Dr. Ritika Aima (CSE-23 AIR-33) Journey From 186 to 33

From 186 to 33: A Journey of Finding Peace Within

Dr. Ritika Aima, an accomplished civil servant, has a remarkable journey to share. In 2022, she secured AIR 186 in the UPSC CSE exam, a notable achievement that led her to join the Indian Police Service (IPS). However, her journey did not stop there. In 2023, she achieved AIR 33, a significant improvement that marked her dedication and commitment to self-improvement and enjoying the process.

The Pressure to Succeed

Dr. Ritika's journey began with the typical aspirations of young professionals. She sought to achieve something bigger and more impactful than her current role as a doctor. However, the initial pressure to succeed was immense. Like many aspirants, she felt compelled to follow the footsteps of successful toppers, often comparing her efforts to theirs. This led her to adopt strategies and methods that were not entirely her own, which, while helpful in the short term, did not yield the desired results.

The Impact of Pressure

The pressure to succeed often leads aspirants to adopt rigid and unbalanced preparation methods. Dr. Ritika found herself following the advice of top rankers, attempting to emulate their study habits and answer writing styles. However, this approach did not align with her strengths and weaknesses, leading her to perform inadequately in the interview stage of the 2021 exam.

The Shift in Approach

For the 2022 exam, Dr. Ritika decided to take a different approach. She realized the importance of tailoring her preparation to her natural abilities and interests. This shift in strategy allowed her to enjoy the process of studying, making it a part of her routine rather than a chore. She found solace in watching online videos, engaging with research in subjects like anthropology, and balancing her studies with extracurricular activities like daily workouts and watching web series.

The Role of Enjoyment

Dr. Ritika's personal growth was significantly influenced by her decision to enjoy the preparation process. By finding ways to make studying entertaining and engaging, she was able to maintain her motivation and enthusiasm throughout the preparation period. This approach not only helped her achieve her goal but also contributed to her overall well-being.

The 2023 Attempt: A New Challenge

The 2023 UPSC CSE exam presented a new set of challenges for Dr. Ritika. She had less time to prepare for the prelims due to the quick turnaround time after the results were announced. Despite this, she managed to clear the prelims and had a significant lead time to prepare for the mains. However, this period was mentally challenging as she had to maintain her discipline and focus despite feeling relaxed and accomplished.

The Power of Discipline

Dr. Ritika understood the importance of discipline in her preparation. She experimented with different styles of answer writing, different pens, and different approaches to questions to find what worked best for her. Although these experiments did not significantly impact her marks, they helped her discover a comfort zone in her preparation and enjoy the process more. This mental resilience was crucial in maintaining her focus and motivation during the preparation period.

The Impact of the Optional

One of the significant contributors to Dr. Ritika's improvement in marks was her optional subject, anthropology. She enrolled in a two-month course with Akashdeep Sir from O2 IAS Academy to improve her answer writing techniques. This investment in her preparation paid off, with a notable increase in her marks in the anthropology optional.

The Value of Specialization

Dr. Ritika's decision to focus on her strengths in the optional subject was a strategic move. By specializing in a subject she was comfortable with, she was able to achieve higher marks than in previous attempts. This demonstrates the importance of tailoring preparation to individual strengths and interests.

The Interview: A Show of Confidence

Dr. Ritika's interview performance in 2023 was a testament to her growth and preparation. She scored significantly higher—184 to 212—thanks to her confidence and officer-like personality. Her background in IPS training at SVPNPA played a significant role in her interview success, as it equipped her with the necessary skills and mindset to handle any question.

The Role of Confidence

Confidence is often overlooked in preparation for the UPSC CSE exam. Dr. Ritika's experience shows that a well-prepared candidate with the right mindset can significantly outperform others. By being well-versed with the syllabus, drawing inferences in situations, being self-assured, and being self-aware, she was able to showcase her personality and thought process effectively during the interview.

The Unpredictability of UPSC

Dr. Ritika's journey highlights the unpredictable nature of the UPSC exam. While she worked hard and maintained her mental peace, the results were still uncertain. She advises aspirants to not view their results as a measure of their success. Instead, success should be internalized and not controlled by external factors.

The Importance of Enjoyment

Dr. Ritika's advice to aspirants is to enjoy the process of preparation. By making the journey enjoyable, aspirants can maintain their motivation and enthusiasm, leading to better performance and personal growth.

The Path to Excellence

Dr. Ritika's story emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process of preparation. By making the journey enjoyable, aspirants can maintain their motivation and enthusiasm, leading to better performance and personal growth. Her success is a testament to the power of self-discipline, strategic preparation, and a positive mindset.