Sonali Dev (AIR-41, CSE-21) Answer Writing Strategy

Sonali Dev's Journey to UPSC Success

In the world of competitive examinations, the UPSC Civil Services Exam stands out as one of the most coveted and challenging tests of an individual's mettle. For Sonali Dev, a determined and resilient aspirant, the journey to securing the prestigious All India Rank (AIR) of 41 in the UPSC CSE-2021 was a testament to her unwavering dedication and strategic approach.

Sonali's Path to Success

Sonali's journey to the top of the UPSC merit list was not without its fair share of challenges. After an initial attempt, she found herself facing the daunting prospect of a second attempt. However, this setback only served to strengthen her resolve, as she embarked on a 2.5-year-long arduous journey filled with ups and downs, failures, contemplations, and ultimately, a well-deserved success.

A Generalist Approach versus a Specific Approach

One of the key insights Sonali gained from her experience was the importance of adopting a generalist approach to answering the UPSC Mains examination questions, rather than a narrowly focused, specific approach. Most aspirants, hailing from technical backgrounds, are inclined to filter out the most important points and write concisely. However, Sonali recognized that the nature of the UPSC Mains exam requires a different approach.

Sonali emphasized that the examiner not only expects the most important points to be covered, but also desires a comprehensive treatment of the subject, including peripheral points and multiple dimensions. This includes providing not only a brief background or definition of the topic, but also offering solutions to the problems presented.

Brainstorming Dimensions

Sonali utilized two primary approaches to effectively brainstorm the various dimensions that could be addressed in answering a question:

The Subject-wise Approach

Sonali would systematically recall the different subjects covered in the UPSC syllabus, such as History, Geography, Indian Society, Polity and Governance, Social Justice, Economy, Environment, Science and Technology, Internal Security, and Disaster Management. By considering how each subject could contribute to the understanding of a given question, she was able to generate a comprehensive list of potential dimensions to explore.

The Keyword-within-a-Subject Approach

Sonali would also delve deeper into the specific keywords or sub-topics within each subject, such as the different aspects of Agriculture, including cropping patterns, irrigation systems, storage and marketing, food processing, subsidies, and land reforms. This allowed her to identify a wide range of perspectives and angles to address a question effectively.

Structuring the Answer

Sonali recognized that the UPSC examiner would be evaluating the answers based on the coverage of each sub-part of the question. To ensure that the examiner could easily identify and reward the candidate for addressing each aspect, Sonali would meticulously break down the question into various sub-questions and answer them separately, using clear subheadings.

Presentation Techniques

Sonali also paid close attention to the presentation of her answers, understanding that engaging the examiner is crucial, even if the content is strong. She employed strategies such as:

• Using subheadings to clearly delineate the different aspects of the question
• Placing the most important keywords and information at the beginning of each point, rather than burying them at the end
• Adopting a vertical, visually appealing layout with concise, impactful writing

Constant Practice

Sonali emphasized that none of these strategies come naturally; they require consistent and diligent practice. During her preparation, she made it a point to write a full-length test every third day, in addition to daily practice of answer writing.

By meticulously applying these strategies, Sonali not only secured a remarkable AIR-41 in the UPSC CSE-2021 but also excelled in the General Studies Mains, scoring an impressive 443 marks. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants, demonstrating that with a well-rounded approach, dedication, and strategic execution, even the most daunting of challenges can be overcome.

Sonali's Legacy and Guidance

Sonali's success story has resonated with many UPSC aspirants, and she has graciously shared her experiences and insights through various platforms, including her Instagram account and personal blog. Her willingness to openly discuss her journey and strategies has proven invaluable for those who seek to emulate her path to triumph.

In addition to Sonali's valuable advice, this article also highlights the strategies and experiences of several other UPSC toppers from the CSE-2021 and CSE-2022 examinations, covering a wide range of subjects and approaches. By compiling these diverse perspectives, aspiring civil servants can gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of UPSC preparation and the keys to achieving success.

As the UPSC Civil Services Exam continues to challenge the brightest minds in the country, Sonali's story stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished through unwavering determination, meticulous planning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her journey serves as a guiding light for all those who dream of joining the esteemed ranks of the Indian civil service.