Minimal Sources & Maximum Revision: Key to Success in UPSC Preparation by Vaibhav Anand Sharma AIR-58 UPSC CSE 2023

Vaibhav Anand Sharma, who secured All India Rank 58 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, shares his detailed strategy for preparing for the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages of the exam. Below is a comprehensive guide to his preparation approach:

1. Prelims Strategy:

• Static vs. Current Affairs: Emphasize the importance of static knowledge, as it forms the foundation. Current affairs should supplement static knowledge to comfortably clear the cutoff.
• Polity Preparation: Use "Lakshmikant" for polity, and complement it with the Lakshmikant MCQ book to practice and understand the type of questions asked.
• Economy Preparation: Focus on understanding fundamental concepts. Use previous year questions (PYQs) to gauge recurring themes and practice accordingly. Make sure to grasp concepts like repo rate, reverse repo rate, and money multiplier effect.
• Geography and Environment: Build conceptual clarity. Understand terms like biosphere, ecological niche, and ecosystem services. Be patient and thorough while grasping these scientific subjects.
• Test Series: Attempt around 1016 mock tests, focusing on intensive interrogation of each test. Analyze both correct and incorrect answers to understand your thought process and knowledge gaps.
• PYQs: Analyze previous year questions in detail. Understand why options were included and gather information on all options provided, not just the correct one.
• Psychological Preparation: Maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Stay hydrated, ensure proper nutrition, and manage anxiety effectively on the exam day.

2. Mains Strategy:

• GS Papers 1, 2, and 3:
• Syllabus Breakdown: Divide the syllabus into smaller, manageable parts and make static notes for each topic.
• Current Affairs: Link current affairs to specific points in the syllabus.
• Test Series: Write fulllength tests to build writing stamina and improve answer presentation. Perform both physiological and mental answer writing practices.

GS Paper 4 (Ethics):

• Choose a Teacher: Get guidance from reputed teachers and crossverify through test series.
• Notes and Examples: Make comprehensive notes on ethical concepts and gather relevant examples.
• Test Series: Regularly write and evaluate test series to improve answer quality.

Essay Paper:

• Quotes and Anecdotes: Collect diverse quotes and anecdotes to enrich essays.
• Practice: Write multiple essays to refine your writing style and content delivery.

3. Optional Subject Strategy (Sociology):

• Syllabus and Notes: Make detailed notes for each topic in the syllabus. Integrate current affairs into your notes.
• Test Series: Regularly write test series and evaluate them critically.
• Topper Copies: Refer to topper answer copies to understand effective presentation styles and content organization.
• Rich Examples: Use reallife examples and case studies to substantiate your answers.

4. Interview Strategy:

• DAF Preparation: Thoroughly prepare your Detailed Application Form (DAF) and anticipate questions related to your background, hobbies, and achievements.
• Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events, especially those related to your home state and the broader national and international scenario.
• Mock Interviews: Participate in mock interviews to gain confidence and improve articulation.

General Tips:

• Balanced Preparation: Ensure a balance between reading and writing practice.
• Self Evaluation: Continuously evaluate your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Consistent Revision: Regularly revise your notes and test series analyses to keep information fresh.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and manage stress effectively to enhance performance.

By following this detailed strategy, Vaibhav Anand Sharma was able to achieve a high rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, demonstrating the effectiveness of a well rounded and disciplined approach.