BSc/MSc/UPSC – UPSC

What should I do after my BSc? I have to go for the UPSC, but there is a gap of two years after completion of my degree to my first attempt. Should I go for an MSc or MA or just prepare?

I can write this answer because somewhere I lived almost all of such circumstances. Options after BSc:
1-Going towards higher studies. Like preparing for IIT JAM, then going into IITs for Master’s. Continuing PhD and all. Other way- Doing MA then net-jrf in that particular subject.

Why so? Answer- It’s a safe path. Although it’s a long journey but after this you may enter into corporate sector too ( depends on your interest topics in IITs) or Professor life in colleges or higher studies. Consistency, patience needed. Good thing is that you have opportunities to get stipend to help you financially. For more details, you can talk to me over phone call 9971030052 or can meet me.

2-Going for jobs- Small level jobs to secure one option to sustain the life and then preparing for UPSC.
Or
Directly towards UPSC. Here you may feel that the fear of failure after multiple years of investment, what I’ll do? means to have a plan B apart from UPSC. For plan B, the first choice Going for Higher studies again comes into the picture.
Here you need to have proper Analysis of your condition. None other than you, can reply better for it. I’ll suggest you to read some stories of that particular options. Like
Just type on Google-
Persons who failed in upsc what next they’re doing??
Persons after master’s then upsc then?????
………..
Based on above exercise decide your goal. Take some time. It’s always better to take a good decision by investing proper time in analyzing situations.
For more
Don’t jump into the preparation by just watching short videos or motivational factory. Once you’ve decided to go for it then accept that it’s a process not a single step.
Enjoy the process without making picnic plans of after selection. I’ll read polity to get understanding according to demand of exam, not according to my debates for Modi Gandhi affairs.
Analytical abilities+ Mugging of things both required. I can’t complain about why UPSC designed the syllabus like this.
Listening more, speaking less. Saving words and putting logical arguments.
Wherever needed to be changed, I’ll incorporate that based on the demand of the exam.
I’ll not become alien. Average study hours with proper healthy life. No artificial isolation from family but in the midnight thinking about the previous girlfriend or pretty friend years before. Share your downs with your trusted friend or family member and high too. It makes you relaxed.
The most important- this is just an exam, not more than my life or more than any other achievements. Success then fine. Failure then using experience and hard work to achieve more. Believe me it happens because this UPSC journey teaches that much.
So yes these are some points which I could write. For any particular question you can talk to me, my number is mentioned in my profile. You can meet me:

Now I would like to come on the way to prepare-

  • Get sorted completely about – what next ? You should have a clear plan in your mind..ok…if I get the desired result then fine and if I don’t then how I’ll come back! Job…next attempt…. give up….. whatever may the possibility, you can think of…think…
  • Preparation- Keywords Knowledge+ perfect strategy . Getting knowledge (content) through- coaching or self study! If coaching then what ! Online or offline …if online then what options- like you may go with available platforms where you get independent modules of topics. You may choose according to your convenience. Or some offline+ online kind of platforms.
  • Follow dedicatedly the schedule. Cross examining your performance on regular intervals. Keep your health on priority too.

What will be the impact of the National Education Policy on the UPSC exam?

Whatever impact was expected; already happened in CSE main exam,2020. Almost in each paper, they asked a question about NEO. Now just leave it. If CSE reforms comes into picture then only it may have impact, otherwise nothing.
We all know that REFORM in India takes decades. So just keep focusing on current syllabus only. Yeah, you can use this in your answer writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whatever impact was expected; already happened in CSE main exam,2020. Almost in each paper, they asked a question about NEO. Now just leave it. If CSE reforms comes into picture then only it may have impact, otherwise nothing.
We all know that REFORM in India takes decades. So just keep focusing on current syllabus only. Yeah, you can use this in your answer writing.

Why you want correspondence?
To save your time of college going and other events?
To work more hard on syllabus of UPSC?
You want to go for job as well?
You have misunderstanding of the demand of the exam?
…………Now I’ll answer holistically…………..
Case 1- Suppose you have decided fully that you’ll not join regular college. In this case, you may miss-

capabilities of being connected with unknown persons. What is effect of it? Your personality test (interview) may have negative consequences.

