In 2018, Saurabh Bhawania accomplished a feat that many dream of but only a few achieve. He cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 113. At 32, he excelled in the interview round, earning 201 points, the third-highest score that year.
All these glitters, however, did not come easy to him. After facing a setback in his first attempt in 2017, when he couldn’t clear the Mains, Saurabh bounced back with resilience, cracking the formidable exam on his second attempt. And, he did all this while balancing the dual roles of a parent and a dedicated professional at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
“My career in banking was fulfilling, but my heart yearned for work that made a difference,” he reflects.
Influenced by his father’s admiration for government officials who frequented their family’s printing press and profoundly inspired by a District Collector in Dumka, Jharkhand, who actively engaged with the community to address their grievances, Saurabh dreamt of embodying such transformative roles.
Just two months into his UPSC preparation, Saurabh and his wife, Parul, received joyous news — they were expecting a child. Embracing the balance between parenthood and a full-time career, Saurabh viewed these responsibilities not as obstacles, but as sources of motivation. Every moment was precious, as it allowed him to inch closer to his dream. Finally, in his second attempt, he managed to clear the examination and achieve his dream of becoming an IAS officer.
Based on his preparation journey and experience, Saurabh points out, “I found the Prelims to be a significant hurdle, requiring thorough preparation.” He advises that the last two to three months before the exam are particularly crucial for intensive practice.
We sat down with the IAS officer to gather the ultimate tips for aspirants appearing for the upcoming UPSC Prelims in May 2025.
1. Quality > Quantity
Saurabh says there is no mandatory number of study hours required for the examination. Instead, aspirants should focus on quality over quantity. “A well-structured strategy is crucial. While you can choose to study for a good number of hours, it is a misconception that a lesser number of hours won’t lead to fruitful results. Having a limited and productive schedule can also work,” he shares.
“If you are a working professional, intensify study sessions during weekends (eight to nine hours) and allocate five to six hours on weekdays while adjusting for work and other responsibilities. Use holidays strategically to enhance preparation intensity,” Saurabh advises.
2. Mastering the art of elimination
The UPSC Prelims exam consists of two papers: General Studies (Paper I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT or Paper II). Each paper holds 200 marks and spans two hours. Both papers are objective in nature, featuring multiple-choice questions, and there is negative marking for incorrect answers.
As the Prelims follow a multiple-choice format, Saurabh advises aspirants to develop the ability to eliminate incorrect answer options. “You may not know the answers to many questions. So, you should learn to eliminate incorrect options in MCQs to make educated guesses. Practice reverse engineering; eliminating two options increases the chances of guessing correctly,” he suggests.
“But this will only happen if you practice as many questions before Prelims. Take 30 to 35 minutes daily to solve 25 to 30 MCQs, and analyse explanations rigorously. Understand the rationale behind each option,” Saurabh suggests.
3. Practice as many test papers as possible
The IAS officer opines that even if 90 percent of the syllabus is covered three months before the exam, aspirants should shift their focus to practising test papers. “Regularly take subject-wise mock tests and full-length tests of 100 questions to enhance speed and reduce errors. Aim to practice around 5,000 questions before the Prelims to build confidence and improve your chances of success,” he adds.
4. Don’t ignore CSAT preparation
While the cut-off for Prelims is determined based on scores from Paper I (General Studies), Paper II (CSAT) is considered equally important. Since CSAT is a qualifying paper, many aspirants tend to overlook its importance, believing they only need to score 33 percent to pass.
Saurabh advises against neglecting CSAT. “Its difficulty has increased, and it is crucial for qualifying the Prelims. Even if you are confident in CSAT, reinforce your preparation by solving previous years’ papers to ensure proficiency. Practice as many questions as you can. Evaluate your performance through self-testing. If you are scoring 70 to 80 marks, identify weak areas and practice to improve. Aim for comprehensive proficiency, especially in passages, synonyms, and quantitative aptitude,” he suggests.
5. How to plan leaves
While working at RBI, Saurabh took 10 days of leave for Prelims preparation and three weeks for Mains. “Plan your leaves judiciously for all three stages of the exam. Prioritise time based on company policy and personal study timeline,” he advises.
Saurabh’s insights emphasise a strategic and balanced approach to preparing for the UPSC Prelims, focusing on effective study practices, strategy development, and a strong mindset.
Wish you the best for the upcoming Prelims!
Edited by Khushi Arora.
