Asrar Ahmad Kichloo (AIR-287, CSE-21) Prelims, Mains, Interview, Medical Science Strategy
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Asrar Ahmad Kichloo (AIR-287, CSE-21) Prelims, Mains, Interview, Medical Science Strategy

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Hi All, Asrar Ahmad Kichloo cleared UPSC CSE-21 with AIR-287. This was his 5th attempt and 2nd selection. In his first 2 attempts, he could not clear prelims while in latest 3 attempts he cleared even Forest cut-off and also got selected twice! This is as COMPREHENSIVE strategy as you will ever get, covering all

Introduction

Asrar Ahmad Kichloo, a medical graduate from GMCH Jammu, cleared the UPSC CSE-21 with an All India Rank (AIR) of 287, making it his second selection. This achievement marks his fifth attempt, with his first two attempts failing to clear the prelims. His strategy has been comprehensive, covering all stages and sub-stages of the exam in depth.

Asrar Ahmad Kichloo's Journey

Asrar Ahmad Kichloo, from Jammu & Kashmir, is a medical graduate who completed his MBBS in 2016. He has cleared the UPSC CSE twice, with AIR 248 in 2019 and AIR 287 in 2021, choosing Medical Science as his optional subject. Currently, he is in the IRS (C&IT).

Attempts and Successes

In his first two attempts, Asrar struggled with the prelims. However, he changed his strategy and was able to clear the prelims in his subsequent attempts. He has given three mains and three interviews, getting selected twice. His scores in Medical Science were 252, 274, and 267 for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively.

My Scorecard

Asrar Ahmad Kichloo's Scorecard

Asrar Ahmad Kichloo's Scorecard

Booklist for General Studies (GS)

NCERTs

Other Books

Prelims Strategy

Priority Based Strategy

  1. Core Subjects:

    • Modern History, Polity, & Environment: These subjects usually cover more than 40% of your prelims questions.
    • Ancient History & Art & Culture: Cover these subjects together to save time.
    • Current Affairs: Focus on environment, economy, and Sci & Tech.

  2. Factual Topics:

    • Important Indices & Reports: Remember key tiger reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.

  3. Geography & Agriculture:

    • Practice maps and agricultural topics.

Booklist and Strategy

  • Polity: NCERTs and Laxmikanth.
  • IR: Newspapers and monthly C/A booklets.
  • Modern History: Themes in Indian History NCERT.
  • Ancient History: Themes in Indian History NCERT.
  • Geography: 4 NCERT books of 11th and 12th std and GC Leong.
  • Environment: 12th class bio NCERT (Last unit of Ecology only) and Shankar IAS book.
  • Economy: 11th std NCERT (Indian Economic Development) & Macroeconomics NCERT of 12th std. Vajiram notes.
  • Current Affairs: Newspaper notes + Vision IAS monthly booklet + Flagship schemes from PIB or official websites and major Acts from PRS.

Mock Tests and Analysis

  • Mock Tests:

    • Attempt 1 test every 10 days/2 weeks initially and increase frequency during the last 3 months.
    • Focus on UPSC PYQ papers and attempt a couple of full-length mock tests in the last week.

  • Analysis:

    • Identify weak areas and subjects.
    • Understand concepts and remember important facts.
    • Build an elimination technique.

Prelims vs. Mains

Dedicate the last 2-3 months prior to prelims to prelims only. The rest of the time should be spent on an integrated approach covering topics from both prelims and mains.

Coaching and Note Making

Coaching

  • Coaching is not required for GS, but can be helpful for Geography and Economy.
  • For optional subjects, consider coaching if available.

Note Making

Note making has helped a lot. Make GS-wise notes. For example:

  • GS3 -> Agriculture -> MSP & PDS
  • GS2 -> Polity -> Parliament

Format of Notes on a Particular Topic:

  • Important Facts & Figures
  • Current Situation
  • Issues/Problems/Causes
  • Steps Taken to Resolve Problems
  • Solutions Required
  • Innovative Solutions
  • Way Ahead
  • Sources: Newspapers, online, monthly current affairs

Mains Strategy

Booklist

Time Allocation

  • GS: 1 week per one GS paper, including mock tests.
  • Optional Subject: 65-75% of time for Medical Science.
  • Essay: 3-4 days for notes and continuous practice.

Mock Test Series

  • Vision IAS and Forum IAS for GS test series.
  • Optional Subject: Join if readily available.

Group Practice

  • Form a study group with people appearing in the mains and write 3-4 answers in a day.

Personality Test

Filling the DAF

  • Fill particulars carefully.
  • No need to boast about achievements.

Preparation

  • Start with reading about home state/UT, graduation, optional subject, and past job profile.
  • Cover most important current affairs.
  • Practice daily.

Interview Tips

  • Be confident and keep smiling.
  • Don’t be too defensive.
  • Be on the front foot.
  • Answer questions in a structured way, summarizing your opinion first and then justifying it.
  • Be honest and polite in your responses.

Conclusion

Asrar Ahmad Kichloo's journey is an inspiring example of perseverance and strategic planning. His approach to the UPSC CSE exam, covering all stages and sub-stages in depth, has led to his success. His advice to all aspirants is to believe in oneself and keep working hard.

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