Creating a timetable for a UPSC aspirant requires a balance between comprehensive coverage of the
syllabus, regular revisions, and adequate breaks. Here’s a sample daily timetable that you can adjust
based on your personal preferences and strengths:
### **Daily Timetable (8 AM – 10 PM)**
**6:00 AM – 7:00 AM**
- **Morning Exercise/Yoga**: To refresh your mind and body.
**7:00 AM – 8:00 AM**
- **Breakfast and News**: Read a good newspaper (e.g., The Hindu or Indian Express) focusing
on editorials, international news, and important current events.
**8:00 AM – 10:00 AM**
- **Core Subject Study**: Focus on major subjects like History, Geography, or Polity. Take notes
while studying.
**10:00 AM – 10:15 AM**
- **Break**: Short break to recharge.
**10:15 AM – 12:15 PM**
- **Optional Subject Study**: Study the optional subject you have chosen for the UPSC Mains.
**12:15 PM – 1:00 PM**
- **Revision and Short Notes**: Revise what you studied in the morning session and prepare
short notes.
**1:00 PM – 2:00 PM**
- **Lunch Break**
**2:00 PM – 4:00 PM**
- **Current Affairs and Newspaper Analysis**: Deep dive into daily current affairs and make
notes. You can use monthly magazines like Yojana/Kurukshetra.
**4:00 PM – 4:15 PM**
- **Break**
**4:15 PM – 6:15 PM**
- **CSAT Preparation/Answer Writing Practice**: If CSAT is a weak area, focus on it. Otherwise,
practice answer writing for both GS and Optional subjects.
**6:15 PM – 7:00 PM**
- **Evening Walk/Relaxation**: Spend some time relaxing, going for a walk, or doing light
physical activities.
**7:00 PM – 9:00 PM**
- **Current Affairs Quiz/Mock Tests**: Solve MCQs based on current affairs, or take a mock test
to evaluate your preparation.
**9:00 PM – 10:00 PM**
- **Dinner and Relaxation**: Light reading (e.g., non-academic books or magazines) or watch
educational videos.
**10:00 PM – 11:00 PM**
- **Revision**: Quick revision of what was studied during the day.
**11:00 PM**
- **Sleep**
### **Weekly Schedule**
- **Sunday**:
- **Morning**: Revision and mock tests.
- **Afternoon**: Analyze mistakes in mock tests.
- **Evening**: Relaxation or focus on weak areas.
### **Tips:**
- **Weekly Targets**: Set specific weekly goals for each subject.
- **Revision**: Ensure you revise regularly. At least one day a week should be dedicated to revision.
- **Flexibility**: Adapt the timetable based on your strengths, weaknesses, and energy levels.
Adjust this timetable according to your own needs and time availability. Consistency and smart work are
key to cracking UPSC.
During breaks, it’s important to engage in activities that help refresh your mind and body without
exhausting you. Here are some suggestions:
### **Short Breaks (10-15 minutes)**
1. **Stretching Exercises**: Simple stretches to relieve any tension from sitting for long periods.
2. **Deep Breathing**: Practice deep breathing or mindfulness to calm your mind.
3. **Hydration**: Drink water, herbal tea, or a healthy juice.
4. **Light Snack**: Have a light snack like fruits, nuts, or yogurt to keep your energy levels up.
5. **Listen to Music**: Play soothing or instrumental music to relax.
### **Longer Breaks (30 minutes to 1 hour)**
1. **Walk or Light Exercise**: Take a walk outside, or do some light physical activity like yoga or jogging.
2. **Talk to Friends/Family**: Chat with a family member or friend to disconnect from studies for a
while.
3. **Power Nap**: A 15-20 minute nap can help rejuvenate you for the next study session.
4. **Hobbies**: Engage in a hobby, like playing an instrument, drawing, or gardening, to take your mind
off studies.
5. **Watch Short Videos/Podcasts**: Watch or listen to something light and non-academic, preferably
related to motivation or general knowledge.
### **Evening Breaks (1 hour)**
1. **Outdoor Activities**: Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk, playing a sport, or simply enjoying
nature.
2. **Relaxation Techniques**: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, or read a book unrelated
to studies.
3. **Social Interaction**: Meet or call friends to have a relaxed conversation, which can help you
unwind.
The goal during breaks is to refresh your mind and avoid burnout while staying physically active. Avoid
doing anything that might distract you for too long or affect your concentration when you return to
study.
