Sourabh K, AIR-260 CSE-22 Journey Prelims & Mains

Sourabh's Journey to Success in the UPSC CSE-2022 Examination

Introduction

Sourabh K, a Probationer in the Indian Forest Service (2020-2021), allotted to the forested cadre of Uttarakhand, is currently undergoing his training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun. His remarkable journey in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) has culminated in securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 260 in the CSE-2022 examination, a testament to his unwavering determination and strategic approach.

Sourabh's UPSC Journey: A Tale of Perseverance

Sourabh's journey with the UPSC CSE began in 2018, immediately after completing his Master's degree. For the first year, he took up coaching for the CSE in Delhi before returning home to Mysuru, Karnataka, in 2019 to prepare for the exam. His journey has been a long one, spanning four attempts. Despite facing setbacks in his first and third attempts, where he could not clear the preliminary examination, Sourabh remained undeterred. In his second attempt, he secured AIR 725 in the CSE-2020 and was allotted the Indian Postal Service, while also securing AIR 45 in the Indian Forest Service Examination, ultimately choosing the latter.

Sourabh's Preparation Strategy

Sourabh's strategy for the UPSC CSE can be summarized as follows:

Minimalist Approach to Prelims Preparation

Sourabh believes that the booklist for the preliminary examination should be as minimal as possible, and the materials used for the mains examination should also be supplemented for the prelims. He emphasizes the importance of multiple revisions, as the ease with which one can consolidate and revise the syllabus around the exam time is a crucial factor in remembering the content.

8+8+8 Daily Routine

Sourabh followed the "8+8+8" strategy, where he divided his day into three parts: 8 hours for sleep (11 PM to 7 AM), 8 hours for studying (not continuously), and the remaining 8 hours for relaxation, such as talking to friends, going for a jog, indulging in hobbies, watching movies, and taking naps. This strategy helped him maintain momentum and avoid burnout, which he had experienced in his earlier attempts when he studied for 10-12 hours a day.

Holistic Newspaper Reading and Note-Making

Sourabh focused on reading the newspaper holistically, linking news items to different subject areas and gathering additional information through research. He made efficient use of speech-to-text software to create concise notes, which saved him time and allowed for easy revision during the exam period.

Targeted Test Series and Revision

Sourabh took the Vision IAS test series for the preliminary examination, giving around 15 Full-Length Tests and 10 sectional tests (in History, Polity, and Economy). He meticulously incorporated any new static points or current affairs content from the test series into his reference materials, ensuring a comprehensive revision.

Mains Preparation: Emphasis on Content and Presentation

For the mains examination, Sourabh's overall strategy was to focus on studying the content thoroughly, as he felt confident in his ability to present answers with good speed. He utilized the Vision Abhyas Test Series and emphasized the importance of understanding the basics, particularly in subjects like Geography.

Unique Answer Presentation Techniques

In his essay writing, Sourabh relied on anecdotes rather than quotes, and he diversified the dimensions of his thinking to showcase a range of perspectives. He also employed various graphical representations, such as flowcharts, cloud diagrams, and radiating diagrams, in his answers to break the monotony, fill up the page effectively, and save time.

Ethics Preparation: Comprehensive Notes and Innovative Approaches

Sourabh prepared comprehensive notes for the Ethics paper, incorporating different methods of representing answers, including cloud diagrams, ray diagrams, circles, and flow charts. He also included real-life examples and references to movies to engage the examiners.

End Note: Embracing Patience, Confidence, and Holistic Well-being

Sourabh's journey to success in the UPSC CSE-2022 examination is a testament to his patience, confidence in his strategy, and commitment to maintaining a healthy physical and mental state. He emphasizes the importance of treating the examination as just that – an exam, rather than a matter of life and death. By striking a balance between studious preparation and self-care, Sourabh has not only achieved his goal but has also inspired others to approach the UPSC CSE with a positive and resilient mindset.