Ketan Ashok Ingole (CSE-23 AIR-610) Anthropology & Comprehensive Strategy

Ketan Ashok Ingole's Journey to Success in the Civil Services Examination

In the bustling world of the Civil Services Examination, Ketan Ashok Ingole's journey stands as a testament to perseverance, strategic planning, and unwavering determination. Hailing from the Washim district in Maharashtra, Ketan's path to the prestigious All India Rank 610 in CSE 2023 was paved with challenges and hard-won victories.

Background and Preparation Journey

After completing his MBBS from GMC Aurangabad (Ch. Sambhajinagar) in 2021, Ketan Ingole found himself drawn to the UPSC Civil Services Examination. While serving as a Medical Officer at a rural PHC, he gave his first attempt in October 2021, choosing Medical Science as his Optional subject. However, Ketan soon realized that the exam was not as straightforward as it had seemed.

Determined to overcome this initial setback, Ketan made the bold decision to leave his job and move to Delhi, where he joined the GS Foundation classes at Vajiram and Ravi in November 2021. During this time, he gave his second attempt, this time switching his Optional to Anthropology. Although he did not clear the exam, Ketan took a few days' break before resuming his studies with renewed vigor.

Strategizing for Success

Ketan's approach to the UPSC Civil Services Examination was marked by a systematic and disciplined routine. He divided his day into four distinct sessions, dedicating each one to a specific subject or task. In the mornings, he would tackle a new subject or topic, while the afternoon sessions were reserved for newspaper reading and MCQ solving. The evenings were devoted to exploring new areas, ensuring a balanced and focused preparation.

Prelims Preparation

For the Prelims stage, Ketan relied on a carefully curated set of resources. He utilized books such as RS Sharma's work for Ancient History, Satish Chandra's for Medieval History, and Spectrum's offering for Modern History. Polity was covered through Laxmikant's text and PT365, while Economy, Science and Technology, and Environment were supplemented with Mrunal sir's notes, PT365, and selected NCERT chapters.

Mains Preparation

Ketan's Mains preparation was equally meticulous. He turned to Ed-Sarrthi's material for History, NCERT and PYQ analysis for Geography, and Mains 365 for Society in GS1. For GS2, he relied on Magna Carta Notes by Atish Mathur sir, class notes, and Mains 365 for Polity, Governance, and Social Justice, while International Relations was covered through Mains 365.

In GS3, Ketan utilized Mains 365 for Economy, Agriculture, Science and Technology, and Environment, while Shivin sir's notes were invaluable for Disaster Management and Internal Security. For GS4, he turned to Atul Girg sir's book for the theory part and Mudit sir's approach for case studies.

Optional Strategy

For Anthropology, Ketan did not attend any formal classes but instead relied on YouTube videos and the support of his friends to navigate the more challenging concepts. He referred to a range of sources, including Ember and Ember, Upadhay and Gaya for theories, P Nath for the physical aspect, and D.K. Bhattacharya and Narayan Amit's notes for Archaeology. For Paper 2, he primarily relied on Mandar Patki sir's notes and the Xaxa Committee report.

Revision and Mock Tests

Throughout his preparation, Ketan placed a strong emphasis on revising previous year's question papers (PYQs), which he believed provided invaluable insights into the examination's pattern and the depth of knowledge required. He made notes directly on the papers, allowing him to identify and address areas of confusion.

Ketan's revision strategy focused on active recall, with a strong emphasis on writing and mugging up key concepts. He also regularly participated in open mock tests, scoring between 70 and 90, and rarely exceeding 100. These mock tests, along with a meticulous PYQ analysis, helped him fine-tune his approach and sharpen his skills.

Answering Strategies

Ketan's approach to answer writing was centered on addressing the demand of the question rather than solely focusing on content. He emphasized the importance of understanding the keywords and the underlying intent of the question. His answer structure typically consisted of a concise introduction, well-structured body paragraphs with relevant arguments and evidence, and a forward-looking conclusion.

Conclusion

Ketan Ashok Ingole's journey to success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination exemplifies the power of strategic planning, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to continuous learning. His methodical approach to preparation, combined with his ability to adapt and overcome challenges, has earned him a well-deserved place among the top performers in CSE 2023. Ketan's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants, showcasing the rewards that can be reaped through disciplined and focused preparation.