Introduction: UPSC 2026 Complete Study Schedule
Cracking the UPSC exam requires more than hard work—it demands a strategic, structured, and well-paced preparation plan. Aspirants often struggle with balancing Prelims and Mains syllabus, revising effectively, and incorporating enough mock practice and answer writing into their daily routine. The right approach can make a huge difference, turning an overwhelming syllabus into a manageable, step-by-step roadmap.
This UPSC 2026 study schedule is designed for aspirants who want full coverage of the Prelims and Mains syllabus, while also optimizing time for revision, full-length mock tests, and answer writing practice. The plan spans 25 November 2025 to 25 April 2026, providing a clear timeline to systematically complete every subject and topic, leaving no gaps in preparation.
The approach is divided into four distinct phases, each targeting specific goals:
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Mains-First Approach: The plan begins with Mains-only subjects like Optional, Ethics, Economy (analytical), and Science & Technology. By completing these heavier, writing-intensive subjects first, aspirants build a solid foundation for Mains early on, allowing more time later for practice and refinement. This phase ensures conceptual clarity and prepares candidates for complex answer writing scenarios.
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Integrated Prelims-Mains Coverage: Once Mains subjects are complete, the focus shifts to common topics such as Polity, Modern History, Environment, Geography, and Science & Technology. These subjects are crucial for both Prelims and Mains, and prioritizing high-yield areas ensures aspirants gain maximum benefit with minimal repetition. By the end of this phase, the entire UPSC syllabus is covered at least once, providing a strong base for revision and practice.
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Revision, Mock Tests, and Answer Writing: After completing the syllabus, the plan emphasizes revision and practical application. Full-length Prelims mocks, previous year questions, Ethics case studies, and answer writing practice are incorporated to simulate exam conditions. This phase bridges the gap between theory and application, ensuring aspirants are fully confident and exam-ready.
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Prelims Booster – Intensive Focus: The final 30 days are dedicated to the Prelims Booster, a focused strategy for revising high-yield topics like Ancient History, Medieval History, Art & Culture, Polity, Economy, Geography, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. Each day includes two full-length Prelims mock tests along with topic-wise revision. This phase strengthens speed, accuracy, and time management, while ensuring no important topic is left uncovered.
This study schedule is designed to be practical, aspirant-friendly, and result-oriented. By following this roadmap, candidates can efficiently balance concept-building, revision, and test practice, building confidence for both Prelims and Mains. It’s more than a timetable—it’s a complete preparation strategy that guides aspirants step by step, helping them approach UPSC 2026 with clarity, focus, and confidence.
By the end of this plan, aspirants will have covered the entire syllabus, practiced extensively with full-length mocks, and honed their answer writing skills, making them fully prepared to tackle UPSC 2026 successfully.
| Phase | Date Range | Subjects / Topics | Book / Source | Notes |
|---|
| Phase 1 – Mains-Only Topics First | 25 Nov – 04 Dec | Political Science Optional (PSIR) – Indian Political Thought, Political Theory, Indian Government & Politics, International Relations | Subhash Kashyap / O.P. Gauba / Spectrum IR Notes | Paper 1 & Paper 2; Focus on Mains answer writing |
