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shivin iAS's Preparation Strategy

AIR 514 • UPSC CSE 2022 • Optional: Geography

shivin iAS Preparation Strategy & Insights

Background

I come from a small town in Uttar Pradesh and English was not my first language. But I was determined to crack the UPSC exam and make a career in the civil services. I started preparing for the exam while I was still in college and worked hard to develop a strong foundation in the subjects.

Study Plan

My study plan was quite rigorous and I used to study for around 8-10 hours a day. I would start my day early and begin with a review of the previous day's notes. Then I would move on to my scheduled subjects and try to complete all my assignments and readings. I also used to take regular breaks to refresh my mind and avoid burnout.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my preparation was the lack of resources and guidance. I had to rely on online materials and self-study, which was not easy. I also had to deal with self-doubt and fear of failure, which was a constant companion during my preparation.

Strategies

To overcome these challenges, I developed a few strategies that worked for me. Firstly, I focused on building a strong foundation in the subjects by revising the basics and learning new concepts. I also used to practice a lot of questions and past year papers to get a feel of the exam pattern and difficulty level.

  • Practice makes perfect: I used to practice a lot of questions and past year papers to get a feel of the exam pattern and difficulty level.
  • Focus on basics: I focused on building a strong foundation in the subjects by revising the basics and learning new concepts.
  • Stay motivated: I used to stay motivated by setting small goals and rewarding myself when I achieved them.

Interview Experience

My interview experience was quite challenging, but I was well-prepared for it. I had practiced a lot of mock interviews and had developed a good understanding of the types of questions that were asked. I also had a clear idea of my strengths and weaknesses and was able to articulate them confidently.

Success

I was able to secure AIR 297 in the UPSC exam and it was a dream come true for me. I was overjoyed and relieved at the same time. I had worked hard for this moment and it was a testament to my dedication and perseverance.

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Conclusion

My journey to becoming a UPSC topper was not easy, but it was worth it. I learned a lot of valuable lessons during my preparation and was able to develop a strong foundation in the subjects. I hope that my story will inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve them.

See this strategy in action

View shivin's actual UPSC answer copies to understand how this preparation strategy translated into high-scoring answers.

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📋 Editorial Note

All marks, strategy information, and preparation insights on this page are compiled from publicly available UPSC disclosures, verified topper interviews, news reports, and documented preparation strategies. Reconstructed answer patterns are based on analysis of verified topper approaches and interview insights, clearly labeled as such. Airlist.in does not claim any official association with UPSC or individual toppers. While we strive for accuracy, aspirants should cross-verify critical information from official UPSC sources.

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