7 answers
Prasenjit
Student
Santirbazar, TR
1
Question
Updated
984 views
currently i completed my college in computer science and engineering . now i prepare for bank exam and other govt exam . my childhood dream is to become an IAS officer though for preparing upsc i need coaching and i dont have enough money so for financial support i choose bank exam . so when i clear i have salary and from this salary i buy any course for upsc . also when i am in school i played sports and i good at running , i go to national in 400m my timing is 59sec.then i have a dream i want to participate in olympic to proud my country india . still in my heart i want to . i didnot join any academy and my age is 22 i searched in google youtube about this and found if i have any govt job then it will help me in sports . so now i am confuse but i want to do this both . what i do ?
what i do now
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6 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
44
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Fahad Elahi’s Answer
It's normal to feel torn between big dreams like becoming an IAS officer and competing in the Olympics, especially when money is tight. At 22, you have plenty of time, so focus on what matters most. Start by passing bank or government exams like IBPS PO or SSC CGL. These jobs offer a steady salary between 40,000-60,000 INR, which can later support your UPSC coaching. Many people balance government jobs with UPSC prep, using study leave or flexible hours.
For sports, your 400m time of 59 seconds is impressive for your background. To qualify for the Olympics, you need to aim for around 45.00 seconds for the 2028 Games. It's challenging to start without an academy, but with dedication, it's possible. Join the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for trials and coaching camps. Government jobs can help since many have sports quotas, offering roles in railways, police, or defense, along with sponsorships for training and competition leave. Look for a job with a strong sports program, like Indian Railways, which has supported Olympians.
To achieve both dreams, secure a job for stability, then use the sports quota to return to running part-time with a local coach or academy while saving for UPSC. Keep track of your progress; success in athletics could enhance your IAS profile. Consult a career counselor or AFI representative for personalized guidance. You have the determination start with one goal to fuel the others.
For sports, your 400m time of 59 seconds is impressive for your background. To qualify for the Olympics, you need to aim for around 45.00 seconds for the 2028 Games. It's challenging to start without an academy, but with dedication, it's possible. Join the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for trials and coaching camps. Government jobs can help since many have sports quotas, offering roles in railways, police, or defense, along with sponsorships for training and competition leave. Look for a job with a strong sports program, like Indian Railways, which has supported Olympians.
To achieve both dreams, secure a job for stability, then use the sports quota to return to running part-time with a local coach or academy while saving for UPSC. Keep track of your progress; success in athletics could enhance your IAS profile. Consult a career counselor or AFI representative for personalized guidance. You have the determination start with one goal to fuel the others.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Prasenjit
Thanks! Wishing you great success as you take the next steps.
Fahad Elahi Khan
Prem kumar devandla
Software Developer
2
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Prem kumar’s Answer
hi Prasenjit, Good Morning.
Considering your Financial Conditions and Ambitions,
Being Practical and up on my experience on these things.
since your age is 22 right now , First concentrate on your Lower hanging Fruit.
1. First concentrate on any Govt Job or Banking Exam, let us assume it may take 2 years.
then u can work for 2-3 years , and while working u can also prepare for your UPSC through online courses slowly.
This online preparation takes atleast 2 years (since u have completed CSE ) to complete the full syllabus completion.
Then u will be only revising the topics once u completed your syllabus.
after complemeting 2- 3 years in job u may get a long term and short term leaves based on your health condition,
so u can take a break of 1 year or 3 months based upon your preparation.
while working in job u can write upsc after you completion of syllabus preparation , once u r confident then take a leave for mains and interview preparation.
considering genral cutoff Age for UPSC, if u can plan and consistent in your Goal, u can crack Civil services with ease.
in short :
1. preparting for Job.(~24 years of age)
2, while working , prepare for UPSC untill u complete the syllabus.(~24-27 years of age)
3. attempt prelims while working, once u confident take leave for mains and interview preparation.(~27-32 years of age).
All the Best.
Considering your Financial Conditions and Ambitions,
Being Practical and up on my experience on these things.
since your age is 22 right now , First concentrate on your Lower hanging Fruit.
1. First concentrate on any Govt Job or Banking Exam, let us assume it may take 2 years.
then u can work for 2-3 years , and while working u can also prepare for your UPSC through online courses slowly.
This online preparation takes atleast 2 years (since u have completed CSE ) to complete the full syllabus completion.
Then u will be only revising the topics once u completed your syllabus.
after complemeting 2- 3 years in job u may get a long term and short term leaves based on your health condition,
so u can take a break of 1 year or 3 months based upon your preparation.
while working in job u can write upsc after you completion of syllabus preparation , once u r confident then take a leave for mains and interview preparation.
considering genral cutoff Age for UPSC, if u can plan and consistent in your Goal, u can crack Civil services with ease.
in short :
1. preparting for Job.(~24 years of age)
2, while working , prepare for UPSC untill u complete the syllabus.(~24-27 years of age)
3. attempt prelims while working, once u confident take leave for mains and interview preparation.(~27-32 years of age).
