Gourav Uppal (CSE-23 AIR-174) Anthropology & Comprehensive Strategy

Gourav Uppal's Journey to the UPSC Civil Services Examination

In the ever-competitive world of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Gourav Uppal has emerged as a shining example of determination, perseverance, and academic excellence. Hailing from Kapurthala, Punjab, Gourav's UPSC journey began in June 2020, after carefully contemplating his options and leaving the corporate sector behind.

Background

Gourav completed his schooling in Kapurthala and went on to pursue a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from the Delhi Technological University. However, it was the draw of public service that ultimately led him to the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Gourav's UPSC journey was marked by a steady progression, with this being his third attempt, and his first successful interview.

Gourav's optional subject was Anthropology, in which he secured an impressive 300 marks in the CSE 2023 examination. His performance in this subject is a testament to his dedication and meticulous preparation.

Preparation Strategies

Gourav's approach to the UPSC examination was multifaceted, encompassing both the Preliminary and Mains stages. For the Preliminary stage, he focused on attempting a large number of mock tests, which helped him identify his strengths and weaknesses. He also emphasized the importance of multiple revisions of source materials and a strong command over the basics.

Prelims Preparation

Gourav's Prelims strategy involved the following key elements:

• Attempting around 50-60 mock tests, including sectional and full-length tests from various institutes
• Thoroughly analyzing previous year question papers (PYQs) to develop an analytical approach
• Effective coverage of current affairs through newspapers and yearly compilations (such as PT 365)
• Selective reading of core sources, including M. Laxmikanth for Polity, Ramesh Singh and NCERTs for Economy, and NCERTs for Geography and History

Mains Preparation

Gourav's Mains preparation involved a strong focus on answer writing practice, which helped him improve the speed and structure of his responses. He also compiled comprehensive notes on every topic in the syllabus, ensuring that he had all the necessary information at his fingertips.

GS Preparation

For the General Studies (GS) papers, Gourav relied on a wide range of sources, including:

• Modern History: Spectrum
• Ancient, Medieval, and Art & Culture: Nitin Singhania and Mehak Jain's notes
• Geography: NCERTs and PMF
• Polity and Governance: Laxmikanth, model test answers, case laws, and government websites
• Social Justice and International Relations: Vision IAS VAM, government websites, and newspaper editorials
• Economy, Agriculture, Environment, and Science & Technology: Ramesh Singh, NCERTs, Economic Survey, and Mains 365

Optional Preparation

In Anthropology, Gourav's strategy involved:

• Covering each topic of the syllabus and compiling comprehensive notes
• Developing a more thorough and in-depth understanding of topics like theories, genetics, caste studies, and tribal issues
• Incorporating value addition from newspapers, test series discussions, and Telegram groups
• Consolidating the value addition material in his notes and using it effectively in tests
• Engaging in multiple revisions and a disciplined approach to answer writing

Essay Preparation

Gourav's essay writing strategy focused on using anecdotes from various sources, providing relevant headings, and incorporating arguments from books and authors. He also aimed to conclude his essays with a positive and futuristic outlook.

Balancing Preparation with a Job

Gourav's UPSC journey was not without its challenges. After his 2022 Mains attempt, he was engaged in hectic training for a job he had been selected for, leading to a brief break in his preparation. However, he maintained discipline and a passion for the examination, which enabled him to successfully navigate this hurdle.

Gourav emphasizes that clearing the UPSC exam while juggling a job requires unwavering discipline, a well-planned schedule, and a strong drive to achieve the desired goal.

Conclusion

Gourav Uppal's success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to his resilience, strategic planning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants, highlighting the importance of perseverance, comprehensive preparation, and a balanced approach to tackling this prestigious examination.