UPSC study plan: a daily timetable for Prelims and Mains
The syllabus is wide and the newspaper never stops. A fixed daily slot for current affairs, a rotating GS subject and a little answer writing keeps you moving on all three without burning out.
Study guidance, not a guaranteed result. Adjust it to your official syllabus.
A sample day (6 hours)
| What to study | Time |
|---|---|
| GS: History + Art & CultureConcept 1h 15m · Practice 1h 35m | 2h 50m |
| Current AffairsConcept 25m · Practice 35m | 1h |
| CSATConcept 15m · Practice 15m | 30m |
| Revision / PYQsConcept 15m · Practice 15m | 30m |
| Revision: today and yesterday | 1h 10m |
Prelims has two objective papers of 200 marks each, two hours each: General Studies Paper I, and General Studies Paper II (CSAT), which only needs 33% to qualify. One-third of a question’s marks is cut for a wrong answer. Prelims is a screening test; final merit comes from the Mains written papers (1750 marks) and the Personality Test (275 marks).
Pattern facts on this page are taken from the official UPSC notification (Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE, 04.02.2026). Always check the latest notice.
How Aspirant Pro helps you stick to it
AI mock from your notes
Photograph a chapter, get a timed exam-style paper with negative marking and a chapter-wise score. (Pro)
Daily planner + countdown
Put today's blocks in the planner and see exactly how many days are left. Free.
Focus timer + streaks
Lock in for each block and keep the streak going. Free.
UPSC — common questions
How many hours a day should I study for UPSC?
Consistency matters more than a big number. Pick hours you can keep up for months; the plan works from 1 to 12 hours a day and always keeps time for revision and current affairs.
How should I cover current affairs?
Give it a short slot every single day instead of a long session once a week. Note what you read in one place so it is easy to revise later.
When should I start answer writing?
Early. Even one short answer a day builds speed and structure. The plan adds an answer-writing block on most days.
Can I make mock tests from my own notes?
Yes. In the Aspirant Pro app you can photograph a chapter or pick a PDF and get a timed practice test built from it, with optional negative marking and a chapter-wise score. AI mock tests need sign-in and a paid plan — see Pricing.
Is this study plan free?
Yes. The plan is made inside your browser — no sign-up, and nothing you enter is saved or sent. Planning, reminders, focus timer and streaks in the app are free too.