Analytical abilities may hamper. As in college through a rigorous process, you learn and develop those over the period of time .

Correspondence courses don’t have that type of exposure either the exam process or the surprise quizzes in your degree.

You won’t come to know how to manage the time. It’s very simple to conclude that if you don’t have regular timings and without such pressure we can’t have that discipline in our life.

Positive—-+-
You will have sufficient time to plan according to the syllabus of UPSC.
You may join some library or reading room for regularity.
You can divert your attention from those chapters/topics in your degree which aren’t going to add extra credit or impact on UPSC Preparation.
Case2–
negatives of case 1 can be removed.
Rest- If you want to discuss on phone call, feel free to call on my number mentioned in my profile. Hope you’ll have the best decision.

I can write this answer because somewhere I lived almost all of such circumstances. Options after BSc:
1-Going towards higher studies. Like preparing for IIT JAM, then going into IITs for Master’s. Continuing PhD and all. Other way- Doing MA then net-jrf in that particular subject.
Why so? Answer- It’s a safe path. Although it’s a long journey but after this you may enter into corporate sector too ( depends on your interest topics in IITs) or Professor life in colleges or higher studies. Consistency, patience needed. Good thing is that you have opportunities to get stipend to help you financially. For more details, you can talk to me over phone call 9971030052 or can meet me.
2-Going for jobs- Small level jobs to secure one option to sustain the life and then preparing for UPSC.
Or
Directly towards UPSC. Here you may feel that the fear of failure after multiple years of investment, what I’ll do? means to have a plan B apart from UPSC. For plan B, the first choice Going for Higher studies again comes into the picture.
Here you need to have proper Analysis of your condition. None other than you, can reply better for it. I’ll suggest you to read some stories of that particular options. Like
Just type on Google-
Persons who failed in upsc what next they’re doing??
Persons after master’s then upsc then?????
………..
Based on above exercise decide your goal. Take some time. It’s always better to take a good decision by investing proper time in analyzing situations.
For more
Don’t jump into the preparation by just watching short videos or motivational factory. Once you’ve decided to go for it then accept that it’s a process not a single step.
Enjoy the process without making picnic plans of after selection. I’ll read polity to get understanding according to demand of exam, not according to my debates for Modi Gandhi affairs.
Analytical abilities+ Mugging of things both required. I can’t complain about why UPSC designed the syllabus like this.
Listening more, speaking less. Saving words and putting logical arguments.
Wherever needed to be changed, I’ll incorporate that based on the demand of the exam.
I’ll not become alien. Average study hours with proper healthy life. No artificial isolation from family but in the midnight thinking about the previous girlfriend or pretty friend years before. Share your downs with your trusted friend or family member and high too. It makes you relaxed.
The most important- this is just an exam, not more than my life or more than any other achievements. Success then fine. Failure then using experience and hard work to achieve more. Believe me it happens because this UPSC journey teaches that much.
So yes these are some points which I could write. For any particular question you can talk to me, my number is mentioned in my profile. You can meet me:

Benefits in UPSC exam: directly- No.
Indirectly- you’ll have a backup academic program going on. So if you get succeed, then no issues. But after some failures, this MA program may give you a chance to do something as plan B in your career like qualifying NET exam and pursuing further for PhD or Assistant professor jobs.
Hope it helps

If you want to take Mathematics Optional in UPSC, it may help you. But your strategy should be clear and according to demand of UPSC.
If you’re not taking Mathematics Optional then for UPSC; MSc mathematics is same as any other master degree.
Yes if you’re doing your MSc from some good institute like IIT/TIFR/IISc…. It’ll give you better opportunities for professor line/corporate jobs like in data science/teaching in coaching like fields with good salaries. But again, it has nothing much to do with UPSC. Yes doing Masters from such renowned institution gives exposure to develop your personality.

