Ashish Kumar

Background

I come from a family of modest means, and my parents always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I graduated in Law from Banaras Hindu University and started working as a law officer in IOCL. However, I had always been fascinated by the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and wanted to make a career in it.

Study Plan

I started preparing for the UPSC CSE in 2018, a year before my first attempt. I had a clear goal in mind - to crack the examination and become an IAS officer. I created a study plan that included a balanced approach to the Prelims and Mains. I focused on conceptual clarity, understanding the basic principles in each subject, and revising my notes multiple times.

• I divided my study material into three categories: static, current affairs, and optional.
• I allocated specific time slots for each category and stuck to my schedule.
• I used a combination of online and offline resources, including textbooks, study guides, and online courses.

Challenges

Preparing for the UPSC CSE is no easy feat. I faced several challenges during my preparation, including:

• Time management: Balancing my job and study schedule was a significant challenge. I had to allocate specific time slots for studying and stick to it.
• Motivation: There were times when I felt demotivated and wanted to give up. But I reminded myself of my goal and the reasons why I wanted to become an IAS officer.
• Self-doubt: I had self-doubt about my ability to crack the examination. But I worked on building my confidence by revising my notes and practicing previous year's question papers.

Strategies

To overcome these challenges, I employed several strategies, including:

• Integrated preparation: I followed an integrated preparation strategy for both Prelims and Mains. This involved studying all the subjects simultaneously and revising my notes regularly.
• Conceptual clarity: I focused on understanding the basic principles in each subject and revising my notes multiple times.
• Practice: I practiced previous year's question papers to get a feel of the examination pattern and to improve my time management skills.

Interview Experience

The interview experience was both exhilarating and intimidating. I was nervous but confident. I answered all the questions to the best of my ability and provided specific examples from my experience.

Success

Securing All India Rank 8 in the UPSC CSE 2023 examination was a dream come true. It was the result of my hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am proud to be an IAS officer and look forward to serving the nation.