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UPSC With Job: It is not easy to crack the UPSC exam with a full-time job. Despite this, every year many candidates register for success in the UPSC exam along with full-time jobs. The UPSC Mains 2025 exam will be held in August. Candidates now do not have much time left to prepare for it. If you are doing a full-time job of 8-9 hours, then you can pass the UPSC Mains exam by making the right strategy.

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam with a full-time job is quite challenging. But it is possible with the right strategy, time management, and discipline. UPSC Mains exam includes an essay, general studies (GS 1-4), optional subjects, and a qualifying paper (English and Indian language). These require deep study and answer-writing practice. Know some tips, with which you can pass the UPSC exam even while doing a job.

Preparation for the UPSC exam along with job

It is important to strengthen the mind to prepare for the UPSC exam along with a full-time job. Also, you should be ready to work double hard.

1. Time management and daily routine

It is important to use time properly for preparation along with a full-time job.

Study for an average of 3-4 hours daily. Wake up early in the morning (5:00-7:00 AM) or study for 2-2 hours at night (9:00-11:00 PM). Study for 6-8 hours on weekends.

Cover specific topics for GS paper, optional subject, and essay every week. Example: Mon-Wed (GS 1 and 2), Thu-Fri (GS 3 and 4), Saturday (optional), Sunday (essay and revision).

Listen to audio notes, podcasts (like Yojana, and AIR Spotlight), or NCERT audiobooks while going to the office or returning home.

Tip: Use Google Calendar or a to-do list app (like Todoist). This will help you keep track of time and topics.

2. Prioritise UPSC Syllabus
The UPSC Mains syllabus is quite vast, so prioritize:

GS Papers 1-4: Current affairs carry more weightage in GS 2 (Governance, Constitution) and GS 3 (Economy, Environment).

Optional Subjects: Give 1 hour daily to optional subjects and solve previous years' papers.

Essay: Write 1-2 essays a week. Focus on social, environmental, and philosophical topics.

Qualifying Paper: Basic knowledge in English and Indian languages ​​is sufficient. Practice for 1 hour a week.

3. Prepare with the right resources
The right selection of resources is important in a limited time:

For GS: NCERT (6-12th), Laxmikant (Polity), Spectrum (Modern History), Ramesh Singh (Economy) and Shankar IAS (Environment).

Optional Subjects: Standard books according to the subject (e.g. Harish Chandra for Sociology or Fadia for Public Administration).

Current Affairs: The Hindu, PIB, and Vision IAS PT 365.

Essay: Read previous years' essay papers and essays by toppers.

Tip: Use free videos or micro-courses for online coaching.

4. Practice Answer Writing

It is very important to focus on answer writing in Mains.

Daily Practice: Write answers to 2-3 questions daily (150-250 words). Pay special attention to case studies for GS 4 (Ethics).

Mock Tests: Attempt monthly mock tests. Refer to copies of the toppers' answers.

Writing Style: Write structured answers with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Use diagrams, flowcharts, and bullet points.

Tip: Write draft answers on mobile apps (like Evernote) for 10-15 minutes during office breaks.

5. Take care of your health as well
Health: Sleep for 6-7 hours daily, meditate or exercise for 15-20 minutes. Do yoga or walk to avoid stress.
Inspiration: Read stories of toppers (like Tina Dabi, and Ankur Garg) or listen to inspiring podcasts related to UPSC.
Support system: Form a study group with colleagues or friends. Join the UPSC community on X.
6. Make a special plan for the weekend
Intensive study: Study for 6-8 hours on Saturday-Sunday. Focus on revision, mock tests, and optional subject.
Current affairs update: Read monthly magazines (Kurukshetra, Yojana) and PIB notes on weekends.
7. Coordination with the job
Save time in office: Complete office tasks quickly by increasing efficiency.
Holidays: Take leave 1-2 weeks before Mains. This will help in full-time revision.
Lunch break: Read current affairs or optional notes.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News 18 hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.