Trilok Singh UPSC AIR 20 (2024)

Background

I always had a passion for understanding how the world works. Growing up, I was fascinated by news and current events, and I spent hours reading about different countries and their cultures. This curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Political Science and International Relations.

Study Plan

My study plan was quite rigorous, with a focus on understanding the theoretical aspects of politics and international relations. I spent countless hours reading books, articles, and research papers, taking detailed notes and summarizing key points. I also made sure to stay up-to-date with current events, following news outlets and attending seminars and conferences.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my academic workload with extracurricular activities. I was part of a few clubs and organizations on campus, which required a significant amount of time and effort. Additionally, I had to deal with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, wondering if I was good enough to pursue a career in politics.

Strategies

To overcome these challenges, I employed a few strategies. Firstly, I prioritized my tasks and focused on one thing at a time. I also made sure to take breaks and practice self-care, recognizing that burnout was a real possibility. Secondly, I sought out mentorship and guidance from professors and peers who had experience in the field. Finally, I learned to reframe my thinking and focus on the positive aspects of my experiences.

Interview Experience

The interview process was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was nervous but prepared, having researched the organization and practiced my responses to common questions. The interviewer asked me a mix of behavioral and technical questions, and I did my best to answer them confidently and concisely. The most challenging part was the mock scenario, where I had to think on my feet and respond to a hypothetical situation.

Success

Looking back, I realize that my success was not just about achieving a high rank, but about the journey I took to get there. It was about the people I met, the experiences I had, and the lessons I learned along the way. I am proud of myself for persevering through the challenges and staying committed to my goals.

Key points:

• Stay focused and prioritize your tasks

• Take breaks and practice self-care

• Seek out mentorship and guidance

• Reframe your thinking and focus on the positive

• Be prepared and confident in your interview

• Stay committed to your goals and persevere through challenges

• Learn from your experiences and apply them to future situations

• Cultivate a growth mindset and be open to learning and growth

• The power of a strong study plan

• The importance of self-care and burnout prevention

• The value of mentorship and guidance

• The impact of a growth mindset on personal and professional growth

• The role of resilience and perseverance in achieving success

• The significance of learning from experiences and applying them to future situations\n\n

• Key takeaways:

• Stay flexible and adapt to changing circumstances

• Cultivate a positive mindset and focus on the positive

• Develop a growth mindset and be open to learning and growth

• Prioritize self-care and prevent burnout

• Seek out mentorship and guidance when needed

• Stay committed to your goals and persevere through challenges

• Learn from your experiences and apply them to future situations