Aditi Varshney, AIR-57 CSE-22 Strategy and Dos-Don’ts

Aditi Varshney's Topper Journey and Strategy

Introduction

Aditi Varshney, a graduate in B.A. (Hons.) Sociology from Delhi University, secured the impressive rank of AIR-57 in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. This was her first attempt at the prestigious exam, and she has generously shared her experiences and learnings to guide aspiring civil servants.

Aditi's journey is one of determination and strategic planning. After completing her graduation, she took a drop year and prepared for the civil services examination from her hometown Bareilly, relying on online resources. Her success in this highly competitive exam is a testament to her unwavering focus and the effectiveness of her preparation approach.

General Advice to all Beginners

Aditi emphasizes the importance of familiarizing oneself with the different stages of the civil services exam and the syllabus before embarking on the preparation phase. She suggests covering the basics with NCERT textbooks, particularly for those from a humanities background. Newspaper reading, starting with either The Hindu or Indian Express, is also crucial in developing a strong understanding of current affairs.

Aditi advises candidates to prioritize covering the syllabus before worrying about tests or previous year question papers (pyqs). Once the syllabus is covered, she recommends revising it thoroughly and analyzing the pyqs to understand the key focus areas and the demands of the exam. Self-analysis is equally important, as it allows candidates to identify their strengths and weaknesses and accordingly allocate time and effort.

Effective Preparation Strategies

Aditi emphasizes the importance of revising multiple times, as retaining information requires more than just a few readings. She suggests making short notes to capture the key information on each topic, rather than writing the entire content. Additionally, she recommends revising subjects simultaneously, which helps in maintaining a comprehensive understanding and facilitates smooth transitions during the final exam.

Aditi also stresses the value of practicing mock tests, which helps candidates identify their weak points, understand important areas to focus on, and manage the pressure on the exam day. She advises analyzing mistakes and revisiting the topics to improve performance in subsequent tests. Aditi suggests aligning the mock test timings and conditions with the actual exam to better prepare for the real experience.

Do's and Don'ts

Aditi's list of "Do's" includes making concise notes, taking proper breaks to allow the mind to process information, focusing on easy topics first to build momentum, and conducting a cost-benefit analysis for each topic to ensure selective and efficient preparation.

On the "Don't" list, Aditi cautions against isolating oneself, as the mental stress and self-doubt can be overwhelming. She advises against counting the number of hours studied and instead focusing on daily/weekly targets, which can be flexible. Aditi also recommends against starting answer writing too early and covering more than one or two sources for a subject/topic, as it can lead to wastage of time and unnecessary repetition.

Aditi emphasizes the importance of understanding the requirements of the exam by analyzing the pyqs, which can serve as the best guide during the preparation journey. She reminds aspiring candidates that even if the exam pattern changes, it changes for everyone, and the key is to focus on the basics and trust in one's own abilities.

Conclusion

Aditi Varshney's journey and strategies provide invaluable insights for civil service aspirants. Her emphasis on systematic preparation, effective time management, and a balanced approach to both theory and practice offers a roadmap for success. By following her guidance and adapting it to their individual strengths and learning styles, aspiring civil servants can enhance their chances of achieving their goals in this highly competitive examination.