How to Prepare for the IAS Exam While Having a 4-Month-Old Baby

Your determination is truly inspiring! Balancing IAS exam preparation with the responsibility of a newborn can be challenging, but with proper planning and dedication, you can achieve your goals. Here are some key steps and tips to help you through this journey.

Understanding Your Situation and Setting Goals

Congratulations on taking this significant step! Before diving into the preparation, it's important to understand where you stand academically. While IAS toppers' interviews can provide valuable insights, your starting point will vary based on your academic background. If you're new to this journey, it might be wise to review the IAS syllabus and previous year's question papers to get a clearer picture of what's required.

Base Building through NCERTs and News

Start with the NHCRs (9th to 12th) as they form the foundation for your understanding. NCERT books cover a wide range of topics comprehensively. At the same time, The Hindu newspaper is a great resource for staying relevant with current affairs. Regularly reading The Hindu will help you keep up with the latest happenings and current affairs, which are crucial for the IAS exam.

Utilize every moment you have to make progress. If you have 5-10 minutes, pick one topic from the NCERTs and read it. Over time, this small amount of consistent effort will help you complete the NCERTs. Aligning with current affairs is equally important, and Vision PT365 is a great tool for managing your current affairs preparation.

Time Management and Scheduling

With a 4-month-old baby, effective time management is crucial. Always use the time when the baby is asleep, or during short breaks when the baby is napping. Allocate at least 4-5 hours daily to your studies. Effective scheduling and consistent daily study routines are key to success. Polish your schedule to include all necessary topics and keep it flexible enough to accommodate any unexpected changes.

Staying Motivated and Overcoming Hurdles

Motivation can be a significant challenge, especially when you're juggling daily tasks. Keep reminding yourself of your goals and the benefits of achieving them. Surround yourself with positive people, and stay committed to your plan. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards your goal.

Utilizing Online Resources for Efficient Learning

To make the most of your time, look for online resources that can help you prepare efficiently. Unacademy and Mrunal's YouTube channel offer valuable insights and video tutorials on economics, polity, and other subjects. These resources can help you save time and cover a lot of ground quickly.

Another great tool is CivilsDaily, which provides a 25-question daily test series to help you prepare intensively for the preliminary exams. This tool can significantly enhance your preparation and help you track your progress.

To summarize, here are some key steps:

Review the IAS syllabus and previous year's question papers. Familiarize yourself with NCERTs and read The Hindu for current affairs. Utilize your time effectively, especially when the baby is asleep or napping. Stay motivated and committed to your goals. Use online resources for efficient study, such as Mrunal's videos, Unacademy classes, and CivilsDaily app.

With dedication and a structured approach, you can successfully prepare for the IAS exam even with a newborn. May the force be with you!