When does the IAS preparation start?

The ideal test to start full-time preparation for UPSC is one year before the prelims exam. Apart from that always stay in touch with newspapers and what is happening around the world.

Suppose, UPSC prelims are in May: i) So preparation should start a year before that.

1. ii) May to Oct-Nov, prepare for mains - complete, 2 reading at least.

iii) from Dec to May, focus on prelims preparation.