First of all I would want to thank my parents for making me what I am. Though not so educated themselves, they made my way to higher education, and constantly motivated me to pursue my dreams. Then I would like to thank one of my friend who stood by my side every moment, being a constant mentor, pointing out my flaws, making endless efforts to keep me away from the depressions and uncertainty, imbibing confidence at the times of extreme low. I didn’t joined any coaching, so I always had this fear of being isolated from the rest of aspirants.
Though I have done a specialization in technical field, I never really got the feeling of adopting it as a means to achieve my dream of making this society equitable (this is not to demoralize any technical person) because of the narrow workspace. Meanwhile I explored that line as well, I worked as a software developer in US for a while and then I worked as a guest faculty at MNIT Jaipur for the last 6 months. But this motivation to become civil servant became more and more stronger. I want to be in the system and contributing in being in it.
Personally I think anyone can opt for civil services, who have knack for administration and have the spirit of service. At the academic front, this examination require lots of patience(year long process, miniscule probability, changing patterns, unpredictability). Then one should be atleast be little bit comfortable with everything under the sun. The nature of work and study require intense amount of generalist knowledge. Habit of curiosity helps.
Though I gave my first attempt in 2012 only. I started preparing only after my post graduation completed.
It has been very crucial. Last year I missed final selection because of it only (I got 134 marks in geography in both the papers). Lets see what happens this year.
I didn’t really made much efforts for prelim and relied on CSAT paper only. But NCERTS and standard books help. For mains, writing practice is must. And interview is more about knowing oneself, though lot depends on the board one gets.
Yes, IAS preparation can never be perfect. I was weak in revision(lots of notes, and was very keen to read new things from different sources), writing practice(didn’t join any test series formally, so no feedback). Apart from that time management in examination is crucial. I missed one case study of 25 marks in ethics.
It depends on the person. One should decide this for oneself. But it is desirable to be regular.
Newspaper should be given due importance, because seeing last 2 years papers, most of the questions were from the current issues.
To be honest, I came across this channel only after mains. And I used to watch only Editorial decode. It’s a nice place to revise the newspapers. Because many students find problem in finding out the crux of the editorial due to its length.
My first aspiration is to make a inclusive society. I will do everything to do so.
Confidence, calmness and honesty
Everyone is student for the whole life in some way. But for UPSC aspirants specifically, I would say choose your motivation to join civil services wisely, other things will get sort out by itself, your conscience will show you the path.
Worked as a software developer in US
Hobby- blogging, meditation
Optional – geography
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