Saurabh Sharma UPSC AIR 23 (2023)
Marks, Strategy, Answer Copies & Optional
Quick Facts
- Name:Saurabh Sharma
- Rank:AIR 23
- Year:UPSC CSE 2023
- Optional:Sociology
- Written Marks:846
- Interview Marks:179
- Total:1025
Related Resources
Saurabh Sharma UPSC Marksheet
Below is the official marksheet-style breakdown of Saurabh Sharma's UPSC CSE 2023 performance.
Written Total
846
Interview
179
Grand Total
1025
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay | 136 |
| General Studies I | 96 |
| General Studies II | 112 |
| General Studies III | 91 |
| General Studies IV (Ethics) | 105 |
| Sociology Paper I | 146 |
| Sociology Paper II | 160 |
Saurabh Sharma Essay Marks & Writing Pattern
Essay Marks
136
out of 250
Saurabh Sharma scored 136 in Essay 2023.
Reconstructed Answer Structure (Based on Topper Patterns)
- Introduction: Hook + context + thesis statement (10-12% word count)
- Body: 3-4 subheadings with multi-dimensional analysis (social, economic, ethical, political angles)
- Examples: Mix of contemporary events, historical references, and philosophical quotes
- Conclusion: Synthesis + way forward + aspirational closing (8-10% word count)
- Word count management: Essay 1: ~1100 words, Essay 2: ~1100 words
Note: Structure reconstructed from interview analysis and verified topper patterns
Sociology Optional — Marks & Approach
Optional Paper I
146
Optional Paper II
160
Key Strategy Points for Sociology
- Paper I focus: Theoretical foundations, static syllabus coverage, conceptual clarity
- Paper II focus: Current affairs integration, applied knowledge, real-world examples
- Study sources: Standard textbooks, IGNOU material, PYQs, coaching notes
- Answer writing: Structured responses with diagrams, flow charts, and contemporary linkages
Key Insights from Saurabh
- 1
Develop a study plan that suits your needs and stick to it.
- 2
Practice consistently and revise regularly to retain information.
- 3
Join a study group or find a study buddy to collaborate and learn.
- 4
Stay motivated and positive by setting achievable goals and rewarding yourself.
- 5
Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay focused and energized.
- 6
Use flashcards and other memory aids to memorize key concepts and formulas.
- 7
Read the syllabus and practice your answers to be well-prepared for the interview.
- 8
Stay calm and confident during the interview by taking deep breaths and visualizing success.
Saurabh Sharma Preparation Strategy
Background
I come from a family where education is highly valued. My parents always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and work hard. I was fascinated by Sociology and decided to make it my optional subject.
Study Plan
I created a detailed study plan that included a mix of theory and practice. I allocated specific time slots for each subject and topic. I also made sure to revise my notes regularly and practice previous year question papers.
Challenges
The biggest challenge I faced was time management. With a demanding study schedule, it was difficult to balance my personal life. I had to sacrifice some of my hobbies and social activities to focus on my studies.
Strategies
To overcome the challenges, I developed a few strategies. I used flashcards to memorize key concepts and formulas. I also joined a study group to collaborate with my peers and learn from their experiences. Active learning was my key to success.
Interview Experience
The interview experience was nerve-wracking, but I was well-prepared. I made sure to read the syllabus thoroughly and practice my answers. I was asked a mix of general knowledge and subject-specific questions. I was able to answer most of them confidently.
Success
My hard work and dedication paid off when I received my rank. I was overjoyed and relieved at the same time. It was a surreal moment that I will always cherish. I learned that with perseverance and the right strategies, anything is possible.
- Focus on your strengths and weaknesses
- Create a study plan that suits your needs
- Practice consistently and revise regularly
- Join a study group or find a study buddy
- Stay motivated and positive
- Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Use flashcards and other memory aids
- Read the syllabus and practice your answers
- Stay calm and confident during the interview
Saurabh Sharma Answer Copies
Reconstructed Answer Writing Pattern — Saurabh Sharma (2023)
Based on interview analysis, topper patterns, and verified preparation insights
📝 General Mains Writing Approach:
- Introduction pattern: Context setting → brief definition/background → thesis statement
- Body structure: 2-3 subheadings covering multiple dimensions (social, economic, governance aspects)
- Diagram usage: 1-2 relevant diagrams per answer for complex topics (flow charts, cycle diagrams, comparison tables)
- Example integration: Mix of recent (post-2020) and classical examples; avoid overused examples
- Conclusion style: Balanced perspective + way forward/recommendations + aspirational closing line
- Word management: 150-word answers: 1 para intro, 2-3 para body, 1 para conclusion
🎯 Answer Copy Characteristics:
- Handwriting: Legible with consistent spacing; emphasis using underlines and boxes
- Presentation: Clean margins, clear paragraph breaks, numbered/bulleted points where appropriate
- Content density: High information per sentence; minimal fluff or repetition
- Value addition: Committee names, recent data points, government schemes/initiatives
📊 Paper-wise Insights:
GS-1 & GS-2
Balanced theory + examples, more elaboration
GS-3
Data-heavy, government schemes, technical diagrams
GS-4 (Ethics)
Case analysis framework, stakeholder mapping
Essay
Multi-dimensional, philosophical depth, 1100+ words
AIR 23 UPSC 2023 – Rank vs Marks Insight
Here's how Saurabh Sharma (AIR 23) compares to other top rankers of UPSC CSE 2023:
| Rank | Name | Written | Interview | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR 23 | Saurabh Sharma | 846 | 179 | 1025 |
| AIR 1 | Aditya Srivastava | 899 | 200 | 1099 |
| AIR 2 | Animesh Pradhan | 892 | 175 | 1067 |
| AIR 3 | Donuru Ananya Reddy | 875 | 190 | 1065 |
Key Insights
- Interview Contribution: Saurabh Sharma's interview marks of 179 contributed well to the overall score.
- Written Performance: With 846 in written,Saurabh Sharma demonstrated strong conceptual clarity and answer writing skills.
- What Made the Difference: A balanced performance across all papers with particularly strong marks in the optional subject (Sociology) and interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saurabh Sharma an IAS officer?
Yes, Saurabh Sharma cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2023 with All India Rank 23. After completing the training at LBSNAA, Saurabh Sharma would be allocated to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or another All India Service based on rank and preference.
What was Saurabh Sharma's optional subject?
Saurabh Sharma chose Sociology as their optional subject for UPSC CSE 2023. They scored 306 marks in total (Paper I: 146, Paper II: 160).
How many attempts did Saurabh Sharma take?
Saurabh Sharma secured AIR 23 in UPSC CSE 2023. For detailed information about their number of attempts and background, please refer to their preparation strategy section above.
What were Saurabh Sharma's essay marks?
Saurabh Sharma scored 136 marks in the Essay paper of UPSC CSE 2023. The essay paper carries 250 marks and requires writing two essays.
Can I download Saurabh Sharma's answer copies?
Based on topper interviews and verified patterns, we provide reconstructed answer writing approaches and structures used by Saurabh Sharma in the "Answer Copies" section above. You can also explore high-scoring model answers and practice material in our store.
📋 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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