Timetable for IAS preparation

Time is the most important resource for anyone! This fact is even more important for IAS aspirants, who are preparing for one of the toughest entrance examinations of the country. With an ever growing and extensive syllabus to cover, managing time in an effective manner becomes a key factor for cracking the IAS examination. Despite devoting 10-12 hours for IAS studies, candidates often fail to reach their daily goals and suffer from stress, anxiety and depression, which in turn hinder the overall preparation process.

One of the recurring questions on several IAS dedicated forums has been associated with this topic, which clearly demonstrates the lack of understanding among the aspirants about building an effective time management strategy.

The key to creating an effective IAS preparation timetable lies in building a balanced routine that focus upon studies as well as all the other aspects of your life. Your IAS daily routine should allow you to completely devote yourself to study, while not hindering any other aspects of your life. To help students prepare for IAS exams, we have created a model timetable that will help you to manage your time efficiently.

Model Timetable for IAS preparation

Time

Task

Relevance & Tips

5:00 AM

Rise & Shine

5:15 AM to 6:15 AM

Exercise / Meditation / Yoga

Physical activity like light exercise or a brisk walk can increase alertness and blood flow to the brain. Meditation & Yoga help to relax the mind, relieve stress and prepare your mind for the tough schedule ahead

6:15 AM to 6:30 AM

Bath

6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Revision of previous day’s study topics

This will help in evaluating all the topics that were studied yesterday and also build continuity for topics to be studied today.

7:30 AM to 8:00 AM

Breakfast & Newspaper Reading

The most important meal of the day will provide you energy for the tough day ahead. Newspaper reading will help you get up to date national and international events. Try to make notes for current affairs during this time.

8:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Study Session I

You can either be studying at a coaching class or on your own, but devote this time for the toughest subjects and topics as your brain will be at its full potential during morning hours.

10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Short Break

Take a tea break to refresh your mind and body. Indulge into some mind relaxation exercises. Avoid thinking about study topics.

11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Study Session II

Try to focus on subjective topics that you need to cover for the day. With your mind already in study zone after Study Session I, it will be easier to grasp conceptual topics in the second session.

1:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Lunch

Keep your lunch light. Pick items that are rich in proteins that will act as a constant energy source for you through the day.

1:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Study Session III

Study Session III is the longest session of the day and, therefore, keep topics that require extensive amount of time for this slot. Such topics can be understood well through reference books or expert consultation, which will require some time.

4:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Short Break

Take a tea break to refresh your mind and body. Indulge into some mind relaxation exercises. Avoid thinking about study topics.

4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Personality & Skill Development

Meet up with your study group and indulge in personality and skill development activities like debates, group discussions and other similar activities. It will help you learn different viewpoints about different topics along with significant improvement in interpersonal communication skills.

5:30 PM to 6:15 PM

Physical Activities / Sports

Try to indulge into light sports like running, jogging or anything else you like. The important thing is to keep your body active and mind refreshed.

6:15 PM to 6:30 PM

Bath

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Study Session IV

By evening, you mind would already be stressed. Therefore, keep light subjects / topics that you are familiar with for evening study sessions.

8:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Dinner Time

Keep your dinner light. Avoid Carbohydrates that will make you feel heavy and full. Include fruits and green vegetables in your dinner diet.

9:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Watch English News & Prime Time Panel Discussions

It will give you in-depth analysis of the top news stories of the day along with all necessary facts and figures.

10:00 PM to 10:30 PM

News Reading and Preparing Notes

Devote this time to read the relevant news of the day through the internet or any other medium. Try making factual or information based notes for it.

10:30 PM

Bedtime

Time Management is a process and not just a schedule; something that works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is important to understand that the aforementioned timetable is in no way perfect and can be improved upon.  Every IAS candidate will have their own study patterns and associated goals and this timetable can be modified to meet them as and where necessary.

Model Timetable for IAS Preparation

Time	Task	Relevance & Tips
4:00 AM	Rise & Shine
4:15- 5:15 AM	Revision of previous day’s topics	Notes Making
5:15- 6:15 AM	Exercise &Meditation
6:15- 6:30 AM	Bath
6:30- 7:30 AM	Revision of previous day’s topics	Notes Making
7:30- 8:00 AM	Breakfast &Newspaper
8:00- 11:00 AM	Study Session 1	Answer Writing
11:00- 11:30 AM	Short Break
11:30- 01:00 PM	Study Session 2	BPSC/UPPSC/ MPPSC/CAPF
1:00- 1:30 PM	Lunch
1:30- 2:00 PM	Short Break
2:00- 4:00 PM	Study Session 3	UPSC-PT
4:00- 4:30 PM	Short Break
4:30- 5:30 PM	Personality & Skill Development	Youtube Study Videos
5:30- 6:15 PM	Physical Activity	Unacademy
6:15- 6:30 PM	Bath
6:30- 7:30 PM	Study Session 4	Self Study
7:30- 9:00 PM	Dinner +Prime Time Discuss
9:00- 10:00 PM	Study Session 5	Answer Writing
10:00-10:30 PM	News Reading &Preparing Notes	Notes Making
10:30 PM	Bed Time