FAQ's

• 1. Effective Learning Course (ELC)
• 2. Foundation Course for beginners
• 3. Integrated Prelims >and Mains (IPM)
• 4. Mentorship Program

• 1. Anthropology
• 2. Kannada Literature
• 3. Sociology
• 4. Public Administration

Yes, reading NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks is
highly recommended when preparing for UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams.
NCERT textbooks serve as a solid foundation for understanding various subjects and topics
relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
1. Clarity and Conciseness: NCERT textbooks are known for their clear and concise
explanations. They are written in a manner that makes complex concepts more
accessible, which is crucial for building a strong foundational understanding.
2. Aligned with UPSC Syllabus: The content in NCERT textbooks closely aligns with the
UPSC syllabus, particularly for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and
Science. By studying NCERTs, you ensure that you cover the core topics required for the
exam.
3. Building Fundamental Concepts: UPSC exams require a deep understanding of
fundamental concepts. NCERTs are designed to help you grasp these concepts, which
can then be built upon with more advanced study materials.
4. Language and Writing Practice: Reading NCERTs helps improve your reading
comprehension and writing skills, which are crucial for both the Prelims and Mains
exams.
5. Historical and Cultural Understanding: NCERT textbooks on History and Culture
provide essential insights into India’s past, which is a significant portion of the UPSC
syllabus.
6. Ease of Availability: NCERT textbooks are widely available and affordable, making
them accessible to a wide range of aspirants.
However, while NCERTs are an excellent starting point, they may not be sufficient on their own
for the UPSC exam, especially for the Mains and the optional subjects. You should complement
your NCERT reading with other standard reference books, current affairs materials, and
subject-specific resources to cover the entire syllabus comprehensively.
1. Start with the NCERT textbooks for classes 6 to 12, focusing on subjects relevant to your
UPSC exam preparation.
2. Read the textbooks thoroughly and take notes to summarize key points.
3. After NCERTs, move on to more advanced textbooks and reference materials for
in-depth study.
4. Keep yourself updated with current affairs and contemporary developments in India and
the world.
5. Consider joining a coaching institute or study group to get additional guidance and
insights.
Remember that the UPSC exam is highly competitive, and a well-rounded preparation strategy
is essential. NCERTs are a valuable part of that strategy, particularly for building your
foundational knowledge

Failing Prelims by 1 or 2 marks can be very frustrating, but it is important to remember that it is
not the end of the world. Many successful UPSC aspirants have failed Prelims at least once.
The key is to learn from your mistakes and to come back stronger next time.
Here are some tips on:
● Take some time to analyze your previous attempts at Prelims. Try to identify the areas
where you are losing marks. Are you making careless mistakes? Are you not answering
enough questions? Are you not able to manage your time effectively? Once you have
identified your weaknesses, you can start to address them.
● Make sure that you have a good understanding of the basics of all of the subjects on the
syllabus. This includes reading the NCERT textbooks and other standard reference
books.
● The best way to improve your performance in Prelims is to practice answering questions.
There are many resources available online and offline to help you practice answering
questions on all of the topics on the syllabus.
● Prelims is a timed exam, so it is important to be able to manage your time effectively.
Practice answering questions under timed conditions so that you can get used to the
pace of the exam.
● It is important to stay motivated even if you have failed Prelims in the past. Remember
that Prelims is a competitive exam, and not everyone can succeed. However, if you are
willing to work hard and to learn from your mistakes, you can definitely clear Prelims and
achieve your UPSC dream.
● It is better to answer fewer questions accurately than to answer many questions
incorrectly.
● Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you are stuck on a question, move on
and come back to it later.
● Use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices. This can help you to
choose the correct answer even if you are not sure of it.
● Be careful with negative marking. If you are not sure of the answer to a question, it is
better to leave it blank than to mark the wrong answer.
● Of all the above, do not neglect CSAT.
Finally, remember that Prelims is just one step in the UPSC selection process. There are two
other stages to the exam, the Mains and the Interview. If you fail Prelims this year, don’t give up.
Learn from your mistakes and try again next year

