Delhi-based Rishika balanced her roles as a teacher and UPSC aspirant, even handling election duties just before her exams. She ultimately succeeded, securing AIR 217 in the UPSC CSE 2024.

She optimised her study schedule, using strategic planning to cover the syllabus amidst her busy job.

She emphasises the importance of time management, especially when juggling professional duties and studies.

1) Adapt — don’t imitate Rishika emphasises the importance of tailoring your preparation plan to your own routine, pace, and circumstances rather than blindly following someone else’s strategy. What works for one person may not work for another.

2) Use digital tools to your advantage After long workdays, Rishika often relied on educational videos to reinforce her understanding. These digital resources offered a refreshing way to revisit concepts and aided retention without adding extra mental strain.

3) Put your health first Feeling overwhelmed during preparation is normal. Rishika highlights the importance of recognising your limits and being compassionate with yourself. “Health should be a priority — this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Burnout won’t lead to success,” she says.

4) Read selectively, learn steadily With limited time, Rishika embraced smart strategies: selective reading and consistent revision. Instead of writing extensive notes, she used coloured highlighters in her books to mark key points — a quick and efficient method for revisiting material.

“Keep engaging with the syllabus regularly,” she advises. “Slow, steady learning beats sporadic cramming every time.”

5) Plan with flexibility Life is unpredictable — with work, responsibilities, or just tough days cropping up. “Anticipate the unexpected,” Rishika suggests. “Build buffers into your schedule so there’s room for revision or last-minute changes.”

These simple yet strategic adjustments helped Rishika stay grounded while balancing a demanding job with UPSC preparation.