Anuraj Jain IAS – Psychology Topper Strategy 333 Marks
Hi All, I hope you have gone through my analysis regarding performance of Optional Subjects in UPSC MAINS from 2013-2017. If you haven’t, click on this link to read it. The good news for those opting Psychology as their optional is that Psychology ranks among top 3 subjects opted by over 1000 Aspirants (2013-17). Here, I
Comprehensive Analysis of Optional Subjects in UPSC Mains (2013-2017)
Aspirants hoping to delve into the performance of Optional Subjects in the UPSC Mains examination between 2013 and 2017 are advised to carefully examine the provided analysis. This detailed report aims to elucidate the key insights and strategies that have proven successful for top performers in various optional subjects, with a specific focus on Psychology.
The Rise of Psychology as an Optional Subject
The news for aspirants choosing Psychology as their optional subject is quite encouraging. Over the period from 2013 to 2017, Psychology consistently ranked among the top 3 optional subjects, chosen by more than 1000 aspirants. The following figures represent the distribution and performance of students opting for Psychology during this period:
Success Story: Anuraj Jain, IAS
Among those who have excelled in Psychology, Anuraj Jain, IAS, stands out as a notable example. He topped Psychology with an impressive score of 333 marks. His strategy, detailed below, offers valuable insights for aspirants hoping to achieve similar success.
Strategy for Psychology by Anuraj Jain, IAS
Introduction
Anuraj Jain, a 2015 graduate from BITS Pilani with a BE(Hons) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and an MSc(Hons) in Mathematics, chose Psychology as his optional subject. His journey in Psychology started with a modest score of 267 in his first attempt, which he improved significantly in his second attempt to 333 marks. This remarkable improvement, despite a poor score in the essay paper, propelled him into the top 25.
Detailed Strategy
Background and Initial Exposure to Psychology
At BITS Pilani, Anuraj had the opportunity to take elective courses, including Psychology. Although he found it decent to study, he had to cover the entire syllabus for Paper 1 in just 4 months along with 7 other courses. This limited exposure underscores the need for a systematic approach to mastering the subject.
Choosing Psychology as an Optional
Given his below-average performance in core Mathematics-related subjects and the poor overlap between his college syllabus and the UPSC syllabus for Electrical Engineering, Anuraj decided to opt for Psychology. This strategic choice highlights the importance of selecting an optional subject that aligns with one's interest and existing knowledge base.
Book List for Optional
Paper 1
- NCERT 11 and 12: Anuraj recommends these books as foundational resources.
- Robert A Baron (4th ed): He had this book from his college days and found it useful.
- Class notes of Mukul Pathak sir: While he did not rely on printed notes with redundant garbage, he found the class notes to be helpful.
Full Strategy Available on Anuraj’s Blog
Anuraj has comprehensively detailed his strategy on his blog, providing a wealth of information for aspirants. For a full understanding of his approach, it is recommended to visit his blog:
Conclusion
Anuraj Jain's strategy exemplifies the importance of a well-thought-out plan, consistent study, and the ability to adapt despite challenging circumstances. His success with Psychology underscores the viability of choosing a subject that aligns with one's interests and existing knowledge, even if it is not the traditional route. Aspirants aiming to excel in the UPSC Mains examination can draw valuable lessons from his journey and apply these strategies to their own preparation.