Avinash Kumar

UPSC CSE 2022

Optional

Philosophy

About

Avinash Kumar is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who secured All India Rank 17 in the UPSC CSE 2022 exam. He hails from a middle-class family in Bihar and chose Philosophy as his optional subject. Kumar cleared the exam on his third attempt and is now serving as a Sub-Collector in Odisha. He holds a degree in Power Engineering from Jadavpur University and is passionate about field governance.

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Marks Breakdown

Written Total

430

Interview

176

Grand Total

606

Paper	Marks
Essay	109
General Studies I	113
General Studies II	109
General Studies III	95
General Studies IV	113
Optional Paper I	165
Optional Paper II	154

Key Insights

1
Set clear goals and create a study plan that suits your needs.
2
Use online resources to supplement your studies and stay motivated.
3
Practice and review regularly to ensure you're well-prepared for the exam.
4
Stay calm and composed during the interview experience.
5
Believe in yourself and your abilities.
6
Work hard and persevere to achieve your goals.
7
Use a study group to stay motivated and learn from others.
8
Take breaks and engage in physical activities to maintain your physical and mental health.
9
Use a variety of study materials, including books, notes, and online resources.

Preparation Strategy

Background

I come from a humble background in Bihar. My father was a farmer, and my mother was a housewife. I was born and brought up in a small village, where I developed a strong sense of social responsibility. I always wanted to make a difference in the lives of people and serve the nation.

Study Plan

When I started preparing for the UPSC exam, I knew it wouldn't be easy. I had to create a study plan that would help me stay focused and motivated. I started by setting clear goals for myself - I wanted to clear the exam in three attempts, and I wanted to score well in my optional subject, Philosophy. I created a schedule that included dedicated time for studying, practicing, and reviewing. I also made sure to take breaks and engage in physical activities to maintain my physical and mental health.

Set clear goals for yourself
Create a study plan that suits your needs
Stay focused and motivated
Take breaks and engage in physical activities

Challenges

Preparing for the UPSC exam is not easy. There are many challenges that you'll face, and you need to be prepared to overcome them. Some of the challenges I faced include:

Lack of resources: I didn't have access to many resources, including books, study materials, and online courses.
Limited time: I had to study for a long time, but I didn't have a lot of time to devote to my studies.
Competition: The competition for the UPSC exam is fierce, and you need to be prepared to face it.

Strategies

To overcome these challenges, I used the following strategies:

I used online resources, including YouTube videos, blogs, and online forums, to supplement my studies.
I created a study group with my friends and classmates to stay motivated and learn from each other.
I practiced and reviewed regularly to ensure that I was well-prepared for the exam.

Interview Experience

The interview experience was a turning point for me. It was my third attempt at the UPSC exam, and I was determined to clear it. I was nervous, but I was also confident. I had prepared well, and I knew that I had the skills and knowledge to answer the questions.

Be confident and prepared
Stay calm and composed
Answer the questions clearly and concisely

Success

I cleared the UPSC exam on my third attempt, and I was overjoyed. It was a moment of great pride and satisfaction for me and my family. I had worked hard for it, and I knew that it was worth it.