Priyanka Priyadarshini

Background

I come from a family of modest means, and my parents always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I was fascinated by the world of law and its impact on society. This fascination led me to choose Law as my optional subject for the UPSC CSE.

Study Plan

My study plan was quite rigorous. I started preparing for the UPSC CSE 2 years in advance. I would dedicate 8-10 hours a day to studying, with a focus on current affairs, history, and geography. I also made sure to revise my notes regularly and practice writing answers within the given time frame.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my studies with other responsibilities. I had to manage my time effectively to ensure that I was meeting my targets. Additionally, the Law optional paper is extremely challenging, and I had to work hard to understand the concepts and apply them to different scenarios.

Strategies

To overcome the challenges, I employed a few strategies. Firstly, I made sure to read a lot of case laws and understand the underlying principles. I also practiced writing answers to different questions, focusing on clarity and concision. Another key strategy was to make crisp notes with a basic conceptual understanding and a few case laws to justify the answers.

Interview Experience

The interview experience was quite nerve-wracking, but I was well-prepared. I was asked a range of questions, from current affairs to law-related topics. I made sure to stay calm and composed, and answer each question to the best of my abilities.

Success

Securing All India Rank 387 in the UPSC CSE 2023 was a dream come true for me. It was the result of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am grateful to my family, friends, and mentors who supported me throughout my journey.

Key Points:

• Choose a subject you are passionate about: Law optional requires a deep understanding of the subject, and it's essential to be passionate about it.
• Develop a study plan: Create a study plan that suits your needs and stick to it.
• Practice writing answers: Practice writing answers within the given time frame to improve your speed and accuracy.
• Make crisp notes: Make notes that are concise and to the point, with a basic conceptual understanding and a few case laws to justify the answers.
• Stay calm and composed: Stay calm and composed during the interview, and answer each question to the best of your abilities.
• Seek support: Seek support from family, friends, and mentors who can guide and motivate you throughout your journey.

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• Read a lot of case laws: Read a lot of case laws to understand the underlying principles and apply them to different scenarios.
• Focus on clarity and concision: Focus on writing clear and concise answers that are free of errors.
• Revised notes regularly: Revising notes regularly helps to reinforce your understanding of the subject and retain information better.
• Manage time effectively: Manage your time effectively to ensure that you are meeting your targets and staying on track.
• Stay motivated: Stay motivated by setting achievable goals and rewarding yourself for small victories.