MPPSC Aspirants

My struggle with UPSC

5th May 2016 - Even though Delhi witnesses scorching summer during May, the day was relatively pleasant. I along with my parents went to UPSC, Dholpur House by a taxi. Plenty of things were going in my mind. I checked my documents at least three times, twice I adjusted my tie and suit and made sure the tie is in the Centre, I didn’t want even the slightest of the error because it was one the biggest and most important day of my life - "Personality Test of CSE2015". I prefer to call it personality test rather than interview because actually it tests your personality in front of the most experienced people in India. The feeling of entering into the premises of UPSC cannot be expressed in words. It gives you a sense of achievement and sense of confidence. My number was 2nd in the board of Vinay Mittal Sir. Sitting outside the cabin and waiting for your turn is the time when you actually blank out and it is the most crucial time where you should try to remain cool and composed. By 11:10 my Personality test was over and I was quite satisfied as most of the questions on interview were on International Relations and Miniature paintings which were my hobby. I was beaming with confidence, I could feel some positive vibes around me and my parents could feel it too. I realized this by looking at their faces.

10th May 2016 - I had just came back from Ujjain after taking dip in holy river Kshipra during Simhastha and undoubtedly praying for a positive result. I was sleeping when the result came and it was my friend from Tamil Nadu who broke the most important news of my life to me. I couldn’t believe in the first instance so I checked on my own. After verifying that I have been selected for UPSC with 106 AIR, I shouted at the top of my voice! Then I saw something for which I waited for 5 long years. I saw tears rolling down the eyes of my mother and father. Not only they but even I was speechless. My long dream of Clearing UPSC with a good rank was fulfilled. However, my journey has been long, pretty long and the above mentioned two days are most crucial landmarks of my journey. A journey which started long back in 2010-11.

Right from 2011 to 2015 I have seen plenty of changes in UPSC. Infact, last 5 years has been historical in the context of UPSC because there has been enormous amount of changes in its pattern. I prepared initially two optional - Pubic Administration and Psychology. Although I dropped Psychology for UPSC but I appeared with same optional in MPPSC and through which I was able to clear MPPSC twice (and one in new syllabus.)

During My long Journey I have learnt a lot and I will like to share few things, so that fellow Aspirants don't commit mistakes which I committed.

1. I’ll suggest fellow aspirants to appear for state services which can act as a shock absorber if you face failure in UPSC.

2. Read Syllabus of UPSC thoroughly, Keep it in your mind solve papers of UPSC from year 2013.

3. For Prelims - Stick to basics like laxmikant for polity, NCERTs, ART and Culture NCERT, and plenty of questions from various test series.

4. For Mains - 3 things to be kept in mind

a. Consistency - Read Newspapers consistently (The Hindu, Indian Express, and Business Standard-only for 2 months, prior to mains for paper3. If you have read the syllabus thoroughly you can easily segregate news from newspaper in the form of paper 1,2,3,4. Never Ever create backlog.

b. Revision - Multiple times. Instead of 10 different books read 2 books 10 times. So that in exam time you can recall the point effortlessly.

c. Time Management - after regularly writing answers (write 3-4 answers daily) you will see that you are able to write good answers in 7-8 min. then only you can complete your paper.

5. For Interview - Prepare DAF thoroughly. Read each and every word carefully. Always fill DAF with caution. Because your interview will be driven by this. It should be genuine. No FAKING. BE HONEST. If you don’t know anything just say NO confidently. Anticipate and frame questions regarding DAF. Further,

a. Don’t waste time after mains waiting for the result. Read newspapers regularly. Don’t be relaxed. Brainstorm on topics – think about them and form your own opinion and think how you will say it to the board in minimum possible words.

b. BE SHORT to the point and specific and optimistic and futuristic. Have clarity of thoughts – it gets reflected in the words and your answers. Don’t get distracted by the rumours and don’t dwell into unnecessary things like which board is strict or cordial – because it’s not in your hands which board you will get and irrespective of board you have to score good marks.

6. Finally don’t be disheartened/demotivated. Hard work always rewards you. I could not succeed in earlier attempts but after few days of gloom/break I again with full determination worked and rectified mistakes. You cannot maintain the same momentum throughout the year. You gain it only for 2-3 months prior to exams, so don’t waste time after prelims. Irrespective whether you are clearing or not start preparing for mains.

Always remember “Gyaan hi aapko aapka Haq dilaata hai”

7. Never ever bring Ego in you. Because when you bring Ego, you stop learning. I didn’t join any of the test series. I used to write answers at room and used to get it checked by my friends. They gave me honest feedback because of which I improved. Always remain humble and honest in your efforts for studies. Being humble makes you Respect the Exam which inculcate values like Dedication and Discipline. Which are must for clearing this examination?

Today, 23rd August 2016 Exactly 1 year after the prelims I am packing my bags to go to LBSNAA, a destination which is the dream of every UPSC aspirant. Situation has taken a turn of 180 degrees. Instead of an Aspirant now I am an Officer. Credit for which goes to My Family, Friends, and Teachers and of course Almighty. And I must say that during my long journey I have learnt that Never Ever Give UP! And never get demotivated , there will be plenty of people, relatives etc. who will try to pity you, demotivate you but you should come strong as this exam is a marathon and once you win this marathon all pain , all insecurities will fade away after all NO PAIN NO GAIN.