90-Day Beginner-Friendly Plan: Civil Service Exam Guide

Preparing for the Civil Service Exam (CSE) can feel overwhelming, especially if you are starting from scratch or returning to academics after a long break. This 90-day beginner-friendly study plan is designed to build a strong foundation, improve confidence, and gradually sharpen test-taking skills without burnout. The plan is structured, realistic, and suitable for first-time takers.

This guide assumes you can study 1.5–3 hours per day, 5–6 days a week. If you have more time, you can extend practice sessions, but the structure remains the same.

Understanding the Civil Service Exam Structure

Before starting any study plan, it is essential to understand what you are preparing for.

The Civil Service Exam typically includes the following areas:

• Verbal Ability

  • Vocabulary

  • Grammar and sentence correction

  • Reading comprehension

• Numerical Ability

  • Basic arithmetic

  • Word problems

  • Data interpretation

• Logical and Analytical Reasoning

  • Syllogisms

  • Logical deduction

  • Pattern recognition

  • Sequencing and direction

• General Information

  • Philippine constitution

  • Current events

  • Basic governance concepts

A 90-day plan works best when these sections are introduced gradually, then reinforced through repetition and practice.

How to Use This 90-Day Study Plan Effectively

To maximize results:

• Study at the same time every day to build habit

• Use a notebook for formulas, vocabulary, and mistakes

• Review wrong answers instead of memorizing solutions

• Take weekly mini-tests to track progress

• Reserve at least one rest day per week

Consistency matters more than intensity.

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Days 1–30)

This phase focuses on understanding basic concepts and rebuilding study discipline. Speed is not important yet; accuracy and comprehension are the priority.

Week 1: Orientation and Baseline Assessment

Goals:

• Understand exam format

• Identify strengths and weaknesses

• Build a daily study routine

Study Tasks:

• Read an overview of the Civil Service Exam

• Take a diagnostic test (full or sectional)

• Analyze mistakes by topic

• Set daily study hours and fixed schedule

Focus Areas:

• Familiarization, not mastery

• Basic math refresh (fractions, decimals)

• Simple reading comprehension passages

Week 2: Verbal Ability Basics

Goals:

• Improve vocabulary recognition

• Understand sentence structure

Study Tasks:

• Learn 10–15 new words daily

• Study parts of speech

• Practice sentence correction

• Read short passages and answer comprehension questions

Tips:

• Focus on meaning in context, not dictionary memorization

• Write your own example sentences

• Review vocabulary every weekend

Week 3: Numerical Ability Fundamentals

Goals:

• Rebuild confidence in math

• Understand problem-solving steps

Study Tasks:

• Review:

  • Whole numbers

  • Fractions and decimals

  • Percentages

• Solve basic word problems daily

• Practice estimating answers

Tips:

• Write formulas repeatedly

• Solve slowly but correctly

• Avoid shortcuts until concepts are clear

Week 4: Logical Reasoning Introduction

Goals:

• Develop logical thinking patterns

• Reduce fear of reasoning questions

Study Tasks:

• Study:

  • Logical statements

  • Syllogisms

  • Simple patterns

• Practice diagram-based reasoning

• Review mistakes carefully

End of Phase Review:

• Take a mini mock test

• Reassess weak areas

• Adjust study focus for Phase 2

Phase 2: Skill Development and Practice (Days 31–60)

This phase emphasizes practice, accuracy, and gradual speed improvement. Concepts are no longer new; now they must become familiar.

Week 5: Intermediate Verbal Skills

Goals:

• Strengthen grammar accuracy

• Improve reading speed

Study Tasks:

• Sentence completion exercises

• Grammar drills (subject-verb agreement, modifiers)

• Timed reading comprehension sets

• Daily vocabulary revision

Tips:

• Eliminate wrong options logically

• Focus on clarity, not complex rules

• Track recurring grammar mistakes

Week 6: Intermediate Numerical Skills

Goals:

• Handle multi-step problems

• Improve calculation efficiency

Study Tasks:

• Ratio and proportion

• Averages

• Time, speed, and distance

• Practice mixed problem sets

Tips:

