Pawan Kumar Goel (CSE-23 AIR-28) Sociology & Comprehensive Strategy

How Pawan Kumar Goel Prepared for UPSC CSE and Achieved Success

Pawan Kumar Goel, a former IRS(IT) officer, secured the AIR 131 in the UPSC CSE'19 exam and was selected into IRS(IT). He completed his B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from DTU in 2017. After his selection into IRS(IT), he cleared the exam this year with an AIR of 28 while working as an IRS(IT) officer.

Background

Goel started his preparation after completing his B.Tech in EEE from DTU in 2017. He secured the AIR 131 in the UPSC CSE'19 exam and was selected into IRS(IT). After his selection, he continued his preparation and cleared the exam this year with an AIR of 28.

How and When to Start Preparation?

Goel emphasized that there is no right time to start preparation; one should start when one has the conviction to write the exam. Some of his friends started their preparation right from the beginning of college, while others did so after completing college or after working for a year or two. The key is to start when one is ready and committed to the preparation.

To begin the preparation, Goel recommended familiarizing oneself with the exam pattern and syllabus. He also suggested reading the newspaper along with basic books. Here are some of the basic books he referred to:

• Polity: Laxmikant
• Geography: Class 6 to 12 NCERT, YouTube videos, and PMF IAS website for clarity
• Art and Culture: Nitin Singhania
• Modern History: Spectrum and New NCERT
• Ancient and Medieval History: New NCERT
• Economy: Mrunal videos
• Environment: Vision pre and mains 365
• World History and Post-Independence History: Vision study material
• Indian Society: Vision value addition material + YouTube videos of Vision
• Current Affairs: Newspaper, Vision IAS prelims, and Mains 365

Timetable

The best timetable is one that suits an individual and can be followed consistently. Instead of sharing a minute-to-minute timetable, Goel shared a broad framework that governed his preparation. He divided his day into three slots of 8 hours each: studying, sleeping, and daily activities. He found that his productivity was better in the morning than at night, but advised studying at any time that suits one's convenience.

While working, Goel woke up early in the morning to study before going to the office and again after returning. During weekends, he maximized his study time, but also ensured he had time to relax, given the physical and mental toll of working and preparing for the exam.

Optional Strategy: Sociology

Goel selected sociology as his optional subject. He started by reading NCERTs and referred to videos of "sleepy classes" on YouTube for a lucid overview. He also referred to the Nitin Sangwan book for a concise and comprehensive understanding of the subject. For paper 2, he referred to the notes of Mahapatra Sir, which provided numerous case studies and examples.

To make his answers stand out, Goel used data, the names of committees, contemporary examples, and thinkers from one paper in another. This strategy helped him score better marks.

Whether to Make Notes or Not?

Goel strongly suggested making notes, whether handwritten or digital. He made detailed notes with subheadings for easy revision and retention. His note format included facts, pros and cons, steps taken, the way forward, and a conclusion. He also had two types of notes: a longer version for detailed study and a shorter version for quick revision before the exam. This approach helped him retain information and write his answers more effectively.

Role of PYQs in Prelims and Mains

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) play an integral role in both the prelims and mains stages of the exam. Solving PYQs helps aspirants focus on important topics, develop the ability to eliminate wrong options, and improve their accuracy in guesses. PYQs also help prioritize subjects in the General Studies (GS) papers and guide aspirants in their optional subject preparation.

How and Which Tests to Practice?

Goel emphasized the importance of practice over knowledge in clearing the exam. For prelims, he suggested practicing as many MCQs as possible and writing at least 35-40 mock tests. For mains, he advocated writing as many mock tests as possible to develop the ability to complete the paper within the given time frame and write good answers.

CSE-23 Topper Strategies

Here are some strategies from top CSE-23 toppers:

1. Medha Anand: AIR-13, Sociology + Comprehensive
2. Romel Bijalwan: AIR-353, Anthropology + Comprehensive
3. Samiksha Mhetre: AIR-302, Comprehensive
4. Aditya Hriday Upadhyay: AIR-416, Mathematics + Comprehensive
5. Prerna Singh: AIR-271, Journey + Learnings + Comprehensive
6. Abhinav Jain: AIR-35, Journey + Comprehensive
7. KN Chandana Jahnavi: AIR-50, 3/3 Selections + Sociology + Comprehensive
8. Rohit Sattawan: AIR-997, Prelims & Mains Booklist + FAQs
9. Dr. Subhadharshini: AIR-83, Motivational Journey + FAQs
10. Megha Dinesh: AIR-268, Sociology + Comprehensive Strategy
11. Anushka Karnwal: AIR-435, Economics + Comprehensive Strategy
12. Rajat Tripathi: AIR-515, FAQs
13. Dr. Ritika Aima: AIR-33, Journey & Learnings from 186 to 33
14. Romit Bhatt: AIR-390, Journey, FAQ & History Optional
15. Anjali Thakur: AIR-43, Sociology + Prelims + Mains
16. Bidipto Sarkar: AIR-987, Comprehensive
17. Apoorv Balpande: AIR-546, Philosophy & Comprehensive
18. Vaibhav Rathore: AIR-717, Economics & Comprehensive
19. Benjo P Jose: AIR-59, Prelims Comprehensive
20. Shivansh Singh: AIR-164, Anthropology & Comprehensive
21. Manav Jain: AIR-634, Comprehensive
22. Rimita Saha: AIR-566, Anthropology & Comprehensive
23. Ghulam Maya Din: AIR-388, Medical Science & Comprehensive
24. Hardik Chandel: AIR-304, 4 Prelims 4 Mains 3 Interviews 2 Selections
25. Rekulwar Shubham: AIR-790, 7 Prelims 7 Mains 4 Interviews
26. Abdullah Zahid: AIR-744, Motivational Journey & Strategy
27. Ketan: AIR-610, Anthropology & Comprehensive
28. Wardah: AIR-18, Sociology & Comprehensive
29. Merugu Kaushik: AIR-82, Sociology & Comprehensive
30. Paramita: AIR-812, Motivational Journey & Comprehensive
31. Annapurna Singh: AIR-99, Journey, Geography & Comprehensive
32. Khushhali: AIR-61, GS 462 Marks, Journey, Strategy
33. Tejas: AIR-37, Prelims Strategy
34. Soubhagya: AIR-101, Anthropology & Comprehensive
35. Bhuvanesh: AIR-41, 4 Interviews, 3 Selections, Psychology & Comprehensive
36. Aradhana: AIR-251, Sociology & Comprehensive

Goel's strategies and experiences provide valuable insights for aspirants preparing for the UPSC CSE exam. His advice on starting preparation, creating an effective timetable, making notes, and practicing mock tests can help guide aspirants towards a successful exam journey.