By Owais Ali Bhat, Director – Chanakya IAS Academy, Jammu

Every year, I meet hundreds of UPSC aspirants—some wide-eyed with dreams, some battling self-doubt, and some on the edge of burning out. After spending 15 years guiding students on this path, I’ve realized that cracking the UPSC isn’t just about studying hard—it’s about studying smart and staying sane.

This exam doesn’t just test your intellect. It tests your patience, emotional resilience, and ability to bounce back from failure. So today, I’m not giving you a timetable or booklist. I’m writing to you human-to-human, mentor-to-student, to share what actually works when you’re preparing for an exam as intense as the UPSC.

1. Don’t Study Like a Machine—You’re Not One

I’ve seen students study for 14 hours a day because they saw someone else on YouTube do it. Listen to me carefully: more hours do not always mean more productivity. Studying is like working out. You don’t lift weights for 12 hours. You do it right, you rest, and you grow stronger. Apply the same logic to your brain.

Start with focused study slots of 2-3 hours, then take breaks. Use techniques like Pomodoro (25 mins study, 5 mins break) or 90/20 rule (90 mins deep focus, 20 mins rest). Test what suits you—but don’t glorify overwork.

2. Know When You’re Tired—and Respect It

There’s a big difference between being lazy and being burnt out. Burnout doesn’t announce itself—it slowly builds. You’ll feel less motivated, even fearful of books. That’s your mind waving a red flag.

When you notice this, pause. Sleep. Take a walk. Call a friend. Go home for a few days. Come back recharged. Don’t try to “power through”—that’s how toppers turn into dropouts.

3. Have a System, Not Just a Schedule

Many students have a timetable, but few have a system. A system means:

Weekly goals, not just daily targets.

Regular revision slots—or you’ll forget everything.

Monthly mock test reviews—not just giving mocks but learning from them.

Time for physical activity, meditation, or simple breathing exercises.

Your schedule should work with your energy levels, not against them. Morning person? Do GS in the morning. Night owl? Use the night for answer writing. Own your rhythm.

4. Stop Consuming Everyone’s Study Journey

Social media is a double-edged sword. I see aspirants following every topper, every coaching channel, every PDF group. Information overload is real—and it’s deadly.

Choose 2-3 reliable sources, stick to them. Trust your process. UPSC isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about presenting what you know clearly and calmly.

5. Build a Life Outside UPSC—Yes, You Can

This might sound strange from someone who runs an academy, but don’t make UPSC your entire identity. Have a hobby, play a sport, write, listen to music, volunteer—do something that reminds you of who you are outside this exam.

Why? Because this keeps you emotionally grounded. When results don’t come (and sometimes they don’t), your self-worth won’t collapse with it.

6. Talk to Someone. Don’t Bottle It Up.

If you’re feeling anxious, demotivated, or lost—talk to your mentor. Talk to your parents, your friend, or even a counselor. I’ve seen students break under pressure because they kept everything inside. UPSC is tough, yes—but you’re not alone.

At our academy, I always say this: “You’re preparing to serve people. First, learn to serve yourself—with kindness, honesty, and self-care.”

Final Words

UPSC isn’t a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. It’s a journey of deep self-growth. If you learn to study well, care for your mind and body, and stay consistent without obsession—you’ll not only clear the exam, you’ll come out of it a stronger, wiser person.

And that, to me, is the real victory.

With you always,
Owais Ali Bhat
Director, Chanakya IAS Academy – Jammu
Founder, Exceptional Academy – Srinagar