| 05 Dec – 09 Dec | Ethics (GS4) – Theory + Case Studies | Lexicon / Subbarao | Case studies + daily practice questions |
| 10 Dec – 19 Dec | Economy (Mains-Focused) – Growth vs Development, Sectoral Policies, Employment, Fiscal & Monetary Policy | Ramesh Singh | Analytical questions for GS3 |
| 20 Dec – 26 Dec | Science & Technology (Mains-Focused) – Space, Defence, AI, Biotechnology, Modern Tech Applications | Notes + Current Affairs | Analytical coverage, focus on Mains-style questions |
| Phase | Date Range | Subjects / Topics | Book / Source | Notes |
|---|
| Phase 2 – Common Topics (Prelims + Mains) | 27 Dec – 10 Jan | Polity (Common Topics) – Constitution, Historical Background, Salient Features, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union Govt, Judiciary, Constitutional Bodies, Amendments | M. Laxmikant | Prelims + Mains integrated |
| 11 Jan – 21 Jan | Modern History (Common Topics) – 1757–1947, Reform Movements, Nationalist Movements, Freedom Struggle, Independence & Partition | Spectrum | Prelims factual + Mains analytical |
| 22 Jan – 31 Jan | Environment (Common Topics) – Ecology, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Environmental Conventions | Shankar IAS | Prelims + Mains |
| 01Feb – 15 Feb | Geography (Common Topics) – Physical Geography, Indian Geography, Disaster Management Basics, Map Practice | NCERT Class 11–12 | Prelims + Mains |
| 16 Feb – 18 Feb | Economy (Basics / Common Topics) – GDP, Inflation, Budget, Banking, External Sector | Ramesh Singh | Prelims + Mains |
| 16 Feb – 18 Mar | Science & Technology (Common Topics) – Space, Defence, AI, Biotechnology, Modern Tech Updates | NCERT 11–12 + Current Affairs | Prelims + Mains |
| Phase | Date Range | Activities | Notes |
|---|
| Phase 3 – Final Revision, Test Series & Prelims Focus | 19 Mar – 25 Mar | Revision + Test Series + Prelims Practice | Daily plan:
• Full syllabus revision (GS + Optional + Ethics)
• Mock Tests (Prelims + Mains answer writing)
• PYQs analysis
• Focus on weak areas
• Daily 1–2 hr Prelims-only practice |
| 19–25 Mar | Revision: Polity + Modern History + Geography | Quick recaps, short notes |
| 19–25 Mar | Revision: Economy + Environment + Science & Tech | Prelims + Mains focus |
| 19–25 Mar | Test Series: Full-length Prelims + GS Mains questions | Full-time simulation, timed practice |
| 19–25 Mar | Final Consolidation + Weak Areas + PYQs | Last-minute strategy, high-yield topics |
Key Features
- Mains-only subjects first → Optional, Ethics, Economy (analytical), Science & Tech (Mains).
- Common topics second → Prelims + Mains combined, high-yield subjects first.
- Final Phase (Phase 3) → Complete revision + full-length Test Series + Prelims PYQs + Answer Writing, ensuring readiness for both exams.
- Prelims focus is embedded during common topics and heavily emphasized in last 10 days.
- Optional & Ethics completed first → more time for answer writing practice later.
Phase 1 – Mains-Only Books (25 Nov – 26 Dec)
| Sr. No |
Book / Subject |
Focus |
Duration (Days) |
Notes |
| 1 |
PSIR Optional (Subhash Kashyap / O.P. Gauba / Spectrum IR Notes) |
Mains Paper 1 & 2 |
10 |
Complete full Optional first: Paper 1 – Political Theory + Indian Political Thought, Paper 2 – Indian Govt + IR |
| 2 |
Ethics (Lexicon / Subbarao) |
Mains GS4 |
5 |
Complete all Ethics topics: Concepts, Values, Attitude, Integrity, Emotional Intelligence, Case Studies |
| 3 |
Economy (Ramesh Singh – Mains Analytical) |
Mains GS3 |
10 |
Complete all topics for Mains: Growth, Development, Fiscal/Monetary Policy, Budget, Banking, Inflation, Agriculture, Industry, Services |
| 4 |
Science & Tech (NCERT 11–12 + Current Affairs) |
Mains GS3 Analytical |
7 |
Complete all Science & Tech topics for Mains: Space, Defence, AI, Biotechnology, Vaccines, Modern Tech Applications |
Phase 1 Duration Summary
- PSIR Optional: 10 days
- Ethics: 5 days
- Economy (Mains): 10 days
