New here? Start with the complete reading guide →
About the Author

I work a full-time job.
I study 6 hours a day.
Both. Without apology.

नौकरी भी। तैयारी भी।

Dec '25Career Started
2024UPSC Decision
GeographyOptional Subject
6 HrsDaily Study
My Story
"I want to serve the nation by working for people on the ground — in the field, where decisions actually change lives."

My name is Mithun Ray. I'm a marketing professional based in Kolkata. My work keeps me busy from morning to evening — strategy, SEO, content, digital presence. A full plate by any measure.

In 2024, I made a decision that changed my daily life completely. I decided to prepare for UPSC CSE. Not out of dissatisfaction. Because I want to be on the ground, working directly for people who need it.

That purpose is clear. The path is hard. And I'm documenting every step of it here — the wins, the bad weeks, the adjustments, and the systems that actually work when you can't afford to stop working.

I'm not writing from a place of having already cleared the exam. I'm writing from inside the preparation — right now, alongside a full-time job. Just like you.

The Reality
What I'm Working With
💼
Full-Time Job
Marketing professional. 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Saturday. No breaks for prep.
Since Dec 2025
📋
UPSC CSE
Civil Services Examination. Self-study, zero coaching dependency.
Since 2024
🗺️
Geography Optional
Paper 1 and Paper 2. Covered entirely in evening slots after work.
Optional Subject
⏰
6 Hours Daily
6 AM–9 AM before work. 7 PM–12 AM after work. Protected blocks. No exceptions.
Every Day
For You
What You'll Find Here
  • 📚
    Study Systems — Not TipsTime-blocked frameworks built around a working professional's actual schedule.
  • 🎯
    Geography Optional Deep DivesPaper 1 + Paper 2 strategy, map work, answer writing — all in limited time.
  • 💬
    Honest Monthly UpdatesWhat I studied, what I skipped, what worked. No filter.
  • 🇮🇳
    Bilingual — English + HindiEvery major article available in Hindi. Written for the language, not translated.
  • ⚙️
    Corporate Frameworks for UPSCOKRs, The ONE Thing, time-blocking — what transfers and what doesn't.
नौकरी भी।
तैयारी भी।
"The job. The prep. Both."
That's not just the tagline. That's the daily reality for lakhs of working professionals in India who are serious about UPSC but can't afford to stop earning. This blog is built for every one of them.

Start With the Most Important Article

My exact 6-hour daily system — the schedule, the blocks, the logic behind every choice.

Read: My Exact Daily System →