How Many Hours Per Day Required To Study For UPSC IAS Exam?

Ready to crack the IAS exam but confused about how many hours to crack the books? 

Well, get ready to throw your stopwatch out the window because we're here to set the record straight! 

The most asked question here is: How many hours is enough to crack the IAS exam? Quality trumps quantity. Focus on understanding concepts, practicing answer writing, and staying updated. Remember, even Einstein didn't measure his genius in hours!

In this blog, we'll dive into how many hours to study for IAS and share tips to help you optimize your study routine. 

UPSC IAS Exam Preparation Guide

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Cracking the UPSC exam is tough but totally doable. Every year, approximately 11 to 13 lakh students appear for the UPSC exam, each competing for a limited number of positions. This makes the preparation even more daunting.

You're basically trying to learn everything there is to know about the world. History, geography, science, politics – you name it, it's there. It's like trying to learn every single Wikipedia page!

The key is to be consistent. It’s like building a sandcastle - you do it slowly, brick by brick, right? Same here. 

Sticking to a daily study routine is crucial. 

• Consistency: You can't just cram the vast syllabus; steady progress is essential. 
• Determination: Staying determined keeps you going, even when things get tough. 
• Understanding the Syllabus: It’ll help you focus on what's important.

Also read: Starting Answer Writing Practice for UPSC Mains Exam: A Guide 

Figuring out how many hours to study for IAS can be tricky. It's about balancing long study hours with quality preparation.

But hey, before we dive into that, let's talk about something just as important.

Study Hours: Quality Over Quantity

Let's talk about the age-old question: How many hours to study for IAS? The short answer? It doesn't matter. What truly counts is the quality of those hours.

For example, you are pulling an all-nighter before an exam. You're tired, your brain feels like mush, and you can barely remember what you read. Not the ideal scenario, right? This is why cramming isn't effective. 

Curious if more study hours equate to better results? Here’s how to make the most of your study time:

• Focused Study Sessions: Aim for 3-4 hours of high-quality study each session. Concentrate fully during these periods rather than stretching out your study time aimlessly.
• Peak Productive Times: Schedule study sessions when you're most alert. For example, if you’re sharp in the morning, plan 2-3 hours of study before noon.
• Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks every 60-90 minutes. A 10-15 minute break can help you stay focused and prevent burnout.

Also read: 1 Year Plan for UPSC Preparation and Study 

Ready to customize your study plan even further?

Tailoring Your Study Hours for IAS

Figuring out the perfect study schedule for the IAS can be a puzzle. But don't worry; it's all about finding what works best for you. Let's break down your hours to study for IAS.

Assessing Your Study Capacity

Everyone has a different study capacity. Start by understanding how many hours to study for IAS without burning out. Don't dive headfirst into intense study sessions. Gradually increase your study hours as you get into the groove. Here’s what you can do:

• Preliminary Exam Focus: Start with 3-4 hours daily, increasing to 6-8 hours as the exam approaches.
• Mains Exam Preparation: Gradually shift focus after Prelims, dedicating 6-8 hours daily, increasing to 10-12 hours closer to the exam date.

Customizing Your Study Schedule

Your study hours should align with your lifestyle. Whether you're a student, working professional, or full-time aspirant, create a schedule that fits.

Here’s a sample of how many hours to study for IAS based on your status

• Students: Balance classes with 2-3 hours of daily study, increasing during weekends.
• Working Professionals: Fit in 1-2 hours in the morning or evening; utilize weekends for 4-6 hours of focused study.
• Full-time Aspirants: Aim for 6-8 hours daily, segmented into subjects, revision, and practice tests.

Note: Be ready to tweak your schedule as needed. Life happens, and it's okay to take breaks or modify your plan.

You might also like: Setting a Study Timetable for UPSC Preparation 

Ready to be inspired? Let's look at how many hours UPSC toppers dedicated to their preparation.

How Many Hours Did UPSC Toppers Study?

UPSC toppers put in anywhere from 6 to 14 hours of study daily.  Let's look at some examples of UPSC toppers to understand their strategies.

• Aditya Srivastava, the UPSC 2023 topper, focused on completing daily targets, which usually took 10-12 hours. 
• Ishita Kishore, the 2022 topper, focused on a balanced weekly schedule, dedicating specific 40-45 hours each week and ensuring she had time for rest and hobbies. 
• Shruti Sharma, the 2021 topper, has an intense 14-15 hours of study daily, demonstrating the dedication required at times.
• Shubham Kumar, the 2020 topper, balanced his preparation with 8-10 hours of focused study.
• Tina Dabi, secured AIR 1 in 2016 with a disciplined schedule of 11 hours of study daily. Her routine included waking up at 7:00 AM. Her timetable has gone viral over the years!

These toppers show us that success isn’t about burning the midnight oil; it’s about smart studying. Find a schedule that works for you and consider how many hours to study for IAS. Experiment with different study timings to see what boosts your productivity.

And speaking of productivity, let’s bust some common myths that might be holding you back!

Debunking Common Myths About UPSC Study Hours

You've probably heard countless stories about how many hours UPSC toppers studied. Let's clear the air. There’s more to cracking this exam than just clocking in long hours.

Myth: More Hours Automatically Lead to Better Results

It's not just about clocking more hours. For IAS prep, 6-8 focused hours can be more productive than 12-14 hours of scattered studying. Quality over quantity is key!

Myth: A Universal Fixed Study Hour Formula Exists

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to how many hours to study for IAS. Customize your plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you're strong in history, spend more time on subjects you're weaker in, like economics. Tailoring your schedule helps you focus on areas needing improvement.

Myth: Sacrificing Sleep is Necessary for Success

Skipping sleep is not a requirement for success. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep is crucial for staying focused and productive. Include proper rest in your study schedule to keep your mind sharp and ready for IAS prep.

