From Working Professional to AIR 42: Apurva Verma’s UPSC Journey with Physics Wallah

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination while managing a full-time job is a challenge that requires discipline, focus, and the right strategy. Apurva Verma’s journey to AIR 42 in UPSC CSE shows how consistent preparation and the right guidance can help aspirants overcome even the toughest circumstances.

While continuing her professional responsibilities, Apurva relied on formatted online learning, focused revision, and strong family support to keep moving forward in her UPSC preparation. With the help of Physics Wallah’s online resources and exam-oriented programs, she was able to stay updated, revise efficiently, and perform confidently in every stage of the exam.

Her story is an inspiring example for working professionals and aspirants who are preparing for UPSC while balancing other responsibilities.

The Support and Determination That Began Apurva’s UPSC Journey

For many aspirants, the UPSC journey is not driven by individual effort alone. Behind every long preparation phase is often a strong support system and a personal belief that keeps the aspirant moving forward despite challenges. For Apurva, both these factors played a crucial role in shaping her journey.

From the beginning of her preparation, her family consistently encouraged her to pursue the goal seriously and not settle too early.

“My husband was very instrumental. My parents, from the day I started preparation, were there, saying you should not settle in your comfort zone.”

Even during moments when she felt uncertain about continuing, the people closest to her reminded her of her potential.

“They were like, if you cannot do it, then who can?”

At one point, Apurva had already entered government service, and increasing work pressure made continuing UPSC preparation even more challenging. Balancing work responsibilities with preparation often made her question whether she should appear for the exam again. However, her husband remained firm that she should give the exam another attempt.

“Before we were married, my fiancé was also very instrumental in telling me that you should appear. This was my last attempt.”

Along with family support, Apurva’s own motivation played an equally important role. After spending years preparing for the examination, she felt that the knowledge and experience she had gained could not simply be left behind.

“The motivation factor is the education which we gain.”

At the same time, she believed that she still had the potential to succeed if she made one more sincere attempt.

“In my case, it was also a little self-propelling that I think I can do it.”

Even when she briefly considered skipping the exam again, her family and friends continued encouraging her.

“When I said I do not feel like appearing again, they said, ‘If you cannot do it, then who can?’”

That encouragement eventually convinced her to take the final step and appear for the examination once more.

“I thought it is the final attempt, let’s give it once more.”

With that mindset, Apurva decided to approach her final attempt with complete dedication, determined to give her best effort in the examination.

Apurva Verma’s UPSC Prelims and CSAT Preparation Strategy

When sharing advice for future aspirants, Apurva emphasised building a strong foundation in static subjects for the UPSC Prelims.

“Firstly, focus on your static part. That is a sure shot guarantee of your selection.”

According to her, static subjects often provide a better input–output ratio compared to current affairs.

“If you see the input-output ratio, static has much more weight compared to current affairs.”

She also recommended solving previous years’ questions and revising regularly to identify weak areas.

“Do the PYQs of the last 10–15 years. When you start solving them, you will automatically identify your weak areas.”

Apurva further advised practising in a realistic exam-like environment to avoid panic on the actual exam day.

“The actual exam centre is very different. It can be very hot, and there are many students in one room, so you must prepare yourself for that atmosphere.”

Speaking about CSAT, she noted that the paper has become more challenging in recent years and advised aspirants to prepare accordingly.

“Assume that this year’s paper will be the toughest.”

Her approach was to master easier scoring topics while strengthening basic concepts.

“Identify the easy topics and master them so that if any question comes from there, I will be able to do it.”

She also recommended improving comprehension and basic mathematics to comfortably clear the qualifying marks.

“If you work on comprehension, English and basic mathematics, then scoring around 67 or 68 will not be very difficult.”

Through this advice, Apurva highlighted that by focusing on static subjects, practising PYQs, preparing for CSAT seriously, and simulating exam conditions, aspirants can build both conceptual clarity and exam-day confidence, which are essential for clearing the first stage of the Civil Services Examination.

How Physics Wallah Resources Helped Apurva Prepare for UPSC While Working?

Preparing for UPSC while managing a full-time job can be challenging, but Apurva found that Physics Wallah’s online resources made it easier to stay consistent with her studies. She had been following PW content for several years, especially for current affairs and revision.

“Initially, when Sumit sir’s prelim booster and editorial discussion videos used to come, I have been following it since the last seven or eight years, I guess.”

Since she could not take an extended leave from work, online learning became an essential part of her preparation. According to her, PW resources helped her quickly revise important topics even with limited time.

“I am a working person, and PW’s online resources are crafted in that way that in a very short span of time you can revisit things if you have covered your basics.”

During her latest attempt, she used multiple Physics Wallah programs across different stages of the exam.

“This year, also during prelims, mains, and interview stage, I followed the marathon videos, the Sajan Mains program, the essay program and also the IGP program at the interview stage.”

She also found revision materials like the Prahar booklets helpful for staying updated with current affairs.

“The Prahar booklets were quite crisp, and everything was covered and updated.”

Along with these resources, Apurva focused on limited study materials, regular revision, and answer-writing practice.

“I wrote the mains test series and tried to implement the feedback I received.”

She also emphasised that essay preparation should not be ignored during UPSC preparation.

“Essay should not be kept on the back burner because it can be a game changer.”

Using Physics Wallah resources alongside consistent revision helped her manage preparation effectively despite the demands of a full-time job.

The Moment of Success: Seeing Her Name on the UPSC List

After years of dedication and preparation, the moment of seeing her name on the final UPSC list felt surreal for Apurva.

“Of course it feels good. After so many years, finally seeing your name in the list on the first page of the PDF, it’s like a dream come true.”

Even after the result was announced, she admitted that the significance of the achievement would take some time to fully sink in. Her journey to this moment was not just about personal effort; it was supported by her family and especially her husband, who encouraged her to attempt the exam even during difficult phases.

Apurva Verma’s UPSC journey highlights how determination, disciplined preparation, and the right learning resources can help aspirants succeed even while managing a full-time job. With consistent effort and structured support from Physics Wallah, she secured AIR 42 in UPSC CSE, inspiring many working professionals preparing for the exam.