Can you really prepare for this exam in just two months? It’s a fair question, and one that deserves a brutally honest answer. If you’re starting from scratch, the reality is: two months are not enough to fully prepare for an exam of this level. Take a quick look at any UPSC EPFO previous year paper, and you’ll understand what I am trying to say.It’s not just about general awareness, the questions go deeper, especially in areas like Indian Polity, Labour Laws, and Current Affairs. You can’t just skim through notes and expect to crack the exam. This exam needs real understanding, not last-minute cramming or surface-level reading.
That said, not every student is starting from zero. Some of you might already be preparing for other competitive exams like SSC, Banking, UPSC CSE, or might have a decent grasp on a few core subjects. If that’s your case, these last two months can still be used effectively. You just need to focus on revising smartly, finding the topics that can get you the most marks, and skipping the ones that aren’t that important. And chances are that you might feel like you haven’t done enough, but honestly, that’s okay. This article isn’t here to sugarcoat things, rather it’s just to help you make the most of whatever time you have left.
No doubt, the UPSC EPFO exam is tough. But the good thing is that it’s not totally unpredictable. The paper follows certain patterns, and if you go through the previous years’ papers, you’ll see that. It doesn’t ask for fancy answers, just clear ones. And even if you haven’t covered everything, staying consistent can still take you a long way. So, if you’ve decided to go for it, here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide to help you plan the next 60 days with clarity, discipline, and most importantly, realistic expectations.
1. Start With Acceptance, Not Panic
The first step is to stop telling yourself you’ll “cover the whole syllabus.” You won’t. And you don’t need to. The key now is prioritising and deciding what to study, what to skip, and what to revise deeply. In my opinion, your focus should not be on covering everything, but on covering what matters the most.
2. Use EPFO PYQs as a Roadmap
Let me guide you here a little. Please don’t just solve the papers, everyone does that. What you need to do to take your preparation a notch higher is use them like a blueprint. I’d suggest you focus on the topics that are often repeated. Notice which sections have more questions and which ones you can solve quickly. Don’t just download the previous year papers and forget about them, rather use them to plan your preparation the right way.
3. Stick to High-Scoring Subjects for UPSC EPFO
The EPFO paper usually picks questions from a few key subjects again and again. So instead of trying to study everything, put your energy into the areas that give you the best chance to score well.
Here’s where you should focus:
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning
- Indian Culture, Heritage and Freedom Movement
- Indian Polity
- General Science
- Knowledge of Computer Applications
- Industrial Relations and Labour Laws
- General Accounting Principles
These subjects show up regularly in the exam. If your time is limited, these are your safest and smartest bets. Don’t waste energy trying to study everything under the sun. Focus here and revise well.
4. Keep Your Sources Limited for EPFO Exam
You don’t need 10 sources. You need one clear source per subject and multiple revisions. Choose a standard book or class notes, and stick to it. The biggest mistake students make in the last two months is switching between materials.
Sticking to one reliable source not only saves time but also strengthens retention. Instead of searching for more material, spend that energy making your notes crisp and your concepts clearer.
5. Test Yourself Frequently for UPSC EPFO Exam
In my opinion, by the 3rd week, you must start attempting full-length mocks. But don’t obsess over your score, rather focus on improving your accuracy and speed. Note down your weak areas and revise them again.
Make each mock test count. Review it like a chapter. You need to analyse and ask yourself a few questions: Why did I make this mistake? Was it a silly mistake or a gap in understanding? That self-analysis is worth more than any book you read passively.
6. Use This Attempt Wisely – Even If You’re Not Fully Ready
Trust me when I say this – You will never feel completely prepared, still don’t skip the exam. Attempt it as a live rehearsal. It trains your mind, helps with time management, and removes fear. Many toppers clear exams not in their first attempt, but because their first attempt taught them how to prepare.
Final Words of Advice: Do What You Can, With What You Have
You might not be able to prepare the ideal way in 2 months, but you can still give it your best shot. Even a partial, focused preparation can take you further than you think. Don’t chase perfection, chase consistency. And remember, these efforts are not a waste of your time, they are only adding to your experience and making you stronger. If this isn’t your final shot, let it be your strongest start for what’s next.