UPSC but that’s all part of any examination. Either you fail or learn. If you didn’t click in your first serious two attempts, you can use this experience in TNPSC and will have better chances to get into the list. Whereas in the first case, it’s relatively less.
Rest is your decision. Be wise, be honest to yourself. Decide what good and doable for you.
If you wanna discuss more, can message me. I’ll try to discuss based on my experience of more than ten years as student, teacher, mentor.
Good luck

The big question is about why IIT JAM?
Once you get answer of it. Then start preparing.
There may be n number of cases here. Like you want to choose your optional as the same from which you’re going to appear for JAM. Here I’ll suggest, you won’t get that much benefit as you expected. One of my juniors had opted this path. But as you enter into your IIT, the pressure of degree starts. You’ll have to devote sufficient time to pass exams and obviously each IIT has their difficulty levels. You cannot think like just taking admission is enough. I’ll suggest to think twice.
You want to secure some degree from IITs. So that it helps you in getting tag to be recognized. In this case, you’ll have to put sufficient efforts to get degree. yes if you decided that you just want to pass, then you may have time to develop your basics of UPSC syllabus with degree. Again it’ll be challenging too.
You are really interested in your subject and want to pursue your research/ career in your subject. You should understand how it’s to be done. You need hard efforts for it and in this case you cannot get time to study for UPSC.
What can be the way, I think-
First you completely focus on IIT JAM preparation for 6–7 months under some guidance. Try to give your best in master’s degree. So that you can have some plan B, if UPSC gets failed for initial attempts.
Or
You can completely prepare for upsc now onwards. Without any plan B.
JAM+ UPSC preparation will be bit difficult. My experience.
If you wanna discuss anything on the issue, you can leave the message-
I want to talk to upendra sir at +91_9971030052.

Only few topics of mathematics optional are in JAM like group theory from abstract algebra, half of the part of real analysis, vector calculus, diff and int calculus, linear algebra, ODE from differential equations.
Moreover the demand of the exams are completely different. 

Hostel/Campus, then you should spend your time in library.
Outside of campus. hostels like in coaching areas, Join a reading room.
Once you’re tired enough from study, such noises will be nothing for sleep. Annoying comes, I know but managing such things makes you a better person. Belive me….
The last option- leave the hostel and live in some near by area/society. Like IIT Delhi campus problems may be sorted out in katwariya sarai type areas…but iit Delhi itself very peaceful..no issues…
If you’re annoying then it will be increasing day by day. Your preparation may turn into disaster. So better to work upon yourself…sorry if it hurts. I went through exactly same situation. Later on when I realized that it’s all part of my personality development, I don’t know where those complaints and noises gone.
Good luck

I have done it myself. So I guess, my experiences may help you.
In the April 2020, uncertainty due to pandemic started. Although I was in job but due to lockdown and all, the coaching field was completely devastated. Had no plans and savings earlier for such scenarios. So situations became more worst.
In my earlier posts, I discussed much about my UPSC journey, as after missing my 2015 first attempt by 0.33 marks, I joined teaching to sustain my family. Left UPSC completely.
Please avoid above information if found irrelevant but I think it’s more relevant so I put.
After lockdown and job loss, my inner pushed me to go for one more shot for UPSC. As I was towards my last attempt according to age, so it may seem bit tricky. But my experience and passion for teaching motivated me to take this shot. I was sure that I have nothing to loose because now this attempt is not for becoming civil servant but it’s for teaching career for UPSC too.
Decided to stay at my friend’s home because I was not comfortable with my family issues. My friend’s home was near by only, So I used to go my home only if needed badly.
At my friend’s home, I restricted myself. Didn’t take part in any discussion, marriage party or any guests attending. Said to them that please don’t tell anyone about my stay here.
Now the first question comes that how my friend’s family will adjust? I will say please don’t make others adjust, inspite of that you learn to adjust by yourself.
How?
There was a bathroom (I’m construction, not completed), decided to stay there. No extra facilities I needed. Only an old cooler was there, I used it occasionally. In the heat summers although I was struggling lot but never asked for any favours. My friend is wealthy but I never took any extra favour.

So what I can say to learn is-
Avoid taking unnecessary help in your tough times, it makes you more determined towards your goal.

Point 2-
Restricted myself from meeting friends in hometown. Only one friend was known that I’m in my hometown. Avoid meaningless meetings and discussion. It will bit disturbing in the starting but after sometime you’ll be used to it.

