Many Aspirants have asked how to prepare for UPSC Civil Services Exam along with job. Here are my tips on it:
Finding time to study
Wake up at 5 AM. This will be most fruitful. You may have studied late at night in your student days, but with job, your mind will be too tired to assimilate heavy exam stuff.
- 4-5 hours every day (5am-8am minimum)
- Atleast 12 hours on Sat & Sun
Utilizing travel & work breaks
-Try to finish newspapers, current affairs in office breaks.
- Don't try to do optional. Impact will be less
- Try to live near workplace to save travel time.
- Use public transport over bike to study while travelling. Else listen videos/ audios
Sources
-Instead of trying to increase sources of study, focus on in depth study from limited sources.
-This is the most critical aspect as you are short of time
- Many toppers have recommended limited sources -> Just stick to that
Outsource
-Since you have less time, you must NOT focus on work which you can get done from elsewhere.
Eg. Don't make current affairs notes/even other notes. There is material available in the market, buy it.
-Use all your time for high impact study i.e. learning.
Leaves
Use leaves judiciously. Take them close to your exams. Try to take a longer break after clearing prelims.
Depending on how many leaves you can take, try to split in this manner:
- 2 weeks before prelims
- 1 month before mains
Stress management
You would be enduring stress of job along with prep. Try to leave problems of work at office itself. You must take time out for 15 min meditation. That'll keep you focused
Cut out socializing time
-You may want to hang out with office colleagues after work, but you have to avoid that. Time is critical for you. You need to cut out all other distractions.
-Don't come under peer pressure of attending social events, movies etc
Drown negativity of people
-If someone tells you that you can't do it. Keep going and prove them wrong. People have done it before you and you can do it too.
-Cut off ties with such negative people and talk to some mentor who can push you and motivate you
Complacency
-Don't let complacency set in at any time as you already have a backup i.e. your current job.
-That sustained motivation is the most critical in clearing the CSE.
-Have to put in extra effort as compared to those preparing full time
Once you get selected
Once you get into any service, resign the same day to focus fully on next attempt. You have security after getting selected and you can always find a private job again if you want.
Having a job, don't think this is only a negative! A job not only gives you financial security but will hold you in good stead in the interview.
It is definitely difficult, but if you have the commitment you can make it happen!
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