Preparing for analytical Indian Economy questions in the UPSC Prelims exam requires a
comprehensive understanding of economic concepts, the ability to analyze data and scenarios,
and strong critical thinking skills
1. Build a Strong Foundation:
○ Start by studying the fundamental concepts of economics, including
microeconomics and macroeconomics. Focus on topics like demand and supply,
market structures, fiscal policy, monetary policy, inflation, and economic growth.
○ Use standard textbooks and online resources to grasp these concepts
thoroughly. NCERT textbooks and books by renowned economists are good
starting points.
2. Stay Updated with Current Affairs:
○ Economics is closely tied to current affairs, so regularly follow economic news,
government policies, and international developments. Newspapers, magazines,
and online sources are valuable for this purpose.
○ Make concise notes of important economic events and data.
3. Practice Analytical Questions:
○ Solve previous years’ UPSC question papers, specifically focusing on the
economic questions. This will give you a sense of the types of analytical
questions that are asked.
○ Work through sample questions and practice sets that require you to analyze
economic data and apply economic principles to real-world situations.
4. Understand Economic Data:
○ Learn to interpret economic data, including GDP figures, inflation rates,
unemployment rates, and fiscal deficits. Analyze the trends and implications of
these data points.
○ Study economic surveys, budget documents, and reports from organizations like
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the World Bank.
5. Economic Survey and Union Budget:
○ Pay close attention to the Economic Survey and Union Budget of India. These
documents provide crucial insights into the government’s economic policies,
goals, and priorities. Analyze the key points and data presented in these
documents.
6. Join Study Groups or Coaching Classes:
○ Enrolling in a coaching class focused on UPSC economics can provide you with
guidance, peer support, and access to experienced mentors who can help you
analyze complex economic concepts.
7. Stay Analytical in Your Approach:
○ When reading economic news or policy reports, try to critically analyze the
implications of various economic decisions and policies. Think about the
cause-and-effect relationships.
8. Regular Revision:
○ Consistent revision is essential to reinforce your understanding of economic
concepts and analytical skills. Review your notes and practice questions
regularly.
9. Mock Tests:
○ Take mock tests specifically designed for the economics section of the UPSC
Prelims. This will help you gauge your progress and improve your time
management skills.
Remember that analytical thinking is a skill that can be developed with practice and consistent
effort. By following this strategy and dedicating sufficient time to economics, you can improve
your ability to tackle analytical economics questions in the UPSC Prelims effectively

1. Start early: The Economic Survey and Budget are released in February, so it’s
important to start studying them as soon as possible. This will give you enough time to
understand the key concepts and trends, and to practice answering questions on the
material.
2. Read the preface and introduction carefully : These sections will give you a good
overview of the Economic Survey and Budget, and will help you to identify the key
themes and issues that are covered.
3. Focus on the highlights : The Economic Survey and Budget are long documents, so it’s
important to focus on the highlights. You can find summaries of the key points on
government websites, in newspapers and magazines.
4. Pay attention to the data : The Economic Survey and Budget are full of data, so it’s
important to pay attention to the key trends and patterns. You can use this data to
support your answers in the mains exam.
5. Practice answering questions:There are many resources available online and offline
to help you practice answering questions on the Economic Survey and Budget. You can
also find previous year’s question papers to help you get a feel for the types of questions
that are asked.
6. Make notes : As you read, make notes on the key concepts and trends. This will help
you to remember the information and to revise it easily.
7. Discuss with others: Discuss the Economic Survey and Budget with your friends,
classmates, or mentors. This can help you to deepen your understanding of the material
and to identify any areas where you need further clarification
Finally, remember that the Economic Survey and Budget are important documents, but they are
not the only things that you need to study for the Prelims exam. Make sure that you have a good
understanding of the economics syllabus

Failing to clear the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) in the UPSC (Union Public Service
Commission) exam can be disappointing, but it’s important to remember that success in UPSC
exams often requires dedication, persistence, and a well-structured approach.
● Practice with Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous year’s CSAT question
papers is crucial as it provides insights into the exam’s pattern and the type of questions
asked. Analyze these papers to identify recurring topics and question formats. This
practice will help you become familiar with the exam’s nuances and improve your
problem-solving abilities.
● Focus on Numeracy Skills: Numeracy skills are essential for the CSAT paper. Dedicate
time to improve your quantitative aptitude. Practice solving mathematical problems
regularly to enhance your speed and accuracy. Topics like arithmetic, number system
are frequently tested, so make sure you have a strong foundation in these areas.
● Master Permutation and Combination: Permutation and combination questions are
commonly found in the CSAT paper. Invest time in thoroughly understanding the
concepts and solving a variety of problems related to permutations and combinations.
This will help you tackle such questions confidently during the exam.
● Strengthen English Skills: Work on enhancing your English language skills, especially
in reading comprehension . Reading newspapers and quality publications regularly can
help improve your comprehension and vocabulary.
● Time Management Practice: In addition to studying content, practice time management
rigorously. Time is limited in the CSAT paper, so simulate exam conditions during your
practice sessions. Set strict time limits for each section and question to ensure you
complete the paper within the stipulated time.
● Continuous Revision and Self-assessment: Regularly revise the topics you have
covered to reinforce your understanding. Create a revision schedule that includes
numeracy skills, permutation, and combination topics. Periodically assess your progress
by taking full-length mock tests, focusing on areas where you need improvement.
By integrating these strategies into your CSAT preparation, you’ll be better equipped to tackle
the numerical and reasoning aspects of the paper. Remember that consistent practice,
self-assessment, and adapting your approach based on your performance are key to improving
your CSAT scores and increasing your chances of clearing the UPSC exam.

