How do I prepare for the civil service exam while working a 9am-7pm job

Last Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Nov 21 • General, UPSC • 1331 Views • No Comments on How do I prepare for the civil service exam while working a 9am-7pm job

Working professionals with 9-to-7 jobs can still crack civil services exams through smart time management. After returning home, unwind briefly with a shower, then dedicate focused slots like 1-2 hours nightly for high-yield topics such as current affairs or CSAT practice. Weekends allow deeper revision—use commutes for audio notes, lunch breaks for quick quizzes, and online resources for flexible pacing to make preparation achievable without burnout.

 

  1. You can use maximum hours apart from working in civil service exam preparation.

 

  1. You just choose compulsory sources and limit yourself to very few sources. If you choose many books of same subjects and study material from different sources then you may get confused. You have to conduct your research in order to find out the best book and right study material and notes so that you can stick to them.

 

  1. You should not skip reading NCERT books (6th to 12th class). This is very important and you have to read these books. History and Geography NCERT books have good content and you can command over the important topics just reading these books. Historical and geographic concepts are defined in a very good manner and you will come to know after going through these books.

 

  1. Reading newspapers builds a strong habit for UPSC current affairs without eating up extra time. Check reliable online sites during office hours or breaks to stay updated on national and global events effortlessly. Discuss headlines with colleagues or friends to lock in facts naturally while multitasking your workday.

 

  1. You can read newspaper in the morning before going office. You can read it while having breakfast or on the way to office. This is an easy way to go through the current affairs.

 

  1. If you have two or three serious IAS aspirants in your group or office, you can practice together. On weekly basis, you can share your learning’s.

 

  1. You have to plan preparation in advance. You should fix particular months like 11 months so that you can devote time as per the subjects. If you have planned devoting 11 months for preparation so better finish the entire syllabus within 10 months and keep one month only for practice.

 

  1. You need not to fall for various study sources as this is not the right decision in last stage of the preparation.
  2. If you are already short of time, you need not to spend extra hours on making notes. You can just highlight main points in the books or study material. You can also use the margin of the books to make points.

 

  1. You have to devote at least 4 to 5 hours in preparation during week days but you should study at least 10-11 hours on weekends. Sometimes you can take offs from office to prepare for special topics.
  2. You can enrol for test series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author:

laxmi Nagar is a part of the education team at oureducation.in. She has been writing for various online platforms such as Blogs, Websites, Kindle Store, etc. She is also into writing about Education and academics and has more than 5 years of experience now as a content writer and blogger. Her articles are really appreciated and have also received the good rating on Kindle Store.

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