- Science & Tech (Mains): 7 days
Total Phase 1 Duration: 32 days
Timeline: 25 Nov – 26 Dec
Phase 2 – Prelims + Mains Common Topics (27 Dec – 25 Feb)
| Sr. No |
Book / Subject |
Focus |
Duration (Days) |
Notes |
| 1 |
Polity (M. Laxmikant) |
Prelims + Mains GS2 |
15 |
Complete full book: Constitution, FRs, DPSPs, Fundamental Duties, Union & State Govt, Parliament, Judiciary, Constitutional Bodies, Amendments, Election Process, Emergency |
| 2 |
Modern History (Spectrum) |
Prelims + Mains GS1 |
11 |
Complete full Modern History: 1757–1947, Reform Movements, Nationalist Movements, Freedom Struggle, Independence & Partition |
| 3 |
Environment (Shankar IAS) |
Prelims + Mains GS3 |
10 |
Complete all topics: Ecology, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Disaster Management, Global Conventions |
| 4 |
Geography (NCERT 11–12) |
Prelims + Mains GS1 |
15 |
Complete all topics: Physical Geography, Indian Geography, Human Geography, Urbanization, Disaster Management, Map Practice |
| 5 |
Economy (Ramesh Singh – Prelims Basics) |
Prelims |
7 |
Complete all Prelims Economy: GDP, Budget, Banking, Inflation, External Sector, Sectoral Policies |
| 6 |
Science & Tech (Notes + Current Affairs – Prelims) |
Prelims |
3 |
Complete all Prelims Science & Tech topics: Space, Defence, AI, Modern Technology |
Phase 2 Duration Summary
- Polity: 15 days
- Modern History: 11 days
- Environment: 10 days
- Geography: 15 days
- Economy (Prelims): 7 days
- Science & Tech (Prelims): 3 days
Total Phase 2 Duration: 61 days
Timeline: 27 Dec – 25 Feb
Phase 1 – UPSC 2026 Mains-Only Day-wise Schedule (25 Nov – 19 Dec)
PSIR Optional (10 days: 25 Nov – 4 Dec)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Book |
Focus |
| 25 Nov |
Indian Political Thought: Ancient Thinkers |
Subhash Kashyap |
Mains |
| 26 Nov |
Indian Political Thought: Modern Thinkers |
Subhash Kashyap |
Mains |
| 27 Nov |
Political Theory: Power, State, Justice |
O.P. Gauba |
Mains |
| 28 Nov |
Political Theory: Democracy & Rights |
O.P. Gauba |
Mains |
| 29 Nov |
Indian Govt & Politics: Constitution Overview |
Subhash Kashyap |
Mains |
| 30 Nov |
Union & State Govt |
Subhash Kashyap |
Mains |
| 1 Dec |
Parliament & Judiciary |
Subhash Kashyap |
Mains |
| 2 Dec |
Local Governance & Federalism |
Subhash Kashyap |
Mains |
| 3 Dec |
International Relations: Theories |
Spectrum / O.P. Gauba |
Mains |
| 4 Dec |
IR: India & Global Politics |
Spectrum |
Mains |
Ethics (5 days: 5 Dec – 9 Dec)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Book |
Focus |
| 5 Dec |
Introduction to Ethics, Concepts |
Lexicon / Subbarao |
Mains |
| 6 Dec |
Values, Attitude, Integrity |
Lexicon / Subbarao |
Mains |
| 7 Dec |
Emotional Intelligence & Aptitude |
Lexicon / Subbarao |
Mains |
| 8 Dec |
Case Studies Practice |
Lexicon / Subbarao |
Mains |
| 9 Dec |
Revision of Ethics Concepts |
Lexicon / Subbarao |
Mains |
Economy (Ramesh Singh – Mains) – 10 days (10 Dec – 19 Dec)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Book |
Focus |
| 10 Dec |
Introduction to Indian Economy, Basic Concepts |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 11 Dec |
National Income Accounting & Growth |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 12 Dec |
Economic Planning in India: Five Year Plans & NITI Aayog |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 13 Dec |
Agriculture: Policies, Green Revolution, Schemes |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 14 Dec |
Industry & Infrastructure: Industrial Policy, Make in India |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 15 Dec |
Banking & Financial Sector: RBI, Banks, Financial Inclusion |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 16 Dec |
Fiscal Policy: Budget, Taxation, GST |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 17 Dec |
Monetary Policy & Inflation Management |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 18 Dec |
