Do you sometimes feel lost or wonder if your hard work will ever pay off? We have a very special story from someone just like us, Mr. Bharat Guglani. He cleared the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam with a great rank of 121! His journey is full of lessons, and it will surely show you that with the right spirit, you can achieve anything. Let’s learn from his path, like a big brother sharing wise words.
Background and Early Motivation: Purpose Beyond Money
Bharat is from Faridabad. He studied Commerce with Math in Class 12 and then did his BA from Delhi University.
Many people prepare for government jobs because they need financial stability or want to make their parents proud. But Bharat’s story is a little different.
His father and brother are successful businessmen, so he didn’t have that kind of urgency. Yet, he wanted to make his own identity and serve the people.
Bharat chose this tough path not for money, but for a bigger purpose. This kind of inner fire is what really pushes you forward. It’s about wanting to make a difference.
I wanted to make my own identity and serve people.
Things were not always smooth for him, though, as you’ll see.
Early Struggles in UPSC Prep: Facing Setbacks and Hurdles
Like many of us, Bharat started preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam in 2020. He wrote the Mains exam twice, in 2022 and 2024, but faced bad luck there.
He faced other small troubles too; once, COVID-19 happened, then another time, a protest stopped him from giving a bank exam Mains.
After his UPSC Prelims result in 2023 was not what he hoped for, he felt very low. It’s okay to feel sad or disappointed. We all go through it. But even when things felt broken, Bharat found a new path.
This is where his mindset really helped him turn things around.
Mindset Shift for EPFO Success: Finding Opportunity in UPSC EPFO
When the UPSC EPFO exam notification came, Bharat saw an opportunity. He realized that a big part of the UPSC EPFO syllabus was similar to the UPSC CSE.
Sir, first factor was that its syllabus matched a lot with the civil services exam.
This was smart thinking! Many of us think, “Either UPSC or nothing.” But Bharat thought, “Why not use my existing knowledge for another good exam?”
Even though he had only 3 weeks to prepare after his UPSC prelims result, he decided to go for it. Imagine, just 3 weeks! That needs real courage and a strong mindset.
So, how did he turn just 3 weeks into a winning strategy?
UPSC EPFO Preparation in 3 Weeks Study Methods
Bharat’s preparation for EPFO was very focused. He didn’t try to read many new books. Instead, he did this:
- Used Overlapping Syllabus: He knew subjects like History, Polity, Economics were already strong from UPSC.
- Focused on PYQs: For new subjects like Labour Laws and Social Security, he deeply studied Past Year Questions (PYQs).
He found out which laws UPSC asked about most (like Maternity Benefits, Trade Union Act) and focused on those basic themes.
I tried to revise the PYQs as much as possible.
- One Basic Book: For other basic concepts, he used just one simple book.
- Took Calculated Risks: In the exam, out of 120 questions, he attempted 112! He knew the paper was tough, and sometimes you need to take a smart guess, especially if you have a strong base.
This shows us that smart work, not just hard work, is key. He did not let the short time overwhelm him. If you also feel stuck on covering everything, maybe you can try what Bharat did: focus on what’s most important and already known.
With the written exam done, a new challenge waited: the interview.
UPSC EPFO Interview Preparation: DAF, Mock Practice, and Confidence
Bharat was confident after his written exam, but the interview is a different ball game, isn’t it? The Detailed Application Form (DAF) is super important. Bharat filled his DAF carefully, mentioning hobbies like Sudoku (which he picked up during UPSC prep) and his NGO internship. He felt confident talking about these things.
For interview preparation, he found EduTap’s Interview Advance Program on YouTube. He watched lectures, read success stories, and made detailed notes. This gave him a clear idea of what to expect.
I followed them and watched those things very carefully.
On interview day, he was a little nervous, but talking to other aspirants helped calm him down. The interview was mostly about his DAF and EPFO-related questions.
For example, they asked him about Bank Reconciliation Statement from his commerce background and about EPFO’s minimum wage.
He answered confidently, even mentioning government plans to increase the minimum wage because he read it in the newspaper.
This shows how important it is to be updated and honest in your DAF.
All this hard work wouldn’t have been possible without strong pillars of support.
Support System for EPFO Success: Family, Friends, and EduTap Guidance
No one clears these exams alone. Bharat’s family and friends played a huge role. His father always told him, “Don’t worry, just study.” They never demotivated him, even when UPSC success seemed far away. His brother also supported him. His friends would bring him food to the library and celebrate his small joys.
We all need such people in our lives, don’t we? People who stand by us through thick and thin.
EduTap also helped him greatly with interview guidance, which gave him the confidence to face the panel.
Because of Deepak sir and the EduTap team, I could clear the interview and get the EPFO job.
Looking back at his journey, Bharat has some simple but powerful tips for all of us.
Motivation from Bharat: Staying Positive and Focused
Bharat faced many low points, especially after his UPSC prelims result. But he found a way to keep going. When his UPSC EPFO result came on January 2nd, 2025, it was an emotional moment.
He told his sister-in-law first, and then his father called everyone with joy.
“I was very happy, quite relaxed.”
That feeling of relief after years of hard work is something we all dream of, right?
He also shared about social media. He advises staying away from it during peak study times, especially from negative news. But if you use it, follow channels that make you feel positive and smart.
I would suggest that if you are following social media, then follow such intellectual and wisdom-related things that will make you optimistic in the long run.
Action Plan for Your Preparation: Key Steps to Follow
- Listen to your heart and find your own reason to study — something that motivates you beyond what others expect.
- Small setbacks are not the end. It’s okay to feel sad or frustrated, but don’t stop.
- Life can throw unexpected hurdles, so stay ready and don’t lose hope.
- Use what you already know from other exams to save time and focus your preparation.
- Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are gold — they show what’s really important, especially for new subjects.
- Stick to a few good books and don’t chase too many sources; this helps you stay focused.
- Be consistent and disciplined: study every day, even if it’s just for a short time, and follow your study plan.
- When attempting questions, take calculated risks. A smart guess can help if you know the basics.
- Fill your DAF carefully, mentioning things you can confidently discuss.
- Research the organization and its current affairs well to be fully prepared.
- Seek guidance from programs like EduTap’s to get proper direction.
- Lean on your family and friends; they are your support system and strength.
- Keep your focus on the syllabus and revise smartly.
- Practice PYQs often to strengthen your preparation and improve accuracy.
- With steady effort, consistency, and smart planning, you can reach your goal.
Bharat Guglani’s journey reminds us that success isn’t just for those who have no other option; it’s for those who have a purpose, discipline, and a loving support system. Your path might not be easy, but with courage and smart choices, you too can achieve your dreams. Keep going, we are all with you!