Point3-
Have some groups 2,3 aspirants through online. Found one friend through insight discussion section. Used to discuss for current affairs and PYQs. Helps a lot.

Point 4.
For resources- Fix one photocopy shop in your locality. Make him a good friend. So that whenever you need his favour like getting print outs/ notes. You just call him and took it in short time. Means no wait for printing resources and all. I did so.

Point 5-
Avoid shopping… I had only two t-shirts and two trousers. Whenever anyone says to go out for meeting or event, my inner replies- yar kaise jaunga kapde to hai hi nahi. (How I’ll go as I don’t have good cloths)

Point 6-
For relaxation-
I used to go around railway station. Taking tea, seeing unknown faces and sometimes thinking , deep thinking about my essay Preparation as well.

Special note-
Yeah, ups and downs will come but take it as Normal. It happens with everyone on two or three weeks. Burn outs will come, but handle those . Skin may burn, you may look dirty……chill…all will be managed once you have good result. Don’t behave like you are already an official. Behave like you were in your childhood with not extra money. No extra decisions about life. Focus on exam only.
Avoid watching TV with family members. Inspite of that use your fixed phone data. It restricts you from giving extra time for unnecessary news/ movies and all.

My experience– It gave me wonderful results and also I learnt to survive, not only surviving but achieving big goals even when I was clueless after loosing money and job. Currently I have achieved whatever I planned. Yeah during preparation time, many commented negative or laughing on my position as I used to be very good at finance and other settlements before this decision. But now I can say- I took the best decision of my life.
If you’re curious about my CSE journey, you can read other answers on my profile. You can talk to me for discussion at my number mentioned in profile. You can meet me at Insights IAS Delhi.
For GS, Essay with Mathematics Optional, you can follow this YouTube platform.
Upendra Singh : Mindset Makers for UPSC

Hello dear, I have been working for maths optional from past 6 years.(As my own optional in CSE and then as a trainer ). So I think I’m eligible to answer your question in a holistic manner.
See, as you’re planning for CSE 2023, means you have on an average14 months for preparation. Also as you’ve mentioned that you’re preparing through self study, So we have to be very careful.
Strategy wise- Please think once more after analysing that you’ll have maths as an optional or not. Once you’re sorted then read the further answer.
First you should work on optional in your appearing graduating year. Just because, now you’re in touch with the mathematics and this will help you in saving the time . Maths needs regular practice. So once you have gap of some days/months, maths may look like extra planetory.
So how to start?
Take the hard copy of syllabus first and stick to it. Also have some classnotes available in market or telegram channels, to get the understanding of what topics need to be covered and what needs less attention. In mathematics, it’s very important.
Do those topics first which are common in your appearing degree syllabus and UPSC syllabus. Then do previous years topics of your degree and common with upsc syllabus. And so on..many people suffer in pure maths parts topics like algebra and analysis. I’ve developed my own startegies after teaching such topics for many years. How I do is –
Example algebra and analysis (horrible for many aspirants) ;
My own planning ; (tried and tested)

For each topic, I’ve such planning.
Now
You may face problem which topics are important? So dear, you have to cover the whole syllabus. Otherwise it will be disastrous.
Yeah in the starting you may start with easy topics like differential equations or linear algebra.
Finishing the maths syllabus 3 months before CSE preliminary exam, is important. Because after preliminary you need to do lot of practice. No mew topic will be handled easily in-between main and pre.
As your exam of graduation are over. Start whole heartedly for maths in one half of day. Preferably morning session. Then in the second half pf day you do gs and others.
Rest – If you wanna discuss more and want help for no money, then you may talk on my number +91_9971030052.

This question itself is incomplete. So let me first make it more clear.( Please avoid if you find my answer inappropriate.)

Are 6 months sufficient to conquer Russia?
Answer………………………..
Are 6 months sufficient to conquer Russia by Ukraine?
Answer………………………..
Are 6 months sufficient to conquer Russia by USA?
Answer………………………….
Are 6 months sufficient to conquer Russia by NATO?
Answer…………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………
I hope you are now getting, what did I mean by ‘incomplete question’.
So Now I will try to write the answer accordingly.