External Sector: Trade, Balance of Payments, Exchange Rate |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
| 19 Dec |
Services Sector: IT, Tourism, Transport & Revision |
Ramesh Singh |
Mains |
Science & Tech (Mains) – NCERT + Current Affairs (20 Dec – 26 Dec)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Book |
Focus |
| 20 Dec |
Space Technology |
Notes + Current Affairs |
Mains |
| 21 Dec |
Defence Technology |
Notes + Current Affairs |
Mains |
| 22 Dec |
Biotechnology |
Notes + Current Affairs |
Mains |
| 23 Dec |
Artificial Intelligence |
Notes + Current Affairs |
Mains |
| 24 Dec |
Vaccines & Health Tech |
Notes + Current Affairs |
Mains |
| 25 Dec |
Modern Tech Applications |
Notes + Current Affairs |
Mains |
| 26 Dec |
Revision & Mains Analytical Questions |
Notes + Current Affairs |
Mains |
Phase 2 – Day-wise Schedule (27 Dec – 5 Feb)
Polity (M. Laxmikant) – 15 days (27 Dec – 10 Jan)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Focus |
| 27 Dec |
Constitution: Historical Background & Preamble |
Prelims + Mains |
| 28 Dec |
Fundamental Rights |
Prelims + Mains |
| 29 Dec |
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) |
Prelims + Mains |
| 30 Dec |
Fundamental Duties |
Prelims + Mains |
| 31 Dec |
Union Government: President, Vice President, PM, Council of Ministers |
Prelims + Mains |
| 1 Jan |
Parliament: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Procedure |
Prelims + Mains |
| 2 Jan |
Judiciary: Supreme Court & High Courts |
Prelims + Mains |
| 3 Jan |
State Government: Governor, CM, Council of Ministers |
Prelims + Mains |
| 4 Jan |
State Legislature & Local Bodies |
Prelims + Mains |
| 5 Jan |
Constitutional Bodies: Election Commission, UPSC, CAG, Finance Commission |
Prelims + Mains |
| 6 Jan |
Amendments of Constitution |
Prelims + Mains |
| 7 Jan |
Emergency Provisions |
Prelims + Mains |
| 8 Jan |
Federalism & Centre-State Relations |
Prelims + Mains |
| 9 Jan |
Important Constitutional & Legal Cases |
Prelims + Mains |
| 10 Jan |
Revision & Prelims-Mains Integration |
Prelims + Mains |
Modern History (Spectrum) – 11 days (11 Jan – 21 Jan)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Focus |
| 11 Jan |
Advent of European Powers in India |
Prelims + Mains |
| 12 Jan |
British Expansion & Administration (1757–1857) |
Prelims + Mains |
| 13 Jan |
Socio-Religious Reform Movements |
Prelims + Mains |
| 14 Jan |
Revolt of 1857 |
Prelims + Mains |
| 15 Jan |
Early Nationalist Movements (1885–1905) |
Prelims + Mains |
| 16 Jan |
Extremist & Moderate Phase (1905–1919) |
Prelims + Mains |
| 17 Jan |
Gandhi & Mass Movements (1919–1939) |
Prelims + Mains |
| 18 Jan |
Subhash Chandra Bose & INA |
Prelims + Mains |
| 19 Jan |
Indian National Congress & Other Political Organisations |
Prelims + Mains |
| 20 Jan |
Constitutional Developments (1919–1947) |
Prelims + Mains |
| 21 Jan |
Independence & Partition |
Prelims + Mains |
Environment (Shankar IAS) – 10 days (22 Jan – 31 Jan)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Focus |
| 22 Jan |
Ecology: Basic Concepts |
Prelims + Mains |
| 23 Jan |
Biodiversity: Types & Hotspots |
Prelims + Mains |
| 24 Jan |
Conservation of Biodiversity |
Prelims + Mains |
| 25 Jan |
Pollution: Air, Water, Soil |
Prelims + Mains |
| 26 Jan |
Climate Change: Causes & Effects |
Prelims + Mains |
| 27 Jan |
Climate Change: Mitigation & Adaptation |
Prelims + Mains |
| 28 Jan |
Environmental Policies & Laws in India |
Prelims + Mains |
| 29 Jan |
Disaster Management |
Prelims + Mains |
| 30 Jan |
Global Conventions & Agreements |
Prelims + Mains |
| 31 Jan |
Revision & PYQs Integration |
Prelims + Mains |
Geography (NCERT 11–12) – 15 days (1 Feb – 15 Feb)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Focus |
| 1 Feb |
Physical Geography: Earth, Lithosphere |
Prelims + Mains |
| 2 Feb |
