Time Table for UPSC Preparation: Best Time Table for IAS Exam
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
Having a Time Table for UPSC Preparation is very much necessary for aspirants. A well-constructed IAS Time table establishes a routine and helps to maximize and prioritize the topics that are important for the UPSC Exam. Having a Time Table for UPSC Preparation helps the aspirant to divide and prioritize their time for study and extracurriculars. The IAS Time Table usually inter-spreads throughout the day and includes reading time, revision/mocks, hobbies, and at least 8 hours of sleep.
The article here focuses on the importance of Time Table for UPSC Preparation. The UPSC Study Time Table management habit not only teaches the aspirant to respect the value of time but also to be determined and dedicated in life. For the convenience of candidates, who are aiming to appear for the Civil Services Exam 2023, we have also made a Self-Study Time Table for UPSC Preparation PDF, which could be kept handy.
Table of content
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1.
Daily Time Table for UPSC Preparation
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2.
Time Table for UPSC Preparation PDF
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3.
Time Table for UPSC Preparation
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4.
Benefits of Time Table for UPSC Preparation
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5.
Time Table for UPSC Preparation 2023
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6.
Time Table for UPSC by Tina Dabi (IAS Topper 2015)
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7.
What is Required to Follow a Time Table for UPSC?
Daily Time Table for UPSC Preparation
Time Management and having the right Time Table for UPSC Preparation is the key factor necessary for success in the IAS Exam. The UPSC Exam is conducted in three stages- UPSC Prelims, Mains, and the IAS Interview. Though the preparation strategy is integrated into all three stages, the approach is completely different. The UPSC preparation requires a continuous and effective effort for a complete year. When an aspirant is making the Time Table for UPSC Preparation, he/she should, one the acquainted firsthand with the UPSC Syllabus.
This helps in the segregation of topics and time allotment. The Time Table for UPSC Preparation should be made after considering the education level, strong topics, weak topics, and personal interest. The UPSC Exam is one of the Toughest Exam in India, stating the fact that it has a vast UPSC Prelims Syllabus and Mains Syllabus. The Time Table for UPSC Preparation focuses majorly on a balanced routine, which should be followed with dedication and determination. The UPSC Time Table may work for one person and may not work for another, so the aspirants should make changes accordingly.
Time Table for UPSC Preparation PDF
Below we have provided a PDF of Time Table for UPSC Preparation, which you can refer to. You can modify it accordingly to your convenience and start the Preparation according to the set UPSC Exam Pattern. But, at the same time, keep in mind to have a healthy diet and sleep for at least 8 hours, so the brain works properly. Always remember the saying- A healthy mind resides in a healthy body.
Self-Study Daily Time Table For IAS Preparation PDF
Time Table for UPSC Preparation
All the IAS Toppers, who made it to the Final List, have highlighted the importance of following a dedicated timetable. Here is an example of a model Time Table for UPSC Preparation, which is realistic as well as accommodates everything.
| Time Allotment | IAS Time Table |
| 6:30 a.m. | Wake-up and freshen |
| 7:00 a.m – 7:30 a.m | Breakfast |
| 7:30 a.m – 8:00 a.m | Exercise |
| 8:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m | Slot 01 of Studies (3 hours) |
| 11:00 a.m – 12:00 noon | Cover Current Affairs |
| 01:00 p.m – 02:00 p.m | Lunch |
| 02:00 p.m – 03:00 p.m | Afternoon Nap |
| 03:00 p.m – 05:00 p.m | Slot 02 of Studies (2 hours) |
| 05:00 p.m – 05:30 p.m | Indulge in any Hobby/Activities/Sports |
| 05:30 p.m – 08:30 p.m | Slot 03 of Studies (3 hours) |
| 08:30 p.m – 09:30 p.m | Dinner |
| 09:30 p.m – 10:00 p.m | Leisure Time |
| 10:00 p.m – 12:00 a.m | Slot 04 of Studies (2 hours) |
| 12:30 a.m | Sleep |
Some point to keep in mind after going through the Time Table for UPSC Preparation is that this plan is suggestive, and can be changed according to one’s convenience. Each topic of the GS 1 Syllabus, GS 2 Syllabus, GS 3 Syllabus, and GS 4 Syllabus should be revised at least three times before one sits for the UPSC 2023. Moreover, whatever is studied in a week must be revised the very next week, by practicing UPSC Previous Year Question Papers. The 3 hours slot of the Time Table for UPSC Preparation should be kept for lengthy topics and for revisions. The 2 hours slot should be reserved for preparing Optional Subjects and revising them.
Benefits of Time Table for UPSC Preparation
Following the Time Table for UPSC Preparation plays a very crucial role in an aspirant’s life. Having an effective UPSC Study Time Table helps in time management, which in turn boosts confidence and helps in eliminating panic due to piling up backlogs of topics. The benefits of having a dedicated Time Table for UPSC Preparation are:
- As the UPSC Syllabus is vast, and one needs to revise UPSC Books constantly and NCERT Books, having a timetable gives you a sense of direction. It helps you to complete the UPSC Study Material on time.
