UPSC Topper Interview: Strategies and Insights from Priya Sharma (AIR 15)

In this exclusive interview, Priya Sharma, who secured All India Rank 15 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, shares her journey, preparation strategy, and valuable insights for aspirants.

Personal Background

Q: Tell us about your educational background and previous attempts, if any.

Priya: I completed my B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Roorkee in 2020. After graduation, I worked for a year at a tech company before deciding to pursue civil services full-time. This was my second attempt. In my first attempt in 2022, I reached the interview stage but couldn’t make it to the final list.

Q: What motivated you to join the civil services?

Priya: Growing up in a small town in Himachal Pradesh, I witnessed how good governance and dedicated civil servants can transform communities. During my college years, I volunteered with NGOs working on education and women empowerment, which strengthened my resolve to contribute to public service. I believe the civil services offer the widest platform to bring positive change at the grassroots level.

Preparation Strategy

Q: How did you structure your preparation?

Priya: I divided my preparation into three phases:

1. Foundation Phase (4 months): Focused on NCERT books and basic texts to build a strong conceptual foundation across subjects.

2. Advanced Phase (6 months): Covered standard reference books, made comprehensive notes, and started answer writing practice.

3. Revision and Test Phase (4 months): Multiple revisions, daily answer writing, and regular test series for both prelims and mains.

I maintained a consistent study schedule of 8-10 hours daily, with short breaks every 2 hours. Sundays were for lighter study, weekly review, and planning for the upcoming week.

Q: How did you approach current affairs?

Priya: I followed a three-step approach for current affairs:

1. Daily Input: Read The Hindu newspaper and made brief notes on UPSC-relevant news.

2. Weekly Consolidation: Every weekend, I organized my daily notes into subject-wise categories.

3. Monthly Revision: Created monthly compilations focusing on themes rather than isolated news items.

I also followed PIB, PRS, and government websites for authentic information. For analysis, I relied on selected YouTube channels and monthly magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra.

Optional Subject

Q: Which optional subject did you choose and why?

Priya: I chose Sociology as my optional subject. Despite having a technical background, I selected Sociology because:

1. It aligned with my interest in understanding social structures and processes
2. The syllabus was relatively concise and well-defined
3. There was good overlap with GS Paper I and Paper II
4. Quality study materials and guidance were readily available

Q: How did you prepare for your optional subject?

Priya: For Sociology, I followed a systematic approach:

1. Started with IGNOU materials to build basic understanding
2. Moved to standard texts like Haralambos and Holborn for Paper I and Yogendra Singh for Paper II
3. Made comprehensive notes topic-wise
4. Practiced previous years’ questions extensively
5. Joined a test series specifically for Sociology
6. Focused on contemporary application of sociological concepts

I dedicated about 30% of my total study time to the optional subject, with increased focus during the 2-3 months before the mains examination.

Prelims Strategy

Q: What was your strategy for clearing the Prelims?

Priya: For Prelims, my focus was on:

1. Conceptual Clarity: Ensuring strong fundamentals rather than memorizing facts
2. Previous Year Questions: Solved the last 10 years’ papers multiple times to understand the pattern
3. Mock Tests: Attempted at least 40 full-length tests before the exam
4. Elimination Techniques: Practiced the art of eliminating incorrect options
5. Revision: Created concise revision notes for quick review in the final months
6. CSAT Preparation: Dedicated 1-2 hours weekly throughout my preparation

The key was consistent practice and developing the ability to handle the uncertainty of UPSC prelims questions.

Mains Strategy

Q: How did you prepare for the Mains examination?

Priya: My Mains preparation centered around:

1. Answer Writing Practice: Wrote at least 3-4 answers daily for different papers
2. Value Addition: Focused on enriching answers with case studies, examples, and diagrams
3. Introduction and Conclusion: Paid special attention to crafting impactful openings and closings
4. Time Management: Practiced writing within time constraints
5. Feedback Mechanism: Got my answers evaluated by mentors and peers
6. Current Affairs Integration: Consciously incorporated recent developments into my answers

For Essay, I practiced one full-length essay every week and maintained a collection of quotes, case studies, and examples that could be used across various essay topics.

Interview Preparation

Q: How did you prepare for the Personality Test?

Priya: My interview preparation involved:

1. Self-Analysis: Deep reflection on my background, education, work experience, and hobbies
2. Current Affairs: Thorough preparation on recent national and international events
3. State-Specific Issues: Detailed study of my home state’s challenges and opportunities
4. Mock Interviews: Participated in at least 10 mock interviews with different panels
5. Feedback Implementation: Actively worked on the feedback received
6. Staying Authentic: Focused on being honest rather than giving “perfect” answers

The key was to develop a balanced personality profile and the ability to present my thoughts clearly and concisely.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

Q: What were the major challenges you faced during preparation?

Priya: The biggest challenges were:

1. Information Overload: The vast syllabus and unlimited resources created confusion initially. I overcame this by sticking to a limited set of quality resources.

2. Consistency: Maintaining motivation during the long preparation journey was tough. I set small milestones and celebrated achievements to stay motivated.

3. Negative Results: After not clearing my first attempt, I faced self-doubt. I analyzed my mistakes objectively, sought feedback, and focused on improvement rather than the outcome.

4. Health Issues: I developed back problems due to long sitting hours. I incorporated regular exercise, yoga, and proper ergonomics into my routine.

Advice for Aspirants

Q: What advice would you give to future aspirants?

Priya: Based on my experience, I would suggest:

1. Understand the Exam: Spend time understanding the UPSC pattern and requirements before diving into preparation.

2. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on understanding concepts thoroughly rather than covering numerous sources.

3. Consistent Answer Writing: Start answer writing practice early; don’t postpone it until the end.

4. Balanced Approach: Don’t neglect any subject or paper; UPSC tests comprehensive preparation.

5. Peer Group: Form a small group of serious aspirants for discussions and motivation.

6. Health and Wellbeing: Prioritize physical and mental health; regular exercise, proper sleep, and occasional breaks are essential.

7. Believe in Yourself: Maintain self-belief despite setbacks; persistence is often the differentiating factor.

8. Enjoy the Journey: The UPSC preparation journey teaches you much more than just the syllabus; embrace the learning process.

Conclusion

Priya’s journey exemplifies how structured preparation, consistency, and resilience can lead to success in the UPSC examination. Her balanced approach to preparation, focus on fundamentals, and emphasis on continuous improvement offer valuable lessons for all aspirants.

This interview was conducted by the AIDUVA Team on January 15, 2024. The views expressed are personal and based on individual experience.