It is not easy to work full time and study for the UPSC exam. But yes, it is possible if you can plan well and maintain discipline and be determined. Many working professionals have cleared this exam while working full time.
How to study for UPSC with a job is a big concern, and there is no doubt that UPSC is one of the toughest exams in India, and one has to spend a lot of time reading, revising and practicing. But if you manage your time well, then even a couple of hours each day can make you pass this exam with proper strategy and planning.
If you have a good plan, you can do your preparation without dropping out of work. Having a job will not only keep you happy but also financially secure. You can manage your work as well as UPSC preparation with the help of this guide, which will also help you to know the challenges. With a positive attitude and hard work, even you as a full-time employee can clear the UPSC.
Time Management Strategies
Time management is very important when you are preparing for UPSC exam and have a full time job because how to study for UPSC with a job is a common concern, among candidates giving exam as they don’t get much time working full time, but even two or four hours a day can be helpful if you plan well.
Daily Study Plan for the Day:
Make an effort to get up early and study before work. The silence of the morning is best for reading about important subjects. Revise your morning readings in the evening or view brief video lectures. Avoid wasting time on TV or social media. Time management for UPSC aspirants is very important, so create a basic schedule that you adhere to every day.
Study plan for the Weekend
Take advantage of the weekends to study more subjects. On Saturday and Sunday, you can spend six to eight hours studying. Set aside specific times for reading, writing and revising. Spend this time working through past years’ papers or giving mock tests.
Give Mock exams and revise the subjects:
Regular revision helps you remember things better. Don’t wait till the last moment. Mock tests are also very helpful. They help you write more quickly, manage your time better and produce better answers. Every week, try to take one practice exam.
By this, both your job and UPSC preparation can be managed with careful planning and consistent work.
Essential Study Materials for Working Professionals
Choosing the appropriate study materials is essential for working professionals to pass the UPSC exam. How to study for UPSC with a job is a common concern, but it can be managed with a clever strategy and organized resources..
- NCERTs and textbooks.
Class 6–12 NCERT textbooks offer a solid foundation in subjects like geography, history, and economics. For a deeper understanding, standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity, Bipin Chandra for History and Ramesh Singh for Economics are important.
- YouTube Channels and Online Courses
For working professionals, online courses provide flexible learning options. Platforms that offer structured guidance include Byju’s IAS, Unacademy and Vision IAS. YouTube channels like Raus IAS, Sleepy Classes and Study IQ provide free excellent content on a wide range of topics. Time management for UPSC aspirants is important, and these platforms help in organizing study schedules effectively.
- Sources of Current Affairs
The key here is to regularly stay informed about current events. You can continue to regularly read the Hindu Indian Express and other government publications such as PIB and Yojana. You can also get daily updates from a number of YouTube channels and apps such as Drishti IAS and InsightsIAS. By properly utilizing these resources an individual can keep tabs on their professional life and if they are employed get ready for the UPSC.
How to Balance Work & Study?
It’s not easy to balance work and studies properly, but you can manage with the right decision. One nice way to balance work and studies is to use your early morning and late at night effectively.
You can study when your mind is free of distraction and you’ve had a good night’s sleep. Same for studying at night when you’d like to be more productive.
But to be healthy & attentive, you need to get enough sleep. Time management is also a must for UPSC candidates so that they can focus their minds and complete their schedule. Staying productive means not letting distractions get in your way. So to stop getting notifications from your phone, you can go somewhere to study where there will be no distractions. Put the phone away.
Block apps to block social networks during your study. Unfortunately, for working professionals, UPSC preparation for the post-SCCE exam is a grueling task, but you need to keep yourself organized as well, so you can manage yourself and finish your work on time with the help of a timetable. Make realistic targets for achieving your desired targets. Take breaks to avoid getting tired. Group up your tasks into priority lists, try to prioritize the important ones first.
This is where an adequate diet helps a lot. Also, you should be physically active. At the same time you need to prepare well, be disciplined, and be positive, so that it is possible for you to do both work and study without getting tired.
Success Stories of UPSC Toppers Who Worked & Cleared the Exam
- Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1 2017)
When Anudeep Durishetty decided to apply for UPSC, he was employed at Google. He used good time management and self-discipline to balance his studies despite his demanding job. He used online resources and self-study to succeed, which shows that success can be attained with good planning. He made several attempts before obtaining AIR 1 in 2017.
- Gahlaut Abhimanyu (AIR 38 2015).
After preparing for just six months, working professional Abhimanyu Gahlaut passed the UPSC. It was challenging to manage work and school, but he maintained his focus and adhered to a study schedule. His experience shows that with perseverance, one can succeed greatly even in a short amount of time.
- Ali Shihab Muhammad (AIR 226 2011).
Before passing the UPSC, Mohammad Ali Shihab, who came from a low-income family, worked as a clerk and peon. Despite his financial difficulties, he didn’t lose hope and tried his best. This shows that perseverance can overcome any challenge by making good use of his limited resources to eventually become an IAS officer.
- Krishna Udaya Reddy.
When Udaya Krishna Reddy decided to study for the UPSC, he was a police constable. Despite his many obstacles, he never backed out. He proved that no job is too small for big goals by passing the exam and becoming an IAS officer through perseverance and hard work.
These success stories show that one can pass the UPSC while working a full-time job if they are disciplined, have a good plan and manage their time well.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
While balancing work and studying can be challenging at the same time, it is possible to succeed if you are consistent and have good time management skills. Remain focused, follow your plan and never give up even when things get difficult.
Over time, daily efforts will give you the best outcomes. UPSC preparation for working professionals requires smart planning and dedication. Consider taking coaching classes for direction if you ever feel stuck or need more help. Expert teachers can help you stay on track and simplify the learning process.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking to start your UPSC journey. Deoghar IAS Academy offers excellent coaching that is customized to fit your schedule and routine. Our experienced faculty guarantees you receive the appropriate direction while efficiently balancing your work and studies.
