UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy for Working Professionals PDF Download

A lot of graduates in India have a dream to become Civil Servants. While some give their full-time dedication to preparing for the UPSC exam, others manage to prepare for it while working. So, if you are a working professional seeking guidance on how to prepare for the UPSC, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Divya Mittal has some useful tips.

Tips by IAS Divya Mittal for Working Professionals

Do not quit your job. Take a few leaves before the Prelims exam. Take a study break after clearing Prelims exam to focus full time on the Mains examination. Join back work after writing Mains exam. UPSC interview panel looks favourably at aspirants with work experience for their sheer dedication and time management skills.

1. Wake up early
   It is very important for working professional to wake up early in the morning around 5 am and  must dedicate 4-5 hours every day to studies and at least 12 hours on weekends.
2. Utilise work breaks
   You must not waste your work breaks. In those work breaks you must finish reading newspapers and current affairs so as to save time and effort.
   Secondly, you should try living near the workplace can save travel time. And by commuting via public transport, you can study while commuting as well. It’s a good time to listen to audio and watch videos.
3. Limit sources
   The IAS officer advises aspirants to focus on an in-depth study from limited sources instead of increasing the sources of study. “This is the most critical aspect, as you are short of time
4. Buy notes
   Making notes is crucial for preparation. But you can also get some notes online or at the market. This will help you save time, and allow you to use that time for high-impact study.
5. Split leaves
   The IAS officer advises working professionals to use leaves judiciously. You should take leaves close to your exams and try to take a longer break after clearing prelims. Now, depending on the number of leaves you can take, split them in this manner — two weeks before prelims and one month before mains
6. Manage stress
   Working professionals mostly endure job stress along with preparation. So her advice is to leave work problems at the office itself. This will allow you to remain focused when you prepare for the exam.
7. Avoid Socialising
   The IAS officer asks aspirants to remove distractions — hanging out with office colleagues after work, attending social events and movies — as time is critical for those in preparation.
8. Drown negativity
   One of the many challenges for working professionals could be people doubting their abilities. Keep going and prove them wrong. Cut off ties with such negative people, and talk to a mentor who can push you and motivate you.
9. Avoid complacency
   She also said  that as working professionals already have a backup — their current job — they should not let complacency set in, at any time, adding “Sustained motivation is most critical in clearing the CSE.”
10. Maintain focus
    Once you get selected for any service, resign the same day. With the selection in place, you have the security of getting a private job at any time. This will help focus completely on the next attempt. It must also be noted that work experience helps score well during the UPSC interview. It is not a negative aspect.
    It is definitely difficult, but if you have the commitment you can make it happen.

Time Table for UPSC Preparation 2023 for Working Professionals

A perfect timetable for UPSC preparation 2023 for working professionals can be beneficial in clearing the exam and entering into Indian civil services. Becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer requires a lot of devotion, time management mastery, and a well-organized pattern for punctual implementation. Check here the tips facilitated by the experts to know how to prepare for UPSC with job.
Before discussing the most suitable timetable, students should realize that protecting the body and mind is obligatory. Aspirants must obey a balanced diet and a proper sleep regime. Listed is the realistic UPSC study time table for working professionals that one can follow.

UPSC Timetable for Working Professionals (Day-Wise)

For the upcoming UPSC 2023, office workers can get around 30 hours (5 hours a day X 6 days) per week for studying. The most valuable UPSC preparation strategy for working professionals includes the following.

• Depending on the capacity and grasping power, they can dedicate 10-12 hours more during weekends or particularly on Sundays.
• The approximate number of hours one will be able to study would be 40-42 hours a week.
• Heeding a detailed timetable for UPSC preparation for working professionals is valid if they wish to crack the exam in half the time taken (1 year).

Studying rigorously and making the best UPSC study plan can help aspirants to clear the exam in 6-7 months

UPSC Mains Preparation Strategy

For aspirants who have started their preparation late, they can invest the mentioned time for the particular UPSC Mains subjects. This preparation strategy will help them save time and use it wisely in other sections.

Time Table for UPSC Preparation 2023 For Working Professionals – Important Points

It is vital to understand the approach to clear UPSC for working professionals. Below are some of the important points one must analyze and follow while beginning their study for the exam.

