Vikalpa N Vishwakarma (AIR-275, CSE-21) Prelims Mains and Interview Strategy
Hi All, Vikalpa N Vishwakarma secured AIR-275 in CSE-21. She is already into Indian Forest Service (AIR-14, 2020) Following is her detailed Prelims, Mains and Interview Strategy Introduction Brief about myself. I am Vikalpa N Vishwakarma. I am an Electronics and Telecommunication graduate by education, a Telecom Engineer by profession, and recently was able to
Vikalpa N Vishwakarma: The Journey of an Extraordinary Civil Services Aspirant
Introduction
Vikalpa N Vishwakarma is an exceptional individual who has achieved remarkable success in her civil services journey. With an educational background in Electronics and Telecommunications, and a professional experience as a Telecom Engineer, Vikalpa has proven her versatility and intellectual prowess by securing an impressive All India Rank of 275 in the Civil Services Examination 2021. This achievement is even more remarkable considering that it was her 4th attempt at the Mains examination and her 1st appearance at the Interview. Moreover, Vikalpa had already secured an impressive All India Rank of 14 in the Indian Forest Services Examination 2020, showcasing her unwavering determination and adaptability.
Vikalpa's UPSC Journey: A Gradual Ascent
Vikalpa's UPSC journey began in 2017, and she has been persistent in her efforts, clearing the Prelims examination in all her serious attempts of 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. However, she faced challenges in the Mains examination, missing the Interview call by narrow margins in her previous attempts. Despite these setbacks, Vikalpa remained undeterred and continued to refine her preparation, drawing from multiple sources to expand her knowledge base and enhance her answers.
Prelims Strategy: Disciplined Approach and Comprehensive Preparation
In her initial attempts, Vikalpa adopted a systematic approach to Prelims preparation. She read the basic textbooks and supplemented her learning with YouTube videos, articles, and guidance from mentors. She also subscribed to a comprehensive test series, attempting around 50-60 tests, which helped her develop a disciplined approach, improve her reading speed, and gain confidence in attempting the exam. Vikalpa emphasized the importance of CSAT, seeking guidance from mentors and practicing regularly to enhance her performance in this section.
Mains Strategy: Evolution and Collaborative Approach
Vikalpa's Mains strategy evolved with each successive attempt. In her initial attempts, she prepared independently, developing a strong foundation of knowledge and focusing on current affairs and topic-wise preparation. However, she soon realized the need for a more collaborative approach. In her third attempt, Vikalpa joined a residential coaching academy in Jamia Millia Islamia, where she found a group of dedicated and sincere students. This small group dynamic proved to be a turning point, as they engaged in rigorous writing practices, discussions, and peer evaluation, which helped them improve their answer structures, examples, and overall understanding of the syllabus.
Interview Strategy: Confidence, Composure, and Effective Preparation
For her Interview, Vikalpa utilized her previous experience of facing the Forest Services Board. She focused on preparing her Detailed Application Form (DAF) and current affairs, and also participated in mock interviews to refine her delivery and mannerisms. Vikalpa emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, being decisive, and actively listening to the Interview panel's questions, even if one is unsure of the answer. She also highlights the value of embracing a beginner's mindset, as it helps in continuous learning and improvement.
Key Takeaways and Advice for Aspirants
Vikalpa shares several valuable insights and advice for UPSC aspirants:
- Cultivate a positive mindset and self-belief, as they are crucial for success in this examination.
- Approach each attempt with a beginner's mindset, as it fosters continuous learning and growth.
- Maintain a work-life balance by keeping in touch with hobbies and interests, as they can provide a sense of happiness and contentment.
- Surround yourself with a progressive peer group, as they can contribute to knowledge sharing and mutual growth.
Vikalpa's exceptional journey is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Her comprehensive strategies, dedication, and willingness to learn from each experience have paved the way for her remarkable success. Aspiring civil servants can draw inspiration from Vikalpa's story and implement her valuable insights to enhance their own UPSC preparations.
Additional Resources
Tentative / Recommendatory Booklist
Vikalpa has provided a detailed booklist covering various subjects, including History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Ethics. Some of the key resources mentioned are:
- History: Old NCERTs, Spectrum, and NCERT Class 12, along with YouTube videos.
- Geography: NCERT Class 11 and 12, Rajtanil Solanki's videos, PMFias write-ups, and EPG Pathshala courses.
- Polity: Laxmikanth
- Economy: Swayam videos, Sriram IAS Economy book, and Current Affairs.
- Environment: Shankar IAS book and Current Affairs.
UPSC CSE 2021 Topper Strategies
The post also includes a comprehensive list of strategies shared by other successful UPSC CSE 2021 toppers, covering various subjects and aspects of the examination. Aspirants can explore these resources to gain valuable insights and incorporate them into their own preparation.