Nausheen Siddiqui UPSC AIR 9 (2023)

Background

I come from a small town in Uttar Pradesh called Gorakhpur. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the way the government functioned and the impact it had on people's lives. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a part of this system and make a difference.

Study Plan

My journey to becoming a civil servant began with a clear plan. I knew that I had to work hard and stay focused if I wanted to achieve my goal. I started by creating a study schedule that allowed me to cover the entire syllabus in a timely manner. I also made sure to allocate time for revision and practice.

• I studied for around 8-10 hours a day, 6 days a week.
• I covered the entire syllabus in a span of 12-14 months.
• I made sure to take breaks and engage in physical activities to maintain my physical and mental health.

Challenges

There were several challenges that I faced during my preparation. One of the biggest challenges was staying motivated and focused. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I knew that I had to push through and keep going.

• I had to deal with self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
• I had to balance my studies with other responsibilities like work and family obligations.
• I had to overcome procrastination and stay on track.

Strategies

To overcome these challenges, I employed several strategies. One of the most important strategies was to break down my study material into smaller chunks. This allowed me to focus on one topic at a time and make progress without feeling overwhelmed.

• I used flashcards to memorize key terms and concepts.
• I created concept maps to visualize relationships between different ideas.
• I practiced writing essays and answers to common questions.

Interview Experience

The interview experience was a challenging but rewarding experience. I was asked a range of questions that tested my knowledge, skills, and attitude.

• I was asked about my motivations and goals.
• I was asked about my strengths and weaknesses.
• I was asked about my vision for the country and how I planned to contribute to it.

Success

Securing the 9th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 was a dream come true. It was a culmination of all my hard work and dedication. I was proud of myself for staying focused and motivated throughout the journey.

• I was proud of myself for overcoming the challenges that I faced.
• I was proud of myself for staying true to my goals and aspirations.
• I was proud of myself for becoming a role model for others.

Key Takeaways

• Stay focused and motivated throughout the journey.
• Break down your study material into smaller chunks.
• Practice writing essays and answers to common questions.
• Be true to your goals and aspirations.
• Stay humble and grounded in success.