart work will compliment your preparation. Newspaper is the most essential part of your preparation and not to be missed. Read newspaper regularly. You should workout intellectually by connecting news with syllabus and frame question and responses relevant to it.
• There are no prelims only, mains only preparation. It is an integrated process from preliminary right till the interview. Thus, an integrated approach is mandatory. Also changing nature of the questions requires candidates to be more analytical which is only possible through a comprehensive reading.

Also, Practice a lot, Solve last 10 years prelims papers. As it will help you analyze your approach to answer a question, reduce anxiety, controlling nerves and pressure.

Studying abroad is a dream of many students. However, if not done with proper planning, it may turn into a nightmare. Below are a few points that will help you understand and plan your overseas education.

Which country do you want to study in?

You should understand that different countries have different educational environment, and that is why some of them may be not very good for you personally. Also, Country choice might depend on what type/field of course you want to study. Certainly, there are some countries in the world that are considered the best ones to study in, as they provide the best colleges and universities as well as the best educational system in general. USA, Germany, Australia and UK would be your perfect choice anyway; but if you want to look beyond the traditional choices and go with countries like Canada, Ireland or New Zealand where the post-study work options are quite good and plenty.

Which university do you want to study at?

Different countries have different educational environment, types and structure of Universities/Colleges. You need to beforehand study about them and narrow down which type of University or College you want to study in? When you choose a university abroad, it should be a reputable one because such a university will be able to provide better resources and facilities. There are many fake universities too and you need to beware of them.

How will you support/fund your studies abroad?

It's quite expensive to study abroad. So you need to first think of the cost involved it in. Do you have enough money to support yourself in a foreign country? Do you have a sponsor who could help you with all your expenses? Is there a possibility of Educational Loan etc. Many universities give international students a chance to apply for scholarships. Your chances of getting a scholarship will depend on several factors: your skills and educational level and, quite importantly, how early you can apply for a scholarship.

Where will you live abroad?

Where will you live abroad? Will you rent an apartment? Does your university/college have on-campus accommodation facilities? Calculate the cost and benefits of each of these types of accommodation for you.

Language

For some countries, you will need to learn some foreign language too to live comfortably. Also you need to proficient and fluent with your written and spoken English.

And last but not the least you need to know what the value of that degree back in India is?