The Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) conducts exams to recruit candidates for various government posts in Gujarat. This includes prestigious positions in administrative, revenue, police, education, and other state departments. GPSC follows a pattern similar to UPSC but focuses primarily on state-level topics and governance.
Many aspirants find the GPSC exam preparation process overwhelming. But with the right strategy, smart planning, and consistent effort, clearing the exam becomes much easier. This article will guide you through an easy-to-follow, effective strategy for GPSC exam preparation, covering all three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Understand the Exam Structure and Syllabus
Before starting preparation, it’s essential to know the pattern of the GPSC exam.
1.1 Prelims (Objective Type):
Paper 1 – General Studies I (200 marks)
Paper 2 – General Studies II (200 marks)
Each paper is of 2 hours duration.
Prelims are qualifying in nature and used only for screening.
1.2 Mains (Descriptive Type):
6 papers total: Essay, General Studies I–IV, Gujarati Language, English Language
Each paper: 150 marks
Total: 900 marks
1.3 Interview (Personality Test):
Marks: 100
Final merit = Mains (900) + Interview (100) = 1000 marks
Strategy: Download the latest syllabus from the official GPSC website. Understand what to study and what to avoid. Stick the syllabus on your wall to stay focused.
Time Management: Create a Simple Study Plan
Daily Study Schedule:
Morning: Focus on core subjects (e.g. History, Polity)
Afternoon: Revise or study easier topics
Evening/Night: Read current affairs or write practice answers
Goal Setting:
Daily goals: Cover 1–2 topics
Weekly goals: Finish 1 subject + mock test
Monthly goals: Complete 2–3 subjects + full revision
Include Breaks:
Follow the Pomodoro Technique: Study 25 minutes + 5-minute break
Take one day off every week for rest or complete revision
Choose the Right and Simplified Study Material
You don’t need to read everything. Choose smart resources.
3.1 NCERT Books (Class 6–12):
History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Sociology
Easy to understand and helps build strong basics
3.2 Standard Reference Books:
Polity – M. Laxmikanth
Modern History – Spectrum
Geography – GC Leong
Economics – Ramesh Singh or NCERT Economics
Gujarat-specific books – Gujarat Board textbooks, official state documents
3.3 Current Affairs:
Newspapers: The Hindu, Indian Express, or Gujarat Samachar
Monthly magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra
Government websites for schemes, policies, and data
Make Your Own Notes – In Simple Language
Keep a separate notebook for each subject
Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings
Create mind maps, flowcharts, and diagrams
Prepare 1-page summary notes for quick revision
Use color pens or highlighters to make notes visually clear
Importance of Mock Tests and Practice
For Prelims:
Take 1 full mock test every week
Solve previous years’ papers (both GPSC and UPSC-level)
Analyze mistakes and revise related topics
For Mains:
Start writing practice early (even before Prelims)
Write at least 1 answer daily
Structure answers: Introduction – Body – Conclusion
Use real examples, data, and government schemes
Writing Tips:
Stick to the word limit
Be clear, concise, and to the point
Use headings/subheadings where needed
Improve Language Skills (Gujarati & English)
Both Gujarati and English papers are important in Mains.
Tips:
Read editorials and opinion articles
Practice essay and letter writing
Improve grammar and vocabulary
Avoid spelling and sentence structure errors
Interview Preparation: Build Confidence and Awareness
The interview round tests personality, confidence, communication, and awareness about Gujarat and national issues.
Start Preparing Early:
Practice mock interviews
Keep updated on local, national, and international affairs
Know about your hometown, background, hobbies, and subjects
Common Questions:
Tell us about yourself
Why do you want to join the civil services?
What are the current issues in Gujarat?
How will you solve a problem as an officer?
Pro tip: Be calm, humble, and honest in your responses.
Stay Motivated and Take Care of Your Health
GPSC preparation is a long process, and mental health matters.
Stay Positive:
Watch motivational videos
Read success stories of past toppers
Remind yourself of your goal daily
Don’t compare your progress with others
Physical Health:
Sleep at least 7 hours a day
Eat healthy, stay hydrated
Include walking, stretching, yoga, or meditation
Strategy for Last 2–3 Months (Crash Revision Plan)
If the exam is close, focus only on revision and practice.
Avoid reading new topics or books
Focus on high-yield topics from the syllabus
Revise short notes again and again
Take regular mock tests
Solve past year questions
Final Success Tips for GPSC Aspirants
Be Consistent – Study every day, even for shorter hours
Follow the Syllabus Strictly – Don’t go off-track
Do Revision Weekly – Or you’ll forget everything
Write Answers Regularly – Mains is all about writing
Stay Away from Negativity – Avoid time-wasters like overusing social media
Believe in Yourself – Self-confidence is your biggest tool
Conclusion
GPSC is not just an exam, it is a journey towards public service and leadership. It demands discipline, focus, and smart work. By following a structured and simple strategy as described above, even an average student can achieve extraordinary results.
Don’t overburden yourself with too many books or unrealistic goals. Prepare in your own pace but remain consistent and dedicated. Remember:
“It’s not about studying more, it’s about studying smart and with purpose.”
Stay committed, stay focused, and your hard work will surely pay off.