Rupal Srivastava

Background

I come from a small town in Uttar Pradesh, and my family has always been supportive of my dreams. I was born and brought up in a middle-class family, and my parents always encouraged me to pursue my passions. I was fascinated by history and geography from a young age and decided to pursue a degree in Electronics & Communication from NIT Jamshedpur.

Study Plan

My study plan was quite rigorous, and I allocated specific hours for different subjects. I used to study for around 8-10 hours a day, with a break of 1-2 hours in between. I used to wake up early, around 5-6 am, and start my day with a quick workout and meditation. I used to have a strict routine, and I used to stick to it as much as possible.

• Allocate specific hours for different subjects
• Use a strict daily routine
• Ensure time for physical and mental well-being

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my preparation was balancing my studies with my work. I used to work as an ex-Tata Motors employee, and it was difficult to manage my time between work and studies. I used to have to wake up early in the morning, go to work, and then come back home and study. It was exhausting, but I managed to stay motivated and focused.

• Balancing work and studies
• Managing time effectively
• Staying motivated and focused

Strategies

I used to follow a very structured approach to my studies. I used to make a detailed plan for each day, and I used to stick to it as much as possible. I used to use a lot of study materials, including NCERT books, standard textbooks, and online resources. I used to practice a lot of previous year's papers and mock tests to get a feel of the actual exam.

• Use a structured approach to studies
• Make a detailed plan for each day
• Use a lot of study materials
• Practice previous year's papers and mock tests

Interview Experience

My interview experience was quite nerve-wracking, but I managed to stay calm and composed. I used to prepare for the interview by practicing my answers to common questions and by researching the current affairs. I used to make sure that I was well-dressed and well-groomed for the interview.

• Prepare for the interview by practicing answers and researching current affairs
• Stay calm and composed during the interview
• Be well-dressed and well-groomed for the interview

Success

My success in the UPSC exam was a result of my hard work and dedication. I used to stay motivated and focused throughout my preparation, and I used to believe in myself. I used to take breaks and rest when I needed to, and I used to prioritize my physical and mental well-being.

• Stay motivated and focused throughout preparation
• Believe in oneself
• Prioritize physical and mental well-being