Physical Geography: Atmosphere & Climate |
Prelims + Mains |
| 3 Feb |
Physical Geography: Oceans & Hydrosphere |
Prelims + Mains |
| 4 Feb |
Physical Geography: Rocks, Soil, Vegetation |
Prelims + Mains |
| 5 Feb |
Human Geography: Population & Migration |
Prelims + Mains |
| 6 Feb |
Human Geography: Settlements & Urbanization |
Prelims + Mains |
| 7 Feb |
Human Geography: Economic Activities |
Prelims + Mains |
| 8 Feb |
Human Geography: Transport & Communication |
Prelims + Mains |
| 9 Feb |
Indian Geography: Physiography |
Prelims + Mains |
| 10 Feb |
Indian Geography: Rivers & Drainage |
Prelims + Mains |
| 11 Feb |
Indian Geography: Soils & Natural Vegetation |
Prelims + Mains |
| 12 Feb |
Indian Geography: Agriculture & Industries |
Prelims + Mains |
| 13 Feb |
Indian Geography: Resources & Energy |
Prelims + Mains |
| 14 Feb |
Disaster Management & Map Practice |
Prelims + Mains |
| 15 Feb |
Revision & Prelims-Mains Integration |
Prelims + Mains |
Science & Tech (Notes+ Current Affairs – Prelims) – 3 days (16 Feb – 18 Feb)
| Date |
Chapter / Topic |
Focus |
| 16 Feb |
Space Technology & Defence |
Prelims |
| 17 Feb |
Biotechnology & Health Tech |
Prelims |
| 18 Feb |
AI, Modern Tech & Revision |
Prelims |
Phase 3 – Day-wise Schedule (19 Feb – 25 Mar)
Full Syllabus Revision – 7 days (19 Feb – 25 Feb)
| Date |
Chapters / Topics |
Focus |
| 19 Feb |
Polity: Constitution, FRs, DPSPs, Union & State Govt |
Prelims + Mains |
| 20 Feb |
Modern History: All chapters (1757–1947) |
Prelims + Mains |
| 21 Feb |
Environment: Ecology, Biodiversity, Pollution |
Prelims + Mains |
| 22 Feb |
Geography: Physical Geography |
Prelims + Mains |
| 23 Feb |
Geography: Human & Indian Geography |
Prelims + Mains |
| 24 Feb |
Science & Tech: Space, Defence, AI, Biotechnology |
Prelims + Mains |
| 25 Feb |
Quick Revision: Polity + History + Geography + Environment + Science |
Prelims + Mains |
Optional Answer Writing + Ethics – 6 days (26 Feb – 2 Mar)
| Date |
Chapters / Topics |
Focus |
| 26 Feb |
PSIR Optional: Paper 1 – Political Theory |
Mains |
| 27 Feb |
PSIR Optional: Paper 1 – Indian Political Thought |
Mains |
| 28 Feb |
PSIR Optional: Paper 2 – Indian Govt & Politics |
Mains |
| 29 Feb |
PSIR Optional: Paper 2 – International Relations |
Mains |
| 1 Mar |
Ethics: Case Study Practice (GS4) |
Mains |
| 2 Mar |
Ethics: Revision of Concepts & Practice |
Mains |
Prelims Full-Length Mock Tests – 8 days (3 Mar – 10 Mar)
| Date |
Activity |
Focus |
| 3 Mar |
Full-Length Prelims Mock 1 |
All Prelims Topics |
| 4 Mar |
Analysis of Mock 1 + Weak Areas |
Prelims + Mains |
| 5 Mar |
Full-Length Prelims Mock 2 |
All Prelims Topics |
| 6 Mar |
Analysis of Mock 2 + Revision |
Prelims + Mains |
| 7 Mar |
Full-Length Prelims Mock 3 |
All Prelims Topics |
| 8 Mar |
Analysis of Mock 3 + Weak Areas |
Prelims + Mains |
| 9 Mar |
Prelims Full-Length Mock 4 |
All Prelims Topics |
| 10 Mar |
Analysis of Mock 4 + Last-Minute Notes |
Prelims + Mains |
Revision & Answer Writing Consolidation – 11 days (11 Mar – 21 Mar)
| Date |
Chapters / Topics |
Focus |
| 11 Mar |
Polity: Important Cases + Current Affairs |
Prelims + Mains |
| 12 Mar |
Modern History: Quick Revision + Important Events |
Prelims + Mains |
| 13 Mar |
Environment: Policies, Laws, International Conventions |
Prelims + Mains |
| 14 Mar |
Geography: Maps, Important Diagrams |
Prelims + Mains |
| 15 Mar |
Science & Tech: Prelims High-Yield Topics |
Prelims |
| 16 Mar |
PSIR Optional: Answer Writing Practice |
Mains |
| 17 Mar |
Ethics: Case Studies Practice |
Mains |
| 18 Mar |
Polity & Governance: Revision |
Prelims + Mains |
| 19 Mar |
Economy: Quick Revision |
Prelims + Mains |
| 20 Mar |
Geography & Environment: Revision |
Prelims + Mains |
| 21 Mar |
Science & Tech: Revision + Prelims Integration |
Prelims + Mains |
Prelims Quick Revision & High-Yield Topics – 4 days (22 Mar – 25 Mar)
| Date |
