State PCS vs. UPSC: How to Balance Both with 100% preparation

State PCS vs. UPSC: How to Balance Both with 100% preparation

Preparing for any civil service examination is not easy, and when you are focusing on the UPSC and state PCS simultaneously, it does turn out to be really uphill. Every examination has its demand, and still, there is so much about the syllabus that is common in nature and can be worked on for both. In this blog, we will talk about how you can strike the perfect balance between UPSC and State PCS preparation so that you are able to give your best shot at both without getting overwhelmed.

1. 1. Understanding the Similarities and Differences

Before delving into the details of how to manage both, it is important to understand what makes these exams different and wherein lies the overlap.

1. • Syllabus Overlap: There exists more than a reasonable amount of overlapping in core topics such as History, Geography, Polity, and General Science between UPSC and State PCS. Take the example of Polity; the portion relating to the Constitution can be prepared in tandem for both.
   • Focus on Local Issues: State PCS exams are oriented towards state-specific themes, such as history, culture, economy, and current affairs that relate to a particular state. In contrast, UPSC has a much larger canvas of national and international concerns.
   • Exam Pattern: The pattern of the exams is somewhat similar, with both including Prelims (objective), Mains (descriptive), and an Interview round. However, State PCS exams might include additional papers on state-specific content or language, which UPSC does not.

1. 1. Creating a Unified Study Plan

Look at the similarities in the syllabus—these can help you make a unified study plan to prepare efficiently for both exams.

1. • Begin with Common Subjects: Start with subjects that are common to both UPSC and State PCS, like History, Geography, and Polity. One can have a detailed study of them using the standard reference books such as NCERTs, “Indian Polity” by Laxmikanth, and “History of Modern India” by Bipan Chandra.
   • Incorporate State-Specific Study: Once you have read through the common topics, reserve specific time slots in your study plan for state-specific study. You should go through the state board books and government publications and get a feel of the local history, economy, and geography. For example, if you are taking the Uttar Pradesh PCS, you ought to know about the history of Awadh and the economic problems before you in the state, including the new political happenings.
   • Current Affairs: Be updated on current affairs both at the national and state level. Though for UPSC, national newspapers such as The Hindu or Indian Express are a must, for State PCS you should not miss regional newspapers or state-specific current affairs magazines.

1. 1. Effective Time Management

Managing time for both exams is all about smart time management. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

1. • Daily Schedule: Devote different time slots each day for preparation in both UPSC and State PCS. You can practice subjects common to both in the morning hours and state-specific topics in the evening hours.
   • Weekly Targets: You must have weekly targets for both examinations. For example, complete one common subject per week and cover one state-specific topic.

Mock Tests and Revision Time to time, take mock tests for UPSC and State PCS and gauge your preparation. Test series on Vision IAS for UPSC and Sleepy Classes State PCS Courses are excellent sources for state-specific exams.

You can explore Sleepy Classes State PCS courses covering so many more states like Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha.

1. 1. Optimizing Resources

To further augment the preparation, avail of the right resources:

1. • Books: The standard books like Spectrum’s Modern India and Shankar IAS Environment for UPSC are a must. So are state board books and state-specific guides for PCS exams.
   • Online Courses: Join courses teaching preparation for both exams. For instance, Sleepy Classes offers an in-depth course for UPSC and State PCS exams, teaching from a vast array of subjects to state-specific content.
   • Govt Reports and Publications: Keep visiting the Govt reports and publications like the Economic Survey and State Development Reports from time to time. These will be exceedingly helpful as one finds valuable points that can be used at both places in UPSC and State PCS.