Mukund Singh Chahar, AIR-273 CSE-22 Journey, Prelims, Mains, History Optional & More

Mukund Singh Chahar's UPSC CSE Journey

Introduction

Mukund Singh Chahar is a successful UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) aspirant who secured All India Rank 273 in the 2022 edition of the prestigious exam. His journey to this achievement was not without its challenges, as he had to navigate through six years, five attempts, and several setbacks before finally cracking the exam in his fifth attempt.

Mukund's CSE Journey

Mukund began his UPSC preparation in 2017, but he could not clear the preliminary stage in his first two attempts. Undeterred, he decided to pivot his focus to the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exam, feeling that he might not have the necessary attributes to succeed in the UPSC CSE. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the UPSC exam, giving Mukund another opportunity to try his hand at the coveted examination.

Fortunately, Mukund was able to clear the preliminary stage in his third attempt, but he was unable to clear the mains examination this time. He managed to clear both the preliminary and mains stages in his fourth attempt, but his interview performance was disappointing, scoring a mere 135 marks, which kept him out of the final selection list.

Undeterred, Mukund prepared for the 2022 UPSC CSE, but he faced the highest level of self-doubt and low self-confidence he had ever experienced. Despite these challenges, he gave the exam nonetheless and was able to clear the preliminary stage. From there, he did not look back and, in his fifth attempt, he finally cracked the UPSC CSE, securing AIR 273.

Mukund's story is a testament to the resilience and perseverance required to succeed in the UPSC CSE. He acknowledges that each aspirant struggles during the journey, and he wants to convey that he was no different. He emphasizes that it is completely normal to have tough days and experience self-doubt, but one must never lose hope.

Prelims Strategies

Mukund struggled the most during the preliminary stage of the UPSC CSE, but he developed some effective strategies that he believes can benefit other aspirants.

Booklist for Prelims

Mukund advises aspirants to browse through suggestions from multiple toppers when curating their booklist for the prelims, rather than blindly following the strategy of a single topper. He emphasizes the importance of picking a limited number of sources and revising them multiple times, as a source that has been revised four times is more useful than four sources that have been revised only once.

Do's for Prelims

1. Previous Year Questions (PYQ) Analysis: Mukund stresses the importance of analyzing the last 10 years of PYQs to understand the weightage of different subjects and the pattern of the exam. He also suggests that themes from PYQs are often repeated, so a thorough analysis can be beneficial.

2. Mock Tests: Mukund recommends doing 2-4 sectional tests for each subject, followed by 3-4 full-length tests. He suggests a total of 20 to 40 mock tests and emphasizes the importance of analyzing and revising these tests to understand one's weaknesses and build a question bank of 2,000 to 4,000 questions.

3. Simulation: Mukund highlights the importance of simulating the actual exam environment to better prepare for the high-pressure nature of the prelims. This includes giving mock tests within a fixed 2-hour duration, filling OMR sheets, and sitting in conditions similar to the actual exam.

Don'ts for Prelims

1. Avoid reading multiple sources for one subject: Mukund advises against this, as it can be counterproductive.
2. Don't forget the importance of revision: Revision is crucial for success in the prelims.
3. Don't just give mock tests, always analyze and revise them: Mukund emphasizes the need to not only take mock tests but also thoroughly analyze and revise them.

Mains Strategies

Mukund's strategies for the mains examination include a focus on booklist, answer writing practice, and time and space management.

Booklist for Mains

Similar to his approach for the prelims, Mukund suggests browsing through suggestions from multiple toppers and limiting the number of sources to focus on. He also recommends covering each keyword of the mains syllabus and keeping concise notes for last-minute revision.

Do's for Mains

1. PYQs: Mukund stresses the importance of covering the last 10 years of PYQs, as themes are often repeated.
2. Answer Writing Practice: Mukund believes that answer writing is the key to success in the mains. He advises starting with PYQs and gradually moving towards sectional tests and full-length tests to build this crucial skill.
3. Value Addition: Mukund emphasizes the importance of adding value to answers by incorporating relevant maps, constitutional articles, judgments, facts, data, and examples.
4. Time and Space Management: Mukund had set drafts for each General Studies (GS) paper to help him save time and improve his presentation. He provides an example draft for the Art and Culture section.

Don'ts for Mains

1. Don't prepare for Prelims and Mains separately: Mukund suggests integrating the preparation for both stages, focusing on sources that are helpful for both.
2. Don't underestimate answer writing: Mukund recommends attempting at least 3-4 tests for each GS paper, 3-4 essays, and 5-6 tests for the optional subject.
3. Don't try to write 20 perfect answers in mains: Mukund advises focusing on completing the paper on time rather than aiming for perfection in every answer.

Specific Strategies

Essay

Mukund scored 129 marks in the essay section, and he believes that writing from the heart, rather than adopting an overly mechanical approach, helped him improve his score. He had a flexible essay draft that he followed, which included an anecdote, a definition paragraph, a body following the GS I-IV approach, a counter-argument section, and a conclusion.

Optional (History)

Mukund improved his history optional score from 205 in 2020 to 276 in 2021 and 263 in 2022. His key strategies included following Balyan Sir's notes, properly addressing the last 10 years of PYQs, and revising his limited sources extensively.

Interview

Mukund had scored a disappointing 135 marks in his 2021 interview, which had shaken his confidence in his suitability for the civil services. However, he was able to improve his score to 190 in 2022 by implementing the following strategies:

1. Improving Awareness: Mukund read two newspapers, discussed current affairs with peers and seniors, and started thinking about issues of national and international relevance.
2. Improving Communication: He practiced mirror talk, increased interactions with people, and watched topper mock interviews to learn from their communication skills.
3. Simulation: Mukund simulated the interview room by sticking printouts of UPSC members' images on the walls and then practicing a half-hour interview in that setting.
4. Knowing Yourself: Mukund emphasizes the importance of thoroughly researching one's Detailed Application Form (DAF) to be confident about the information it contains.

Mukund's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the role that luck can play in one's success. He advises fellow UPSC aspirants to keep working hard, stay patient, and focus on continuously improving themselves, as there is no greater success than being better than one's older self.