Shreyans Kumat AIR-4: Prelims Journey — Strategy & Motivation
Hello Everyone, I hope you all are doing well. You all must be pumped up with excitement and might also have a bit of anxiety. In just a few weeks, you will have the opportunity to be one step closer to achieving your dream. I am writing in brief about my journey of UPSC until
The Journey to UPSC Prelims 2018: A Detailed Insight
In a few weeks, aspirants across the nation will have the opportunity to strive towards their dream of serving the country through the civil services. This post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the journey of Shreyans Kumat, who successfully navigated his way through the UPSC Prelims 2018, offering valuable insights and key takeaways.
Introduction
Shreyans Kumat is a native of Kishangarh, Rajasthan, known for its rich cultural heritage tied to the Kishangarh School of Art and the legendary Bani Thani. After completing his education from IIT Bombay and working as a Management Consultant with Ernst & Young, Kumat took a significant leap by deciding to prepare for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2018. This decision was not impulsive but the result of a year-long introspection and a deep understanding of his career aspirations.
The Inspiration Behind the Decision
It took Kumat almost a year to contemplate and decide on his career shift. During his second year at work, he was contemplating the Civil Services as a potential career path. To explore this further, he attended a Good Governance Yatra and a Vipassana Meditation Course. Kumat's initial foray into the world of Civil Services involved a "dipstick" study of basic books like Laxmikanth and Bipan Chandra's NCERT to gauge his readiness and motivation. After thorough consideration, he decided to leave his job and dedicate himself fully to his preparation.
The Preparation Begins
Preparing for the UPSC Prelims involves several critical steps. The first is to establish a clear overarching plan based on one's strengths and weaknesses and the time available. For Kumat, this involved reading and revising a broad range of topics over several months, culminating in a dedicated mock-prelims phase. A meticulously crafted booklist and source list were essential to ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
The Overarching Plan and Source List
The core of Kumat's preparation strategy was a well-defined overarching plan. This plan was designed to leverage his strengths, such as his analytical skills, and address his weaknesses, like his tendency to struggle with memorization. Key aspects of this plan included:
- Initial Reading: Kumat aimed to complete his first reading of optional subjects and General Studies standard books by December 2017.
- Revision: Subsequent revisions were scheduled from February to March 2018, with an emphasis on consolidating coaching notes.
- Mock-Prelims: Dedicated mock-prelims were planned from March 2018 until one week before the final exam.
Source List
Limiting the sources to cover most of the syllabus was crucial. Kumat identified key sources for each subject, including NCERT books, Vajiram and Ravi class notes, and other resources like Mrunal videos and Shankar IAS notes. Current affairs were covered through newspapers like The Hindu and magazines such as Vision IAS. This streamlined approach helped in focusing on high-yield topics and ensuring thorough coverage.
Static and Current Affairs Sources
Kumat's list of static sources included NCERT textbooks for various subjects, Vajiram class notes, and other specialized books. For current affairs, he relied on The Hindu for daily updates, Vision IAS monthly compilations, and IAS Parliament for detailed information on schemes and indices. This balanced approach ensured that he was well-versed in both the core syllabus and the latest developments.
Preparation Strategies
Geography and History Preparation
For geography, Kumat focused on NCERT textbooks and supplementary materials like Vajiram class notes and Mrunal videos. For history, he used NCERT textbooks, Vajiram and Ravi notes, and Spectrum tables. The combination of NCERT notes and Vajiram class notes provided a strong foundation, while supplementary materials filled in the gaps.
Polity, Economy, Environment, and Science and Technology
Key sources for various subjects included Laxmikanth for polity, Vajiram class notes for economy, Shankar IAS notes for environment, and Vajiram class notes for science and technology. The focus was on understanding the core concepts and applying them through practice.
Current Affairs Preparation
Current affairs were extensively covered through The Hindu, Vision IAS monthly compilations, and other supplementary resources. Kumat emphasized the importance of staying updated with the latest schemes, indices, and international organizations.
The Journey to Prelims 2018
Mock-Prelims and Test Series
Kumat placed a strong emphasis on simulating the Prelims exam conditions through mock tests and test series. He used coaching provided by Vajiram and Ravi, as well as other resources like Vision IAS and InsightsonIndia. The mock tests were structured to mimic the actual exam conditions, with time-bound tests and a detailed analysis of performance.
Structuring the Mock-Prelims
Kumat's mock-prelims were meticulously structured to help him identify areas for improvement. He categorized questions into easy, moderate, and difficult based on his initial analysis, allowing him to focus on areas where he needed more practice. This structured approach helped him in course correction and continuous improvement.
Performance Analysis and Course Correction
The continuous analysis of past papers and mock tests was instrumental in Kumat's preparation. He regularly reviewed his performance, identified shortcomings, and revised his study plan accordingly. This process of analysis and course correction helped him improve his performance over time, with his scores gradually increasing from 50 to 120 by the time of the Prelims.
The Final Days and Prelims 2018
As the Prelims 2018 approached, Kumat focused on maintaining a positive mindset and ensuring he was well-prepared. He ensured he had all the necessary documents and supplies for the exam day and visited the exam center beforehand to familiarize himself with the environment. The final days were marked by a review of key topics, current affairs, and a final mock test to ensure he was in the best shape possible.
The Results
Kumat's hard work paid off, with a score of 128.66 in GS and 165 in CSAT, securing him a spot for the Mains examination. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspirants, highlighting the importance of a well-structured plan, consistent revision, and the ability to adapt and improve based on performance analysis.
Conclusion
Shreyans Kumat's journey to UPSC Prelims 2018 is a testament to the importance of a well-thought-out preparation strategy, a balanced approach to study, and the ability to learn from one's mistakes. His insights and experiences offer valuable guidance for aspirants, emphasizing the need for a structured approach, continuous revision, and a positive mindset. As aspirants gear up for their Prelims, they can learn from Kumat's journey and strive to give their best on the final day.
Keep your hopes high, remain focused, and give your best.