Asim Mujteba (CSE-23 AIR-481) Comprehensive Strategy

The Sinusoidal Journey of MD Asim Mujteba: Conquering the Civil Services Examination

In the ever-evolving landscape of civil service aspirations, the journey of MD Asim Mujteba stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As a resident of the City of Whispering Monuments in Bidar, Karnataka, Asim's path to success in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) has been nothing short of remarkable.

Asim's initial attempts at the CSE were marked by a series of challenges. He couldn't clear the Prelims in his first three attempts, a common hurdle faced by many aspiring civil servants. However, Asim's unwavering spirit and commitment to continuous learning led him to a pivotal realization - he needed to address the shortcomings in his preparation, particularly in the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) component of the Prelims.

Learning from Mistakes

Asim's dedication to self-improvement paid off, as he cleared the Prelims, Mains, and Interview in his fourth attempt, securing the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). Undeterred by this initial success, Asim continued to push the boundaries of his own potential, and in his fifth attempt, he achieved a remarkable feat by securing Rank 481, placing him in a strong position to secure the coveted Indian Police Service (IPS).

Asim's journey serves as a shining example of the importance of learning from one's mistakes. He candidly acknowledges that in his first three attempts, he could clear the General Studies (GS) portion with the forest cutoff, but struggled with the CSAT. By recognizing this weakness and dedicating himself to mastering the CSAT, Asim was able to overcome this hurdle and excel in the subsequent attempts.

Preparing for the Civil Services Examination

Asim's approach to preparation for the CSE is marked by a deep understanding of the exam's dynamics and a relentless focus on building a well-rounded knowledge base. He believes that once the graduation is completed, one can consider the Civil Services as a viable career path among various options.

Asim's recommended preparation strategy involves a combination of reading newspapers, engaging with informative debates on platforms like RSTV, and systematically tackling the NCERT textbooks. He emphasizes the importance of deciding on an Optional subject early on, as it can provide an edge in the exam process.

The Role of Coaching and Self-Study

Asim's approach to preparation is unique in that he did not feel the need to rely on formal coaching. He credits his good guidance from friends as the key factor that allowed him to navigate the examination process effectively. Asim believes that coaching is not mandatory, as most of the necessary content is readily available on the internet, and a smart use of online resources can keep aspirants on track.

Importance of Consistency and Discipline

Asim's success can be attributed to his unwavering commitment to consistency and discipline. He was an early riser, dedicating his mornings to reading newspapers and meticulously planning his daily study routine. Asim also maintained a regular revision schedule, ensuring that he consistently revisited and consolidated the content he had learned.

Balancing Preparation with a Job

Asim's journey is particularly noteworthy as he worked for two years after graduation and prepared for the CSE while employed. He firmly believes that a job need not be a major hindrance to one's civil service dreams, provided that proper planning, targeted approach, and effective time management are in place.

Strategies for Prelims and Mains

Asim's Prelims preparation strategy is a well-curated blend of focused content and strategic practice. His booklist includes a mix of NCERT textbooks, subject-specific resources, and current affairs compilations, tailored to each section of the Prelims syllabus.

For the Mains examination, Asim emphasizes the importance of note-making and regular answer writing. He believes that the process of consolidating content into concise notes and practicing comprehensive answers can significantly enhance one's analytical abilities and exam performance.

The Role of Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)

Asim considers PYQs to be the most important guiding tool for both the Prelims and Mains examinations. By analyzing these past question papers, he was able to identify the areas of focus for UPSC and align his preparation accordingly.

Revision and Attempt Strategies

Asim's revision strategy involves a systematic approach, with at least three thorough revisions of the entire syllabus before the Prelims examination. For the Mains, he recommends topic-wise note preparation, multiple readings, and regular answer writing.

On the day of the Prelims exam, Asim's approach is marked by confidence, emotional intelligence, and strategic question-selection. He emphasizes the importance of attempting the questions one is most confident about in the first round, and then using subsequent rounds to identify and attempt questions where options can be eliminated.

The Power of Support and Guidance

Asim's journey has been shaped by the unwavering support and guidance of his family, friends, and mentors. He acknowledges the invaluable contributions of his parents, brothers, and close friends, who have been the backbone during the long and arduous process of preparing for the CSE.

Asim's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the transformative impact of the right guidance. As he continues his pursuit of the coveted IPS, Asim remains committed to sharing his experiences and insights with fellow aspirants, serving as a beacon of inspiration for those who dream of joining the ranks of the country's esteemed civil servants.