Pankaj Gujar (AIR-423, CSE 21) Working Professional Strategy

Pursuing the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a challenging endeavor, especially for working professionals who must balance their career obligations with the rigorous demands of UPSC preparation. Pankaj Gujar, who secured AIR-423 in CSE-2021 while being a working professional, shares his valuable insights and strategies to guide aspiring civil servants.

Pankaj Gujar's Journey

Pankaj Gujar was employed as a Production Engineer at Schlumberger from August 2018 to May 2021. In January 2019, he was selected for the Young Leaders Program at the Indian School of Business' Deferred MBA program. However, after careful consideration, he decided to pursue the Civil Services instead. Gujar began his UPSC preparation in February 2019 while continuing his full-time job. Despite the demanding nature of his work, which often required long hours and intellectual strain, he successfully cleared the Mains Examination in his first attempt. Gujar then resigned from his job and appeared for the interview in September 2021, narrowly missing the final list by 4-6 marks.

Key Lessons and Strategies

Throughout his UPSC journey, Pankaj Gujar learned valuable lessons and developed strategies that can benefit other working professionals aspiring to crack the Civil Services Examination.

Clarity of Purpose

Gujar emphasizes the importance of being clear about the "why" behind your decision to pursue the Civil Services. He stresses that if the motivation is not truly your own, such as parental pressure or the pursuit of social prestige, it will be challenging to maintain the dedication required for this examination. Aspiring civil servants must carefully consider how they envision the next 30+ years of their lives.

Maintaining Professional Standards

As a civil servant, one is expected to uphold professional standards and achieve targets. Gujar believes that this work ethic should be brought to one's current job as well. He found that the more meticulous and efficient he was in his workplace responsibilities, the more time he could save for his UPSC preparation.

Navigating the Examination Process

Gujar had a clear timeline in mind, understanding that the first year of preparation is primarily about consuming knowledge through reading and watching video lectures. He was determined to clear the Mains Examination before resigning from his job, which helped him justify the decision to himself and his employer.

Maintaining a Balanced Approach

Gujar emphasizes the importance of taking it "one day at a time" and not beating himself up when faced with challenging work commitments that affected his preparation. He focused on bouncing back the very next day and giving his best effort. Additionally, he prioritized celebrating professional successes, such as his promotions at Schlumberger, as these minor victories provided a boost to his self-esteem and confidence during the uncertain UPSC journey.

Leveraging Downtime and Curiosity

Gujar made the most of any lulls in his office activities by browsing the news, listening to informative podcasts, and researching the geographical locations and socio-economic conditions related to his work assignments. This approach helped him stay intellectually engaged and expand his knowledge.

Financial Preparation and Prioritization

Recognizing the possibility of having to live without a job for a period, Gujar ensured that he had sufficient savings to provide a financial "landing ground" for himself. He also had to prioritize his UPSC preparation over social events and gatherings, understanding that the road ahead would require immense dedication and sacrifice.

Balancing Effort and Self-care

Gujar emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and rejuvenating whenever possible. He made sure to fully enjoy the office parties and social gatherings he did attend, as he recognized the need to be kind to himself amidst the demanding UPSC preparation.

Pankaj Gujar's journey and strategies provide valuable insights for working professionals who aspire to excel in the Civil Services Examination. By maintaining clarity of purpose, professional standards, a balanced approach, and financial and personal well-being, aspiring civil servants can navigate the challenges of this competitive examination while balancing their career and life responsibilities.