Aditya Jain, AIR-326 CSE-22 Prelims & Mains Strategy

Introduction

In the competitive world of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, Aditya Jain's journey stands out as a shining example of perseverance and determination. Hailing from the small town of Gohad in Bhind district, Aditya's path to success was marked by both challenges and triumphs.

Aditya's initial foray into the UPSC arena was in 2019, when he attempted the examination for the first time. However, he was unable to clear the Prelims hurdle. Undeterred, Aditya continued his preparations, determined to overcome the obstacles that had hindered his progress. Despite facing the setback of contracting COVID-19 just before his second attempt in 2020, Aditya managed to clear the Prelims with a comfortable margin and proceeded to the Mains.

Aditya's Prelims Strategy

Aditya's approach to the Prelims was strategic and well-executed. He recognized the importance of mastering the static portion of the syllabus, which he tackled by making comprehensive notes for key subjects such as modern, ancient, geography, science and technology, and environment.

To ensure consistency and effective revision, Aditya joined the SFG (Strategic Focused Guidance) of Forum IAS, which provided him with daily tests and a thorough coverage of the entire syllabus in two cycles. He strongly believes that solving mock test papers is crucial for building confidence and identifying areas for improvement.

Aditya's focus on current affairs was equally meticulous. He relied heavily on the daily current affairs provided by Insights IAS, compiling his own concise notes on the Evernote platform. This allowed him to quickly review the relevant information before the Prelims examination.

Aditya's advice to aspirants is to minimize the number of resources and avoid falling into the trap of coaching gimmicks. He emphasizes the importance of daily current affairs practice and thorough revision of the static syllabus.

Aditya's Mains Strategy

Aditya's success in the Mains examination is a testament to his well-rounded preparation and strategic approach. He made detailed notes for every topic in the syllabus, particularly focusing on the comprehensive nature of GS-3.

Aditya's utilization of the internet to research every keyword in the syllabus, coupled with a balanced approach to content and quality, proved to be effective. He recommends regular answer writing and the use of model answers to improve content and address the specific demands of the questions.

Aditya emphasizes the importance of completing at least three cycles of revision between the Prelims and Mains examinations. This, he believes, aids in memorizing content and enhancing the quality of written answers.

Adhering to time management, addressing the question demands, and regular peer review were other key elements of Aditya's Mains strategy. He cautions against taking coaching evaluations too seriously and advises aspirants to focus on their own learning and improvement.

Aditya's Journey and Learnings

Aditya's UPSC journey was marked by both successes and setbacks. Despite failing to clear the Prelims in his first and third attempts, he remained undeterred and continued to refine his preparation. His resilience and determination shone through when he cleared the Prelims in his second attempt, even while battling COVID-19.

The lowest point in Aditya's journey came after his third unsuccessful attempt, where he felt demotivated and took a break from studying for 3-4 months. However, with the unwavering support of his family and his unwavering determination, he finally achieved success in his fourth attempt, securing an All India Rank of 326.

Aditya's journey serves as an inspiration to fellow aspirants, demonstrating that persistence, dedication, and a well-planned strategy can overcome even the most daunting challenges. His story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the belief that with hard work and resilience, even the seemingly insurmountable can be conquered.

You may contact Aditya on his Quora Account to learn more about his journey and strategies.

Strategies Shared by Other CSE-22 Toppers

Aditya's journey is not the only remarkable story from the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. Several other toppers have also shared their strategies and learnings, providing valuable insights to aspiring civil servants.

Dwij Goel AIR-71

Dwij Goel, who secured AIR-71, has shared his journey and strategies for GS-2 (124 marks) and Anthropology (315 marks).

Gautam Vivekanandan AIR-211

Gautam Vivekanandan, the Essay Topper with 149 marks, has provided insights into his essay writing strategy.

Khushboo Oberoi AIR-139

Khushboo Oberoi, who secured AIR-139, has shared her strategies for Prelims, Ethics, and Public Administration.

These are just a few examples of the valuable resources available to UPSC aspirants, as several other toppers have also shared their unique experiences and strategies. By studying these insights, aspiring civil servants can gain a deeper understanding of the examination and refine their own preparation.