• Practice mental math

• Write clean, organized solutions

• Recheck units and values

Week 7: Analytical and Logical Reasoning Mastery

Goals:

• Increase accuracy in reasoning questions

• Learn structured problem-solving

Study Tasks:

• Complex syllogisms

• Logical deductions

• Sequencing and direction problems

• Pattern recognition exercises

Tips:

• Draw diagrams when needed

• Read questions twice

• Avoid assumptions beyond given facts

Week 8: General Information and Mixed Review

Goals:

• Build familiarity with general knowledge topics

• Start integrating all sections

Study Tasks:

• Philippine Constitution basics

• Current events review

• Mixed practice sets (all subjects)

• Weekly mock test

End of Phase Review:

• Identify weakest two subjects

• Allocate more time to them in Phase 3

• Track score improvement trends

Phase 3: Test Readiness and Refinement (Days 61–90)

This phase focuses on exam simulation, time management, and confidence building.

Week 9: Speed and Accuracy Training

Goals:

• Answer questions within time limits

• Maintain accuracy under pressure

Study Tasks:

• Timed practice sets

• Speed drills for math

• Reading comprehension under time pressure

• Error log review

Tips:

• Skip difficult questions temporarily

• Avoid overthinking simple items

• Focus on steady pacing

Week 10: Full-Length Mock Exams

Goals:

• Simulate real exam conditions

• Identify endurance issues

Study Tasks:

• Take at least 2 full mock exams

• Analyze each section thoroughly

• Review wrong answers the same day

Tips:

• Practice exam-day routine

• Use only allowed materials

• Track time per section

Week 11: Targeted Weakness Improvement

Goals:

• Strengthen final weak areas

• Increase confidence

Study Tasks:

• Focus on lowest-scoring sections

• Redo incorrect questions

• Review key formulas and rules

• Light vocabulary revision

Tips:

• Quality over quantity

• Avoid learning entirely new topics

• Reinforce familiar concepts

Week 12: Final Review and Mental Preparation

Goals:

• Stay calm and confident

• Avoid burnout

Study Tasks:

• Light review only

• One final mock test early in the week

• Formula and vocabulary review

• Rest before exam day

Tips:

• Sleep well

• Eat properly

• Trust your preparation

Daily Study Time Breakdown (Suggested)

• Vocabulary and reading: 20–30 minutes

• Numerical practice: 30–45 minutes

• Reasoning practice: 30–45 minutes

• Review and notes: 15–20 minutes

Total: 1.5–3 hours per day

Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

• Studying without a plan

• Ignoring weak subjects

• Memorizing answers instead of understanding

• Skipping mock exams

• Studying too many hours without rest

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your final score.

Final Thoughts

A 90-day preparation period is more than enough for beginners if used correctly. This plan focuses on steady progress, structured learning, and confidence-building rather than cramming. By following each phase consistently, you will not only prepare for the Civil Service Exam but also develop lifelong study and problem-solving skills.

Success in the Civil Service Exam is not about being naturally smart—it is about being consistent, disciplined, and strategic.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is 90 days really enough for a beginner to prepare for the Civil Service Exam?

Yes, 90 days can be enough for a beginner if your study is consistent and structured. The key is not studying “a lot” on random days, but studying a reasonable amount almost every day. In a 90-day plan, the first month is for rebuilding fundamentals, the second month is for improving skills through practice, and the final month is for test readiness through timed drills and mock exams. Even if you start with weak math or slow reading, you can make strong progress by repeating core topics weekly and using an error log to prevent repeating the same mistakes.

How many hours per day should I study to follow this plan successfully?

A beginner-friendly target is 1.5 to 3 hours per day, 5 to 6 days per week. If you can only study 60 minutes daily, you can still improve, but you must be strict about priorities: do short daily vocabulary work, complete a few math problems, and practice at least one reasoning set. If you have more time (4–5 hours), increase practice volume and mock tests, but avoid burnout by keeping one rest day weekly. Consistency matters more than long sessions.

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed in the first two weeks?

