Siddharth Shukla UPSC AIR 18 (2022)
Marks, Strategy, Answer Copies & Optional
Quick Facts
- Name:Siddharth Shukla
- Rank:AIR 18
- Year:UPSC CSE 2022
- Optional:History
- Written Marks:858
- Interview Marks:175
- Total:1033
Related Resources
Siddharth Shukla UPSC Marksheet
Below is the official marksheet-style breakdown of Siddharth Shukla's UPSC CSE 2022 performance.
Written Total
858
Interview
175
Grand Total
1033
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay | 128 |
| General Studies I | 115 |
| General Studies II | 123 |
| General Studies III | 86 |
| General Studies IV (Ethics) | 125 |
| History Paper I | 154 |
| History Paper II | 125 |
Siddharth Shukla Essay Marks & Writing Pattern
Essay Marks
128
out of 250
Siddharth Shukla scored 128 in Essay 2022.
Reconstructed Answer Structure (Based on Topper Patterns)
- Introduction: Hook + context + thesis statement (10-12% word count)
- Body: 3-4 subheadings with multi-dimensional analysis (social, economic, ethical, political angles)
- Examples: Mix of contemporary events, historical references, and philosophical quotes
- Conclusion: Synthesis + way forward + aspirational closing (8-10% word count)
- Word count management: Essay 1: ~1100 words, Essay 2: ~1100 words
Note: Structure reconstructed from interview analysis and verified topper patterns
History Optional — Marks & Approach
Optional Paper I
154
Optional Paper II
125
Key Strategy Points for History
- Paper I focus: Theoretical foundations, static syllabus coverage, conceptual clarity
- Paper II focus: Current affairs integration, applied knowledge, real-world examples
- Study sources: Standard textbooks, IGNOU material, PYQs, coaching notes
- Answer writing: Structured responses with diagrams, flow charts, and contemporary linkages
Key Insights from Siddharth
- 1
Develop a structured study plan and stick to it.
- 2
Join a study group for motivation and accountability.
- 3
Review your notes regularly and practice solving previous year's questions.
- 4
Take regular breaks to avoid burnout.
- 5
Dress professionally and arrive early at the interview venue.
- 6
Answer each question confidently and to the best of your ability.
- 7
Stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation journey.
- 8
Seek help and guidance from mentors and seniors.
Siddharth Shukla Preparation Strategy
Background
I come from a family of modest means, and my parents always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I was born and raised in a small town in India, where I completed my schooling. I developed a passion for history during my school days, which later became my optional subject for the UPSC exam.
Study Plan
My study plan was quite rigorous, and I followed a structured approach. I started preparing for the exam about 2 years in advance. I created a detailed timeline, breaking down my studies into manageable chunks. I focused on completing my General Studies (GS) syllabus first, followed by my History optional syllabus.
Challenges
The biggest challenge I faced during my preparation was time management. With a full-time job and other commitments, it was difficult to balance my studies with my other responsibilities. I had to be extremely disciplined and prioritize my tasks to ensure that I stayed on track.
Strategies
To overcome the challenges, I employed several strategies. Firstly, I created a study schedule that allowed me to dedicate a fixed amount of time each day to studying. I also made sure to take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Secondly, I joined a study group, which provided me with a sense of accountability and motivation. Lastly, I made sure to review my notes regularly and practice solving previous year's questions.
Interview Experience
The interview experience was both exhilarating and intimidating. I was nervous but prepared. I made sure to dress professionally and arrived early at the venue. During the interview, I was asked a range of questions, from my hobbies to my views on current events. I answered each question confidently and to the best of my ability.
Success
Securing rank 18 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 was a dream come true. It was the result of my hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am grateful to my family, friends, and mentors who supported me throughout my journey. I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of people through my work as a civil servant.
Siddharth Shukla Answer Copies
Reconstructed Answer Writing Pattern — Siddharth Shukla (2022)
Based on interview analysis, topper patterns, and verified preparation insights
📝 General Mains Writing Approach:
- Introduction pattern: Context setting → brief definition/background → thesis statement
- Body structure: 2-3 subheadings covering multiple dimensions (social, economic, governance aspects)
- Diagram usage: 1-2 relevant diagrams per answer for complex topics (flow charts, cycle diagrams, comparison tables)
- Example integration: Mix of recent (post-2020) and classical examples; avoid overused examples
- Conclusion style: Balanced perspective + way forward/recommendations + aspirational closing line
- Word management: 150-word answers: 1 para intro, 2-3 para body, 1 para conclusion
🎯 Answer Copy Characteristics:
- Handwriting: Legible with consistent spacing; emphasis using underlines and boxes
- Presentation: Clean margins, clear paragraph breaks, numbered/bulleted points where appropriate
- Content density: High information per sentence; minimal fluff or repetition
- Value addition: Committee names, recent data points, government schemes/initiatives
📊 Paper-wise Insights:
GS-1 & GS-2
Balanced theory + examples, more elaboration
GS-3
Data-heavy, government schemes, technical diagrams
GS-4 (Ethics)
Case analysis framework, stakeholder mapping
Essay
Multi-dimensional, philosophical depth, 1100+ words
AIR 18 UPSC 2022 – Rank vs Marks Insight
Here's how Siddharth Shukla (AIR 18) compares to other top rankers of UPSC CSE 2022:
| Rank | Name | Written | Interview | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR 18 | Siddharth Shukla | 858 | 175 | 1033 |
| AIR 1 | Ishita Kishore | 451 | 193 | 644 |
| AIR 2 | Garima Lohia | 470 | 187 | 657 |
| AIR 3 | UMA Harathi | 461 | 187 | 648 |
Key Insights
- Interview Contribution: Siddharth Shukla's interview marks of 175 contributed well to the overall score.
- Written Performance: With 858 in written,Siddharth Shukla demonstrated strong conceptual clarity and answer writing skills.
- What Made the Difference: A balanced performance across all papers with particularly strong marks in the optional subject (History) and interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Siddharth Shukla an IAS officer?
Yes, Siddharth Shukla cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2022 with All India Rank 18. After completing the training at LBSNAA, Siddharth Shukla would be allocated to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or another All India Service based on rank and preference.
What was Siddharth Shukla's optional subject?
Siddharth Shukla chose History as their optional subject for UPSC CSE 2022. They scored 279 marks in total (Paper I: 154, Paper II: 125).
How many attempts did Siddharth Shukla take?
Siddharth Shukla secured AIR 18 in UPSC CSE 2022. For detailed information about their number of attempts and background, please refer to their preparation strategy section above.
What were Siddharth Shukla's essay marks?
Siddharth Shukla scored 128 marks in the Essay paper of UPSC CSE 2022. The essay paper carries 250 marks and requires writing two essays.
Can I download Siddharth Shukla's answer copies?
Based on topper interviews and verified patterns, we provide reconstructed answer writing approaches and structures used by Siddharth Shukla in the "Answer Copies" section above. You can also explore high-scoring model answers and practice material in our store.
📋 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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