Yes it is the right time to prepare from basic ncert and newspaper and thoroughly understand syllabus and previous year question mains paper and in 3 rd year with college notes ya other books prepare for optional

Hello,

You can start with basic things like reading Hindu daily and making yourself well acquainted with the syllabus, and start off with NCERT Books, these are the foundation of UPSC Exam, having your base strong is mandatory for UPSC. Then, move to the other books required for preperation. UPSC never asks questions not given in syllabus,so the utmost task should be to memorize the syllabus by heart. The benefit you'll get in time of preparation, while reading any book or a section of it, or even going through a newspaper everyday will make you aware that these are these portions in the syllabus.

One of the most important thing you'll need in the time to come when you start preparing is patience. Remember, cracking UPSC takes two year, one for preparation and another for examination plus interview process. It's a long journey, and if you start with these small steps, it'll eventually help a lot.

All the best!

Thank you!