How to Start Preparation for UPSC from Zero: A Step-by-Step Guide (With Free Resources)
- Avijeet Kumar
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
“From Nothing to IAS: Shakti’s 7-Year Journey”
In 2024, Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, secured AIR 1 in UPSC CSE after 7 long years of preparation.
No coaching from Day 1.
No elite background.
No early exposure.
But what she had?
A plan. A mentor. And a never-give-up attitude.
Her story is a testament to this one truth: You don’t need to start strong, you just need to start right.
And this blog will show you how.
‣ Step 1: Understand What UPSC Wants:
UPSC is not looking for the smartest person in the room.
It wants someone who can:
Think critically.
Solve problems.
Stay calm under stress.
Write clearly under time pressure.
Whether you’re a college student, a working professional, or someone restarting their journey, the right mentorship and guidance can reduce years of trial and error.
That’s where platforms like PROXYGYAN come into play.
Mentorship Link: https://www.proxygyan.com/jeet-nishchay-upsc-mentorship
‣ Step 2: Start With NCERTs (The Holy Grail for Starters).
Let’s break this into subjects:
Subject | NCERTs to Cover |
Polity | Class 6–12 (especially Class 11,12) |
Geography | Class 6–12 |
History | Class 6–12 (focus on Class 9–12) |
Economics | Class 9–12 |
Environment | Class 12 Biology + Class 11 Chemistry (basics) |
Free Tip: Use NCERT PDFs from the official website (ncert.nic.in) or Telegram groups like Proxygyan where resources are curated and shared daily.
‣ Step 3: Choose the Right Mentorship Program
Here’s where most students waste 1-2 years: "No Direction."
You don’t need 10 coaching subscriptions. You need one mentorship program for UPSC that works.
What to look for?
✅ Personalised weekly plan
✅ Answer writing practice
✅ Doubt sessions
✅ Access to daily current affairs
✅ Support for working professionals
That’s why Proxygyan’s UPSC mentorship program stands out.
It includes:
UPSC mains mentorship
UPSC online coaching for working professionals
Daily check-ins on Telegram
Free content + affordable live sessions
Whether you're targeting UPSC 2026 or looking for the best mentorship program for UPSC, this is one place where you’ll never feel lost.
Join Mentorship : https://www.proxygyan.com/jeet-nishchay-upsc-mentorship
‣ Step 4: Read Newspapers + Use Proxygyan’s Daily CA Updates
If UPSC had a middle name, it would be “Current Affairs”.
But reading newspapers without understanding the relevance is a mistake most beginners make.
What to do instead:
Read The Hindu / Indian Express
Focus only on relevant UPSC topics (skip crime, Bollywood, gossip)
Every evening, check Proxygyan’s Daily CA Updates on Telegram (https://t.me/proxygyan)
Why Proxygyan CA Updates Work?
Bullet format
UPSC-specific GS tagging (GS2, GS3, etc.)
Includes Prelims + Mains angle.
Many working professionals and college students swear by these updates to stay consistent without wasting hours.
‣ Step 5: Solve PYQs — Because UPSC Repeats Its Patterns.
Before you dive into mock tests, understand how UPSC frames its questions.
Use previous year question papers for both Prelims & Mains:
Source: upsc.gov.in → Examinations → Previous Question Papers
Decode the trend.
Understand what NOT to study.
‣ Step 6: For Working Professionals — How to Maximise 5 Hours Daily.
If you’re someone with a full-time job, don’t worry.
Proxygyan’s UPSC coaching for working professionals is built for people like you.
Here's a sample schedule:
Time | Task |
6–8 AM | Newspaper + Proxygyan’s CA update |
7–9 PM | GS subject (NCERT + notes) |
9–10 PM | Revision + Daily MCQs + Telegram Group Doubts |
You can’t outwork someone with 10 hours, but you can out-strategize them.
‣ Step 7: Use These 100% Free Resources to Start:
Let’s make your start zero-cost but high-impact:
1. NCERTs (official site)
2. YouTube Channels:
PROXYGYAN
Rajya Sabha TV
Mrunal Patel (especially for Economy)
Telegram Channel:
Proxygyan Daily CA Updates (Covers “best mentorship program for UPSC” discussions, topic explainers, and MCQs) Link: https://t.me/proxygyan
🧠 Mock Tests (Free):
Vision IAS Open Tests
Forum IAS Prelims Marathon
ClearIAS app quizzes
‣ Step 8: Join a Community That Keeps You Accountable
Most beginners quit because they study alone.
But communities like Proxygyan foster motivation and direction by:
Sharing wins and failures
Breaking down complex topics into easy threads
Hosting weekly answer-writing sessions
When you see 1000 others walking the same path, you don’t give up.
Conclusion: Everyone Starts From Zero. What You Do Next Sets You Apart.
Shakti’s story isn’t rare anymore.
Thousands like her are using smart mentorship, community support, and curated free resources to clear UPSC.
And if you’re looking for:
✅ “UPSC mentorship”
✅ “UPSC mains mentorship”
✅ “UPSC mentorship program 2026”
✅ “Best UPSC coaching for working professionals”
Then stop scrolling. Start with Proxygyan.
🎯 Ready to start your UPSC journey the smart way?
Join Proxygyan’s Telegram Channel for free resources, current affairs, mentorship updates & a UPSC-focused community that actually cares. Telegram Link: https://t.me/proxygyan
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