- It helps you cover the entire syllabus within the stipulated time frame, leaving ample time for revision
- Having a planned and ready UPSC Study Time Table for college students helps them to beat the stress. When one studies according to a study timetable, one is able to able to retain more information, as the brain is better focused.
- Working according to a UPSC Time Table also increases your productivity and your efficiency improves.
- The timetable also helps in assessing the IAS preparation levels, which can be done through periodical assessments.
Time Table for UPSC Preparation 2023
The Prelims 2023 is scheduled to be conducted on 28 May 2023. To ace the UPSC 2023, an aspirant should start his/her dedicated work from now only. To ease the process, here’s an IAS Study Time Table for UPSC 2023 which will be useful to all candidates. With just 9 months in hand, a good UPSC Preparation Strategy is necessary. Divide the whole preparation into three phases, starting from August 2022.
First Phase: Build Foundation
Having a strong foundation of concepts and topics is necessary for the UPSC Exam. During the first phase, which should extend to three months or 120 days (August- October), one should entirely focus on NCERT Books for UPSC along with the standard UPSC Books. One should take weekly tests to assess the level of preparation. Current Affairs should be kept in the loop and should be referred to daily. Detailed analysis of topics should be done through the Current Affairs Videos.
Second Phase: Consolidation of GS Topics and Complete Optional Paper
During the second phase, which should ideally extend from November to January, one should focus entirely on Mains Syllabus and cover the topics that were not covered during the preparation of the Prelims Syllabus. Post this, both the papers of the Optional Subjects should be covered entirely. On weekends, it is suggested that one should attempt mocks or PYQs, to understand the Exam Pattern better and get a hold of the UPSC Answer Writing. This is also the time when one should practice for CSAT too, and cover the CSAT Syllabus well.
Third Phase: Join Test Series
As the majority of the Syllabus is covered at the end of the second phase. At the beginning of the third phase- February to May, just focus entirely on the test series and attempt as many as possible. Cover the Economic Survey and Budget well in detail as direct questions are asked from these.
Read: Difference Between Economic Survey and Budget
Fourth Phase: Focus Entirely on Prelims
The fourth phase is integrated with the third phase. From Mid-April till a day or two before the exam, just focus entirely on the Prelims and cover all things necessary. Always remember, the Prelims are the trickiest part of the whole Exam Process. GS 1 and CSAT, should both be given attention.
Time Table for UPSC by Tina Dabi (IAS Topper 2015)
Tina Dabi cracked the Civil Services Exam in 2015, and she cleared it on her first attempt. Tina used to focus on Bit Topics for 3 hours, 2 hours on medium-length topics, and 3 hours on revising the topics she covered. Below we will be mentioning the timetable Tina Dabi followed that helped her to crack the UPSC Exam.
| UPSC Toppers Timetable (Tina Dabi IAS Topper Time Table) | |
| 7 AM | Wake up and freshen up |
| 7:30 AM | Read Newspaper |
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9 AM to 12 PM | Study |
| 12 PM to 1 PM | Current affairs revision time |
| 1 PM to 2 PM | Lunch |
| 2 PM to 3 PM | Leisure period |
| 3 PM to 5 PM | Study |
| 5 PM to 8 PM | Topic-wise revision |
| 8 PM to 9 PM | Dinner |
| 9 PM to 11 PM | Study |
| 11 PM to 12 AM | Leisure period. |
| 12 AM | Sleep |
What is Required to Follow a Time Table for UPSC?
To follow the UPSC Time Table one needs to be honest with himself/herself. The journey would be difficult, as UPSC is one of the toughest exams in India. One has to be ready and plan things with a strategic approach. So come up with a good plan, and make sure you check all the boxes for fruitful UPSC results. Here are some things that you must execute to utilize the Time Table for UPSC in the best possible way.
- Seriousness– You have to be serious when preparing for UPSC, as the success rate is around 0.2%. Don’t try to take it lightly, and don’t try to attempt it if you are not prepared properly.
- Discipline– It is one of the most important qualities of an IAS officer, and to crack the IAS exam you need to have it in you. Being disciplined would not only help you crack the exam but also in your life in the future.
- Set Goals– Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals, and abide by them no matter what. Having the right goals would help you in so many ways during your preparation.
- Concentration– If you are giving 8-9 hours daily for IAS preparation, then make sure you give your 100% focus on those hours.
- Enjoy the Journey– It is important not to take your IAS preparation as a burden. You need to enjoy the process. Plan things in a way that would help you to enjoy the journey, and you will be able to make the best out of it.
- Wake UP Early– Everyone has their own body cycle, but as per experts, it is best to utilize your mind during the morning hours. In the morning, the brain is at its sharpest.
- Maintain Health– It doesn’t matter how well prepared you are, if you haven’t maintained your health properly you will end up getting sick, and it will have a significant negative impact on your preparation. So ensure to take good care of your health through your preparation.
