Siddharth Shukla
UPSC CSE 2022
Optional
History
About
Siddharth Shukla secured rank 18 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. He is a History optional student. His academic background and preparation strategy played a significant role in his success. He is an inspiration to many aspiring candidates.
Related Resources
Marks Breakdown
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 | 125 |
| Optional Paper I | 154 |
| Optional Paper II | 125 |
Key Insights
- 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.
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.
Notes, Answer Copies & Resources
Notes and answer copies for this topper will be added soon. Stay tuned.
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