Shakti Dubey AIR 1 UPSC 2024 | Success Story, Strategy & Preparation Tips Revealed!

Summary

The speaker reflects on their UPSC preparation journey, sharing insights into their choice of optional subjects, strategies for handling the syllabus, and the importance of self-study. They discuss their initial challenges with anthropology and later decision to pursue Political Science and International Relations (PSIR). Emphasizing the value of mentorship, proper resource selection, and regular updates with current affairs, the speaker shares how consistent self-study and review of previous year questions led to significant improvements in performance. The conversation highlights the importance of dedication, focus, and self-reliance for success in competitive exams like UPSC.

Takeaways

• 😀 Master the basics first: Focus on NCERT books and class notes to build a strong foundation for UPSC preparation.
• 😀 Choose an optional subject wisely: Find an option that aligns with your interests and strengths. PSIR (Political Science and International Relations) was a good fit for the speaker.
• 😀 Self-study is crucial: While coaching can be helpful, self-study and independent effort are irreplaceable for UPSC success.
• 😀 Stay updated with current affairs: Regular reading of newspapers and integrating current affairs into your study routine is essential.
• 😀 Learn from previous years' questions: Understanding the exam pattern through past question papers helps in strategizing your preparation.
• 😀 Use a systematic approach: Create a structured study plan, focusing on one topic at a time and gradually expanding your knowledge.
• 😀 Take guidance from mentors: Engage with mentors for advice, but take full responsibility for your own preparation.
• 😀 Focus on understanding, not memorizing: Ensure that you truly understand the concepts before moving to the next one.
• 😀 Create concise notes: Develop one-page summaries of key topics, theories, and thinkers to aid in quick revision.
• 😀 Be adaptable: Adjust your strategy based on your performance in mock exams or previous attempts to improve your results.
• 😀 Consistency and discipline: Regular study habits, self-assessment, and perseverance are key to cracking the UPSC exam.

Q & A

What is the speaker's approach to preparing for the UPSC exam?

The speaker emphasizes a balanced approach of mastering basic materials, such as NCERTs and class notes, alongside upgrading knowledge with current affairs and previous years' questions. They also stress the importance of self-study and independent preparation.

How did the speaker decide on their optional subject for UPSC?

Initially, the speaker chose Anthropology, as it had some connection to their biology background. However, they later switched to Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) after realizing their interest in the subject and finding it more aligned with their strengths in current affairs and political theory.

What role did current affairs play in the speaker's preparation?

Current affairs played a significant role in the speaker's preparation. They were keen on reading newspapers regularly, as they found it interesting and a key part of their GS preparation. They also updated their notes and knowledge base with relevant current affairs material.

What resources did the speaker use for PSIR preparation?

The speaker used a variety of resources for PSIR preparation, including books from the market, IGNOU materials, and online resources. They also referred to free YouTube sessions by faculty members to understand how to approach different topics in PSIR.

What was the speaker’s approach towards self-study in the UPSC preparation?

The speaker placed a strong emphasis on self-study, stating that no matter how much guidance one receives, personal effort and dedication are essential. They focused on creating detailed notes, updating them with current affairs, and revising previous years' questions.

How did the speaker improve their score in the second attempt?

In their second attempt, the speaker improved their score by refining their approach to the UPSC exam. They focused on understanding the exam's pattern, revising current affairs, and bettering their preparation for PSIR. The speaker also highlighted the importance of learning from past mistakes.

What advice did the speaker give to other UPSC aspirants regarding mentorship?

The speaker advised UPSC aspirants to engage actively with mentors and faculty members. They suggested that students should ask as many questions as possible to gain clarity on topics and stay consistent with their preparation.

Why did the speaker choose not to join coaching classes for PSIR in their second attempt?

The speaker chose not to join coaching for PSIR in their second attempt due to the COVID-19 situation and the online classes that were available. They felt confident in preparing independently by using books, online resources, and their own study notes.

What was the speaker's strategy for preparing for previous years' questions?

The speaker followed a systematic approach to preparing for previous years' questions by identifying recurring themes. They made notes based on the key areas of the questions and used them to guide their revision process, which helped them familiarize themselves with the exam pattern.

How did the speaker balance General Studies (GS) and their optional subject preparation?

The speaker balanced GS and optional subject preparation by dedicating focused time to each. While they kept up with current affairs and revised GS topics regularly, they also put effort into refining their notes and understanding the key concepts of their optional subject, PSIR.