Aswin Mani Deep Kakumanu

Background

I come from a family of engineers, and my parents always encouraged me to pursue a career in science and technology. However, I was fascinated by history and politics, and I decided to take a different path. I completed my engineering degree and then joined the MGP+2023 Course, which helped me develop a strong foundation in the subjects.

Study Plan

My study plan was quite rigorous, and I spent around 12-14 hours a day studying. I used to wake up early in the morning and start with a 2-hour revision session. Then, I would move on to reading new topics and taking notes. I also used to practice previous year's papers and attempt mock tests to assess my performance.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing my time effectively. With a rigorous study schedule, it was difficult to maintain a work-life balance. I had to sacrifice a lot of my social life and hobbies to focus on my studies. However, I tried to stay motivated by setting small goals and rewarding myself when I achieved them.

Strategies

Revision is key: I used to revise my notes every day, and I made sure to recollect as much as possible. This helped me retain the information for a longer period.

• Focus on weak areas: I identified my weak areas and focused on improving them.

• Practice, practice, practice: I used to practice previous year's papers and attempt mock tests to assess my performance.

• Stay motivated: I tried to stay motivated by setting small goals and rewarding myself when I achieved them.

Interview Experience

The interview was a challenging experience, but I was well-prepared. I had studied a lot about current events and had a good understanding of the topics. However, I was nervous, and I made some mistakes. But, I tried to stay calm and composed, and I managed to recover from the mistakes.

Success

My success is not just about me; it's about the people who supported me throughout my journey. My family, friends, and teachers played a crucial role in my success, and I am grateful to them. I also want to thank my course instructors and mentors who helped me develop a strong foundation in the subjects.