When we think of the Union Public Service Commission examination, the first image that comes to mind is of a rigorous and time-consuming preparation journey. It is commonly believed that preparing for such a prestigious exam requires full-time dedication and years of hard work. However, Shweta Bharti’s success story challenges this notion and offers hope to those who believe they cannot succeed in UPSC due to time constraints or personal responsibilities. in this article by The Hinduzone, we will discuss the inspiring journey of IAS Shweta Bharti.
Shweta Bharti, an Assistant Collector in Bhagalpur, Bihar, is a perfect example of how determination, effective time management, and focused preparation can help anyone conquer the UPSC exam even when they have a full-time job. In this article, we will explore Shweta’s inspiring journey of balancing her responsibilities and pursuing her dream of becoming an IAS officer with limited time for preparation.
A Middle Class Girl with Big Ambitions
Shweta hails from a middle-class family in Nalanda, Bihar, where the responsibilities of family and the expectations of securing a stable job were pressing. However, from an early age, Shweta harboured the dream of becoming an IAS officer. Despite the weight of family responsibilities, she always kept her dream of civil services alive in her mind.
IAS Shweta’s Educational Background
Shweta’s educational background provides valuable insight into her discipline and focus. She completed her schooling from Ishan International Public School in Patna, where she developed a strong foundation in academics. After school, she pursued her graduation in Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering from Bhagalpur Engineering College. Shweta performed well in her engineering studies, graduating with excellent marks.
Her academic performance was impressive, and after completing her degree, she secured a job at the well-known tech company, Wipro. This marked the beginning of her professional journey, but it was also the start of a crucial phase where Shweta had to balance her personal responsibilities with her ambitions.
The Dilemma of Job vs. UPSC Preparation
Like many aspirants, Shweta faced a tough dilemma when it came to pursuing her dream of cracking the UPSC exam while holding down a job. Although she was passionate about becoming an IAS officer, Shweta was unable to quit her job due to her family’s financial support requirements. This situation is familiar to many candidates who are working professionals and dream of entering the prestigious civil services.
However, rather than seeing her job as an obstacle, Shweta decided to use it as an opportunity to practice time management and discipline. While working at Wipro, she knew she would have limited time each day to prepare for the UPSC exams, so she had to maximize the use of the time available.
Balancing Job and UPSC Preparation
Shweta’s preparation strategy is a testament to her perseverance, time management skills, and determination. Despite working a full-time job that demanded nine hours of her day, she was able to create a robust study routine that made the most of her limited free time.
Preparation Strategies –
Daytime Job, Night time Study: Shweta used her evenings and nights for her UPSC preparation. She followed a strict study schedule, setting aside a specific number of hours for focused study after work. This meant long hours of study, but Shweta was willing to make this sacrifice to achieve her goal.
Avoiding Social Distractions: One of Shweta’s key strategies was avoiding distractions that could hinder her focus. She chose to stay away from social gatherings and social media, which are often time-consuming and can disrupt concentration. Shweta even gave up using her smartphone for a period to avoid unnecessary distractions and focus entirely on her studies.
Efficient Time Use: Shweta mastered the art of utilizing her limited time efficiently. She focused on quality over quantity, making sure that every minute spent studying counted. She devised a plan to cover the syllabus systematically and revise regularly to retain what she learned.
Staying Disciplined and Focused
Discipline and focus were central to Shweta’s success. Every aspirant faces challenges along the way, but Shweta’s unwavering determination to achieve her dream of becoming an IAS officer kept her on track. She did not let the pressures of her job, her family responsibilities, or the limited time available for study get in her way. One of the biggest challenges for working professionals is finding time for self-study. However, Shweta’s ability to stay disciplined, maintain focus, and avoid distractions allowed her to make the most of her time. She made sure to break her syllabus into manageable chunks and set achievable goals for each day.
Success in BPSC Examination
Before attempting UPSC, Shweta cleared the BPSC exam with an impressive rank of 65th. This was a major achievement, as BPSC is considered one of the toughest exams in Bihar. Clearing BPSC helped her gain experience and gave her confidence that she could clear the UPSC exam as well.
Working as a Program Officer DPO after her BPSC success, Shweta had the opportunity to understand the workings of the government, which further deepened her resolve to become a civil servant. The work experience she gained during this period provided her with valuable insights into the role of an IAS officer, which added to her motivation to work harder for the UPSC exam.
Cracking the UPSC Exam with AIR 356
Shweta’s hard work and dedication paid off when she cracked the UPSC CSE in 2021 with an AIR of 356. This was a remarkable achievement considering that she was preparing for the exam while working full-time. Shweta’s success in the UPSC exam demonstrates that it is not necessary to quit your job or dedicate years to full-time preparation to crack the exam. With effective time management, discipline, and focus, it is possible to achieve a high rank even with limited time for preparation.
The Importance of Family Support
Another critical factor in Shweta’s success was the support she received from her family. While she was balancing her job and studies, Shweta’s family stood by her, understanding the challenges she was facing. Their support was crucial in helping her maintain a balance between her responsibilities and her academic aspirations.
Shweta’s Current Role and Contribution to Society
Today, Shweta is serving as an Assistant Collector in Bhagalpur, Bihar, where she is contributing to the administration and development of the region. Her success has not only fulfilled her dream but also allowed her to give back to society in meaningful ways. Shweta’s journey is an inspiration to many, particularly to those who believe they cannot pursue their dreams due to external limitations.
Key Takeaways from Shweta’s Journey
Shweta Bharti’s story teaches us several important lessons:
- Time Management is Key: Effective time management can help you balance a job and UPSC preparation.
- Discipline and Focus are Essential: Staying focused and disciplined, especially when working full-time, is crucial.
- Family Support Plays a Crucial Role: A strong support system from family and friends can make all the difference in your success.
- It’s Never Too Late: Shweta’s journey proves that no matter your circumstances, with dedication and smart strategies, you can achieve your goals.
Conclusion
Shweta Bharti’s success story is a true testament to the power of determination, hard work, and time management. Her journey from a middle-class family in Nalanda to an IAS officer, while juggling a full-time job, serves as an inspiration for aspiring candidates who believe they don’t have enough time to prepare for the UPSC. Shweta’s story shows that with the right mindset, clear goals, and strategic planning, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.
