Top Online Courses You Can Pursue While Preparing for UPSC

Every year, lakhs of students leave their hometowns and sacrifice their social life to achieve that one goal of clearing UPSC exam. Even after those sleepless nights and years of hard work, many aspirants get stuck at the final interview round. But, it is not the end, you might be low on energy and motivation, but remember one thing – if plan A doesn’t work, you have plan B. Yes, it is very important to have a backup plan or at least an idea of what you can do if not UPSC. Having a plan B does not mean you lack focus. It highlights your strategic thinking and capability to deal positively with failures.

That is why many UPSC aspirants go for online/distance courses while preparing for the exam. Online courses are flexible and economical, ideal for people with other commitments.

Are you wondering how you can take time from your rigorous preparation and pursue a different course? Preparing for plan B does not mean you have to choose an entirely new field. You should select an online course related to the subjects you have to study for UPSC exam, such as public administration, IT, social work, or any subject aligned with your optional subject. This may give you a common ground to shoot two birds with the same bullet.

So, if you are a UPSC aspirant and want to prepare your plan B, this blog is for you. Here, we have discussed the top online courses you can pursue while preparing for UPSC.

Top Online Courses A UPSC Aspirant Can Pursue While Preparing for the Exam

Here are top 8 online courses that you can pursue as a UPSC aspirant. You can consider them as your back up plan.

1. Master of Business Administration

MBA is a two-year postgraduate degree programme delivered in online, distance, and offline modes. For UPSC aspirants, an online/distance MBA is a good option to pursue while continuing with their preparation. Online MBA is affordable, and you don’t have to quit any other commitments. In this course, there are online classes, recorded lectures, and self-study material which you can refer to at your convenience. Even though you are not able to clear UPSC after six attempts, you can always take courses like an MBA for a fulfilling career.

2. Master of Public Administration

Since you are preparing for UPSC, public administration is a huge component of the exam. Pursuing this course online/distance will have two-way benefits. It may help you with your preparations and get you a master’s degree. So, in case you cannot clear UPSC, you may have an option to follow other career paths smoothly.

3. Content Marketing

UPSC preparation needs years of preparation. In such a long duration, the market is bound to change with new technologies and advancements. Staying abreast with the trends will make it easy to transition into a new field. Content marketing is one of the popular career paths of the current times. Many platforms like Coursera, Great Learning, SWAYAM, etc, offer this certificate course at an affordable price. The course is not that demanding to affect your preparation, and it will also help you in answer writing in the exam.

4. Business Analytics

Today, analytics does not need any introduction. Being a UPSC aspirant, you might already know how analytics, AI, and machine learning are taking over the business world. Therefore, adding business analytics skills to your profile can make you job-ready.

5. Cybersecurity

Along with your preparations, you can pursue a cybersecurity certificate course from Google, Coursera or any online platform. In this digital wave, cybersecurity professionals are in huge demand. It is one of the job-oriented courses which is a great backup plan, especially if you are from a technical background.

Also Check: Free Cybersecurity Courses with Certifications

6. Master of Arts (MA)

MA is the most common online/distance degree pursued by UPSC aspirants. It is a three-year postgraduate course which can be pursued in different streams. Being a UPSC candidate, Master’s of Arts can be best for choosing majors such as psychology, sociology, social work, public policy or related to the optional subject they have chosen for the exam. It is a smart way to relate the MA course to your UPSC preparation.

7. Master of Science (MSc.)

Similar to MA, if you are from a science background and have chosen a science-related optional subject in UPSC, then pursuing an online MSc is an ideal choice.

8. Accountancy or M.Com

You can either go for a short-term course in accounts or pursue a two-year online M.Com degree. Accountants are required everywhere, and enhancing your skills in this area can make you job-ready. On the other hand, you can choose a commerce-related optional subject in the UPSC exam, and then M.Com or its related course can give you two-way benefits.

Diploma Courses for UPSC Aspirants

There are various diploma courses alongside online courses that you can pursue as a backup plan for UPSC aspirants. Let’s explore them.

✅ Diploma in Public Administration

This diploma course helps you build knowledge in governance, public policies, and administration. All of these topics are closely related to the UPSC syllabus. In case if you are not able to clear the exam, you can work in NGOs, think tanks, or as a policy advisor.

✅ Diploma in Disaster Management

It’s a relevant topic covered in the UPSC syllabus, especially in Geography and General Studies (Mains Paper 2). This may be useful if you want to work with disaster relief agencies, international NGOs, or government bodies.

✅ Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

If you enjoy writing or speaking, this diploma can lead to careers in media, content writing, or public relations. Your UPSC knowledge can help you create meaningful content on current affairs or social issues. This is one of the best backups for UPSC aspirants.

✅ Diploma in Data Analytics

Nowadays, because of digitisation, there is a growing demand for data skills. A data analytics diploma can help you get jobs in IT, finance, marketing, or research. Analytical thinking developed during UPSC prep will be a bonus in this field.

Bottom Line

Many renowned dignitaries could not clear the exams even after multiple attempts, yet are doing great in their lives. Veteran Indian politician Kapil Sibal, ex-CEA Arvind Subramanium and distinguished journalist Ravish Kumar are among those who could not crack UPSC but mustered up the courage to stand again and rise. Preparing for one of the toughest exams in the world trains you for the toughest challenges, and you are already knowledgeable enough to find a suitable job. The only thing you need is the right direction, the right course, and truckloads of motivation.