Abhijit Ray (AIR-50, CSE-21) Learnings and Mains Strategy

Abhijit Ray's UPSC Civil Services Examination Journey: Lessons, Suggestions, and Reflections

Abhijit Ray, a resident of Siliguri, West Bengal, recently secured the impressive rank of AIR-50 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021, making it his fourth attempt. Ray, a fond poetry enthusiast, has had an interesting journey filled with valuable lessons and insights that he is eager to share with aspiring UPSC candidates.

Abhijit Ray's Background

Abhijit Ray completed his early education from St. Joseph's School in Darjeeling and then pursued his graduation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from DTU, Delhi. Prior to his UPSC journey, he worked as a firmware engineer at Texas Instruments in Bangalore for nearly 3.5 years.

The Journey of Persistence and Growth

Ray's UPSC journey spanned four attempts, each with its own set of challenges and learnings. He acknowledges that the initial phases of his preparation were marked by a sense of directionlessness, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance, especially in the early stages, to ensure a focused and effective approach.

Lessons from the Unsuccessful Attempts

Through his experiences, Ray has identified several key mistakes and areas for improvement that aspiring UPSC candidates should be mindful of:

• The significance of practicing mock tests, both for the Preliminary and Main examinations, cannot be overstated. This helps develop the necessary skills and pacing required for these stages.
• Preparing for the Mains examination should be a simultaneous endeavor, alongside the Preliminary preparation, to ensure a well-rounded and integrated approach.
• Developing the skill of answer writing is paramount, as it forms the backbone of the Mains examination. Consistent practice and refinement of this skill are crucial.

Strategies for Mains Preparation

Ray's focus during his fourth attempt was primarily on the Mains examination, which he considered the most important stage of the UPSC process. He emphasizes the importance of the following strategies:

Leveraging Previous Years' Questions

Analyzing the previous years' Mains questions can provide valuable insights into the breadth and depth of the topics covered, allowing candidates to better prepare and anticipate the nature of the questions.

Mastering Introduction and Conclusions

Ray made a conscious effort to memorize effective introductions and conclusions for various important topics, as this helped him save time during the examination.

Utilizing Visual Aids

Incorporating maps, diagrams, and schematics in the answers can significantly enhance the value addition and overall presentation of the responses.

Emphasis on Revision and Practice

Consistent revision and practicing full-length mock tests are indispensable components of successful Mains preparation. Ensuring that the content is readily accessible during the examination is crucial.

Importance of Ethics Preparation

Ray highlights his approach to the GS-4 (Ethics) paper, which he considers a misunderstood component of the UPSC examination. He emphasizes the importance of preparing a comprehensive list of relevant terms, definitions, examples, and quotes, along with a focus on value addition and simplicity in the answers.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Abhijit Ray concludes his reflections with a heartfelt poem that he had the opportunity to recite during his UPSC interview. This poem serves as a source of inspiration, encapsulating the resilience, dedication, and passion that are essential for navigating the challenging UPSC journey.

Ray's journey stands as a testament to the power of persistence and the invaluable lessons that can be learned from both successes and setbacks. He encourages aspiring UPSC candidates to learn from his experiences, adopt the strategies that resonate with them, and continuously strive towards their goals with unwavering commitment and a growth mindset.