How To Prepare For Both UPSC And State PCS Exam At One

Introduction:

Do you know that aspirants can prepare for both UPSC and PSC exams at the same time? Yes, this is possible. Through the strategic approach and proper planning candidates can prepare for both the exams. These two examinations have similarity as well as differences.

The key differences between these exams include the syllabus and pattern. UPSC exam is conducted on a broad national level while state public service commission is based on state level. There is plethora of information available on how to prepare for both UPSC and state pcs exam but they are not constructive due to their unorganized nature. Since you don’t want to end up in a rabbit hole of hefty data about these two examinations, we are here to provide a guidance on how to do an in-depth preparation for both UPSC and State PCS exam in the same time.

For candidates who aims to crack both the exams, need to remember that balancing the preparation is important. UPSC and State PCS exams share several common topics like general science, polity, and more about which we have talk further in detail. This blog will work as a guide for aspirants to manage preparation for both exams, by focusing on time management, interrelated syllabus, and targeted study techniques so that you can succeed smoothly.

 UPSC Vs State PCS Exams

As mentioned above UPSC Civil Services Exam is a national-level exam while State PCS (Public Service Commission) exams are state-level tests. While both examinations check your general knowledge, analytical skills, and subject expertise, State PCS exams include state-specific topics as well.

• UPSC Exam: Through this exam candidates are selected for the prestigious administrative positions like IAS, IPS, and The syllabus is vast, covering national and international affairs, governance, history, geography, and more.
• State PCS Exam: This exam focuses on the state administrative job profiles, like SDM, DSP, or Tehsildar, and while they include questions from the general subjects like UPSC, they emphasize on state-specific issues, history, and

Syllabus Comparison:

A significant benefit for candidates preparing for both exams is the interconnection in the syllabus. This allows you to keep focus on key topics that can be asked in exams.

Common Subjects in UPSC and State PCS:

• Polity: Both exams frame questions from the Indian Constitution, political systems, and
• History: From ancient to modern Indian history, you will get question from these areas of history in
• Geography: Indian and world geography, along with physical topics is covered in both the
• Economy: Aspirants should have a basic idea about the economic concept, development policies, and current economic affairs since these are part of UPSC and state
• Current Affairs: Be it national or international news, staying updated with current affairs is crucial. To stay updated with the most relevant and concise information for your UPSC preparation, you should keep yourself aware about the current events daily because it helps you track important
• General Science: Keep practising physics, chemistry, and biology because it will be asked in both the

Moreover, UPSC covers topics in a holistic manner which requires deeper analytical understanding, while state PCS exams will require you to study state- specific topics like local history, governance, and cultural practices.

Tips For UPSC And State PSC Preparation:

Time Management for Dual Preparation

To maintain the balance while preparing for two competitive exams, it is essential to manage your time effectively. Here’s a time management strategy that works:

• Prioritize Common Subjects First:

Focus on subjects like history, polity, geography, and current affairs, which are tested in both exams. Spend about 60-70% of your study time on these common topics. This will reduce the overall preparation time and improve efficiency.

• Allocate Time for State-Specific Preparation:

Set aside the remaining 40-50% of your time to cover state-specific topics. Every state PCS exam will have a portion of the syllabus dedicated to the state’s culture, geography, and history, so don’t neglect this portion.

• Daily and Weekly Study Schedule:

Daily Routine: Dedicate a good 6-7 hours daily, starting with common subjects for both exams in the morning and research about the state- specific content in the evening.

Weekly Focus: Make state-specific preparation your focus on weekends, while weekdays should prioritize common syllabus topics.

• Revise Regularly:

Both UPSC and State PCS exams require regular revision due to the vast syllabus. Dedicate a day each week solely to revise the topics you have already covered. Create revision schedules that sync with your studying.

• Balanced Study Plan:

Here is how you can organize your study plan: Keep your focus on the core subjects like building a strong foundation in history, polity, and geography. Study NCERTs and reference books (e.g. 2^nd edition of Arihant’s NCERT notes for UPSC and state PSC) Study state government policies, local history, and geography which is relevant to the PCS exam.

• Mock Tests and Answer Writing:

Mock tests are important for both exams. While the pattern of UPSC and State PCS exams might vary, answer writing practice for Mains is equally important. Take regular attempt for both state-level and national-level mock tests to enhance your writing skills and time management.

• Leverage the Common Syllabus:

Maximize your preparation by focusing on the subjects that are similar in both exams. By mastering topics like history, polity, and geography, you can cover a substantial portion of both syllabuses simultaneously.

• Segregate Strategy for Each Exam:

We cannot emphasis enough that state PCS exams require a focused approach on state-specific knowledge (for example if you are appearing for Bihar Service Public Commission then focus on the history, culture, and geography of the state). Don’t underestimate this portion, as it is essential for clearing the PCS exam.

• Current Affairs:

Master national and state-level current affairs. This will help you for prelims and mains stages in these two competitive exams. Reading newspapers

regularly for national issues and a regional newspaper for state-specific news will keep you updated on both fronts.

• Answer Writing for Mains:

Practice answer writing from the beginning of preparation, you need to have a good hold on writing long and short essays especially focusing on UPSC and State PCS types of questions. This is the most important part for mains, where presentation, structure, and clarity matter.

Conclusion

Maintaining a balance while preparing for both UPSC and State PCS exams requires strategic planning, effective time management, and an understanding of the common syllabus. By giving importance to interrelated subjects, dedicating time to state-specific topics, and consistently practicing with mock tests and answer writing, you can effectively prepare for both exams. The key is to maintain discipline, be smart, and consistently track your progress. Then you will see the positive results.

FAQs

1. How long it takes to prepare for UPSC and State PSC?

Due to the hefty syllabus and vast exam pattern you need to 1 year to prepare thoroughly.

2. Can I give both state PSC and UPSC exam?

Yes, absolutely you can give both the exams if the dates are not overlapping with each other.

3. Is the syllabus of UPSC and State PCS same?

The syllabus of the state PCS and UPSC has some common ground but in state public service commission majority of questions can be formed on regional basis.