In recent years, more and more mapping questions are being asked in UPSC Prelims.
Especially, when our honorable President and Prime Minister visit a foreign country, such places
are asked in the exams. If a place is news due to violence or severe natural disaster, one should
refer an Oxford atlas and locate it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for these
questions effectively:
1. Get the Right Resources:
○ Obtain a reliable atlas or mapping resource. A good atlas provides detailed maps
of India and the world, including states, capitals, major cities, rivers, mountains,
and important international boundaries.
2. Analyze Previous Years’ Papers:
○ Analyze previous years’ UPSC question papers to understand the types of
mapping questions asked. Pay attention to the level of detail required and the
focus areas.
3. Create Your Own Maps:
○ Practice by creating your own maps. Use blank maps of India, world continents,
or specific regions and label the key geographical features, states, capitals, and
major cities. This hands-on approach helps reinforce your memory.
4. Current Affairs and Geography:
○ Stay updated with current affairs related to geography. Be aware of changes in
international boundaries, geopolitical developments, and geographical
features that may be relevant in mapping questions.
5. Study World Geography:
○ While Indian geography is crucial, also study world geography. Learn about major
mountain ranges, river systems, deserts, oceans, and continents. Familiarize
yourself with the geographical characteristics of neighbouring countries and their
capitals.
Mapping questions in UPSC exams can vary in complexity, so it’s essential to be well-prepared
and confident in your ability to locate and identify geographical features accurately. By following
these steps and consistently practicing, you can improve your performance in mapping-related
questions and increase your chances of success in the UPSC Prelims.

When preparing for the UPSC Prelims, the ideal timeframe to cover current affairs is
approximately 12 to 18 months prior to the exam date and follow The Hindu/ The Indian Express
news paper on daily basis.
1. 12-18 Months Prior: Begin your current affairs preparation well in advance, covering
events, issues, and developments that have occurred over the past year and a half. This
foundational knowledge will help you understand the context of ongoing issues
2. Monthly Magazines or Newspapers: Subscribe to a reliable monthly current affairs
magazine or newspaper dedicated to UPSC preparation. These publications provide
comprehensive coverage of current events and are a valuable source for staying
updated.
3. Online Sources and Websites: Utilize online sources and websites that provide daily or
weekly current affairs updates. There are several websites and apps dedicated to UPSC
preparation that curate relevant news articles and analysis.
4. Notes and Compilation: Maintain a notebook or digital document where you compile
important current affairs information. Summarize key events, government policies, and
international developments regularly.
5. Focus on Relevance: While it’s essential to stay updated, prioritize information that is
relevant to the UPSC syllabus. Concentrate on topics related to polity, economy,
geography, science and technology, environment, and international relations.
6. Special Focus on Government Initiatives: Pay special attention to government
initiatives, policies, and programs launched in the past year or two. Understand their
objectives, significance, and outcomes.
7. Regular Revision: Regularly review your current affairs notes and materials to reinforce
your memory.
8. Mock Tests and Practice Questions: Solve mock tests and practice questions related
to current affairs. This will help you assess your knowledge and improve your ability to
answer current affairs-based questions within the time constraints of the Prelims exam.
9. Current Affairs Yearly Compilations: Closer to the exam, consider using yearly
compilations of current affairs, which many coaching institutes and publisher’s release.
These compilations summarize the most important events and issues from the past year.
10. Integrated Learning: Integrate your current affairs preparation with your static subject
preparation. For example, when studying a particular topic in history, relate it to relevant
current affairs events, if applicable.
11. Stay Updated Throughout: Continue to follow current affairs regularly throughout your
entire UPSC preparation journey, even after the Prelims. Current affairs are equally
important for the Mains and the interview stage.
Keep in mind that the UPSC syllabus is vast, and while current affairs are essential, they should
complement your static subject knowledge. Striking a balance between the two is crucial for
success in the Prelims and the overall UPSC examination.

