Aparajita Agnihotri
UPSC CSE 2022
Optional
PSIR
About
Aparajita Agnihotri is a 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination topper who secured AIR 124. She is a sixth-time attempter and has shared her journey and strategy with various platforms.
Related Resources
Marks Breakdown
Written Total
816
Interview
175
Grand Total
991
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay | 116 |
| General Studies I | 110 |
| General Studies II | 114 |
| General Studies III | 78 |
| General Studies IV | 115 |
| Optional Paper I | 149 |
| Optional Paper II | 134 |
Key Insights
- 1
Create a tailored study plan that suits your needs and strengths.
- 2
Focus on quality over quantity to ensure thorough understanding.
- 3
Consistency is key - stick to your study plan even when it feels like a chore.
- 4
Review regularly to reinforce learning and identify areas for improvement.
- 5
Mock tests are essential for identifying weaknesses and improving time management skills.
- 6
Be yourself in the interview - honesty and authenticity are crucial.
- 7
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for success.
- 8
Believe in yourself and your abilities - hard work and dedication will pay off.
Preparation Strategy
Background
As I sit down to share my story, I'm filled with a mix of emotions - excitement, gratitude, and a hint of nostalgia. My journey to becoming a UPSC topper was not an easy one. I had my fair share of struggles, setbacks, and failures. But I never gave up. Perseverance was my mantra, and it's what ultimately led me to success.
Study Plan
My study plan was not a one-size-fits-all approach. I tailored it to my needs and strengths. I started by creating a timetable that allowed me to allocate sufficient time for each subject. I focused on quality over quantity, ensuring that I understood the concepts thoroughly rather than just rushing through the material.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges I faced was self-doubt. There were times when I felt like giving up, when the progress seemed slow, and the doubts crept in. But I pushed through, reminding myself of my why - the reason I wanted to become an IAS officer in the first place.
Strategies
So, what worked for me? Consistency was key. I stuck to my study plan, even when it felt like a chore. I also made sure to review regularly, going over my notes and practicing questions. Mock tests were a game-changer for me. They helped me identify my weaknesses and improve my time management skills.
Interview Experience
The interview was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was nervous, but I had prepared well. I made sure to be myself, answering questions honestly and authentically. The panel asked me questions that tested my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I was able to think on my feet, and that's when I knew I had a good chance of succeeding.
Success
Securing AIR 124 was a dream come true. It was a culmination of all my hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I'm proud of myself for staying the course, even when it seemed impossible. If I can do it, so can you. Believe in yourself, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
- Stay consistent and review regularly.
- Practice, practice, practice - mock tests and question papers.
- Be yourself in the interview - honesty and authenticity go a long way.
- Think critically and solve problems effectively.
- Believe in yourself - your hard work and dedication will pay off.
Notes, Answer Copies & Resources
Notes and answer copies for this topper will be added soon. Stay tuned.
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