The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious examinations conducted in India, attempted by graduates to working professionals from every corner of the country. But there are only a few who can pass the challenging exam and become a civil servant.
Not everyone can devote all their time to UPSC preparation; Some juggle their studies with full-time jobs. They often find themselves in a dilemma — whether to quit their job or not.
So, if you are a working professional looking for guidance on how to prepare for UPSC, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Divya Mittal has some useful tips that she recently shared on Twitter.
Mittal, who has proved his mettle by clearing some of the toughest exams in the country like UPSC, JEE, and CAT, is currently serving as the District Magistrate of Mirzapur.
Many people have asked me how to prepare for UPSC civil service exam along with job. Here are my tips on it:
a thread?
— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 12, 2022
Here are ten elements, according to Mittal, that can help you create a better strategy:
1. Get up early
An IAS officer’s first advice to working professionals is to wake up early; For example, 5 am. Says Mittal, “You should devote 4-5 hours to studies every day and at least 12 hours on weekends.
2. Use work breaks
She asks the aspirants to complete reading newspapers and current affairs during the office holidays.
She adds, “Living close to the workplace saves travel time. And by traveling via public transport, you can study while travelling. It’s a good time to listen to audio and watch videos.”
Using travel and work breaks
-Try to finish newspapers, current affairs during office holidays.
– Don’t try to choose. The effect will be reduced
– Try to live near the workplace to save travel time.
– Use public transportation by bicycle to study while traveling. Otherwise listen to the video/audio— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 12, 2022
3. Limit resources
The IAS officer advises the aspirants to focus on deep studies with limited resources instead of increasing the resources of study. “This is the most important part, because you have less time,” Mittal wrote on Twitter.
4. Buy notes
“Making notes is important for preparation. But you can also get some notes online or in the market. It helps you save time, and allows you to use that time for high impact studies,” says Mittal.
5. Divide the leaves
The IAS officer advises working professionals to use leaves judiciously.
“Take holidays near your exams and try to take a long break after clearing prelims. Now, depending on the number of leaves you can take, divide them like this – two weeks before prelims and one month before.
the leaves
Use the leaves sparingly. Take them closer to your test. Try to take a long break after clearing prelims.
Depending on how many leaves you can take, try dividing it this way:
– 2 weeks before prelims
– 1 month ago Main— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 12, 2022
6. Manage stress
Mittal says that working professionals often cope with work stress along with preparation. Therefore, he advises to leave work problems in the office. “This will allow you to focus while preparing for the exam,” she adds.
7. Don’t socialize
IAS officer urges aspirants to eliminate distractions — hanging out with office colleagues after work, attending social events and movies — time is of the essence for those preparing.
8. Drown out negativity
One of the many challenges for working professionals can be people doubting their abilities. “Keep going and prove them wrong. Cut ties with such negative people, and talk to a mentor who can push and motivate you,” advises Mittal.
Drown out people’s negativity
– If someone tells you that you can’t do it. Go on and prove them wrong. People have done it before you and you can do it too.
– Cut ties with such negative people and talk to a counselor who can push you and motivate you
— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) October 12, 2022
9. Avoid complacency
She shares that working professionals who already have a backup – their current job – should never let complacency set in, adding “Constant motivation is paramount to clearing CSE.”
10. Maintain focus
An IAS officer says, “Whenever you are selected for any service, resign on the same day. With selection in place, you have the security of getting a private job at any time. This will help to focus fully on the next attempt. “
“It should also be noted that work experience helps in scoring well during the UPSC interview. This is not a negative aspect,” emphasized Mittal. “It is definitely tough, but if you have the commitment you can do it!”
Edited by Pranita Bhat