Samiksha Mhetre (CSE-23 AIR-302) Comprehensive Strategy

Samiksha Mhetre's UPSC Journey: Perseverance, Introspection, and Triumph

In the realm of the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, Samiksha Mhetre's journey stands as a testament to the power of determination and self-reflection. As a dedicated aspirant, Samiksha has navigated the challenging terrain of this competitive landscape, emerging victorious with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 302 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2023.

Samiksha's UPSC Journey

Samiksha's UPSC journey spanned four attempts, each marked by valuable lessons and steadfast resilience. During her first attempt, she had a decent understanding of the UPSC syllabus but underestimated the rigors of the examination, ultimately failing to qualify the preliminary stage. In her second attempt, despite working diligently, her preparation was disorganized, with a weak revision strategy and a lack of thorough engagement with previous year question papers (PYQs). This resulted in another failure at the preliminary stage.

The third attempt presented its own challenges, as the examination cycle was disrupted due to the pandemic, leaving Samiksha with limited time to rectify her shortcomings. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to clear the preliminary hurdle once again. Undeterred, Samiksha approached her fourth attempt with a renewed perspective, acknowledging the areas where she could improve.

Introspection and Strategic Shift

Samiksha's breakthrough came when she decided to introspect and honestly assess her weaknesses. She realized that in order to improve, she had to be truthful with herself and accept the areas where she needed to work. By shifting her mindset from blaming external factors to taking ownership of her own growth, Samiksha paved the way for a transformative strategy.

She doubled down on her efforts, prioritizing the subjects she deemed most important, such as Environment, Science & Technology, Polity, Geography, and Economics. Samiksha also ensured that she did not completely neglect any subject, even those she considered less critical, as she recognized the value of a well-rounded approach.

Prelims Strategy

Samiksha's prelims strategy was multifaceted, encompassing a deep dive into current affairs, a thorough understanding of PYQs, and a strong grasp of the static portion of the syllabus. She meticulously followed current affairs, referring to multiple compilations and creating her own comprehensive notes. Samiksha also went in-depth on specific topics, understanding the nuances and peripheral details that UPSC often probes.

Consistent practice and active revision were crucial elements of Samiksha's strategy. She solved PYQs from the past 20-25 years, not just for the sake of solving, but also to identify the topics that could be prepared in-depth. Additionally, she employed the "Active Recall" method, which helped her maintain a strong connection with the exam scenario and effectively retrieve information during the examination.

Samiksha's dedication to the Comprehensive Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper was also noteworthy, as she allocated at least 45 minutes per day to this component, honing her skills in speed-reading and comprehension.

Mains Preparations

Samiksha's mains preparation involved a structured approach, with two sets of notes – one for the preliminary stage and another for the mains examination. The preliminary notes were organized in an Excel workbook, while the mains notes were handwritten, catering to the analytical nature of the mains papers.

Careful syllabus analysis, topic-wise preparation, and strategic integration of facts, data, and examples from current affairs and newspapers were hallmarks of Samiksha's mains strategy. She also emphasized the importance of interlinking concepts across different GS papers, which not only enriched her answers but also demonstrated her ability to think holistically.

Interview Strategy

Samiksha approached the interview stage with equal diligence, recognizing its significant weightage of 275 marks. She meticulously filled out her Detailed Application Form (DAF), ensuring that it reflected her genuine experiences and passions, rather than any embellishments. Samiksha also prepared extensively for the interview, familiarizing herself with potential questions related to her background, hobbies, and current affairs.

Throughout the interview, Samiksha's strategy was rooted in honesty and integrity. She readily acknowledged the areas where she lacked knowledge, refusing to bluff or provide evasive responses. Her commitment to being truthful and transparent impressed the interview board, further bolstering her performance.

Conclusion

Samiksha Mhetre's UPSC journey is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring civil servants. Her unwavering determination, willingness to introspect, and strategic adaptability have culminated in her remarkable success. By sharing her experiences and insights, Samiksha hopes to guide and motivate countless others who aspire to serve the nation through the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination.