I am 25. What should be my UPSC preparation strategy from now? I am working professional.

Before doing anything, even before reading UPSC’s syllabus, start by fixing a number of hours that you would, every day and on weekends, dedicate towards your preparation along with doing your job. Now follow the standard suggestions. Get a newspaper subscription, preferably – The Hindu and Indian Express. Start by reading all the basic books, including NCERT's for History, Geography, Economics, and Polity. Switch to a little-detailed set of books and revise them at least twice before going to the next set. Books like Indian and World Geography by GC Leong, Indian Polity by Laxmikant, and so on. Be a regular to Rajya Sabha TV and watch all the major discussions to get an update on Indian Policies and issues. Refer to Previous Year Question Papers and try to grasp the pattern of the UPSC’s question paper. Also, analyze it to understand the type of questions UPSC prefers. After analyzing question papers, Practice them. Join a test series and get a second reality check, majorly to evaluate your preparation. Figure out your weak subjects from the analogy. Work on your weak subjects and then attempt a new test series. Keep yourself updated with different online sources like InsightsonIndia, Chanankyaiasacademy Daily News, IASEducator, VisionIAS, etc. Follow successful candidates and read their strategies and suggestions. Write 200 words every day and, gradually increase the number of words with time to work on your expression and vocabulary. Make Notes of whatever you read, including Newspapers. Revise everything you read, consistently. See if you can utilize your leaves for extensive study sessions. And study strictly in consideration with UPSC syllabus. Most importantly, if this is going to be your first attempts then you will still have 5 more attempts to improve and give your best shot until you have achieved your desired position. Just keep up with your spirits and never let down your guard. Even a small failure will leave you with a lesson to return with flying colors. Don't forget to make time for a proper sleep and some relaxation time for doing things that ease your mind. I will hope this helps. read less