• Candidates should adequately utilize the morning time and practice writing answers during that period.
• The afternoon period must be used for solving UPSC mock test.
• Aspirants should focus on learning General Studies 2-3 months before the arrival of the Prelims examination.
• Weekends should have a different schedule because aspirants can utilize their weekends more to study, as preparing for UPSC and working prolonged hours on weekdays becomes tough.
• Individuals should revise everything learned the previous week during the early morning hours of the weekends.
• After appearing for the Prelims, candidates must take study leave from their office work to concentrate more on the next round, i.e., the Mains exam.
• UPSC aspirants need to devote their time to practicing the MCQs of UPSC as the pattern is anticipated to change each year.
• The UPSC Mains exam requires stringent learning and dedication.
• The second round requires sufficient knowledge and practice, and aspirants are urged to join a high-quality Test series.
• After giving the Mains exam, candidates should focus on their office work and update themselves on the Current Affairs topics for the final Interview round.
• Along with work and fully engaged UPSC preparation, students should sleep for 7-8 hours to remain calm and relaxed during the exam.

Pros & Cons of Preparing for UPSC with Job

Check out the below sections to understand the various Pros & Cons of UPSC Preparation with a Job.

Pros

• A Job gives you backup & work experience in case you are not able to clear the UPSC Exam.
• With a Job, you can discuss your preparation with like-minded peers.
• You get a wider view of the current issues in news.
• Your family will support you better if you are already in a job.

Cons

• There will be less time for preparation.
• Need to manage your time in a better way.
• You will miss out on some family functions and gatherings.
• You have to work a little harder during your free time or during holidays and weekends.

Notable People who cracked UPSC with Job

There are many toppers who secured a good rank while working full-time in a job. Let’s discuss some of the notable people who cracked UPSC with their Job.

R. Vaithinathan (AIR: 37, CSE 2015)

Vaithinathan achieved an amazing All-India Rank 37 in his fourth attempt. Due to the fact that he was simultaneously studying for the UPSC exam and working as a doctor at a Delhi hospital, his accomplishment is all the more remarkable. Vaithinathan was required to perform 24 to 36 hour shifts in between trips to the hospital and have two days off to study.

Mittali Sethi (AIR 56, CSE 2016)

Mittali achieved an All India Rank 56 in her third attempt. She worked as an orthodontist before becoming an IAS officer.

Neha Nautiyal (AIR 185, CSE 2011)

Nautiyal, a working professional with a background in zoology, passed the IAS exam in her second attempt. Her optional subjects were Public Administration and History. She was a working professional, thus she only had 2 to 4 hours per day to study during the week. Neha Nautiyal would work longer hours on the weekends to make up for the lost time.

Bandana Pokhriyal (AIR 83, CSE 2015)

Bandana Pokhriyal achieved All India Rank 83 in her second attempt. She worked as a Central Excise Inspector for 4.5 years and prepared for the UPSC for 2.5 years. She advises working professionals to make quick notes on cards or chits and keep them nearby on their desks and revise them in short breaks or free time.

Amogh Gopinath (AIR 171, CSE 2016)

Amogh Gopinath secured All India Rank 171 in his second attempt. He used to work in the business sector in a 9-hour shift schedule before getting into the civil services.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to UPSC Preparation Strategy for Working Professionals

Can working professionals clear the UPSC exam?

Yes, working professionals can definitely clear the UPSC exam. However, it requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and smart planning. They need to plan their preparation effectively to balance their work and study time and be consistent in their efforts

Can a working professional clear UPSC in 6 months?

A 6 months long period is neither sufficient nor insufficient for UPSC prelims, it all depends upon the aspirant's dedication and willingness to make it work.

How many hours should a working professional study for UPSC preparation?

As a working professional, it can be challenging to dedicate long hours for UPSC preparation. However, it is recommended to study for at least 3-4 hours daily and utilize weekends to cover more topics. Also, the key is to be consistent and productive in the available study time, rather than studying for long hours at a stretch.

What are some effective time management tips for UPSC preparation for working professionals?

Some effective time management tips for UPSC preparation for working professionals are:

• Plan your study schedule in advance and set specific goals for each day or week
• Utilize your work breaks to study or revise
• Minimize your distractions, such as social media or TV, during your study time
• Take regular breaks to avoid burnout
• Stay organized and maintain a study diary to track your progress

How can working professionals manage stress during UPSC preparation?

UPSC preparation can be stressful, especially for working professionals. Here are some tips to manage stress during UPSC preparation:

• Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises to calm your mind
• Take short breaks to relax and rejuvenate
• Engage in physical activities, such as exercise or yoga, to release stress
• Connect with other aspirants or support groups for motivation and inspiration
• Avoid overthinking or comparing your progress with others and focus on your own efforts.