Siddharth Bhange, AIR-700 CSE-22 Journey, Prelims-Mains Booklist & Strategy
Hi All, This is the 22nd Topper Journey & Strategy post from the Batch of 2023. Siddharth Bhange cracked CSE-22 with AIR-700 in his 2nd attempt and has provided his journey brief and detailed Prelims and Mains Booklist and Strategy in following post. Introduction Hi everyone, this is Siddharth Bhange, I have secured AIR 700 in
Siddharth Bhange's Journey to Success: Overcoming Obstacles and Securing AIR 700 in UPSC CSE 2022
In the realm of the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination, where aspirants strive to achieve their dreams, Siddharth Bhange's story stands as a testament to resilience and determination. At the young age of 16, Siddharth was inspired by the remarkable success of Tina Dabi, the topper of the UPSC CSE 2016. This served as a catalyst for his own aspirations, despite the initial doubts and opposition he faced due to his academic performance.
Overcoming the Odds
Hailing from a lower-middle-class family, Siddharth's journey was not without its challenges. Academics had never been his strong suit, with grades hovering around 52% in the first semester of 11th grade and 63% in the second semester. Even his 12th-grade board exam results, at 74%, were not particularly impressive. Despite the naysayers who advised him to stay away from exams like UPSC, Siddharth remained undeterred, determined to prove them wrong.
Laying the Foundation
Siddharth's preparation for the UPSC CSE began in 2018, with a focus on improving his English language skills. He dedicated time to reading English novels, autobiographies, and enhancing his vocabulary, laying the groundwork for the rigorous journey ahead.
Navigating the Setbacks
Siddharth's first attempt at the UPSC CSE was in 2021, and he was fully prepared, leaving no stone unturned. However, due to ill health, he was unable to qualify the Preliminary examination. This setback was a major blow, but Siddharth refused to give up. Many advised him to abandon his UPSC dreams and pursue a different path, such as a job or a master's degree, but he remained steadfast in his determination.
Embracing the Challenge
Despite the financial constraints and the lack of coaching support, Siddharth made the decision to appear for the 2022 UPSC CSE. His seniors encouraged him to give it one more shot, even though he felt mentally unprepared. Siddharth's strong preparation from the previous attempt, coupled with his unwavering focus, enabled him to clear the Preliminary examination.
Crafting a Winning Strategy
Siddharth's strategy for the UPSC CSE was simple yet effective. He focused on using a single standard book for each subject, adhering to the principle of minimal resources, as suggested by previous toppers. For Prelims, he meticulously covered areas like Art and Culture, Modern History, Polity, Environment, Economy, Geography, Science and Technology, and Current Affairs, utilizing a combination of selective reading, self-made notes, and YouTube videos.
Prelims Strategy
Siddharth's Prelims strategy involved starting the preparation at least four months before the exam, ensuring a minimum of four revisions of all standard books. He also solved numerous sectional mock tests, analyzed the solutions, and focused on CSAT, which played a crucial role in his success.
Mains Preparation
For the Mains examination, Siddharth's approach was equally well-planned. He relied on resources like Vision Mains 365, Laxmikant's Polity, and Mudit Jain's book on Ethics, among others. His optional subject was Sociology, which he prepared entirely on his own, without any coaching or guidance, solely relying on YouTube.
Achieving the Dream
Siddharth's unwavering determination and resilience paid off when he secured AIR 700 in the UPSC CSE 2022, a remarkable achievement considering the challenges he faced. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants, proving that with a focused approach, hard work, and a positive mindset, success can be attained, even in the face of adversity.
As Siddharth reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, a valuable lesson for all who aspire to excel in the UPSC CSE. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that with dedication and self-belief, one can overcome any obstacle and reach the pinnacle of success.