The Main Exam 2014

The Main Exam 2014 was surprise for everyone. When I started my journey for UPSC on 1^st 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 1^st 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 14^th 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 21^st 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.