Harshivani Singh (AIR-579, CSE-21) Mental Strength+Prelims+Mains Strategy

Harshivani Singh's Journey to Success in UPSC CSE-21

Harshivani Singh's triumph in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 579, stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and strategic approach to the exam. This achievement, coming after three attempts, two Mains and one Interview, showcases a journey marked by meticulous planning and perseverance. Her story underscores the importance of a well-structured strategy and mental fortitude in clearing the UPSC CSE.

Prelims Strategy: A Battle-hardened Approach

Meticulous Planning and Target Setting

Harshivani Singh's Prelims strategy was meticulously planned, given her previous failures in the stage. She would set specific targets a day before the exam and create a time table to allocate days for different subjects. This approach ensured that she covered all the essential topics multiple times before the exam.

Mocks and Intelligent Guesswork

Apart from revising the curriculum, Singh dedicated significant time to solving mock tests. She solved around 50-60 mocks, which not only helped her assess her preparation but also familiarized her with the exam format and question types. Moreover, she emphasized the importance of intelligent guesswork and maintaining composure during the exam, a skill that can only be honed through practice.

Stage-wise Attempt Strategy

Singh's technique of attempting the paper in three stages—first, for questions she was sure about; second, for questions where she could eliminate two options; and finally, for the remaining questions—was an effective method to optimize her score in the Prelims.

Mains Strategy: Confidence and Practice

Delaying Answer Writing

The Mains stage was least intimidating for Singh, primarily because she delayed starting answer writing until she had completed a substantial portion of the syllabus. This ensured that she was well-versed with the topics before attempting the answers, thereby building confidence.

Test Series and Comprehensiveness

Singh took a test series with Forum IAS to evaluate her performance and identify areas for improvement. She wrote around 10 tests, attempting all questions to ensure she covered the entire syllabus comprehensively. Furthermore, she used data, facts, flowcharts, maps, and reports to enhance her answers, keeping a small notebook for jotting down such supplementary material.

Quoting Relevant Sources

Including quotations from sources like the 2nd ARC recommendations, Niti Ayog, Economic survey, and reputed organizations added weight to her answers, making them more insightful and comprehensive.

Mental Strength: Overcoming Challenges

Personal Struggles and Family Support

Singh faced significant mental challenges during her preparation journey. She was the sole earner in her family, with her father retiring in 2017 and facing health issues. Her own struggle with severe anxiety further added to her mental burden. Despite these challenges, Singh's supportive family and close friends played a crucial role in helping her cope.

Self-Help and Meditation

To manage her mental health, Singh read self-help books, started meditating, and took care of herself. These practices helped her regain her will to live and prepare with renewed vigor. By June 2021, she cleared the SSC Tier 1 and 2, EPFO written exam, and wrote the UPPCS Mains 2021, awaiting results.

Key Takeaways and Advice

Mental Fortitude and Support System

Singh's journey emphasizes the importance of mental strength and a robust support system. She advises aspirants to take professional help if needed and take good care of themselves, especially during the long duration of the exam.

Plan B and Realistic Expectations

Having a Plan B is crucial, especially after a few attempts. Singh advises treating the exam like any other exam and not letting it define one's life. She emphasizes the beauty and resilience of life beyond the UPSC CSE.

Analyzing Mistakes and Continuous Learning

Finally, Singh stresses the importance of analyzing mistakes and continuously learning from them. Her story is a beacon of hope for aspirants, encouraging them to chart their own path to success, acknowledging their uniqueness.

Conclusion

Harshivani Singh's journey to securing AIR-579 in UPSC CSE-21 is a testament to her strategic approach, mental resilience, and unwavering dedication. Her story offers valuable insights into the effective strategies for clearing the Prelims and Mains stages, as well as the importance of mental strength and a supportive network. Her advice serves as a guiding light for aspirants, urging them to take charge of their lives and not be disheartened by failure, while maintaining a balanced perspective on the exam and life in general.