90-day plan for the UPSC Mains

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 Here’s how you tackle it, day by day, so you’re never left wondering what to do next.

90-Day UPSC Mains Prep Plan

Phase 1 (Days 1–30): Build Your Base

- GS Papers:

  - GS I: Start with the basics—History and Geography.

  - GS II: Dive into Polity (stick to Laxmikanth and current affairs).

  - GS III: Focus on the core of the Economy and Environment.

  - GS IV: Get your Ethics theory sorted.

- Optional Subject: Pick 2–3 big topics and really understand them.

- Essay: Write one essay every week—don’t skip.

- Answer Writing: Two questions daily; pay attention to answer structure.

- Current Affairs: Read the newspaper every day and check out a monthly compilation.

Phase 2 (Days 31–60): Ramp Up Practice

- GS Papers:

  - GS I: Move to Society and Modern History.

  - GS II: Tackle Governance and International Relations.

  - GS III: Time for Science & Tech and Security.

  - GS IV: Work on Ethics case studies.

- Optional Subject: Finish your optional syllabus end-to-end.

- Essay: Now, bump it up to two essays a week.

- Answer Writing: Five questions daily—mix GS with your optional.

- Test Series: Start with sectional tests.

- Revision: Go back to your GS notes for a first round of revision.

Phase 3 (Days 61–90): Bring It All Together

- GS Papers: Revise everything. Try to link topics with current affairs.

- Optional Subject: Revise and practice with past year papers.

- Essay: Three essays a week—yes, it feels like a lot, but it helps.

- Answer Writing: Write full-length mock answers every day.

- Test Series: Attempt full mock tests in exam-like conditions.

- Revision: Go over your GS and Optional notes multiple times.

Daily Routine Snapshot

Morning: Study GS subjects  

Afternoon: Work on your optional subject  

Evening: Focus on current affairs and answer writing  

Night: Practice essays or Ethics

Tips That Actually Matter

- Don’t get lost in endless materials—stick to NCERTs, standard books, and your notes.

- Use diagrams and flowcharts to make your answers stand out.

- Revise everything at least three times before the exam.

- Practice writing fast—get your answers done within the word limits.