Arpit Gupta (AIR-54, CSE-21) Prelims, Mains & Maths Strategy
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Arpit Gupta (AIR-54, CSE-21) Prelims, Mains & Maths Strategy

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When I asked Arpit (AIR-54, CSE-21) to share his strategy, he shared a 7 page comprehensive strategy which is reproduced below: Hello Everyone, I am Arpit Gupta (AIR 54, CSE’21). I belong to a small town Sahjanwa in Gorakhpur (UP). I have done my graduation in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Roorkee. I worked as Financial

Arpit's Comprehensive Strategy for UPSC Preparation

Arpit Gupta, an engineer from a small town in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, secured AIR-54 in the 2021 UPSC CSE examination. Known for his approach of self-study and not joining classroom coaching, Arpit shared a comprehensive 7-page strategy that outlines his journey and techniques for UPSC preparation.

Introduction

Arpit Gupta, hailing from Sahjanwa in Gorakhpur, UP, is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Roorkee. After working as a Financial Market Analyst for 3 months, he started preparations for the UPSC CSE in September 2019. His attempts and strategies have been documented to provide guidance to aspirants.

My UPSC Journey: Understanding the Challenges

Arpit took two attempts for the UPSC exam. In his first attempt in 2020, he failed to clear the Mains due to illness, particularly a severe case of chickenpox that led to pneumonia. This experience taught him the importance of prioritizing health. For his second attempt in 2021, he continued self-study and cleared the exam with AIR-54.

Prelims Strategy: A Simple Yet Effective Approach

Arpit’s Prelims strategy involves the following key steps:

  • Reading Basic Books: Start by reading all basic books. Use PYQs as reference to understand the exam pattern and focus areas.
  • First Reading: Complete the initial reading of the Laxmikanth book for Polity.
  • PYQ Analysis: Analyze the PYQs to understand the framing of questions and mark the relevant portions in the book.
  • Revised Reading: Revisit the marked portions and test your understanding with sectional tests.
  • Full Length Tests: Use various coaching materials to take open tests and test your preparation.
  • Mocks and Revision: Arpit emphasizes the importance of revising mocks to minimize mistakes rather than the number of mocks taken.

Maths Optional Strategy: Mastering Mathematics with Self-Study

Arpit’s strategy for the Maths optional involves a structured, month-long plan focusing on specific topics:

  • Linear Algebra: 20 days, covering key concepts.
  • 3-D Geometry: 25 days, focusing on conicoids and other tougher areas.
  • Vector Analysis: 15 days, building on the understanding of 3-D figures.
  • ODE and PDE: 25 days, covering the easy parts to ensure a strong grasp.
  • Calculus and Real Analysis: 30 days, to cover calculus for most students is easy, real analysis should be continuous.
  • Complex Analysis: 15 days, to cover low-hanging fruits.

For the Maths portion, Arpit recommends:

  • Linear Algebra: Shaum/Krishna series.
  • Modern Algebra: R Kumar’s two books – one on groups and another on rings.
  • Numerical Analysis: Iyengar.

Balancing Maths and GS between Prelims and Mains

After Prelims, Arpit focused on Maths first, starting 3-7 days post-Prelims. He then moved on to GS, balancing both subjects by:

  • Revising GS Topics: After each topic, give a test to maintain continuity.
  • Maths Revision: Revisit topics before the final tests.
  • Essay Practice: Write essays after covering GS-2.
  • Final Push: Spend the last days focusing on Maths and GS.

Mains GS Strategy: An 8-Month Plan

For the Mains preparation, Arpit broke down his preparation into an 8-month plan:

  1. Polity: Read Laxmikanth twice and mark important points. Use Vision’s VAM to cover additional topics.
  2. Geography: Cover from NCERTs and Rajtanil Ma’am’s lectures. Use Vision’s VAM to cover remaining topics.
  3. Economics: Read Sriram IAS’ notes or Mrunal Sir’s notes. Use VAM if required.
  4. Environment: Easy subject, focus on issues related to environment and pollution.
  5. Modern History: Cover using Spectrum and NCERTs. Prepare notes on events, personalities, and contributions.
  6. Art & Culture: Use Nitin Singhania’s notes and NCERTs selectively.
  7. Society: Prepare themes and frameworks. Use VAM for additional topics.
  8. Internal Security: Use Vajiram’s yellow book. Make notes based on syllabus keywords.
  9. Governance: Use VAM for additional topics.
  10. Agriculture and Science & Tech: Use VAM to cover basic topics. Prepare notes selectively.
  11. International Relations and Disaster Management: Use mains365 for current awareness.

Answer Writing Strategy: Key Points for Success

Arpit’s answer writing strategy involves:

  • Practice: Start writing answers after covering each subject.
  • Toppers’ Copies: Use toppers’ copies to learn different writing styles.
  • Value Addition: Focus on adding unique data, facts, and committees in your answers.
  • Mock Tests: Practice full-length tests to improve writing speed and accuracy.

Additional Resources and Contact Information

Arpit recommends various books, notes, and materials. He can be contacted via his Telegram Channel and Instagram Profile.

Conclusion

Arpit Gupta's strategy showcases a disciplined approach to UPSC preparation, focusing on self-study, understanding exam patterns, and continuous revision. His experience and insights provide valuable guidance for aspirants aiming to excel in the UPSC examination.

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