Feeling overwhelmed early is common because you are building a new routine while learning unfamiliar content. First, simplify your daily tasks: reduce vocabulary to 8–10 words, limit math practice to one topic, and do shorter reading passages. Second, focus on “small wins,” such as completing one set with full review rather than rushing through many sets. Third, track progress in a notebook so you can see improvement. Most beginners start to feel more confident after Week 3 once the routine becomes normal.

Which subject should beginners prioritize first: Verbal, Numerical, or Logic?

Beginners should prioritize fundamentals across all three, but the best starting point depends on your diagnostic results. Many beginners benefit from starting with verbal and basic math because these skills support other sections. Verbal ability improves reading comprehension, which helps you understand word problems and reasoning questions. Numerical ability builds confidence in calculations and reduces anxiety. Logical reasoning can be introduced early in small amounts so it becomes familiar, but it should not overwhelm your foundation work.

How do I improve vocabulary without memorizing long word lists?

Use vocabulary in context. Instead of memorizing definitions, learn a word with a short example sentence and a synonym. Then review the word again after 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days (spaced repetition). Also, connect vocabulary to reading comprehension: when you see an unfamiliar word in a passage, write it down, guess its meaning from context, then confirm later. Focus on common exam-style words, transitions, and tone words (e.g., “however,” “therefore,” “skeptical,” “significant”).

What is the best way to handle math word problems as a beginner?

Use a step-by-step method: (1) read the problem twice, (2) underline what is asked, (3) list the given numbers with units, (4) choose the correct operation, and (5) solve neatly. Beginners often fail word problems not because of math, but because they rush and misread. Start with basic topics (percent, ratio, average) before moving to time-speed-distance and multi-step problems. After solving, check if the answer is reasonable using estimation.

How can I get better at logical reasoning if I keep getting confused?

Start with the simplest question types and build upward. For direction and sequencing, draw diagrams and write short labels. For syllogisms and deductions, focus on what is “certain” based on the statements, not what feels true in real life. Beginners also improve by reviewing explanations carefully. After each practice set, write down the rule you missed (for example, “do not assume extra information” or “convert statements into a simple diagram”). Logical reasoning becomes easier with repetition and a consistent approach.

When should I start taking full mock exams?

You should start mini-tests in the first month, but full mock exams are most effective in the final 30 days. In a 90-day plan, Weeks 9–10 are ideal for full-length simulations because you already understand the core topics and need to practice timing, stamina, and strategy. If you take full mocks too early, you may feel discouraged and waste time on topics you have not studied. However, taking a short diagnostic test at the beginning is still helpful to guide your priorities.

How do I review mistakes properly after practice tests?

A good review process is more important than the score itself. For each incorrect item, write: (1) the topic (grammar, percent, syllogism, etc.), (2) why you missed it (misread, weak concept, careless error), and (3) the correct method in one or two sentences. Then redo the question a few days later without looking at the solution. Over time, your “error log” will show patterns, letting you target the exact skills that raise your score fastest.

What if I work full-time and cannot study every day?

If you work full-time, aim for 5 days per week with shorter sessions (45–90 minutes), then use one longer session on the weekend for a mixed review or mock test. The plan still works if you keep the same weekly structure: fundamentals first, practice next, and mocks at the end. The biggest risk is skipping review. Even with limited time, include at least 10 minutes daily (or every study day) to review vocabulary, formulas, or your error log.

How can I reduce test anxiety during the final weeks?

Test anxiety decreases when your preparation includes realistic practice. Use timed sets, simulate exam conditions for mock tests, and practice a pacing strategy (answer easy questions first, mark hard ones, return later). Also, avoid cramming new topics in the last week. Instead, reinforce what you already know and focus on sleep, nutrition, and routine. Confidence is built by seeing your improvement in mock scores and by trusting your process.

What should I do in the last 3 days before the exam?

Keep it light. Review your formula sheet, grammar notes, and high-frequency vocabulary. Do a few easy practice questions to stay sharp, but avoid long, stressful sessions. Prepare exam-day essentials, plan your transportation, and prioritize sleep. The goal is to arrive calm and focused, not exhausted. If you feel tempted to “catch up,” remember that rest and clarity often improve performance more than extra last-minute studying.