S Christopher Aimol (CSE-23 AIR-921) Journey & Comprehensive Strategy

The Journey of S Christopher Aimol: From Aimol Khullen to AIR 921

S Christopher Aimol, hailing from the small village of Aimol Khullen in Tengnoupal District of Manipur, has achieved a significant milestone in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023. After six attempts, Aimol secured AIR 921, a testament to his perseverance and dedication.

Early Life and Education

Christopher Aimol grew up in a humble family setting, where life presented its fair share of challenges. Despite these adversities, he dreamt beyond his circumstances and pursued a path of excellence. His educational journey began at Mannu English School in Imphal for his 10th and 12th grade studies. He then completed his graduation in B.Sc. Physics from St Edmunds College, Shillong. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Career and Preparation for UPSC CSE

After completing his graduation, Christopher Aimol started preparing for the UPSC CSE. He initially worked as an Assistant Manager at Union Bank of India following his success in the IBPS PO 2022 exam. Additionally, he cleared the SSC Combined Graduate Level 2022 exam, showcasing his consistent performance in competitive exams.

The UPSC CSE Journey

The journey to securing AIR 921 in the UPSC CSE was fraught with challenges. Aimol faced multiple setbacks, including doubts, despair, and the long road filled with sacrifices and relentless perseverance. However, he remained steadfast in his belief that his past did not dictate his destiny. He introspected and identified key areas where he needed improvement, such as the lack of a proper strategy and insufficient practice of mock tests.

What Went Wrong in Previous Attempts

A detailed analysis of his previous attempts revealed several areas that needed improvement. The lack of an integrated approach and a proper strategy were among the significant reasons for his failures. He also faced difficulties in solving enough mock tests for the prelims and took the CSAT paper for granted. Additionally, in the mains, he did not complete the paper on time, did not give enough emphasis on practice, and did not complete the syllabus for both GS and optional subjects. Moreover, he did not focus sufficiently on the presentation and structure of his answers.

Strategy for Success

For his successful attempt, Christopher Aimol adopted a comprehensive strategy that included a minimalist approach to sources, multiple revisions, extensive analysis of Previous Year Questions (PYQs), and regular practice of mock tests. He also made sure to complete the GS and optional syllabus on time and focused on the presentation and structure of his answers.

Prelims Sources

• Geography: NCERT 11th+12th and GC Leong
• Polity: NCERT 11th and Laxmikant
• Economics: NCERT 11th Macroeconomics and Sriram Economy
• History: NCERT 11th+12th and Spectrum Modern History
• Environment: Shankar IAS Environment
• Art and Culture: NCERT 11th and Nitin Singhania
• Current Affairs: Monthly compilations and PT 365

Mains Sources

• Concise notes based on the syllabus
• OnlyIAS Prahar and Dipin Sir (Forum IAS) notes for current affairs
• Analyzing PYQs and attempting them for practice
• Completing the paper on time and attempting all questions

Geography Optional Strategy

For his Geography optional, Aimol utilized comprehensive notes, selectively referred to basic books by Savindra Singh, solved PYQs and wrote mock tests regularly. He also included maps and diagrams in his answers and used case studies wherever applicable.

Interview Preparation

To prepare for the interview, Christopher Aimol read two newspapers daily, gave mock interviews to brush up his communication skills, and practiced his optional subject to boost his confidence.

Message to Aspiring Candidates

Christopher Aimol encourages aspiring candidates to have a clear purpose and vision in life, believe in their abilities, and work hard consistently. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and persistence, stating that no dream is too big to achieve if one has the will and determination.

Topper Strategies for CSE-23

Christopher Aimol shared several strategies from top CSE 2023 candidates, including the importance of an integrated approach, completing the syllabus on time, and the significance of mock tests and practice. Some of the notable strategies include:

1. Medha Anand AIR-13 Socio + Comprehensive
2. Romel Bijalwan AIR-353 Anthro + Comprehensive
3. Samiksha Mhetre AIR-302 Comprehensive
4. Aditya Hriday Upadhyay AIR-416 Maths + 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 + Socio + 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

...and many more, each offering valuable insights and strategies for success in the UPSC CSE.

S Christopher Aimol's journey from Aimol Khullen to AIR 921 is a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and strategic approach. His success story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring candidates, encouraging them to believe in themselves, work hard, and never lose faith in their potential. Christopher Aimol's journey is a reminder that success is a journey, not a destination.