Chapters / Topics |
Focus |
| 22 Mar |
Polity: FRs, DPSPs, Constitution Articles |
Prelims |
| 23 Mar |
Modern History: Freedom Struggle, Reform Movements |
Prelims |
| 24 Mar |
Geography & Environment: Maps, Key Facts |
Prelims |
| 25 Mar |
Science & Tech + Current Affairs Quick Notes |
Prelims |
Prelims Booster – Full-length Mock Focus (25 Mar – 25 Apr)
Week 1 (25 Mar – 31 Mar): Ancient & Medieval History + Art & Culture
| Date |
Topic Revision |
Full-Length Mocks |
| 25 Mar |
Ancient History: Harappan, Vedic, Mauryan |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 26 Mar |
Ancient History: Gupta, Post-Gupta |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 27 Mar |
Ancient History: Regional Kingdoms, South India |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 28 Mar |
Art & Architecture: Buddhist, Hindu, Jain |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 29 Mar |
Art & Architecture: Temple Architecture, Sculpture |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 30 Mar |
Medieval History: Delhi Sultanate |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 31 Mar |
Medieval History: Mughal Empire |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
Week 2 (1 Apr – 7 Apr): Medieval + Modern History + Polity
| Date |
Topic Revision |
Full-Length Mocks |
| 1 Apr |
Medieval History: Vijayanagara, Deccan Sultanates |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 2 Apr |
Medieval History: Marathas & Regional States |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 3 Apr |
Modern History: Freedom Struggle & Reform Movements |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 4 Apr |
Modern History: Gandhi & Mass Movements |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 5 Apr |
Modern History: INA, Partition, Independence |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 6 Apr |
Polity: Constitution Articles, FRs, DPSPs |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 7 Apr |
Polity: Parliament, President, Judiciary |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
Week 3 (8 Apr – 14 Apr): Economy, Environment, Geography
| Date |
Topic Revision |
Full-Length Mocks |
| 8 Apr |
Economy: Budget, Fiscal Policy, Banking |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 9 Apr |
Economy: Inflation, Trade, External Sector |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 10 Apr |
Geography: Physical Geography & Maps |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 11 Apr |
Geography: Human Geography & Resources |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 12 Apr |
Environment: Ecology & Biodiversity |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 13 Apr |
Environment: Pollution, Climate Change, Policies |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 14 Apr |
Environment + Geography Integration |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
Week 4 (15 Apr – 21 Apr): Science & Tech + Current Affairs + Schemes
| Date |
Topic Revision |
Full-Length Mocks |
| 15 Apr |
Science & Tech: Space, Defence, AI, Biotechnology |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 16 Apr |
Science & Tech: Health Tech, Vaccines, IT |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 17 Apr |
Current Affairs: National & International Events |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 18 Apr |
Current Affairs: Government Schemes & Policies |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 19 Apr |
Current Affairs: Environment & Economy |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 20 Apr |
Current Affairs: Polity, Governance, Legal Updates |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 21 Apr |
Prelims Full Syllabus Quick Integration |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
Week 5 (22 Apr – 25 Apr): Final Consolidation & Prelims Simulation
| Date |
Topic Revision |
Full-Length Mocks |