All the Best.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
To reach your goals, start by securing a job. This will give you a steady income and the flexibility you need for UPSC preparation. Once you have stability, you can plan your studies while continuing your athletics training three times a week, either in the morning or evening. Each session should last 1.5 to 2 hours and include a mix of warm-ups, sprint drills, interval and tempo runs, strength and plyometric exercises, core work, and a cool-down. Don't forget the importance of good nutrition, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Cross-training with activities like soccer, cycling, or swimming can boost your endurance and agility. Connecting with experienced athletes and UPSC mentors can provide valuable guidance and motivation. Mental training and setting clear goals will help you track your progress. Effective time management and maintaining your mental health through meditation and yoga are key to staying consistent and achieving both your career and sports goals.
Mustapha Yusuf
I'm a writer
13
Answers
Offa, KW
Updated
Mustapha’s Answer
Hi prasenjit
I understand your question. It’s obviously hard to know which way to go, especially when you are facing financial challenges while trying to pursue your dreams. But I’ve got you covered. you don’t have to give up on any of your ambitions.
From what you shared, you have three big dreams: becoming an IAS officer, securing a bank or government job, and excelling in athletics, even representing India at the Olympics. At first glance, it may seem impossible to balance all three, but with the right planning and mindset, it is achievable.
Here’s how you can approach it:
1. Bank or Government Job as a Foundation
Choosing a bank or government job first is a smart decision. It will provide financial stability, which will allow you to fund UPSC coaching and resources later. Many government jobs also support athletes, offering flexibility, time off for training, and opportunities through sports quotas. By securing a stable income, you create the foundation to pursue your bigger dreams without worrying about finances.
2. UPSC / IAS Dream
Your dream to become an IAS officer is absolutely valid. Preparing for UPSC requires time, focus, and resources, but you don’t have to do it immediately. Once you’re financially stable through your bank job, you can invest in coaching and dedicate yourself fully to UPSC preparation. Many successful IAS officers started their preparation a few years into their professional career, so it’s never too late.
3. Athletics and Olympic Aspirations
Age 22 is still young for a 400m sprinter. You already have talent and past achievements, so with consistent training, a proper coach, and structured workouts, you can aim for national-level competitions and eventually Olympic participation. Balancing a government job with sports is realistic, especially if you take advantage of sports quotas and support programs.
How to Balance All Three
Step 1: Focus on clearing the bank exam for financial security.
Step 2: Begin structured athletics training alongside your preparation. Start with local or state-level coaching, competitions, and gradually move up.
Step 3: Once you are financially secure, plan UPSC preparation seriously.
Key Tips:
Discipline and time management are your greatest allies.
Explore government sports scholarships or schemes to support your training.
Plan your life in phases; each goal doesn’t have to happen all at once. Right now, secure your financial foundation and nurture your athletic talent. Later, focus on UPSC.
Remember, you don’t have to choose one dream. you can achieve all of them with careful planning, patience, and dedication. Your ambition is inspiring, and your dreams are absolutely worth pursuing.
I understand your question. It’s obviously hard to know which way to go, especially when you are facing financial challenges while trying to pursue your dreams. But I’ve got you covered. you don’t have to give up on any of your ambitions.
From what you shared, you have three big dreams: becoming an IAS officer, securing a bank or government job, and excelling in athletics, even representing India at the Olympics. At first glance, it may seem impossible to balance all three, but with the right planning and mindset, it is achievable.
Here’s how you can approach it:
1. Bank or Government Job as a Foundation
Choosing a bank or government job first is a smart decision. It will provide financial stability, which will allow you to fund UPSC coaching and resources later. Many government jobs also support athletes, offering flexibility, time off for training, and opportunities through sports quotas. By securing a stable income, you create the foundation to pursue your bigger dreams without worrying about finances.
2. UPSC / IAS Dream
Your dream to become an IAS officer is absolutely valid. Preparing for UPSC requires time, focus, and resources, but you don’t have to do it immediately. Once you’re financially stable through your bank job, you can invest in coaching and dedicate yourself fully to UPSC preparation. Many successful IAS officers started their preparation a few years into their professional career, so it’s never too late.
3. Athletics and Olympic Aspirations
Age 22 is still young for a 400m sprinter. You already have talent and past achievements, so with consistent training, a proper coach, and structured workouts, you can aim for national-level competitions and eventually Olympic participation. Balancing a government job with sports is realistic, especially if you take advantage of sports quotas and support programs.
How to Balance All Three
Step 1: Focus on clearing the bank exam for financial security.
Step 2: Begin structured athletics training alongside your preparation. Start with local or state-level coaching, competitions, and gradually move up.
