History Optional (324): Vikas Ahlawat IRS-17, AIR 146 CSE 18

Vikas Ahlawat, an IRS officer from the 2017 batch, had initially struggled with the History Optional paper, scoring only 276 marks in 2017. However, he was determined to improve his performance and devised a new strategy that paid off handsomely in the following year.

Identifying the Shortcomings and Adapting the Strategy

Vikas recognized that the notes from his coaching classes at Balyan Sir's Insight IAS Academy, while helpful for basic questions, could not adequately cover the dynamic and complex questions being asked in the exam. He also found that the simplistic conclusions presented in those notes hindered his ability to write comprehensive answers.

To address these issues, Vikas decided to rely on a more diverse set of standard books and notes to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. He focused on completing the entire paper, rather than writing a few good answers and leaving out questions due to time constraints. Vikas also started taking practice tests to ensure he could finish the paper within the allotted time.

Streamlining the Syllabus and Leveraging Visual Aids

One of the key elements of Vikas's revised strategy was to limit the number of sources he relied on for each part of the syllabus and to solve previous year questions. This approach helped him to consolidate his knowledge and avoid getting overwhelmed by the vast syllabus.

Vikas also started incorporating visual aids, such as maps and diagrams, into his answers. For instance, in Paper 1, he drew maps to illustrate questions related to Harappa, ancient republics, and the Battle of Tarain. In Paper 2, he used maps to show the instability across the African continent, including events like the Arab Spring, Boko Haram, and the situation in Somalia.

Additionally, Vikas created charts to explain concepts like the Mauryan polity, the downfall of the Mughals, land reforms, and the impact of Japan's industrialization on its neighboring countries.

Improving Map Skills and Covering Emerging Topics

Recognizing the importance of map-related questions, Vikas devoted significant time to practicing map work. He limited the number of sites he focused on to 75, but practiced pointing out 250 locations to develop his spatial awareness and accuracy.

Vikas also made a conscious effort to cover topics that had not been asked in the UPSC exam previously but were now being included, ensuring he was prepared for the evolving nature of the history syllabus.

Leveraging Historical Debates and Sources

In his answers, Vikas made sure to incorporate the views and arguments of various historians, particularly in debate-style questions. This approach not only demonstrated his depth of knowledge but also the ability to engage with different perspectives on historical events and developments.

Positive Outcomes and Recommendations

Vikas's revised strategy paid off handsomely, as he was able to improve his history optional score from 276 in 2017 to 324 in 2018, a remarkable achievement. Reflecting on his journey, Vikas shared his recommendations for future aspirants:

1. Revise the syllabus multiple times by limiting the number of sources.
2. Invest in a good test series, such as the one offered by M.K. Yadav's IASHub, to evaluate and improve your performance.
3. Solve previous year questions and questions asked in the GS1 History section (2013-2018).
4. Maintain faith in your work and strive for continuous improvement.

Vikas's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring civil servants, showcasing how a strategic approach and dedication can lead to remarkable progress in the History Optional paper. By following his guidance and learning from his experiences, future candidates can enhance their chances of success in the UPSC examination.