Prerna Singh (CSE-23 AIR-271) Journey, Learnings and Comprehensive Strategy
Background and Journey Hello all, I am Prerna Singh and have secured AIR 271 in CSE 2023 . This was my 4th attempt, 2nd mains and 1st interview. I have done B.A (H) Sociology from Miranda House, MSW from Jamia Millia Islamia and worked with Vedanta as HR for around a year. You may contact her
Prerna Singh's Journey to Securing AIR 271 in CSE 2023
Prerna Singh, a driven and persistent individual, has secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 271 in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023. This remarkable achievement was the result of her unwavering determination and a steadfast commitment to her goal, despite facing several challenges along the way.
Background and Journey
Prerna's journey to the civil services began with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the prestigious Miranda House and a Master's in Social Work from Jamia Millia Islamia. She then gained valuable work experience as an HR professional at Vedanta, a leading company in the industry. However, her true passion lay in the realm of public service, and she decided to embark on the challenging path of the UPSC civil services examination.
Prerna's first three attempts at the examination were marked by both successes and setbacks. In her second attempt, she qualified for the Mains examination, but could not clear the Prelims in her third attempt due to her performance in the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) section, where she scored 65 marks. This was a significant blow, and Prerna found herself at a crossroads, contemplating abandoning her civil services dream altogether. It was at this critical juncture that she received unwavering support from her mother and close friends, who encouraged her to give it one more try.
The 3rd Attempt
Undeterred by the previous setback, Prerna returned to the drawing board and began her preparation for the fourth attempt with renewed vigor and focus. She recognized that the CSAT had emerged as a stumbling block, and she made a conscious decision to devote more time and effort to mastering this section.
Prerna's approach was multifaceted. She diligently solved the R.S. Aggarwal book, a renowned resource for CSAT preparation, and also utilized the free CSAT Previous Year Questions (PYQs) videos available on the YouTube channel of Only IAS. She understood that CSAT was becoming increasingly challenging, but she firmly believed that with continuous practice and a thorough understanding of the concepts, it could be conquered.
In addition to her CSAT preparation, Prerna dedicated a significant amount of time to creating comprehensive notes for the Mains examination. She adopted a systematic approach, where she would select a keyword from the syllabus and prepare 2-page notes on it. This meticulous note-making process not only helped her organize her thoughts but also facilitated better retention of the information.
Maintaining Discipline and Motivation
Prerna recognized that the UPSC preparation journey could become monotonous and draining at times, so she made a conscious effort to maintain a sense of discipline and routine. She had a well-structured timetable, dividing her day into three slots – reading the newspaper, watching subject-specific videos, and focusing on a particular subject or writing a test.
To keep herself motivated, Prerna made it a point to pick one example from the newspapers for every keyword in the Ethics syllabus, as well as collect relevant quotes and data for the introduction and conclusion of her answers. She also worked on her presentation skills, incorporating diagrams and maps wherever appropriate.
The Pivotal Role of Mock Tests
Prerna understood the significance of mock tests in her preparation journey. She participated in the Forum's Mains General Program (MGP) and tried to write the tests in exam-like conditions to simulate the real experience. The insights gained from analyzing these mock tests were invaluable, as they helped her identify areas for improvement and fine-tune her answer-writing strategies.
The Path to Success
Prerna's unwavering dedication and strategic approach paid off, and she secured a well-deserved AIR 271 in the CSE 2023 examination. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a holistic approach to preparation.
Through her story, Prerna demonstrates that the path to success is not always linear, and that setbacks can be overcome with the right mindset and support system. Her remarkable achievement is a testament to her ability to navigate the challenges of the UPSC examination and emerge as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to one's goals.