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Kalpana Pandey

Kalpana Pandey

102

UPSC CSE 2022

Optional

PSIR

About

Kalpana Pandey secured AIR 102 in the UPSC CSE 2022 exam with PSIR as her optional subject. She completed her BA Programme in Political Science from Aryabhatta College and cleared the exam in her second attempt.

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Marks Breakdown

Written Total

812

Interview

182

Grand Total

994

PaperMarks
Essay144
General Studies I99
General Studies II115
General Studies III68
General Studies IV125
Optional Paper I134
Optional Paper II127

Key Insights

  • 1

    Develop a study plan that suits your needs and schedule.

  • 2

    Stay motivated by surrounding yourself with positive people and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

  • 3

    Practice your answers to common interview questions and develop your communication skills.

  • 4

    Take breaks and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.

  • 5

    Stay updated with current events, politics, and governance by reading books, articles, and newspapers.

  • 6

    Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don't let self-doubt and fear of failure hold you back.

  • 7

    Stay focused on your goals and don't get distracted by unnecessary things.

  • 8

    Use your optional subject to your advantage by choosing a subject that you're passionate about and have a strong understanding of.

  • 9

    Prepare thoroughly for the interview by practicing your answers and developing your communication skills.

  • 10

    Stay calm and composed during the interview, and don't let your nerves get the better of you.

Preparation Strategy

Background

I come from a small town in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the world of politics and governance. I pursued my undergraduate degree in Political Science from Aryabhatta College, which laid the foundation for my future endeavors.

Study Plan

My study plan was quite extensive, and I dedicated a significant amount of time to each subject. I made sure to cover all the topics thoroughly, and I also focused on improving my essay writing skills. I used to read a lot of books, articles, and newspapers to stay updated with current events.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing my time effectively. With a full-time job and a family to take care of, it was tough to balance my studies with other responsibilities. I also faced a lot of self-doubt and fear of failure, which made it difficult for me to stay motivated.

Strategies

To overcome these challenges, I developed a few strategies that helped me stay focused and motivated. Firstly, I created a study schedule that allowed me to allocate time for each subject and activity. Secondly, I made sure to take breaks and engage in activities that helped me relax and recharge. Lastly, I surrounded myself with people who supported and encouraged me to pursue my goals.

Interview Experience

The interview experience was quite intense, but I was well-prepared for it. I made sure to practice my answers to common interview questions, and I also focused on developing my communication skills. During the interview, I was asked a lot of questions about current events, politics, and governance. I was also asked to write an essay on a given topic, which I was able to complete within the given time frame.

Success

Securing AIR 102 in the UPSC CSE 2022 exam was a dream come true for me. It was a culmination of all my hard work and dedication, and I was thrilled to see my efforts pay off. I would like to share a few key points that contributed to my success:

  • Develop a study plan: Create a schedule that allows you to allocate time for each subject and activity.
  • Stay motivated: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you to pursue your goals.
  • Practice, practice, practice: Practice your answers to common interview questions and develop your communication skills.
  • Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.
  • Stay updated: Stay updated with current events, politics, and governance by reading books, articles, and newspapers.
  • Believe in yourself: Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don't let self-doubt and fear of failure hold you back.
  • Stay focused: Stay focused on your goals and don't get distracted by unnecessary things.

Notes, Answer Copies & Resources

Notes and answer copies for this topper will be added soon. Stay tuned.

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