Should You Prepare for OPSC OAS Secretly or Tell Your Relatives?
Strategy Description
“Should I tell people I’m preparing for OAS… or just stay quiet and surprise everyone later?”
If this question is bothering you, you're not alone. Almost every civil services aspirant, at some point, faces this dilemma. The OPSC OAS journey is long, uncertain, and filled with ups and downs — and the question of whether to keep your preparation public or private can make a big difference in your mental peace and performance.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- The pros and cons of telling others about your OAS preparation
- Psychological effects of each choice
- A balanced strategy that keeps your mind calm and goal sharp
Why This Question Even Matters?
Preparing for a competitive exam like OPSC OAS is not just about books — it's an emotional, social, and personal journey. When you share your plans with others, expectations increase. When you keep it secret, pressure may reduce, but you may also feel isolated.
That’s why choosing how to handle this is a key part of your preparation strategy.
Option 1: Telling Your Relatives & Friends About Your OAS Preparation
Benefits
Support System
- Some family members or close friends may genuinely motivate you
- They may help with quiet time, fewer distractions, or even moral support
Sense of Accountability
- Knowing others are watching may push you to stay disciplined
- You may feel more serious, responsible, and less likely to give up
Networking Opportunities
- You might come across someone who has cleared or is preparing for OAS
- Exchanging notes, strategy, or study material becomes easier
Challenges
Unwanted Pressure
- “When is your exam?” “How many hours do you study?”
- The constant questioning, even from well-meaning relatives, can feel like judgment
Fear of Failure
- If you don’t clear in one attempt, facing people becomes emotionally exhausting
- Fear of losing face becomes a mental burden
Unhelpful Advice & Comparisons
- Everyone becomes an “expert” — giving free advice you didn’t ask for
- Some may even compare you with others (“Look, Sharma Ji’s son cracked it in 1st attempt!”)
Option 2: Preparing Secretly — Quietly, Calmly, Consistently
Benefits
Zero Pressure, Maximum Focus
- When no one knows, you can focus entirely on your process, not their opinions
- You study for yourself, not for social approval
Freedom to Fail, Learn & Bounce Back
- If something doesn’t work, you can change your strategy without feeling judged
- You control your pace and don’t feel embarrassed by setbacks
Surprise Success
- There’s something magical about showing results before announcements
- You avoid drama and make your achievement speak for itself
Challenges
Lack of Encouragement
- During tough days, you might feel lonely or demotivated
- There’s no one to share the emotional weight or cheer you up
Misunderstood Lifestyle
- Family or neighbors might think you’re wasting time or “not doing anything”
- You may be criticized for staying home, studying late, or skipping social events
So, What’s the Right Approach?
The answer depends on your personality, environment, and mindset.
Choose to Share IF:
- You have emotionally mature and supportive relatives
- You feel motivated by external pressure
- You’re okay handling questions, comparisons, and opinions
Choose to Stay Silent IF:
- You’re easily affected by others’ words
- You want inner peace and flexibility in your preparation
- You believe in showing results, not announcements
Study OAS Tip: Choose ‘Selective Silence’
- Tell only those who truly support you — emotionally, not just verbally
- Avoid discussing marks, attempts, or strategy with every relative
- Use your energy to build momentum, not manage expectations
- Let your results make the noise, not your announcements
Prepare Like Fire, Stay Cool Like Ice
“When the fire burns inside, you don’t need to show the smoke outside.”
Whether you prepare secretly or openly, remember:
- The real competition is with your past self, not your neighbor’s son
- What matters is consistency, discipline, and clarity
- OPSC doesn’t check your social status — it checks your mind, ethics, and knowledge
So, protect your peace, stay humble, and let your success do the talking.
FAQs
Q. Should I hide my OPSC preparation completely?
Not necessarily. Tell only those who genuinely support you. Avoid overexposure.
Q. Will people judge me if I fail?
Maybe. But that’s their problem — not yours. Failures are part of success stories.
Q. Is it okay to not post about my prep on social media?
Of course! Your silence now will echo loudly when you become an SDM or ADM.
Stay Focused with Study OAS
- Daily current affairs updates
- Micro-syllabus-based test series
- Telegram group for peer motivation — no pressure, only progress
Study in silence. Grow with us. Shine when it matters.

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