Case 1-
If you’re in the final year of your graduation degree and completing 21 years of age in the required bracket of UPSC eligibility.
In this case there may be many possibilities-
A-
you haven’t done humanities subjects and you’re completely engaged in your science stream of graduation. Now you have planned to go for UPSC CSE. Then simply my answer is – No – 6 months aren’t sufficient.
B-
you have been doing humanities subjects well in your graduation and you were in the habit of reading news papers, analysing events happening around you from 3–4 years according to your understanding. Then you can plan for CSE. Still I’ll say – NO- 6 months not sufficient for clearing exam. Because it needs to qualify CSAT too. And it became a hurdle now a days. If you’re not lucky enough to get questions according to your strategy, panic situation in the exam hall will lead to disaster. Means again you need one complete year for examination itself with 11 months of the failed attempt year. Means approx 2 years to get the process done complelty.

Let’s say anyhow you’ve qualified preliminary, then it comes on the most hectic schedule of mains. Without writing test series for GS, Essay and optional; it may lead to disaster. In this case you need 1.5 more years to get your name in the list.
Personality cannot be improved within 6 months . It is a rigorous process which you follow from your upbringings. If you already possess it, then fine. Otherwise you need 1.2 years more to get your name in the list.

Case 3-
You have been doing job/research/masters and one optional already you’ve prepared according ‘ to the demand of UPSC exam’ . You have good hand over CSAT type of requirements. In your routine, you’re in the habit of reading newspaper and thoughtful analysis over events happening around you. You have a general idea and feelings about content in ncerts or syllabus.
In this case
My answer – yes you can think of qualifying this exam. But here too there are many challenges and you need to overcome those-
A- getting mains ready before prelims. Because between main and prelims, you won’t have sufficient time to cover the syllabus. It needs lot of time to revise, test series anaysis and making yourself ready for those 3….(5)…..2 days schedule. Essay+GS in 3 days. You even aren’t innthe position of revision of your own notes in the main exam schedule. Writing GS1 in the morning and GS2 after lunch itself need a big exercise to change the attitude for better answer writing for different papers. For this you need to write test series in UPSC schedule manner. Otherwise no one can save you.
Note- After writing GS and essay paper; next 5 days gap seems good enough but I’m telling you the harsh reality. Suppose you have misunderstood an essay and written differently. Your mind will be so engaged in the essay that you feel clueless about next papers. Practically it happens because essays have multi dimensional explanations. May be possible you get highest marks but in the process of main examination such factors must be considered. So optional itself may have bad impacts of previous papers.(psychological).
Personality test again as I have mentioned in the second case.
So I have answered according to the greater scope left by you in the question. Please try to appreciate, if it fulfills the demand. Otherwise ignore.
Keep smiling. For further; you can call me at my number mentioned in my profile or message me. My passion towards learning new things by discussion to different personalities like you.

After getting multiple booster doses, you may feel that what rubbish I’m talking. But I believe that in current scenarios where maximum Aspirants are motivated through short videos on YouTube and insta reels; The most important thing is- Not to be hyper positive.

So yes it’s possible to clear this exam in the very first attempt but this temperament under any circumstances comes under hyper positivity as per my experience of this journey. Because it may hamper your day to day effectivity. As in this case, after each class, mock test, you’ll be very happy if got good marks but will be mad if you’re getting less marks let’s say in consecutive mocks. Yeah, I saw this practically, so I put here.

Now I would like to come on the way to prepare-

Step 1– get sorted completely about – what next ? You should have a clear plan in your mind..ok…if I get the desired result then fine and if I don’t then how I’ll come back! Job…next attempt…. give up….. whatever may the possibility, you can think of…think…

Step 2-
Preparation- Keywords Knowledge+ perfect strategy . Getting knowledge (content) through- coaching or self study! If coaching then what ! Online or offline …if online then what options- like you may go with available platforms where you get independent modules of topics. You may choose according to your convenience. Or some offline+ online kind of platforms.

Step 3-
Follow dedicatedly the schedule. Cross examining your performance on regular intervals. Keep your health on priority too.
Rest all minute details about preparation, you can go through other answers on my profile.

Good luck