| 22 Apr |
Ancient + Medieval History Rapid Revision |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 23 Apr |
Polity + Economy + Geography |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 24 Apr |
Environment + Science & Tech + Current Affairs |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
| 25 Apr |
Full Syllabus Prelims Simulation + Final Notes |
2 full mocks + topic revision |
UPSC 2026 Complete Preparation Plan: Phases 1 to Prelims Booster
Preparing for UPSC requires a strategic, well-structured plan that balances coverage, revision, and practice. This comprehensive study plan spans 25 November 2025 to 25 April 2026, ensuring every topic for both Prelims and Mains is systematically covered. It is divided into four phases, each with a clear focus, designed to maximize efficiency and retention.
Phase 1 – Mains-First Approach (25 Nov – 26 Dec)
The journey begins with Mains-only subjects: Optional, Ethics, Economy (analytical), and Science & Technology (Mains-focused). By tackling these heavier, writing-intensive subjects first, aspirants build a strong foundation for Mains early in the schedule. This phase emphasizes understanding core concepts deeply and completing the optional and ethics syllabus, leaving more time later for answer writing and practice. The focus is on conceptual clarity, so students can later integrate these topics efficiently with Prelims preparation.
Phase 2 – Common Topics Integration (27 Dec – 18 Feb)
Once the Mains-only subjects are complete, the plan moves to common topics relevant for both Prelims and Mains, including Polity, Modern History, Environment, Geography, and Science & Technology (Prelims-focused). High-yield areas are prioritized to ensure maximum overlap benefit for both exams. This phase balances speed and accuracy, allowing aspirants to cover vast portions of the syllabus without repetition. By the end of this phase, the entire UPSC syllabus is covered at least once, providing a solid base for revision and practice.
Phase 3 – Revision, Mock Tests & Answer Writing (19 Feb – 25 Mar)
With the syllabus complete, Phase 3 focuses on revision, practice, and application. Every subject and topic is revised systematically, with full-length Prelims mocks and Mains answer writing integrated into the schedule. Ethics case studies, previous year questions (PYQs), and high-yield topic consolidation are included to strengthen understanding and exam readiness. This phase ensures aspirants are not only revising concepts but also practicing their application under exam-like conditions, bridging the gap between theory and performance.
Prelims Booster – Intensive Prelims Focus (25 Mar – 25 Apr)
The final phase is the Prelims Booster, designed for last-minute intensive preparation. It targets high-yield and previously missed Prelims topics, such as Ancient History, Medieval History, Art & Culture, Polity, Economy, Geography, Environment, Science & Tech, Current Affairs, and Government Schemes. Every day includes two full-length Prelims mock tests with focused revision in between. This approach ensures aspirants hone speed, accuracy, and time management, while consolidating their knowledge for the upcoming Prelims exam. High-priority areas are emphasized, making sure no topic is left uncovered.
Key Advantages of This Plan
- Mains-first approach: Heavy subjects completed early, allowing more time for writing practice.
- Integrated Prelims-Mains topics: Maximizes overlap and ensures efficient coverage.
- Full-length mocks & PYQs: Simulates exam conditions for better performance and confidence.
- Structured, day-wise schedule: Keeps preparation focused, balanced, and manageable.
- Prelims Booster: Final 30 days dedicated to intensive Prelims practice, improving speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Other Exams Study ScheduleSSC CGL
SSC CHSL
RRB NTPC
IBPS PO
NIMCET
