Tejasvi Rana, an IAS officer, failed the UPSC CSE the first time around. She gives suggestions on how she changed her plan to pass it on her second try.
Tejasvi Rana, who graduated from IIT Kanpur with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, opted to take the UPSC CSE in her last year of college.
She took the test for the first time in 2015, and while she passed the prelims, she did not pass the mains.She explains, “It would not be correct to state that I made significant adjustments to my tactics between the first and second attempts. My attitude and knowledge of the examination, as well as my presentation abilities, did alter.”
Tejasvi received an All India Rank (AIR) of 12 on her second try in 2016. She explains the modifications she made to make this happen.
1. Begin with the fundamentals:
“NCERT textbooks should be your go-to resource book.” Begin with Class 9 books and go to Class 12. “While utilizing these books, put the syllabus in front of you and keep crossing off the sections you finish,” she advises. Before beginning their preparation path, aspirants must properly review the curriculum.
2. Don’t be scared to fail:
Tejasvi was a beginner when she took the test for the first time in 2015. “Use the attempt to grasp what is required of you,” she adds of her first try’s lessons. However, it is critical to give it your all. Do not see the exam just as a means of determining your skills and limitations.”
3. Recognize the static and dynamic components:
“In General Studies, Paper 1 comprises of static themes such as history and geography.” The resources required to prepare for these are likewise easily available and standard. Tejasvi, on the other hand, claims that Paper 2 has dynamic aspects for which one needs consult the newspaper and stay current on the latest events. Furthermore, for applicants with non-economics backgrounds, clearing their fundamentals would be advantageous before beginning their training.
4. Make your presentation one-of-a-kind:
Tejasvi says that if you want to ensure that your answer sheet stands out you should work on your presenting abilities.
Aspirants can write their solutions using diverse diagrams, innovative structures, and even flow charts. This will undoubtedly improve the quality of your responses. Tejasvi advises you to supplement your replies with examples and case studies, whenever it feels right.
5. Perfect practice makes perfect:
The art of writing good responses must be practiced on a regular basis.Tejasvi claims, “This can only happen with practice and if candidates understand what their answer content would be.
To develop successful replies, candidates must practice responding questions on a regular basis prior to the test.”
5. Choose your options wisely:
Tejasvi advises you to pick up a subject in which you have a basic working understanding and an interest. Tejasvi further claims she chose Economics because she already had a degree in the subject.
When selecting optional papers, aspirants should not consider trends or grades.
Tejasvi says what works for some other candidate may not work for you.
She adds that it is not just the interest in the subject that is important, but also the ability to work hard on it.
6. Think of time as money:
Tejasvi advises you to manage your time carefully if you are an applicant.
Given the breadth of the course, one must be extremely adept at time management in order to cover it all and do it right.
Tejasvi advises you to set reasonable goals and divide the material into manageable chunks.
While splitting your time for preparation, make sure you take appropriate pauses to rest and refuel.
7. Watch topper discusses:
“It also helped to hear from other batch toppers about their preparation tactics and recommendations. While the technique chosen must be the most beneficial to the particular aspirant, these videos and discussions assist in discovering fresh ways to prepare. Find seniors from various batches to talk about themes and bounce ideas off of,” she says.
According to Tejasvi, the experience that you gain by taking the exam trumps the benefit you will gain by preparing for a longer length of time. “Go ahead and try the paper,” she advises.
