Vidushi Singh, AIR-13 CSE-22 Economics Strategy

Title: Vidushi Singh's Triumphant Journey to AIR 13 in UPSC CSE-22

Vidushi Singh, a young and determined individual, achieved a remarkable feat in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022, securing the impressive rank of AIR 13. Born and raised in a family that valued education and public service, Vidushi's journey to this remarkable accomplishment was marked by unwavering dedication, strategic planning, and a deep passion for economics.

Introduction

Vidushi's academic journey began with her B.A. (Hons.) Economics degree from the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vidushi remained undeterred and decided to take on the daunting task of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, with her optional subject being Economics.

Vidushi's Blog: https://otakueconomist.blogspot.com/

You can contact Vidushi on her LinkedIn Profile

Economics Optional Preparation

Recognizing the importance of a well-structured approach, Vidushi enrolled in the Economics Optional Course at Next IAS, led by Dr. Vibhas Jha. This course proved to be instrumental in consolidating her notes, particularly for Paper 1. However, Vidushi did not limit herself to this course alone and supplemented it with extensive reading of the standard books recommended by previous toppers.

For Paper 1, Vidushi focused on core subjects such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Theory, and Public Finance. She meticulously studied the works of renowned economists, including H.L. Ahuja, Froyen, Salvatore, and Debraj Ray, among others.

Paper 2 Preparation

Vidushi's approach to Paper 2 was equally comprehensive, drawing from the works of Tirthankar Roy, Mishra and Puri, and Uma Kapila's "Indian Economy Performance and Policies." She also found Yash Jaluka Sir's (AIR 4 UPSC CSE-2020) notes to be an invaluable resource for adding depth and value to her preparation.

Despite initially focusing more on Paper 1 before the prelims, Vidushi ensured that she covered Paper 2 thoroughly in the months leading up to the mains examination. This balanced approach allowed her to excel in both papers, ultimately contributing to her outstanding performance.

Answer Writing

Vidushi recognized the importance of mastering previous year question papers (PYQs) as a key strategy for the mains examination. She diligently practiced writing answers, focusing on the repetition of themes and even verbatim questions that had appeared in previous years.

To enhance her answer-writing skills, Vidushi enrolled in the Mains Advanced Course at Next IAS, where Vibhas Sir provided valuable insights into the structure and framing of answers for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. This guidance proved instrumental in helping Vidushi develop a comprehensive understanding of what the examiners were looking for.

Paper-specific Pointers

Vidushi's attention to detail and strategic approach were evident in her paper-specific strategies:

Paper 1

• Directly addressing the question in the introduction
• Mentioning relevant assumptions to demonstrate conceptual clarity
• Effectively utilizing diagrams and elaborating on them in the body of the answer
• Connecting the theoretical concepts to real-world applications in the conclusion

Paper 2

• Introducing the answer with relevant data, figures, quotes, or examples
• Incorporating tables, charts, and references to economists to support her arguments
• Linking the discussion to economic theories in the conclusion, such as the Kuznets Curve and Idiosyncratic Growth in the context of India's income distribution.

Miscellaneous Points

Vidushi recognized that while Economics was a challenging subject, conceptual clarity and a firm grasp of the models were paramount. She advised that the syllabus should be covered before the prelims, allowing for a more balanced approach to managing the optional, essay, and general studies papers.

Vidushi's overall strategy was to strike the right balance between her optional subject and the other components of the examination. She knew that crossing the 280-mark in the optional papers would be a challenging task, and therefore, she focused on excelling in the general studies and essay papers to compensate for the marks deficit in the optional.

Please go through my blog for detailed strategy

You can contact Vidushi on her LinkedIn Profile

Vidushi's journey to AIR 13 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 is a testament to her unwavering determination, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the examination's demands. By meticulously preparing for both the optional and general studies papers, and by striking the right balance between them, Vidushi has not only secured a remarkable rank but has also set an inspiring example for aspiring civil servants.