Damera Hima Vamshee, AIR-548 CSE-22 Journey, Learnings & Sociology

Damera Hima Vamshee's Inspirational Journey to Cracking the UPSC CSE-2022 Exam with AIR-548

Embarking on the Journey to the Civil Services

Damera Hima Vamshee, a graduate from IIT Roorkee, has been preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) since 2018. This was his 5th attempt, and his optional subject was Sociology. The journey to this remarkable achievement has been anything but simple. It was a stressful, challenging, and uncertain endeavor, filled with setbacks and self-doubt. However, Vamshee was determined to turn these obstacles into valuable lessons that would propel him forward.

Lessons Learned from Five Years of Persistence

First Attempt: Lack of Preparation

Fresh out of college, Vamshee's first attempt at the UPSC exam revealed his limited knowledge about the exam and its process. He did not clear the Preliminary examination, realizing that substantial preparation is crucial for success in this competitive exam.

Second Attempt: Analyzing and Practicing

Vamshee studied diligently, reading all the standard books and revising them thoroughly. However, he still failed to clear the Preliminary examination. After some introspection, he identified two key areas for improvement: analyzing previous year question papers (PYQs) to identify focus areas and practicing extensive test-taking to develop the necessary skills.

Third Attempt: Balancing Prelims and Mains

Vamshee worked on the shortcomings of his previous attempt and cleared the Preliminary examination with a good margin. However, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the uncertainty surrounding it affected his preparation for the Mains examination. He realized the importance of balancing Preliminary and Mains preparation, as excelling in one and falling short in the other could not lead to the desired outcome.

Fourth Attempt: Comprehensive Preparation

In his fourth attempt, Vamshee covered a substantial portion of the Mains syllabus as well. He cleared both the Preliminary and Mains examinations, reaching the interview stage for the first time. While he was hopeful of success, he missed the final cutoff by a few marks, realizing the need to focus equally on all aspects of the exam, including the optional subject and the interview.

Fifth Attempt: Balanced Preparation and Meticulous Execution

The fifth attempt was particularly challenging for Vamshee, as he had to muster the strength to appear for the Preliminary examination just five days after a major setback. However, he did not rely on a single paper this time, but identified focus areas in each paper and tried to balance his preparation to hedge the risks. He engaged in multiple revisions, value addition, and mock tests, as well as discussions with friends who excelled in specific areas. Vamshee also prepared meticulously for the interview, identifying and working on his Detailed Application Form (DAF) areas and current affairs.

Sociology Strategy: A 10-Point Approach

Vamshee's journey with Sociology as his optional subject has spanned the last five years, and he has refined his strategy during this time. Here is his 10-point approach:

1. Memorize Syllabus and Analyze Previous Year Question Papers

Vamshee emphasizes the importance of being thoroughly familiar with the syllabus and carefully analyzing the PYQs to understand the areas of focus.

2. Develop a Strong Conceptual Understanding

Vamshee suggests joining a coaching institute or watching concept-specific videos on platforms like YouTube to ensure a solid conceptual foundation in Sociology.

3. Limit Resources and Stick to a Few Key Materials

After gaining conceptual clarity, Vamshee recommends focusing on a few limited resources, such as Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan Sir and Sleepy Classes notes, rather than trying to cover too many sources.

4. Prepare Short Notes and Revise Them Multiple Times

Vamshee created pointer notes for almost all chapters according to the syllabus, which helped in quick revision and retention of information. He also used these keywords to ensure a sociological approach in his answers.

5. Incorporate Value Addition

Vamshee's strategy included adding relevant thinkers, current examples, case studies, diagrams, and intriguing quotes to his answers, striking a balance between the standard content and value addition.

6. Engage in Daily Answer Writing

Vamshee started writing answers, preferably using PYQs, to refine his notes and improve his writing skills.

7. Continuously Improve the Quality of Answers

Vamshee dissected his answers to identify areas for improvement, such as weak introductions or missing examples, and consciously worked on enhancing these aspects.

8. Prepare Model Answers for Previous Year Question Papers

Recognizing the repetitive nature of Sociology questions, Vamshee and a friend collaborated to prepare model answers for the last five years' PYQs, which proved to be immensely helpful.

9. Practice Full-Length Mock Tests

Vamshee emphasized the importance of writing full-length mock tests under exam-like conditions to gain a realistic understanding of his performance and improve his time management skills.

10. Maintain Confidence in the Process

Vamshee believes in the power of hard work and professionalism, drawing inspiration from the dedication of athletes like Virat Kohli. He encourages aspirants to trust the process and have confidence in their efforts, as luck will eventually favor those who are well-prepared.

Damera Hima Vamshee's journey to success in the UPSC CSE-2022 exam is a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and willingness to learn from setbacks. His inspiring story and comprehensive Sociology strategy offer valuable insights for aspiring civil servants, demonstrating that with the right mindset and a well-executed plan, even the most challenging goals can be achieved.