Myth: Blindly Imitating Toppers’ Study Schedules Guarantees Success

Following a topper’s schedule without considering how many hours to study for IAS based on your own routine can be counterproductive. It’s important to adapt strategies to fit your personal schedule and study habits.

Myth: Only Full-time Aspirants Can Succeed

Success isn’t limited to full-time aspirants. Working professionals and students can also excel by finding how many hours to study for IAS within their schedules, using a well-structured plan and effective study strategies.

Myth 5: Coaching is Mandatory

While coaching can be helpful, many have cleared the exam through self-study. The key is understanding the syllabus, creating a structured study plan, and staying consistent with your preparation.

Think coaching is the only way to ace your exams? 

Meet SuperKalam—your AI-powered mentor for UPSC preparation. 

With tailored resources and expert guidance, SuperKalam helps you navigate your study plan and master the syllabus on your own!

Now that we've debunked those myths, let's dive into some actionable study tips that can give you an edge.

Crack the IAS Code: 7 Smart Study Tips

The IAS exam is a battle of wits, not endurance. It's about smart, targeted preparation. Let’s break down how to outsmart the competition. 

Tip 1: Understand, Don’t Memorize

The IAS tests your ability to analyze, not recall. Instead of mugging up facts, focus on grasping the core of each concept. Ask ‘why’ more than ‘what.’ This not only saves time but also deepens your understanding, making it easier to connect dots during the exam.

Tip 2: Study Smart, Not Just Hard

Hours don’t equal success; it's about effective study. Knowing how many hours to study for IAS is less important than breaking your study sessions into focused bursts with short breaks. This keeps your mind sharp.

Avoid distractions, create a quiet study space, and experiment with techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break).

Tip 3: Take in Daily Dose of Current Affairs

Newspapers and online resources are your best friends. Don’t just read, analyze. Understand the context, implications, and government’s response. 

To effectively link current affairs with your static syllabus, here are some key resources to focus on:

Also watch: How to Read The Hindu and Make Notes  | A Complete Guide | SuperKalam 

Tip 4: Master the Art of Note-Making

Good notes are your study buddies. Don't just copy from books; summarize, connect ideas, and add your own insights. This active learning process strengthens your grip on the subject. While knowing how many hours to study for IAS is helpful, having concise notes is a lifesaver during revisions.

Tip 5: Choose Your Optional Wisely

Your optional subject can be a game-changer. Choose wisely from the 48 optional subjects based on your interest and expertise. Dedicate ample time. Practice answer writing regularly. This builds speed, structure, and in-depth knowledge.

Here are some popular choices:

• Public Administration: Overlaps with General Studies, making it a common pick.
• Geography: Scientific and scoring.
• Sociology: Short syllabus, relevant to current issues.
• Anthropology: Concise and scoring, good for science or humanities backgrounds.

Tip 6: Mock Tests: Your Reality Check

Don’t underestimate the power of mock tests. They simulate exam pressure, highlight weak areas, and improve time management. While knowing how many hours to study for IAS is important, mock tests help you analyze your performance, learn from mistakes, and gradually increase your score.

Feeling overwhelmed by mock tests?  

SuperKalam can help! Their platform offers a comprehensive bank of IAS mock tests designed by experts. 

Supercharge your preparation and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Tip 7: Regular Revision and Practice

Consistent revision and mock tests enhance retention and performance. While figuring out how many hours to study for IAS, plan your study to cover the syllabus efficiently and revise effectively.

Here are some revision strategies for UPSC:

• Summarize notes in your own words.
• Use flashcards for quick reviews.
• Engage in group discussions for diverse perspectives.
• Practice previous years' question papers.
• Allocate fixed time slots for regular revisions.

Want to know your rank among the best? 

SuperKalam offers India's first UPSC Test Series program gives you an unbiased, in-depth look at where you stand with super-detailed feedback. 

You've learned smart study tips. Now, let's explore the UPSC exam structure and what to expect.

Navigating the UPSC Exam: Syllabus and Structure

Understanding the UPSC exam is your first step. Let’s break down the syllabus and format. The UPSC exam is a three-stage marathon: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Each stage tests different skills.

Prelims

Prelims is an objective test with two papers: General Studies (GS) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

• GS Paper 1 covers a vast syllabus including history, geography, polity, economy, science, and environment. It tests your general awareness. 
• GS Paper 2 is CSAT, focusing on logical reasoning, analytical ability, and basic numeracy. It’s a qualifier, not counted for final ranking.

Also watch: How To Study PYQs for UPSC Prelims | UPSC CSE 2025/26 

Mains

Mains is descriptive and tests your writing, analysis, and knowledge depth. You write nine papers over a few days. 

• Two are qualifying language papers. 
• The seven counted papers include Essay, General Studies (four papers covering topics like history, geography, polity, economy, society, ethics, and international relations), and your chosen Optional Subject.

Also watch: Complete GS Syllabus Revision with LIVE Unlimited Tests for UPSC 2024-25 Power Revision 

Interview

The interview, or personality test, is your final hurdle. It assesses your personality, general awareness, and aptitude for public service.

Conclusion

Okay, now that we have come to the end of the blog, here's a quick rundown. Think of training for a marathon. Everyone has a different running pace, right? The same applies to the IAS. Some people can power through 12-hour study sessions, while others excel with a focused 6-hour approach.

So, how many hours to study for IAS? It boils down to finding your ideal pace and sticking to it. Remember, it's not just about the hours but the quality of your study time.

Need a little inspiration? Check out SuperKalam. This platform offers a treasure trove of resources specifically tailored for IAS aspirants, helping you craft a personalized study plan that maximizes your strengths and steers you towards success.

Also worth reading: Tips to Clear UPSC Exam in First Attempt