Dear Amit Kumar,The complete straetgy cannot be detailed or summed up here. However, on a general note:Guidelines for self studyOne needs to keep in mind the basic fact that if the goal is to reach the highest level of achievement, then one must have not only ample patience for details, but should be able to keep the big picture regarding any theme in one’s mind at the time of study. Thus the preparation straetgy is to follow a mix of both micro and macro level approaches. The first step in this direction is the understanding of the syllabus. One must look at the syllabus closely and in detail. After that, one should analyze the past years’ question papers that indicate the important areas, as well as, the real scope of the syllabus. Then comes the next step of apportioning of time depending on the importance and length of each area.Prepare a time schedule which helps you cover the syllabus and keep you on track. You will have to be consistent and devote about six – eight hours of quality time on a daily basis in the beginning. Your preparation must peak in the final year before your Civil Services Exam where in you must devote at least ten hours of quality time on a daily basis. It is emphasized that more than quantity, quality of time must be given utmost importance.The next step would cover the selection of right books and an efficient method to study them. The basic guideline at the start of the preparations for both Preliminary and Main Examination is to read N.C.E.R.T. books on related subjects. There is no substitute for them. One should refrain in the beginning from reading guidebooks, as they load you with information, but with very little concept.Thereafter, one must refer to a study material which is prepared primarily with the objective of helping students clear/crack the civil services exam. One should look for a study material which is prepared in accordance with the civil services syllabus and upsc’s pattern of question papers. Material should be comprehensive and exhaustive. If followed properly, it should prepare you thoroughly for the exam.Vastness of the syllabus (required to be covered) is one of the main challenges in Civil Services Exam. I agree that it is difficult to devise a plan that will help you to cover the entire syllabus. My first advice will be that you follow an integrated approach towards covering the syllabi of the General Studies (Mains), Essay paper (Mains) and General Studies (Prelims). Go through the portions of GS (Mains and Prelims) which overlap with each other descriptively and remember points which are important from Prelims perspective objectively.Alongside, you must devote time reading 1 newspaper (The Hindu) and 1 journal regularly (Frontline/Pratiyogita Darpan) regularly and analytically. [GS questions are becoming more practical in nature and are being increasingly based on knowledge of current affairs and general awareness (which can only be acquired from voracious reading of newspapers and magazines). Such questions may require application of more than one concept/fact. Aspirants should develop an application based approach to do well in General Studies paper.]You must make a regular habit of writing at least one page on current and contemporary events, issues and affairs every day, of what you observe from newspapers/news, magazine, etc. The events of National and International importance which effect human lives at large are important from General Studies point of view.