Garima Narula, AIR-39 CSE-22 Prelims Mains Essay Sociology

Garima Narula's Journey to Securing AIR 39 in CSE 2022

Garima Narula, a young aspirant from Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, has successfully secured the impressive rank of AIR 39 in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022, her first attempt. With a strong academic background in English Literature from Hindu College, Delhi University, Garima's journey to this remarkable achievement is an inspiration to many.

Introduction

Garima Narula's educational journey began in her hometown of Rudrapur, where she completed her schooling. Following her graduation, she embarked on the challenging path of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, determined to make her mark in the competitive world of public service.

Garima's preparation for the CSE 2022 commenced in 2021, and despite facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained focused and resilient. Her unwavering determination and strategic approach to her studies have now paid off with her exceptional performance in the examination.

The Preparation Journey

Garima's preparation strategy was centered on the core principle of "limited books and multiple revisions." She meticulously planned her approach, tackling each subject of the preliminary examination gradually, starting in November 2021.

For Prelims

Garima's focus for the Prelims examination was on her class notes, complemented by a few essential reference books. She adopted a two-pronged approach to Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers, analyzing them subject-wise as she progressed through her studies, and then attempting them year-wise in the final month before the examination. This strategy allowed her to thoroughly familiarize herself with the pattern and content of the Prelims paper.

Additionally, Garima placed great emphasis on test series, which she would attempt in isolation at home, dedicating two hours to each test. She would then meticulously analyze the solutions, using them to enrich her class notes and fill any gaps in her knowledge.

For Mains

Garima's Mains preparation centered around developing her answer-writing skills. She followed the Mains syllabus diligently, ticking off each topic as she covered it, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the required material. In her answers, Garima focused on incorporating a well-structured format, including an introduction, body, and conclusion, with the judicious use of examples, data, flowcharts, diagrams, and maps.

When faced with gaps in her knowledge, Garima referred to the model answers provided in the test series she had joined, such as the Forum IAS MGP+ test series. This allowed her to enhance the quality and depth of her answers, ensuring that she completed all the questions in the Mains papers, both in General Studies and her Optional subject, Sociology.

For Optional: Sociology

Garima faced a unique challenge in her Optional preparation, as she had only completed Paper 1 of Sociology before the Prelims examination. In the 100-day gap between the Prelims and Mains, she dedicated herself to the comprehensive coverage of both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of Sociology.

Relying on Nitin Sangwan Sir's book, "The Essentials of Sociology," Garima made extensive notes and sought to approach her answers from different sociological perspectives, such as Marxist, functionalist, feminist, and environmentalist, to demonstrate her understanding of the subject.

For Current Affairs and Essay

Garima's strategy for Current Affairs involved a daily reading of newspapers, supplemented by the PT 365 and Mains 365 resources. For the Essay paper, she aimed to write her two essays in different styles – one following the traditional GS format, and the other adopting a multi-stakeholder approach, considering the individual, family, society, national, and international levels.

Booklist and Resources

Garima's booklist included a range of well-known and recommended resources, such as Laxmikant for Polity, old NCERT textbooks for History and Geography, Nitin Singhania's book for Art and Culture, and Vision IAS' Value Added Material for Environment. However, she emphasized that her handwritten classroom notes, made during her online coaching sessions, were a crucial component of her preparation.

Garima also acknowledged the importance of "trusting your resources" and the role of family and friends in providing support during this challenging journey.

Advice and Guidance

Throughout her journey, Garima maintained a positive and determined mindset, which she believes played a significant role in her success. She encourages fellow aspirants to stay connected with their support systems, as the family and friends can provide invaluable encouragement during the ups and downs of the preparation process.

Garima's achievements have inspired many, and she has graciously offered to guide and mentor other UPSC aspirants through her Instagram profile and Telegram channel. Her story serves as a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and strategic planning in the pursuit of one's dreams.

Conclusion

Garima Narula's journey to securing AIR 39 in the CSE 2022 is a shining example of what can be achieved through unwavering determination, meticulous planning, and a steadfast commitment to one's goals. Her story is a source of inspiration for aspiring civil servants, proving that with the right mindset and a well-rounded preparation strategy, success can be attained, even in the face of challenging circumstances.