Step 3: Once you are financially secure, plan UPSC preparation seriously.
Key Tips:
Discipline and time management are your greatest allies.
Explore government sports scholarships or schemes to support your training.
Plan your life in phases; each goal doesn’t have to happen all at once. Right now, secure your financial foundation and nurture your athletic talent. Later, focus on UPSC.
Remember, you don’t have to choose one dream. you can achieve all of them with careful planning, patience, and dedication. Your ambition is inspiring, and your dreams are absolutely worth pursuing.
Kirthi KN
Computers
35
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Kirthi’s Answer
Hi Prasenjit. It's completely normal to feel confused at 22. You have a good education, big dreams, and practical financial problems. Let's break down your situation with some honest advice.
You are trying to balance three different, very difficult goals:
The Financial Goal: Get a bank job for money.
The Career Goal: Become an IAS officer.
The Passion Goal: Compete in the Olympics for running.
The hard truth is that you are trying to climb three different mountains at the same time. You cannot. You have to choose which mountain to climb first and which to leave behind.
The "Government Job and Sports" Misconception
First, I need to be very clear about a mistake in your research.
A government job (like in a bank) will not help you become an Olympian.
The "sports quota" you hear about (in departments like Railways, Police, or the Army) works the opposite way:
They hire athletes who are already winning medals at the national or international level.
They give these top athletes a job so they have a stable salary while they continue to train and represent that department (e.g., "Services" or "Railways" team).
They do not hire a regular bank officer and then turn them into an Olympic athlete. A demanding 9-to-5 bank job will leave you with zero time or energy for the 6-8 hours of world-class training, diet, and recovery needed every day.
The Reality of Your Two Big Dreams
You must understand that both IAS and the Olympics are 100% full-time professions. They are not hobbies.
1. The Olympic Dream (The Hard Truth)
Your time of 59 seconds for 400m was good for school.
The current Olympic qualifying time for men is under 45 seconds.
The gap between 59s and 45s is not a small gap—it's the difference between a school athlete and the fastest human beings on the planet.
To even attempt to close this gap, you would need to stop everything else in your life (exams, job) and train 8 hours a day, full-time, with world-class coaches and sports scientists, which costs a lot of money.
Conclusion: Realistically, at 22, this dream is not achievable alongside your other goals. You can and should keep running as a hobby for fitness and mental health, but the Olympic path is likely closed.
2. The IAS Dream (The Possible Path)
This is also incredibly difficult. People study 10-12 hours a day for years to clear the UPSC exam.
Your plan to get a bank job for financial support is smart. This is a very common and practical path.
However, preparing for UPSC while working a full-time bank job is one of the hardest things a person can do. It means your life for the next 5-7 years will be: Work (9 AM - 6 PM) -> Study (7 PM - 12 AM) -> Sleep -> Repeat.
Conclusion: This path is possible, but it requires superhuman dedication and sacrificing all your social and free time for many years.
What I Recommend You Do Now
You need a practical, step-by-step plan. Focus is your most important weapon.
1. Use Your Best Asset: Your CSE Degree You have a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering. This is your biggest advantage!
Why are you only looking at general bank exams (like PO or Clerk)?
You are eligible for specialized government jobs that pay more and may have better 9-to-5 working hours.
Look for exams like IBPS Specialist Officer (SO), which has a specific "IT Officer" post.
Also, look for tech jobs in other PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) and government bodies. An "IT Officer" job will be less chaotic than a bank branch job and give you more mental energy to study in the evenings.
2. Focus 100% on Step 1: Get the Job
Forget sports. Forget IAS. For the next 6-12 months, your only goal is to get the stable government job.
Prepare for your Bank/IT Officer exams. This is your foundation. Without this financial stability, your IAS dream is impossible.
3. Once You Have the Job, Choose Your One Big Goal
After you get your job and your first few paychecks, you will be in a stable position.
Now, you must dedicate your life outside of work to one thing. This will be the IAS exam.
Use your salary to buy the UPSC coaching courses you need.
Accept that this is your life now. Work and study. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Your confusion is coming from trying to keep all three dreams alive. You must let the Olympic dream go. Use your CSE degree to get a good job, and then begin the long, hard journey for the IAS.
You are trying to balance three different, very difficult goals:
The Financial Goal: Get a bank job for money.
The Career Goal: Become an IAS officer.
The Passion Goal: Compete in the Olympics for running.
The hard truth is that you are trying to climb three different mountains at the same time. You cannot. You have to choose which mountain to climb first and which to leave behind.
The "Government Job and Sports" Misconception
First, I need to be very clear about a mistake in your research.
A government job (like in a bank) will not help you become an Olympian.
The "sports quota" you hear about (in departments like Railways, Police, or the Army) works the opposite way:
They hire athletes who are already winning medals at the national or international level.
