UPSC is a very lucrative option for youth in India. While many decide to give UPSC a shot just after college, many decide to pursue it later along with their jobs. The prospects of doing a job with UPSC seems a bit of a herculean task. Many individuals often get confused and ask themselves, ‘what should I do, should I take a job or prepare for UPSC?’ The question seems legit as managing them together is difficult.
The answer is you can manage both job and UPSC preparation together, if you follow a proper schedule, keeping all the subjects and things in balance.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to take care, if you decide to do a job along with UPSC preparation:
Do’s for UPSC Preparation
There are many things that you will have to do for UPSC preparation along with your job. Let’s have a look at the tips that will help you in this endeavour:
Make a Schedule and Stick To It
This is the tip that is given by everyone for UPSC preparation. The main aim of a proper schedule is to bring clarity in the student’s mind regarding the time available for preparation. With a set amount of time in hand, a student can make a schedule, in which UPSC preparation and job are given the required time and attention. However, making a schedule is not enough: you also have to follow it religiously to avoid issues while preparing afterwards.
Steal Every Minute You Get
As already stated above, time management is a very important thing to take care of while doing UPSC preparation. Sometimes, it becomes very difficult to take out an ample amount of time for studying.
In cases where you do not get enough time for UPSC preparation after finishing your office work, you can always try to steal some time while travelling, or in a lunch break to study for UPSC exams. This time can be used for reading current affairs which play a major role in UPSC Mains as well as Prelims.
Opt for a Job Location Nearby
If you need a job and want to do UPSC preparation along with it, then you should try to find a job near your residence. Having a workplace near home saves you time and energy to study properly after you return from work. Hence, you should prioritise jobs near your place, and use the travelling time you saved, to study for UPSC Mains and Prelims.
Use Shortcuts Wherever Possible
A minimum of 12 months is needed if you want to prepare properly for UPSC exams. While doing a job alongside UPSC preparation, you won’t get the same amount of free time every day.
Hence, you will have to study more in less time if you want to cover all the topics as the UPSC syllabus is vast. You can refer to notes and UPSC magazines for to-the-point information of recent events and current affairs.
Don’ts for UPSC Preparation
While everyone knows what to do for UPSC preparation, there is no guidance for freshers regarding what one should not do, while doing UPSC preparation. Here are some things you should not do:
Ignoring Your Job
Doing a job and UPSC preparation together is challenging. However, ignoring a job for the sake of preparing for UPSC Mains or Prelims is not the right thing to do. Always try to maintain a balance between your job and studies. Your work is the something that will pay for your rent, food and other expenses. It will ensure your peace of mind. Hence, respect it and give your 100% to it.
Irregularity While Studying
After coming from your job, you may sometimes feel lazy and feel like not doing anything. While sometimes, it is good to sit back and relax, you cannot relax every day as you have a syllabus to cover. You should try to avoid any irregularities in your study pattern, and ensure that you study regularly and avoid any disturbances affecting your studies.
Comparing Yourself with Others
Have you seen the movie “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”? Remember the scene where Milkha Singh decides to look back while running in the 400 metres final at the 1960 Olympic Games? Yes, that is what you should not do while preparing for UPSC exams.
You do not have to look at your competitors and judge yourself based on their preparation. Always try to focus on yourself and your work. Comparing yourself to others will only lead to stress, and you won’t focus on your studies properly. Always look at where you are going and try to stay focused on that path.
Concluding Words
After analysing all the do’s and don’ts, it can be said that UPSC preparation along with a job may seem challenging, but it is possible. If you stay disciplined and focused, you can achieve this goal of yours.
We hope that the article was helpful, keep coming back for more such informative write-ups.
