It’s been over 170 years since the British colonialists introduced the concept of competitive exams for Indian Civil Services (ICS), and to date, it has remained one of the toughest examinations to crack, a coveted feat cherished by millions of aspirants in India.
The craze to become a civil servant has given rise to a billion-dollar strong coaching industry in India where lakhs of students enroll every year after paying a hefty amount. Preparations for CSE require not just sheer willpower and dedication but also a well-strategized study plan to cover the vast syllabus.
However, not everyone is privileged enough to bear the tuition costs along with expenses on notebooks and study material. And this is where emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) can come in handy for beginners.
AI can not only chart out a study plan and daily/fortnightly/monthly table, but it can also deliver a better preparation strategy based on an individual candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will provide a holistic overview of ChatGPT and DeepSeek AI and how aspirants can take help from the technology to master their preparation for civil services.
What is UPSC-CSE?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a constitutional body, conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year, where 1.4 million aspirants appear every year, but only 1200 are selected, keeping the qualification ratio at 0.08%. The shortlisted 1200 candidates are then offered IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS posts as per their rankings.
The preparation for CSE can be particularly daunting for beginners. The extensive syllabus and lengthy stages can overwhelm recent college graduates who have heard of CSE and want to start preparing for it.
There are three stages to the process: a preliminary exam, followed by a mains exam and an interview. The preliminary examination consists of two objective-type papers. Paper I consists of general studies, and Paper II is referred to as the Civil Service Aptitude Test.
Following prelims is a main examination comprising nine papers of essay type, in which two papers are qualifying and only marks of seven are counted, finally followed by a personality test or the interview. Paper I consists of general studies, and Paper II is referred to as the Civil Service Aptitude Test, or CSAT.
During the whole process, a candidate spends thirty-two hours on tests. It’s only after qualifying for all these stages that a candidate becomes eligible and recommended as a civil servant.
How to use AI for UPSC preparation?
We have taken a proactive step by asking the seven most frequently asked questions a fresher has before starting their UPSC-CSE journey using different AI models.
Prompt 1: What is the best method to study for UPSC CSE as a beginner?
We asked DeepSeek and ChatGPT to suggest the best preparation method for beginners. And to our surprise, both of the chatbots gave a detailed roadmap, perfect for any fresher aiming for the civil services exam.
ChatGPT
While ChatGPT gave detailed step-by-step pointers explaining every aspect of the examination, DeepSeek focused on giving tips for a strong foundation. Both the chatbots suggested the standard resources and book, and they also offered a customizable plan.
DeepSeek AI
Prompt 2: How to choose the best books and resources for this exam?
Both chatbots addressed the timeless recommendations of studying NCERTs and solving PYQs. While DeepSeek provided a tabular list of standard books for each subject, ChatGPT took a more proactive approach by suggesting free online content.
ChatGPT
Both ChatGPT and DeepSeek highlighted the minimum resources and maximum revision concept.
DeepSeek AI
Prompt 3: How to choose the best optional subjects?
Both chatbots answered one of the most important questions an aspirant may have by covering all the important factors to consider when choosing optional subjects. Both the chatbots did a profound analysis of popular choices.
ChatGPT made three different tabular analyses based on popular choices and backgrounds.
ChatGPT
While DeepSeek also more or less gave the same replies as ChatGPT.
DeepSeek AI
Prompt 4: Which strategy is best? Individual or Group Study?
The next major query in most of the aspirants’ minds is whether they should study in a peer group or individually. These chatbots provide a solution to this question. Both the chatbots listed out the pros and cons of both cases.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT won at this, as it provided a middle way with a balance to get maximum benefit while preparing.
DeepSeek AI
DeepSeek also had a mixed response to the question regarding which strategy is best to prepare for CSE.
Prompt 5: One-year trackable study plan for UPSC-CSE 2026, with optional subjects: Geography, Political Science, and Hindi.
What could be more beneficial than a study plan that assists in monitoring progress and marking all the significant topics covered? And guess what? These AI buddies made us that, too!
ChatGPT
ChatGPT rolled out a detailed reply to the prompt asking a one year planner for UPSC aspirants.
DeepSeek AI
DeepSeek AI also gave a detailed reply for a 1-year planner for aspirants of UPSC CSE.
Conclusion
AI can never be a substitute for hard work and buying books and resources. But it can be a high ground for aspirants who are beginners by clarifying their doubts, breaking down the vast syllabus, and suggesting the best resources. So, all the civil services aspirants out there! Use this emerging technology to your fullest!
