Backup Courses for an IAS Exam Preparation

Preparing for the IAS (Indian Administrative Services) exam is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. However, many aspirants worry about having a backup plan in case their efforts for the IAS do not yield immediate results. In my experience, having a strategic plan can make a significant difference. This article will explore the best backup courses and alternative opportunities for those preparing for the IAS.

Strategic Backup Plan: State Civil Services

As I had a friend who embarked on the IAS journey back in 2013, I can offer valuable insights from my experiences. She began her career as a State Finance Service (CTO) officer, prepared for the state services exam alongside her UPSC preparation, and eventually landed in the prestigious IAS. From her experience, she noted that the state services offer a much more relaxed work environment compared to police and administrative roles, allowing for easier time management and preparation for exams.

If you choose to pursue a state civil services exam, such as BPSC, UPPSC, RPSC, etc., you can manage to crack the exam within two attempts if you prepare strategically. The seniority in state services is an added bonus, as it demonstrates your commitment and hard work during the preparation phase.

Identifying Other Backup Plans

Besides state civil services, here are some other backup plans in order of preference:

RBI (Reserve Bank of India): A strong career in banking requires dedication, and becoming an officer in the RBI could be a lucrative option. NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development): If you specialize in rural development, this organization offers a promising career path. APFC (Additional Public Finance Commission): This could be a suitable alternative for those with a strong finance background. SSC (Staff Selection Commission): The SSC offers various roles in administration, which can provide a stepping stone towards public service. SBI (State Bank of India): One of the largest banks in India, SBI offers a variety of career opportunities.

Exploring Further Opportunities

While preparing for the IAS, you can also explore various other career paths that do not require a direct connection to the IAS but offer valuable experience and a stable career:

Higher Education: Consider pursuing a Master's, PhD, and then becoming an Associate Professor, or clearing UGC NET or JRF. B Grade Exams: Participate in other B-grade exams such as the SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level), IB (Indian Bank), Indian Railway exams, DDA (Delhi Development Authority), or any ministry in India.

Online Coaching Platforms: Joining platforms like Unacademy, Gradeup, Studyiq, Adda 24/7, or Byju's can provide you with additional resources to continue your preparation even if you do not secure a direct job.

If you have technical skills in areas such as content writing, web designing, web developing, graphic designing, etc., you can venture into freelancing to monetize your skills.

Teaching: Consider becoming a faculty member in any offline coaching center in a metro city, which can provide you with experience and resources to enhance your IAS preparation.

Entrepreneurship: If you have a business idea, taking the time to establish your own venture can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Law Practice: For those who are already lawyers, practicing law can be an excellent backup plan, especially if you have a specialization that aligns with public service law.

Blog and YouTube: Writing blogs and starting a website or YouTube channel can be a platform to share your knowledge and experiences, potentially earning an income from it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the backup plans mentioned above can provide a much-needed buffer in case you do not crack the IAS exam on the first attempt. The key is to remain positive and proactive in exploring multiple opportunities. Upvote if you found this information helpful and insightful.