Gautam Singh (AIR-549, CSE-21) Psychology Strategy
Gautam Singh cleared UPSC CSE-21 with AIR-549. Following is his strategy for Psychology Optional “The crop of success grows on fields of sacrifice and struggle” – my own line Hi readers, It’s my pleasure to share with you my CSE experience. First of all I would like to introduce my self. I belong to Distt
Gautam Singh's Successful Journey to the UPSC CSE-21 Exam
In the ever-competitive world of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Gautam Singh's journey stands out as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and continuous improvement. Hailing from the district of Jalaun in Uttar Pradesh, Gautam's path to success was marked by a series of challenges, setbacks, and ultimately, triumph.
Early Foundations and Preparation
Gautam's formative years were shaped by his time at the UP SAINIK SCHOOL LUCKNOW, where he imbibed the values of discipline, patience, and perseverance. These attributes would prove to be invaluable in his pursuit of the UPSC CSE. Following his 10+2 education, Gautam went on to complete his Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from BBD College, Lucknow, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Psychology from IGNOU.
A Journey of Persistence
Gautam's journey to the UPSC CSE-21 exam was anything but smooth. He attempted the examination a total of seven times, facing a series of setbacks along the way. In his first attempt in 2015, he missed the prelims cutoff by a mere 6 marks. The following year, he came agonizingly close, missing the prelims cutoff by just 1.5 marks. In 2017 and 2018, he fell short of the mains cutoff by 130 and 100 marks, respectively. Despite these disappointments, Gautam's unwavering determination kept him going.
The Turning Point
Gautam's perseverance finally paid off in his 7th attempt in 2021. This time, his efforts were rewarded, and he emerged victorious, securing the impressive rank of AIR-549 in the UPSC CSE-21 exam. Gautam's success can be attributed to his consistent approach to improvement and his ability to learn from his past experiences.
Coaching and Guidance
Gautam's decision to not join a foundation course was, in retrospect, a mistake. However, he did take advantage of the resources available to him, joining pre-and-mains test series from Vision IAS and a psychology test series from Vajiram. He also attended online classes conducted by M. Puri sir for GS-2 subjects. Gautam's flatmate, Sishir Kumar Rai, a fellow psychology optional aspirant, also played a significant role in providing intellectual company and peer review.
Strategy for the Psychology Optional
Gautam's strategy for the psychology optional was comprehensive and well-researched. He relied on a range of sources, including NCERT textbooks, standard reference books like Baron and Morgan, and the comprehensive notes of Smarak Swain. He also incorporated open lectures from renowned experts like Paul Bloom and John Gabrelli, although he acknowledged the lack of Indian context in some of these resources.
Lessons for Future Aspirants
Gautam's journey offers valuable lessons for future UPSC aspirants. He emphasizes the importance of thoroughly covering the entire syllabus, engaging in repeated revision, and maintaining a focused approach by limiting the number of sources. He also stresses the need to stay engaged and motivated, even in the face of setbacks, as "hope is a weapon and survival is victory."
Gautam Singh's remarkable achievement in the UPSC CSE-21 exam is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. His story serves as an inspiration to all those who aspire to make their mark in the realm of public service and administration.