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Mohan Lal's Preparation Strategy

AIR 53 • UPSC CSE 2023 • Optional: Chemistry

Mohan Lal Preparation Strategy & Insights

Background

I come from a small town in Rajasthan, and my journey to becoming a UPSC topper was not an easy one. I had to work hard and stay focused to achieve my goal. I was born and brought up in Barmer, a district in western Rajasthan. My family has always been supportive of my education, and I am grateful for their encouragement.

Study Plan

My study plan was quite rigorous. I used to study for around 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. I would wake up early in the morning and start my day with a 2-hour study session. After that, I would have breakfast and then attend classes or coaching sessions. I would take a short break in the afternoon and then continue my studies in the evening. I would usually study till late at night, sometimes even till 1 or 2 am.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was maintaining my motivation and focus. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I didn't. I kept pushing myself and reminding myself of my goals. I also had to deal with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, but I overcame those by believing in myself and my abilities.

Strategies

My strategy was to focus on my weak areas and improve them. I would identify my weak areas and then create a plan to improve them. I would also practice a lot, trying to solve as many questions as I could. I would also read a lot, trying to stay updated on current events and general knowledge.

Interview Experience

My interview experience was quite challenging. I was asked a lot of tough questions, and I had to think on my feet. But I was well-prepared, and I was able to answer most of the questions confidently. I was also able to showcase my personality and skills, which I think helped me to stand out.

Success

My success is not just about me, it's about all the people who supported me along the way. My family, my friends, my teachers, and my coaches all played a crucial role in my journey. I am grateful for their support and encouragement.

  • Stay focused and motivated
  • Identify and improve your weak areas
  • Practice a lot
  • Stay updated on current events and general knowledge
  • Believe in yourself and your abilities
  • Stay calm and composed during the interview
  • Showcase your personality and skills
  • Get enough sleep and take breaks
  • Stay positive and optimistic

Key Points:

  • I studied for around 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • I used to wake up early and start my day with a 2-hour study session.
  • I would take a short break in the afternoon and then continue my studies in the evening.
  • I would usually study till late at night, sometimes even till 1 or 2 am.
  • I identified my weak areas and created a plan to improve them.
  • I practiced a lot, trying to solve as many questions as I could.
  • I read a lot, trying to stay updated on current events and general knowledge.
  • I was well-prepared for the interview and was able to answer most of the questions confidently.
  • I was able to showcase my personality and skills, which helped me to stand out.

See this strategy in action

View Mohan'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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