Shivani Gupta IFS CSE17: Prelims-Mains-Answer writing-Commerce

Introducing Shivani Gupta: Chartered Accountant Turned Civil Servant

Shivani Gupta, a young Chartered Accountant, has defied the odds and achieved a remarkable feat. In her first attempt at the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2017, she secured a rank of 121, proving that with the right strategy and determination, the coveted civil service can be within reach, even for those who are not career civil servants.

Shivani's journey is an inspiring one, as she navigated the challenges of balancing a full-time job and limited preparation time to excel in this highly competitive examination. In this comprehensive article, she shares her personal experiences, strategies, and insights, offering a roadmap for aspiring civil servants who may be hesitant to embark on this path due to various misconceptions or a lack of resources.

Myths and Misconceptions: Debunking the Notion of a Lengthy Preparation

Shivani acknowledges that many individuals believe the Civil Services Examination requires a grueling multi-year preparation, but she dispels this myth. She firmly believes that the examination can be cracked in the first attempt itself, provided one has a well-crafted strategy and the discipline to execute it effectively.

Embracing a Focused Approach

Shivani's approach was to avoid getting bogged down by the vast array of resources and suggestions often provided by well-meaning individuals. Instead, she chose to be selective and disciplined in her preparation, focusing on a few key sources and sticking to them consistently. This strategy, she believes, is crucial in ensuring that one's preparation remains focused and efficient.

The Power of Mock Tests

Shivani emphasizes the importance of mock tests, which she considers an essential component of her preparation. She meticulously analyzed the results of these mock tests, identifying her strengths and weaknesses, and used the insights to refine her strategy. This disciplined approach not only helped her assess her progress but also instilled a sense of confidence as she approached the final examination.

Leveraging Online Resources

In her quest for efficient preparation, Shivani made extensive use of online resources, such as Insightsonindia.com and Mrunal videos. These digital platforms provided her with a wealth of information and enabled her to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends, which proved invaluable during the examination.

Prelims Preparation: A Systematic Approach

Shivani dedicated three months (March to June 2018) to her Prelims preparation, during which she focused on meticulous revision and strategic note-taking. Rather than relying on voluminous standard books, she opted to underline the crucial portions and maintain a lean set of notes.

The Importance of Newspapers and Mock Tests

Shivani's daily routine included reading The Hindu newspaper and attempting as many questions as possible before the actual examination. This exercise not only enhanced her current affairs knowledge but also helped her assess her level of preparation.

Moreover, Shivani diligently took mock tests from various institutes, such as Vision IAS and Insights. She meticulously reviewed the answer keys and created a comprehensive summary of her performance, which proved invaluable in the final leg of her preparation.

Targeted Preparation for Specific Topics

Recognizing the need for specialized knowledge, Shivani also prepared targeted notes on specific topics, including constitutional articles, government committees, world heritage sites, national parks, and relevant reports. This focused approach ensured that she was well-versed in these areas, which often feature in the Prelims examination.

Mains Preparation: Striking a Balance

Shivani's Mains preparation was a well-structured endeavor, where she divided her time and effort into three key components: newspaper reading and answer writing practice, optional subject study, and GS subject preparation.

Newspaper Reading and Answer Writing Practice

Shivani dedicated 4-5 hours daily to newspaper reading and answer writing practice, following the guidance of a senior. She used the Insights platform to hone her skills in this crucial aspect of the examination. Initially, she took 20-25 minutes to write a single answer, but through consistent practice, she was able to reduce the time to 6-7 minutes, a testament to her diligence and strategic approach.

Optional Subject Mastery: Commerce and Accountancy

As her optional subject, Shivani chose Commerce and Accountancy, which she approached with the same level of rigor. She dedicated 4-5 hours daily to this subject, following the Rankers IAS notes and focusing on both the practical and theoretical aspects.

For the practical component, which included Accountancy, Cost Management, Financial Management, Taxation, and Auditing, Shivani emphasized practice as the key to success, as the syllabus was at the level of the Chartered Accountancy Intermediate Examination.

The theoretical aspects, such as Human Resource, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Theory, and Industrial Relations, required a nuanced approach, where Shivani not only relied on the Rankers IAS notes but also closely followed relevant news articles to stay abreast of the latest developments.

GS Subjects: Comprehensive Preparation

Alongside her optional subject, Shivani dedicated 6-7 hours daily to the GS subjects, ensuring a well-rounded and thorough preparation.

Exam Strategies: Crafting Impactful Answers

Shivani's approach to answer writing in the Mains examination was guided by a clear structure and a focus on effectively conveying her knowledge and insights.

The Anatomy of an Impactful Answer

1. Introduction: A concise 30-40 word opening that sets the tone and essence of the question.
2. Main Body: 130-150 words, written in bullet points to ensure diversity and clarity.
3. Inclusion of Examples, Facts, and Visuals: Shivani emphasized the importance of substantiating answers with relevant examples, data, and even diagrams or maps to enhance the overall impact.
4. Conclusion: A 20-30 word closing that offers innovative suggestions or references government schemes, maintaining a positive and constructive tone.

Shivani's dedication and strategic acumen paid off, as evidenced by her impressive performance in the Civil Services Examination 2017. Her journey serves as a testament to the fact that with the right mindset, a well-crafted plan, and unwavering determination, the Civil Services dream can become a reality, even for those who may not have a traditional civil service background.