The Main Exam 2014 was surprise for everyone. When I started
my journey for UPSC on 1st of Jan last year, I was completely blank about
the world of competitive examinations. After lots of wandering, decided to join
Chanakya Mandal for guidance.
This was good decision. My necessities met with exact source
of inspiration. No spoon feeding - is best way to unlock an officer within you.
The same treatment, guidance and support were vital for my success in prelims.
I was 60-40 about results of prelims (as it was shocking
thriller for all of us), specially the CSAT paper. Even the GS was very
different from yesteryears. But somehow I survived.
After results I had very less time to prepare. Being 1st
attempt, I couldn’t even finished syllabus for almost all papers. I had to
finish the vast subject of geography within mere 40 days. Thanks to my study in
astronomy, I was very much interested in geography. This interest was the only
key which helped in keeping momentum for studying for 10-11 hrs. Daily.
Somehow I managed to touch all the essential topics
(according to my list). After downloading my hall ticket, I pinned it to my
notice board in my room. Left for exam to Mumbai, settled there a day before exam
went to see my centre. The night before exam was *****, no words to fill those
stars (not even the word which often fills such starry spaceJ).
A continuous hangover of relentless studies (for two months)
was there on 14th of December. But managed to overcome inner fear.
Forst word of exam is what one needs to get out of dogma of UPSC MAIN
EXAMINATION.
The papers were really easy. Brilliantly set by experts.
This was really new thing like a dawn of new era for UPSC. In order to select
proper persons to run gigantic system of World’s Largest Democracy, a
fundamental change in approach was needed. This approach was best suited to
select officials that will suit to 21st century.
Multidimensional approach on wide range of issues is the key
for success henceforth. The elements like:
-
Perfect books
-
Shortcut notes
-
Heavily paid coaching centres
-
Heavenly guidance, have lost their significance.
There are no perfect notes, no coaching centre, no books in
the market, which have ability to track UPSC’s this move. What is needed for
success is awakening.
Newspapers, magazines have became important like never
before (in my view). My humble request to all aspirants is not to rely too much
on coachings.
Develop habit of
analysing every important issue. Make 4 notebooks for GS papers. Try to write
at least one page summary of every topic in study. NCERT’s, the Hindu, EPW,
Yojana, the Economist etc are must.
Make habit of crux writing. Try to express your views in
least possible words. This will help you to write more points in limited words.
Internet is greatest source we have got. Use it in every possible way as a tool
to lessen your time wastage. Keep eye on global issues. Read selective books
like ‘Getting India Back on Track’, to acquire necessary fodder points.
The strategy for henceforth needs drastic change in order to
succeed. ‘Ghisi-Peeti’ preparation method won’t yield good results. Always remember
one truth –
“You will get what you want, when you will create capacity
to receive it...”
Hence starve for being best among equals. Rise above with
your distinct way of doing things, and I am sure no one can stop you from
getting what you want.
