It is not easy to prepare for any exam with a hectic job. And, when it comes to a competitive exam preparation, it becomes all the more difficult. So, imagine how difficult the UPSC CSE journey would be with a full-time job. For, those working professionals who want to crack CSE to become civil servants, help is at hand from none other than an IAS officer who was earlier in the corporate world.
She is 2013-batch IAS officer Divya Mittal. In a long Twitter thread, she offers guidance to those UPSC aspirants who are on a full-time job.
DM of Mirzapur district in Uttar Pradesh, IAS officer Divya Mittal recently tweeted: “Many people have asked me how to prepare for UPSC Civil Services Exam along with job,” and goes on to offer tips on how to do it.
STUDY TIME
In her first tweet, Ms. Mittal talks about study pattern and sparing time for that. “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 SPARE TIME
In her second tweet, she sheds light on how to utilize spare time. “Utilizing travel and 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
After this, she comes to the sources of study material. She suggests that being a working professional, one should limit the 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
In her next tweet, she talks about outsourcing of materials. “Outsource: Since you have less time, you must NOT focus on work which you can get done from elsewhere.
E.g.: 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
Then she comes to leaves or holidays. She suggests utilizing your leaves very carefully. “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
Stress management is an important aspect of the preparation journey that should not be overlooked.
She says: “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.”
SOCIALISING TIME
She suggests that being a UPSC aspirant with a job, you have to cut down on socialising time, because that leaves you with more time to study. “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.”
SHUN NEGATIVITY
Then, she comes to negativity. She suggests that one should be positive throughout the preparation journey. “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
Her next tweet is about complacency. “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.”
AFTER SELECTION
Finally, you get selected, but, what now?!
Ms. Mittal is ready with an answer: “Once you get into any service, resign the same day to focus fully on the 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!”
