Cracking UPSC Civil Services Examination While Working as a PO in SBI: Insights and Strategies

Yes, it is possible to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) while working as a Probationary Officer (PO) in the State Bank of India (SBI). Numerous candidates successfully juggle both full-time jobs and their UPSC preparation. This article provides an overview of the strategies and insights required to achieve this goal.

Time Management

Effective time management is key to balancing your job and UPSC studies. Create a structured study schedule that fits around your work hours. Allocate specific hours each day for studying, such as mornings or evenings, especially focusing on weekends. Utilizing weekends effectively can significantly boost your preparation.

Quality of Study Material

Choose your study materials wisely. Focus on the syllabus prescribed by UPSC and refer to standard books and resources. Online courses and lectures can also be beneficial as they offer flexibility and additional support.

Daily Routine and Reading Habits

Incorporate daily reading habits such as newspapers and current affairs into your routine. This will keep you updated and enhance your general knowledge, which is crucial for the Civil Services Examination.

Focusing on Quality Over Quantity

Ensure that your study sessions are productive. Focusing on understanding concepts and key points instead of merely completing a certain number of hours is essential. Quality of study and understanding over quantity will serve you better in the long run.

Mock Tests and Revision

Regularly taking mock tests is essential to assess your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement. Set aside time each week for revision to reinforce what you have learned. This practice will help solidify your knowledge.

Support System and Community Engagement

Engage with study groups or forums where you can discuss topics with peers. This not only provides motivation but also helps in clearing doubts and understanding complex concepts better.

Maintaining Health and Well-being

Maintain a healthy work-life balance. Ensure you get adequate rest and manage stress effectively. Balancing work and study to avoid burnout is critical.

Personal Insights from Previous Candidates

Many successful candidates have managed to balance their jobs and UPSC preparation. However, here are a few key lessons learned from a personal experience:

Cracking the Prelims is relatively easier, but succeeding in the Mains and Interview requires a dedicated break of 1-2 months. Here's a detailed look at the experience:

Personal Experience

I cracked the CSE Prelims and Mains in 2014 while working as a PO in Canara Bank. However, despite my preparation, I did not make it to the final selection. The reasons were:

Getting too immersed in banking work, which didn't provide enough time to fully focus on preparation. Lack of answer writing practice, which is crucial for the Mains. Overconfidence and underestimating the difficulty due to a second attempt. No help from a coaching institute for Mains answer writing practice. Hindsight is 20/20, and it would be valuable to join a coaching institute for this aspect.

Upon joining SBI in 2015, I never pursued the IAS path. While it has sometimes caused a tinge of sadness, I try to compensate by excelling in my current role. Though it's not comparable, the satisfaction I derive is significant.

For all those pursuing the IAS route, dedication and a structured approach are crucial. Best of luck, and have a good journey ahead!