Mastering the Essentials: Key to Success in the last attempt by Katyayani Singh, AIR-592, UPSC CSE-2023

Katyayni Singh, who secured AIR 592 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, shares her detailed preparation strategy. Here’s a comprehensive summary of her approach:

Prelims Strategy

1. Understand the Syllabus:

• Refer to the UPSC syllabus available on the official website.
• Utilize micro-listings available from coaching institutes like GS Score to identify key themes.

2. Basics and Advanced Books:

• Cover the basics using NCERTs (9th to 12th grade).
• Transition to advanced books for deeper understanding.

3. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

• PYQs are crucial for understanding the exam pattern and frequently asked themes.
• Solve PYQs to decode UPSC’s focus areas.

4. Mocks and Answer Writing:

• Practice mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions.
• Focus on solving UPSC CAPF and CDS previous year questions to understand option patterns and important areas.

5. Revision and Notes:

• Make short, concise notes for quick revision.
• Revise weekly and create a schedule to cover all subjects systematically.
• Practice answering questions in an exam-like environment to build confidence and time management skills.

Mains Strategy

1. Syllabus Coverage and PYQs:

• Break down the syllabus into manageable parts.
• Use PYQs to guide your preparation and focus on important themes.

2. Notes and Resources:

• Create micro notes based on PYQs and standard books.
• Use booklets and materials available in the market for revision.

3. Answer Writing Practice:

• Practice writing answers regularly, focusing on different GS papers.
• Take mock tests and evaluate your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses.

4. Subject-Specific Strategies:

• GS1: Focus on factual content, revise booklets, and practice PYQs.
• GS2: Emphasize brief, precise, and legally appropriate answers. Make notes from current affairs and standard sources.
• GS3: Prioritize dynamic subjects, use current affairs compilations, and practice answer writing based on PYQs.
• GS4: Prepare examples and anecdotes for ethics paper. Regularly practice case studies and code-based questions.

5. Essay Writing:

• Focus on structuring essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Use stories, anecdotes, and quotes to make essays engaging.
• Practice writing essays in a reflective and philosophical manner.

Interview Preparation

1. Mock Interviews:

• Take multiple mock interviews to build confidence and reduce nervousness.
• Treat the interview as a conversation, focusing on expressing your thoughts and opinions clearly.

2. Current Affairs and Optional Subject:

• Stay updated with national and international current affairs.
• Prepare for questions related to your optional subject and graduation background.

3. Personal Preparation:

• Understand your hobbies, interests, and personal background.
• Be prepared to answer questions related to your hometown, educational qualifications, and career choices.

General Advice

• Resource Management: Focus on using limited resources effectively.
• Continuous Learning: Treat every attempt as a learning experience and focus on improving weaker areas.
• Plan B: Have a backup plan to ensure career stability.

Katyayni Singh’s structured and resource-efficient approach, combined with consistent practice and revision, played a crucial role in her success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.