Ahead of the Curve: Navigating UPSC Preparation During Graduation by Ayush Mani AIR-723 UPSC CSE 2023

Ayush, who secured a rank of 723 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, shares his detailed strategy for preparing for Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. Here’s a summary of his approach:

Background and Preparation Timeline

• Education: Graduated and post-graduated from IIT Bhubaneswar.
• Preparation Start: Began in the third year of college, balancing it with academic commitments.
• Initial Year: Focused on getting acclimatized to the humanities subjects.
• Fourth Year: Started with optional subject (Geography) and completed a basic understanding in six months.
• Systematic Approach: Divided GS papers and planned to complete the syllabus by 2022.

General Studies Paper 1 (GS1)

1. History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern):

• Resources: NCERTs, Spectrum, Tamil Nadu textbooks, RS Sharma, Satish Chandra.
• Focus: Understanding timelines, transitions, and cultural developments.
• Art and Culture: Encompasses all historical periods. Important for both prelims and mains.

2. Geography:

• Focus Areas: Physical features, geomorphological processes, earthquakes, and tectonic movements.
• Resources: NCERTs, optional books like Savinder Singh or Majid Hussain for in-depth topics.
• Map Making: Essential for visual representation in answers, used in various papers including GS3 for internal security challenges.

3. Sociology Aspects in GS1:

• Contemporary Issues: Women, caste, urbanization.
• Preparation: Use keywords from the syllabus and keep updated with current events.

General Studies Paper 2 (GS2)

1. Polity:

• Primary Resource: Lakshmikant.
• Strategy: Revise multiple times (20-25 revisions), integrate current affairs, understand constitutional bodies, and governance issues.

2. Governance:

• Approach: Use any reliable material due to the lack of specific sources.

3. International Relations:

• Focus: Stay updated with current international developments, study new organizations and agreements (e.g., I2U2).

General Studies Paper 3 (GS3)

1. Economics:

• Focus: Monetary policy, banking systems.
• Strategy: Continuously revise important topics; consider using materials available rather than sticking to standard books.

2. Other Topics:

• Internal Security, Disaster Management: Focused on post-prelims preparation.

 General Studies Paper 4 (GS4) - Ethics

1. Ethics Theories and Keywords:

• Preparation: List of 80-90 important keywords, understanding theories and philosophies of great thinkers.
• Application: Use examples from civil servants’ work, Ramayana, Mahabharata.

2. Case Studies:

• Practice: Develop scenarios and write extensively to prepare for case study questions.

Essay

• Approach: Break down essay topics into multiple parts (economic, political, social aspects).
• Preparation: Learn relevant quotes, practice writing to achieve a flow and structure.

Prelims Strategy

1. Attempting Questions:

• Strategy: Aim to attempt around 90 questions with an accuracy of 66.6%.
• Focus Areas: Polity and economics for high cost-benefit analysis.

2. Study Material:

• Resources: NCERTs, standard reference books, and current affairs.
• Practice: Regularly solve past year questions (PYQs).

3. CSAT:

• Preparation: Focus on comprehension and logical reasoning, practice basic math questions like linear equations and probability.

Interview Preparation

• Mock Interviews: Helpful but not reflective of the actual interview environment.
• Focus: Understand personal background, current affairs, and prepare for expected questions.

General Advice

• Customization: Tailor the strategy to individual needs and capabilities.
• Support System: Acknowledge the importance of family and friends in providing motivation and support.

Ayush's methodical and detailed approach, combined with continuous practice and revision, played a crucial role in his success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.