Medha Anand (CSE-23 AIR-13) Journey & Comprehensive Strategy

Medha Anand's Journey to Securing Rank 13 in the Civil Services Examination 2023

Medha Anand's journey to the Civil Services Examination (CSE) has been a long and arduous one, filled with both highs and lows. Despite facing numerous challenges, she emerged victorious, securing the coveted rank of 13 in the 2023 CSE. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring civil servants, showcasing the dedication and resilience required to achieve such a remarkable feat.

The Inception of a Dream

Medha's journey to the civil services began with a dream to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Inspired by her mother, she set her sights on the prestigious Civil Services, determined to bring about positive change in society. However, instead of taking the road less traveled, Medha initially followed the predictable path of pursuing a B.Tech degree, like many in her family.

The Rollercoaster of Attempts

After completing her graduation, Medha attended Vajiram and Ravi classes for both General Studies and her optional subject. Her first attempt at the CSE was in 2018, where she fell short of the prelims cutoff by a narrow margin. Undeterred by this setback, Medha continued her preparation, diligently attending GS Score tests throughout the year.

In 2019, Medha secured a rank of 311 in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) exam, a significant achievement. However, she still felt a void, yearning for the opportunity to serve the nation through the coveted Civil Services. The following year, she made it to the interview phase but missed the final selection by a single mark, landing in the reserve list. Medha's determination only grew stronger as she faced these challenges.

Navigating the Ups and Downs

The year 2021 saw Medha miss the prelims cutoff, leaving her in a state of shock and disbelief. Questioning her ability to crack the top 100, she persevered, determined to overcome the obstacles. In 2022, Medha's IRTS training commenced, and she had to balance her studies with the demands of the training program. Ultimately, she decided to forego the 2022 attempt to focus on her training, but her dedication to the civil services remained unshaken.

The Turning Point: 2023

The year 2023 proved to be a pivotal moment in Medha's journey. Despite her thorough preparation, the prelims examination proved to be a challenge, leaving her in a state of disbelief. However, Medha refused to give up. With the support of mentors like Mohan Sir from IASbaba, Anshuman Sir, and the SRijan initiative of PWOnly Ias, she worked tirelessly to hone her answer-writing skills and deepen her understanding of the subjects.

Medha's perseverance and resilience paid off, as she secured the impressive rank of 13 in the 2023 CSE. Her success is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the guidance of experienced mentors.

Advice and Insights

Throughout her journey, Medha has accumulated valuable insights and advice for aspiring civil servants. She emphasizes the importance of starting preparation whenever one is motivated, beginning with NCERT books and gradually expanding to subject-specific literature. Medha also highlights the challenges of balancing work and studies, but affirms that it is not an impossible task with the right strategies and a supportive family.

Medha's approach to note-making, the use of past year question papers, and her revision strategies provide a roadmap for future aspirants. She also shares her insights on the prelims and mains examination, emphasizing the significance of practice, the integration of visuals, and the importance of understanding the examiner's perspective.

Medha's story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all those who aspire to serve the nation through the prestigious Civil Services.