Can I Prepare for Civil Service (IAS) while working on Job - Question Comes to my mind everyday

Published for http://anurag-live.blogspot.com/

In the recent past, the spectrum of Civil Services has grown to a extent where people from all communities, clan and religion are coming forward to join this prestigious service. Despite having lots of guidance across the Internet, readers often found dejected when they came to know the vast syllabus which needs to be cover before the exam.

Those who are preparing for Civil Service are the people who may become fond of the benefits, reputation which a civil servant possess. However, those who are in Jobs whether they are in private jobs or government jobs, also found it difficult to cover the syllabus within the time  limit and then compete with the person who is not working and just preparing for the exam all the day long and night. 

Here, the main question is - Can I Prepare for Civil Services Examination while working in a Job OR Should I Leave my Job to prepare for Civil Services OR How should I devote considerable time to Preparation ? 

Well, the answer would not surprise you. Yes, you can prepare for this exam while deputed on a job. You will not be required to leave the present job at all. Let's see some more thoughts which are coming to my mind :

Benefits on job - Fear not to loose one.

When you prepare for Civil Service, there is always some uncertainty. You cannot guarantee everything in life. One should always try to keep something in backup. The backup plan will lead you, your way to success.

There comes a stage when those preparing for civil services, found that if they had a backup plan, it would be better to move on that. Everyone is not going to be selected. So, for those who are in Jobs, it is always a plus point for them. So that if any mishap is there, at least they will still have something in their hand. 

How to manage :

This is the most important aspect to prepare for Civil Service Examination while on Job. To be clear and frank, strict time management, weekly revision, daily 2-3 hrs study is must. If you can give more than that its always better. But try to devote your valuable time and mind in studies after office hours. It will not only let you focus on the study but also let you keep the things on track. 

Time management :

How to do time management for preparing Civil Service Examination ? this question probably comes in your mind every time you think of this exam. While on job, its always your duty to do justice to the salary which you are taking home. You have not joined the Job for time pass. Even your superiors will also demand devotion and presence of mind in certain matters related to your job. If you will just time pass and think, Ok, I am preparing for Civil Service, Let me study, then, there comes a moment when you may find it very difficult to manage the office affairs. There might be confusion, fatigue and tiredness. Taking break is another option but please keep the office rules in mind. 

Now, How to manage the time :

1. Take a USB Pendrive, keep all notes in it. In office hours, you can easily access your notes and read it. Avoid company of those who always take life as a fun. There will be time for you as well but now focus is the one thing you should keep of. 

2. Daily pick a book and put it into your backpack. Whenever found a moment, have a glance on it. Revise the topic which have read. 

3. Rest is also important. Mind is not something which always gasping the things into it. It also need rest. When feel tired, go around, take rest. 

4. After office hours, its always tiresome to read anything. So better to take a nap for 20-30 minutes. Now you will feel some energy. So, gather your focus and start reading. 

5. Take Saturday and Sundays as the most important days. On both these days, wake up early and start your day with freshness. Try to make target for the weekends. Finish off the target and try to keep your notes in your pendrive again for the revision in the  next week. 

6. Once the exams are near, take leave and prepare.    

Topics quickly prepare :

Always try to figure the topics which are scoring and can be prepared with less time. For a person who is in job, it would be very difficult to cover the syllabus point to point. However, there are some tips which can help them achieve their goals. You should always prepare a list of topics which you can cover easily and quickly along with revision. 

Don't leave job :

Its my experience that people while working on job, still cleared the Civil Service Examination with very good marks. There are some misconceptions that UPSC aspirant has to study 15-16 Hrs a day. Well, UPSC is looking for Administrator who can handle and manage the public affairs. UPSC is not looking for scientists to go to NASA and research there...

For now, I would say YES it is possible to prepare for IAS Exam while working on a Job.

For comments and suggestion, please respond through the comment section. I will try to help.