Utsah Chaudhary IAS CSE 2017: Hacks and Practical tips for Mains

Utsah Chaudhary, a UPSC aspirant who secured a commendable rank of 599, has generously shared his strategies and hacks to help fellow candidates navigate the challenging journey of the Civil Services Examination. In this comprehensive article, Utsah delves into the nuances of the exam, busting myths, and providing practical insights to ensure success.

Busting Myths and Embracing a Pragmatic Approach

Utsah begins by addressing the common misconception that the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a test of pure intellect and academic prowess. He draws a parallel to the movie "Moneyball," where Brad Pitt's character rejects the notion of superstar players and instead focuses on the statistical probabilities of success. Utsah emphasizes that the exam is not about being the "best thinker" but rather about the ability to solve 20 questions in a presentable manner within the given time frame.

Utsah acknowledges the importance of practice, stressing that discipline is key. He suggests writing a good practice essay every fortnight or completing at least two GS answers per day to ensure preparedness. Utsah also recognizes the element of luck involved in the exam but firmly believes that if one works hard and covers the entire syllabus, a rank under 200 is undoubtedly achievable.

Mastering the Breadth of the Syllabus

Utsah emphasizes that the UPSC Civil Services Examination is not about depth but rather about breadth. He advises candidates to study each and every topic in the syllabus, cautioning against the temptation to focus disproportionately on one particular topic, such as the Right to Privacy judgment, at the expense of other important areas like SHGs and inclusive growth.

Utsah encourages candidates to join the Decode Civils Telegram group, where they can receive free UPSC CSE guidance from Mudit Jain, an IRS CSE 2017 officer. He also highlights the availability of valuable resources, including the Decode Ethics 2.0 sample chapter, the detailed UPSC 2019 Ethics Paper analysis, and the UPPSC 2018 Mains Ethics Solutions.

Leveraging Past Trends and Utilizing Relevant Facts and Statistics

Utsah advises candidates to carefully study the previous years' question papers and identify recurring trends in the General Studies (GS) papers. He cites examples of topics like society, SC/ST issues, women's issues, inclusive growth, water, terrorism, and cyber security, which have been consistently featured. Utsah suggests creating concise template notes on these recurring themes to ensure a strong performance in the exam.

Furthermore, Utsah emphasizes the importance of using facts and statistics to enhance the quality of one's answers. He suggests maintaining a small register or creating a wall display of relevant data points, such as India's HDI or GHI rankings, which can be effectively incorporated into answers on topics like inclusive growth or poverty.

Tactical Approach to the Examination

Utsah cautions against the mistake of leaving too many marks on the table, urging candidates to attempt as many questions as possible. He advises prioritizing questions and allocating time accordingly, rather than aiming for perfect answers. Candidates with writing speed issues are encouraged to practice using short sentences and the points format to improve their efficiency.

Utsah also recommends choosing a test series with a fixed timetable to ensure consistent practice and avoid the temptation to skip tests. He highlights the importance of not neglecting the static portion of the syllabus, which includes topics like history, geography, society, ethics, and national security, as they contribute significantly to the overall marks.

Analyzing Case Studies and Streamlining Sources

Utsah suggests that candidates analyze common patterns in the case studies presented in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) since 2013. He provides examples of recurring themes, such as dealing with sexual harassment, balancing personal security and social responsibility, and handling road accidents. Utsah advises creating generic flowchart-style answers that can be applied to individual cases.

To ensure effective time management, Utsah recommends limiting the sources of information to one newspaper, Yojana, and Kurukshetra, along with a coaching center's current material for updates. He emphasizes that overindulging in multiple sources can be counterproductive and detrimental to overall preparation.

Embracing Confidence and Grit

Ultimately, Utsah emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence and grit throughout the grueling examination process. He acknowledges that the journey is filled with challenges and sacrifices, but firmly believes that the rewards of serving in the coveted civil services make it all worthwhile. Utsah encourages candidates to find their inner motivation and use it as a driving force during the examination.

Utsah Chaudhary's comprehensive strategies and hacks provide a roadmap for UPSC aspirants to navigate the Civil Services Examination with a balanced and pragmatic approach. By busting myths, mastering the syllabus, leveraging past trends, and adopting a tactical mindset, candidates can significantly enhance their chances of success in this highly competitive endeavor.