The paradigm of civil services examination has changed over the years. On one hand, the nature of questions and pattern of selection shows that the examination does not require full time dedicated preparation. But on the other hand, the dimensions of the exam have spread in a boundless manner leading to headache and information overload for sincere candidates. In this complex situation, how should one prepare for the exam while working with a job is a glaring question which many aspirants face?
A working aspirant faces following major problems like "information overload due to the multitude of books, resources and content", "problem of discipline", "poor productivity", and "interference from familial duties". Let's begin with the problem of information overload.
For the clarity of issue and subjective nature of advice, I would divide the blog into three segments. First is candidates who are working in a regular 9 hours job which sucks out full energy out of them. Second is candidates who are working in a "Sarkari job" which hardly requires 4 to 5 hours of work every day. And third is candidates who are working overtime clocking nearly 50 hours a week.
A word of caution: This post believes that person has appeared in a full year attempt at least once so he is aware of all nitty-gritty of the examination. I know a lot of it may vary depends on the level of person's preparation but despite this, I would prefer to be very specific instead of giving a "depends" type of advice.
First is the regular 40-45 hours job guys. On an average, they have 30-35 hours for the preparation in the week. Thus, they need to strictly limit their content.
Common year long daily capsule: (follow in order)
Read The Hindu Short notes from the Internet (CivilsDaily App is handy in this)
Read Editorial Summary (Insights or IASBaba)
Read Insights or IASBaba (not both, read 8 articles from various newspaper every day)
Capture the headlines from newspaper (Don't go deep. After going through first three, One should be able to finish this in 40 minutes)
Watch Big picture while having dinner to save time
For Prelims (May to August): One hour daily objective questions on current affair and GK
Two full test on weekend
Daily two-hour GS reading
For Mains: One hour answer writing on issue of daily debate from online portals
Two full tests on weekend
Daily two-hour optional reading
For subjects: Between April to June and between prelims and prelims-result (read optional books)
Between Prelims-result to Mains (read textbook and class notes)
Make quick 3 to 5 points summary of whatever you read and keep it in your pocket for next seven days.
This should be more than sufficient to feel confident while entering the examination hall.
For someone who works nearly 50+ hours on the job, the best strategy would be following:
Common year long daily capsule: (follow in order)
Read The Hindu Short notes from the Internet (CivilsDaily App is handy in this)
Read Editorial Summary (Insights or IASBaba)
Read IASBaba (read 3 articles from various newspaper every day)
Watch Big picture while having dinner to save time
For Prelims (May to August): Two full test on weekend
For Mains:Two full tests on weekend and Daily two-hour optional reading
Read whatever books come your way.
Use readymade summary notes but maintain a list of topics which are trending and consult your sincere friends before the exam.
This should be more than sufficient to feel confident while entering the examination hall.
For someone with 20-30 hours job, This should help in removing the confusion
Follow the exact same pattern as a 40 hours job guy but add following four things to your schedule.
Whatever time you get: read books, write answers/blogs, discuss with friends and watch video content on youtube.
A special case: When you do not know ABCD of the exam and wish to prepare your the exam while in the job.
Weekends: join some coaching class which can cover your current affairs in fast forward fashion and just do what the classes are teaching and telling. Don't poke your head in other's business or what other's are up to.
And if after two attempts, you are unable to clear the exam then most probably you'll find yourself in any of the above-mentioned categories so then onward follow the suggested strategy.
The second biggest challenge with the job is to maintain disciplined behaviour over a sustained period of time. In such situation, if you have a true friend who can help you in putting back on track time and again then seek her help. I mention her because often the male species are found to be too lazy and not loyal enough to bear your tantrums.
For the problem of productivity, maintain a daily register or task sheet where you can tick mark "what you have done and what you could not do?". This is a healthy practice which will help in setting realistic goals. I may write a detailed blog on this and family some other time.
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