Prince Kumar (AIR-426, CSE-21) Hindi Medium Strategy

Prince Kumar's Journey to Clearing UPSC CSE-21 in Hindi Medium with AIR-426

In the ever-competitive landscape of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, Prince Kumar's journey stands out as a testament to perseverance, strategic planning, and the power of determination. Hailing from the Shivhar district of Bihar, Prince Kumar navigated the challenges of the UPSC exam, ultimately emerging with a remarkable All India Rank (AIR) of 426 in the CSE-21 examination, conducted in the Hindi medium.

Early Life and Education

Prince Kumar's educational journey began in his village's government school, where he completed his school education. He then went on to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Geography from Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University from 2015 to 2018.

UPSC Preparation Journey

Prince's tryst with the UPSC examination started in 2019 when he attempted the examination for the first time. Despite being unsuccessful in the Mains examination that year, he remained undeterred and continued his preparation. In 2020, he managed to reach the interview stage, further fueling his determination to succeed.

In 2021, Prince decided to switch his optional subject from Geography to Maithili literature, a strategic move that ultimately paid off, as he secured the 426th rank in the CSE-21 examination.

Prelims Preparation Strategy

Prince's approach to the Preliminary examination (Prelims) was systematic and well-structured. He analyzed the previous year's question papers to understand the pattern and distribution of questions across various subjects. This helped him identify the crucial topics and chapters that required more attention.

Prince relied on a carefully curated set of study materials, including Lakshmikant's "Indian Polity," Spectrum's "Modern History," and NCERT textbooks for Ancient and Medieval History. For subjects like Art and Culture, Economy, Environment, and Science and Technology, he referred to class notes and specific reference materials like Drishti's quick books.

Consistent revision was a key aspect of Prince's Prelims preparation. He focused on studying a limited number of books thoroughly, rather than attempting to cover a vast array of resources. Highlighting important points during the reading process proved to be an effective strategy.

Prince also emphasized the importance of mastering the technique of option elimination, as the nature of Prelims questions has become increasingly unpredictable in recent times. He encouraged aspiring candidates to pay close attention to this skill, as it can often be the deciding factor in arriving at the correct answer.

CSAT Preparation

For the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), Prince's approach varied based on the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirants. Those with a strong background in mathematics were advised to focus on practicing previous year's question papers and test series. Candidates with relatively weaker mathematical skills were encouraged to devote more time to sharpening their reasoning and comprehension abilities, while also practicing the commonly tested topics like average, percentage, age, and time-work problems.

Current Affairs and Mains Examination

Prince emphasized the importance of staying updated with current affairs, acknowledging the challenges faced by Hindi medium aspirants in this regard. He recommended reading national newspapers like The Indian Express or The Hindu, as well as the monthly magazine Vision PT 365, which he found to be a valuable resource for Prelims preparation.

For the Mains examination, Prince advised aspirants to carefully study the UPSC syllabus and analyze previous year's question papers. He encouraged the creation of subject-specific notes, especially for dynamic subjects like Economics, Governance, Society, and International Relations, where personal notes can provide valuable insights.

For the Ethics paper, Prince relied on the notes from Drishti and Vision IAS, further enhancing them with relevant examples and quotations.

Prince recognized the importance of consistent practice in essay writing, as it is a crucial component of the Mains examination. He advised candidates to follow a structured approach, including an engaging introduction, a well-developed main body, and a concise conclusion.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

Prince acknowledged that the UPSC preparation journey can be arduous, with moments of self-doubt and demotivation. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining resilience and determination. He shared that he often found solace in reading poetry, particularly the inspiring lines of Dinkar's "Rashmirathi," which instilled in him the will to continue his journey, no matter the challenges.

Prince's success story stands as an inspiration for Hindi medium aspirants, demonstrating that with a well-crafted strategy, unwavering focus, and a steadfast determination, the seemingly daunting UPSC examination can be conquered. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that to win the game, one must simply remain in the game.