Should You Keep a Plan B While Preparing for OPSC OAS?

Strategy Description

"Dream big, but don’t forget to build a bridge to fall back on — just in case."

Preparing for the OPSC Odisha Civil Services (OAS) exam is not just an academic pursuit — it’s a journey of dreams, emotions, sacrifice, and often, uncertainty. But with lakhs of aspirants and limited vacancies, one honest question must be addressed:

Should you have a Plan B while preparing for OPSC OAS?

The answer is a firm YES but after giving 1 or 2 serious attempt— and here’s why it’s not a betrayal of your dream, but a smart decision rooted in self-awareness and mental peace.

Why a Plan B Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Serious

Most toppers you admire today once doubted themselves too. Having a backup plan doesn’t mean you’re not giving 100% to your OAS dream — it simply means you understand life’s uncertainties.

It protects you from emotional breakdown in case of delays or setbacks.
It reduces pressure and fear of failure.
It gives you mental strength to fight harder, knowing you're not cornered.

“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst — this is not negativity, this is strategy.”

The Harsh Reality: OPSC OAS is Highly Competitive

Every year, around 90 thousands aspirants apply, and less than 0.5% reach the final list.
Even brilliant aspirants may take 2–4 attempts to clear it.
Sometimes, the exam gets delayed, postponed, or affected by policy changes.

Do you want to sit idle if things don’t go as planned? Definitely not.

That’s where Plan B becomes your safety net.

What Should Be Your Plan B While Preparing for OPSC OAS?

Let’s explore realistic, practical, and growth-oriented Plan B options that will support you without distracting you:

Start a Flexible Freelance or Remote Job

Content writing, online tutoring, digital marketing, coding, etc.
It gives you financial independence and lets you study part-time.
You can continue this job post-selection or fall back if things go south.

Prepare for Other State or Central Government Exams

Use your existing OAS preparation to target:

SSC CGL, Bank PO, Railways, CAPF, CDS
OSSC, Odisha High Court exams, etc.
State PSU recruitments, Teaching eligibility tests, etc.

Pursue Higher Education or Skill-Based Certification

Master’s or PG Diploma in Public Policy, Rural Development, Law, Social Work
Online certification in Data Analysis, Economics, GIS, or Project Management
Join IGNOU or open universities if attending regular classes is not feasible.

Personal Development as Backup Investment

Even if nothing works temporarily, use this time to:

Improve communication skills, writing, confidence
Learn public speaking, networking, reading habits
Develop traits that will help in any career — private or public

Remember, you’re not wasting time. You’re building yourself.

How to Balance OAS Prep with Plan B?

Here’s how to stay focused on OPSC while still preparing for backup:

Task	Time Allotted (Daily)
OPSC OAS Preparation	6–8 hours
Plan B (Skill/Job Prep)	1–2 hours
Health + Mindset Growth	1 hour

Keep 90% focus on OAS, but let the 10% give you peace of mind.

Plan B = Power Boost, Not a Distraction

“You don’t carry an umbrella because you want it to rain. You carry it because you’re wise.”

Having a backup makes you mentally stronger, not weaker. You study better when the fear of failure doesn’t haunt you.

Dream Bold, Prepare Smart

You should chase OAS with all your heart — but with a calm mind.
Build your Plan B not out of fear, but out of foresight.
Let your dream fly knowing there's a runway behind you.

You are not weak for planning a backup. You're wise for thinking long-term.

Ready to Prepare Smart for OPSC OAS?

Download the Study OAS App
Join our active Telegram community
Visit www.studyoas.in for test series, notes, guidance & motivation

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