The following websites can be utilized to while preparing for UPSC:
● Press Information Bureau (PIB): The PIB is the nodal agency of the Government of
India for disseminating information to the media and the public. The PIB website has a
section on “Government News” that provides daily updates on policies, schemes, and
events of the government.
● National Portal of India: The National Portal of India is a comprehensive website that
provides information on a wide range of topics, including government schemes, policies,
and events.
● PRS India: It gives a well-constructed gist of the parliamentary bills that includes all the
necessary details and is concise at the same time.
● UPSC website: Use it for syllabus, previous year prelims, and main question papers.
● All India Radio(AIR): AIR broadcasts a variety of news and current affairs programs,
including Spotlight, News Today, and World Today. AIR also broadcasts a variety of
programs on history and culture, such as Bharat Bhagya Vidhata and Akashvani
Sandesh. These programs can be helpful for understanding the historical and cultural
context of the UPSC syllabus.
● Reserve Bank of India(RBI): The RBI website has a wealth of information that can be
used for UPSC preparation such as Annual reports, the RBI Bulletin, Data and statistics,
and Speeches by the RBI governor.
● Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The MEA website has a section on “India in the
World” that provides information on India’s relations with other countries, its foreign
policy, and its participation in international organizations.
● Ministry of Finance (MoF): The MoF website has a section on “Economy” that provides
data and analysis on the Indian economy, including the latest economic indicators,
budget documents, economic surveys and policy statements.

There are many resources available for reading art and culture for UPSC. Here are some of the
most popular ones:
● The NCERT textbooks for History (Class 6 to 12) and Fine Arts (Class 11) are a good
starting point for learning about Indian art and culture.
● The Central Cultural Research Institute (CCRT) is a government agency that publishes
books and pamphlets on Indian art and culture.
● One can also use books by reputed authors such as Nitin Singhania.
● Online resources: There are many online resources available for learning about Indian
art and culture.
● Some of the most popular online resources include:
A. The CCRT website
B. The Ministry of Culture’s website
C. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts website
D. The National Museum website

The safe number of questions to attempt in UPSC prelims will vary depending on the
candidate’s individual strengths and weaknesses, the difficulty level of the exam, and the cut-off
marks. However, a good rule of thumb is to attempt 75-85 questions in the general studies
paper and 50+ questions in the CSAT paper.

1. Start early: The Economic Survey and Budget are released in February, so it’s
important to start studying them as soon as possible. This will give you enough time to
understand the key concepts and trends, and to practice answering questions on the
material.
2. Read the preface and introduction carefully. These sections will give you a good
overview of the Economic Survey and Budget, and will help you to identify the key
themes and issues that are covered.
3. Focus on the highlights: The Economic Survey and Budget are long documents, so it’s
important to focus on the highlights. You can find summaries of the key points on
government websites, in newspapers and magazines.
4. Pay attention to the data: The Economic Survey and Budget are full of data, so it’s
important to pay attention to the key trends and patterns. You can use this data to
support your answers in the mains exam.
5. Practice answering questions:There are many resources available online and offline
to help you practice answering questions on the Economic Survey and Budget. You can
also find previous year’s question papers to help you get a feel for the types of questions
that are asked.
6. Make notes : As you read, make notes on the key concepts and trends. This will help
you to remember the information and to revise it easily.
7. Discuss with others: Discuss the Economic Survey and Budget with your friends,
classmates, or mentors. This can help you to deepen your understanding of the material
and to identify any areas where you need further clarification
Finally, remember that the Economic Survey and Budget are important documents, but they are
not the only things that you need to study for the Prelims exam. Make sure that you have a good
understanding of the economics syllabus

UPSC exams welcome candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, including humanities,
social sciences, and engineering, dispelling the notion that success is tied to a specific field.
To excel, candidates must embrace comprehensive preparation across a broad subject
spectrum, encompassing history, geography, economics, politics, and more. Success hinges on
not only academic knowledge but also writing skills, general awareness, ethics, and
interpersonal aptitude.
The UPSC promotes a level playing field, assessing candidates’ ability to apply knowledge
practically.
The final interview stage evaluates not just academic qualifications but also personality,
communication, and ethical values. Success stories vary, affirming that there is no fixed path to
UPSC success

Yes, it is possible to clear UPSC while working, but it’s a challenging endeavor that demands
effective time management, dedication, and consistent effort. In this regard DHI Academy helps
aspirants by providing customized timetable and personalized mentorship, so that working
professionals can equally compete with full timers. Many successful candidates have balanced
their jobs with UPSC preparation by utilizing their free time efficiently and maintaining a
disciplined study routine.

Coaching is not mandatory, but there are high chances that UPSC aspirants may go off the
track from the required path during preparations, hence coaching becomes essential so that
aspirant gets structured guidance and required study materials.
Aspirants need guidance at least in their initial phase of preparations so that they can save the
time, which would have been spent exploring the vastness of UPSC.
There are aspirants who have cleared UPSC by self preparations, but it is an exaggeration to
believe that they were devoid of any guidance throughout their preparations.