Mohammad Haris Mir (CSE-23 AIR-345) Law, Journey & Comprehensive Strategy

Ambitious Pursuit: Mohammad Haris Mir's Journey to the Civil Services

Introduction

In a world where dreams are often overshadowed by the challenges of everyday life, there are those who dare to defy the odds and embark on a journey towards their aspirations. Mohammad Haris Mir, a young man from Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, is one such individual who has set his sights on the coveted Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). With a deep-rooted determination and a well-crafted plan, Haris has navigated the intricate path towards his goal, overcoming obstacles and emerging as a testament to the power of perseverance.

Background

Haris' journey began early on, during his schooling, when he made the decision to appear for the UPSC exam. Recognizing the importance of a strong academic foundation, he chose to pursue a B.A.LL.B degree from the Faculty of Law at Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. This decision proved to be a strategic one, as the syllabus overlap between law and the UPSC curriculum provided him with a solid academic grounding in areas such as Constitutional Law and International Law, which would prove invaluable in his preparation for the civil services.

Navigating the Law School Experience

While his time in law school was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, Haris remained focused on his ultimate goal. He used the lockdown period to delve deeper into his curriculum studies, laying the groundwork for his future preparations. Upon graduating in the summer of 2022, Haris wasted no time and decided to immerse himself in the intensive preparation for the UPSC exam, which was scheduled to be held later that year.

UPSC Journey

Haris' UPSC journey, like many others, was marked by both challenges and triumphs. Initially, he faced difficulties in maintaining discipline and developing a long-term, syllabus-oriented plan. However, he overcame these obstacles by seeking mentorship from experienced individuals, such as Satyam Jain of the "Understand UPSC" initiative, who provided him with valuable guidance and resources through the "SFG-Mains Focus" group on Telegram.

Strategies and Preparation Tactics

Haris' approach to UPSC preparation was multifaceted and well-researched. He began by assessing his baseline knowledge through an open mock test, which helped him identify his strengths and weaknesses. Armed with this information, he strategically focused on strengthening his weaker areas, such as History and Environment, while building upon his stronger subjects like Polity and Economy.

Mastering the Syllabus

Haris' preparation involved a meticulous study of the UPSC syllabus, with a particular emphasis on the core subjects. He relied on NCERT textbooks, supplementary resources like Pratik Nayak's YouTube videos on History and Art & Culture, and specialized books such as Nitin Singhania's "Art and Culture" for the mains examination.

Leveraging Past Year Questions

Recognizing the importance of past year questions (PYQs) in the UPSC exam, Haris made them an integral part of his preparation strategy. He thoroughly studied the model answers and extracted valuable insights, which he then applied to his own answer-writing practice.

Targeted Note-Making

Haris adopted a selective approach to note-making, focusing on the most critical topics and concepts. He created comprehensive digital notes for subjects like Constitutional Law and Polity, while maintaining a concise diary of data points for subjects like Economy, Disaster Management, and Internal Security.

Challenges and Strategies

Throughout his UPSC journey, Haris faced various challenges, including the struggle with discipline and the lack of a long-term, syllabus-oriented plan, especially in the early stages of his preparation. However, he was able to overcome these obstacles by seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals, as well as by developing a more structured and focused approach to his studies.

Maintaining Discipline and Focus

Haris initially had difficulty maintaining a consistent study routine, but he eventually settled on a preferred schedule that involved solving mock test questions in the morning, followed by dedicated time for GS and optional subjects in the afternoon and evening. He also made sure to include regular newspaper reading as part of his daily routine.

Overcoming Setbacks and Adapting

Despite the challenges, Haris remained resilient and adaptable. When he realized that he was falling behind on his optional subject syllabus, he made a conscious effort to devote more time to it, even if it meant sacrificing some of his GS preparation. This flexibility and willingness to adjust his strategy as needed proved crucial in his overall success.

Exam Strategies and Performance

Haris' approach to the UPSC examinations was comprehensive and well-planned. For the prelims, he focused on attempting as many questions as possible, even if he was unsure of the answers, in order to maximize his chances of qualifying. In the CSAT (Paper 2), he relied heavily on the English Comprehension section, which played to his strengths.

Mains Preparation and Essay Writing

For the mains examination, Haris placed a strong emphasis on essay writing, a crucial component of the exam. He studied toppers' essays, compiled relevant quotes, and practiced writing as many mock essays as possible, with a focus on maintaining originality of content.

Interview Preparation

Haris took the time to thoroughly prepare for the UPSC interview, recognizing it as a crucial step in the final selection process. He honed his communication skills, brushed up on current affairs, and ensured that he was well-versed in his optional subject and areas of interest.

Conclusion

Mohammad Haris Mir's journey to the civil services is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and strategic planning. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of the UPSC exam, leveraging his academic background, seeking guidance from experienced mentors, and adapting his preparation strategies as needed. Haris' story serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants, reminding them that with a clear vision, unwavering focus, and a willingness to learn and grow, even the most daunting goals can be achieved.