They give these top athletes a job so they have a stable salary while they continue to train and represent that department (e.g., "Services" or "Railways" team).
They do not hire a regular bank officer and then turn them into an Olympic athlete. A demanding 9-to-5 bank job will leave you with zero time or energy for the 6-8 hours of world-class training, diet, and recovery needed every day.
The Reality of Your Two Big Dreams
You must understand that both IAS and the Olympics are 100% full-time professions. They are not hobbies.
1. The Olympic Dream (The Hard Truth)
Your time of 59 seconds for 400m was good for school.
The current Olympic qualifying time for men is under 45 seconds.
The gap between 59s and 45s is not a small gap—it's the difference between a school athlete and the fastest human beings on the planet.
To even attempt to close this gap, you would need to stop everything else in your life (exams, job) and train 8 hours a day, full-time, with world-class coaches and sports scientists, which costs a lot of money.
Conclusion: Realistically, at 22, this dream is not achievable alongside your other goals. You can and should keep running as a hobby for fitness and mental health, but the Olympic path is likely closed.
2. The IAS Dream (The Possible Path)
This is also incredibly difficult. People study 10-12 hours a day for years to clear the UPSC exam.
Your plan to get a bank job for financial support is smart. This is a very common and practical path.
However, preparing for UPSC while working a full-time bank job is one of the hardest things a person can do. It means your life for the next 5-7 years will be: Work (9 AM - 6 PM) -> Study (7 PM - 12 AM) -> Sleep -> Repeat.
Conclusion: This path is possible, but it requires superhuman dedication and sacrificing all your social and free time for many years.
What I Recommend You Do Now
You need a practical, step-by-step plan. Focus is your most important weapon.
1. Use Your Best Asset: Your CSE Degree You have a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering. This is your biggest advantage!
Why are you only looking at general bank exams (like PO or Clerk)?
You are eligible for specialized government jobs that pay more and may have better 9-to-5 working hours.
Look for exams like IBPS Specialist Officer (SO), which has a specific "IT Officer" post.
Also, look for tech jobs in other PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) and government bodies. An "IT Officer" job will be less chaotic than a bank branch job and give you more mental energy to study in the evenings.
2. Focus 100% on Step 1: Get the Job
Forget sports. Forget IAS. For the next 6-12 months, your only goal is to get the stable government job.
Prepare for your Bank/IT Officer exams. This is your foundation. Without this financial stability, your IAS dream is impossible.
3. Once You Have the Job, Choose Your One Big Goal
After you get your job and your first few paychecks, you will be in a stable position.
Now, you must dedicate your life outside of work to one thing. This will be the IAS exam.
Use your salary to buy the UPSC coaching courses you need.
Accept that this is your life now. Work and study. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Your confusion is coming from trying to keep all three dreams alive. You must let the Olympic dream go. Use your CSE degree to get a good job, and then begin the long, hard journey for the IAS.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Prasenjit
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Prasenjit,
Completing your course in computer science & engineering is great progress already. Joining public service is one of the many opportunities available to you. It could be a good idea to try other opportunities in the private sector as well. The financial strain you are experiencing is a temporary challenge. At this point in your career, opportunities for practical experience is most important as this gives you the chance to apply what you have learned, pick up critical skills such as ability to indentify and solve problems, work effectively in teams, management and leadership skills and competence in your field of study. Internships and mentorships are excellent avenues for kick-starting your career. Obviously, your income will improve as you gain more practical experience. A good work ethic is to be excellent in whatever you do and focusing on continuously improving your productivity - this often opens chances for sponsorships and scholarships. Above all, look at your career as an opportunity to contribute, in a noble way, to making our world a better place to live in. Looking at challenges your immediate community faces and finding engineering solutions to some of them could be an excellent starting point - apps addressing social problems in society, cheaper and easier to use technologies for rural populations etc.
Completing your course in computer science & engineering is great progress already. Joining public service is one of the many opportunities available to you. It could be a good idea to try other opportunities in the private sector as well. The financial strain you are experiencing is a temporary challenge. At this point in your career, opportunities for practical experience is most important as this gives you the chance to apply what you have learned, pick up critical skills such as ability to indentify and solve problems, work effectively in teams, management and leadership skills and competence in your field of study. Internships and mentorships are excellent avenues for kick-starting your career. Obviously, your income will improve as you gain more practical experience. A good work ethic is to be excellent in whatever you do and focusing on continuously improving your productivity - this often opens chances for sponsorships and scholarships. Above all, look at your career as an opportunity to contribute, in a noble way, to making our world a better place to live in. Looking at challenges your immediate community faces and finding engineering solutions to some of them could be an excellent starting point - apps addressing social problems in society, cheaper and easier to use technologies for rural populations etc.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Prasenjit