Introduction and Overview:
- Welcome to the Success Journey: Insights from AIR-1, 2022
- Key Takeaways from Three Years of UPSC Preparation
Classroom Courses:
- 2019-20: Vajiram and Ravi Foundation Course
- 2019: PSIR – Shubhra Ranjan Institute
Prelims Test Strategy:
- Exploring Prelims Tests: Vision Abhyas and Forum SFG
- PYQs Comparison and Difficulty Perception
- Analyzing Mistakes: A Path to Improvement
Mains Test Strategy:
- Importance of PYQs and Answer Writing
- Cost-Effective Alternatives: Topper’s Answer Copy Comparison
- 2022: Forum MGP and Vision Abhyas + Vision Essay
Current Affairs Approach:
- Newspaper Reading: A Constant Companion
- 2022: Notes Revision and Magazine Value Addition
- 2021: PT 365 and 2020: Optimise IAS DPN
Interview Preparation:
- Peer Group Practice and Professionalism
- Mock Interviews: Vajirao and Reddy, KSG, Chanakya Mandal, Chahal Academy
- Special Mentions: DP Agrawal Sir, Mahesh Bhagwat Sir, Dipin Sir, and Elocution at Vision
Digital Resources and Efficiency Tips:
- Utilizing Digital Apps for Notes Efficiency
- Free and Effective Online Resources: YouTube Mock Interviews and Analysis
Closing Thoughts and Advice:
- Reflections on the Preparation Journey
- Parting Words of Wisdom: Strive for Progress, Not Perfection
UPSC Topper strategy: Ishita Kishore AIR-1 2022
Hi everyone! I’ve tried to create an exhaustive list of classes/ material/tests I have used across three attempts. In these years I have gone from pillar to post and explored the study material of various institutes. I don’t think its logical to say that any ONE of them was the “key to success”. It’s a progressive journey where your ability to evaluate and better your own performance is more crucial. Ultimately it all depends on your ability to judiciously extract relevant material. This in turn depends on your ability to understand the pattern of exam and focus areas. Bottom line is-always start with PYQs and end with PYQs. This will keep your efforts focused and your content limited. Try to refer credible government websites – they’re much more user friendly with concise informative data than you’d expect!!
Classroom courses:
1. 2019-20: Vajiram and Ravi – foundation course (I was coming from the corporate work environment so the classes helped me in disciplining myself. But if you are already in college or just out of college, please read the basic books before you decide if you need t invest in a foundation course. NCERTs and basic books are fairly manageable to grasp. Since all the Mains test series also have a certain cost, optimize your investment)
2. 2019: PSIR – Shubhra Ranjan institute (Since i moved away from my graduation subject to a new subject, i felt external help will be prudent. If youre from political science background, or have sufficient knowledge base, or are an avid reader – best to just access the reading material. The concepts are fairly easy to grasp. What matters most is integration of ideas, and not dictation of notes in class)
Prelims tests:
We try to buy as many as we can just to explore so that was the same for me. Keep on comparing these tests with PYQs to better judge whether the questions were relevant – i attempted Vision Abhyas in all 3 attempts. – Daily SFG of forum also helped me with simulation. – Tried to attempt maximum open tests (Please focus more on PYQs analysis) Try to categorize the questions based on difficulty perception and also categorize your mistakes. Self awareness goes a long way in evaluating yourself and thereby improving.
Mains tests:
Most important is to print PYQs and write the answers for them. Brainstorm on what you can add and compare with peers. – if you feel you don’t want to spend this massive amount on tests, please download previous year topper copies AND write the answers to the same questions as them and compare your answers with the topper. This was a very useful exercise for me. – 2022: Forum MGP and Vision Abhyas + Vision Essay – 2021: Forum MGP + Forum essay -2020: Santosh Sir mains study material
Current Affairs:
Newspaper reading has helped me immensely at all three stages and this is something I was consistent with across the years. It helps in soft skills like improving comprehension in CSAT, better articulation in Mains, being updated about the most important places/items in news. – 2022: Revision of old notes and value addition using magazines – 2021: PT 365 – 2020: Optimise IAS website’s Daily Prelims Notes DPN (Santosh Sir) (Best to use a digital app for efficiency and revision)
Interview:
A very useful exercise was peer group practice. We created interview panels for each other and answered with professionalism. I gave as many mock interviews as i could since my interview was at a much later date. {also because they were free – only to realise later that these videos are going to be heavily monetized on youtube. So it reminded me of what my tech friend had taught me years ago “If the service is free, then you are the product”)
– 2 mocks at Vajirao and reddy (1st and last so you can measure the progress)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0NVX33zYK4&t=2s (first ever mock i gave in December without any preparation to identify my baseline)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq6NBpa4xPQ&t=340s (last mock on 9th April after intense preparation and practice)
– Vajiram and Ravi mock + one to one with Ravindran Sir
– Chanakya Mandal Pariwar
– Chahal Academy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIohZbBCpCg&t=707s (my best performance)
-KSG
– 2 mocks organized by Quantel with different institutes
– One to one with DP Agrawal Sir via Kingmakers IAS
– Mahesh Bhagwat Sir’s whatsapp group helped with daily current affairs analysis
– Samkalp for DAF analysis
– Dipin Sir’s free classes for interview related current affairs
– Elocution session at vision
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UPSC Preparation Strategies – AIR-1, 2022
1. What was the topper’s approach to choosing a foundation course in 2019-20?
- The topper, Ishita Kishore, AIR-1, 2022, opted for Vajiram and Ravi’s foundation course, citing the need for discipline while transitioning from a corporate work environment. However, it is advised to assess the necessity of a foundation course based on individual backgrounds.
2. How did the topper manage the shift to a new optional subject in 2019?
- In 2019, Ishita Kishore chose PSIR at Shubhra Ranjan Institute due to a change in graduation subject. She suggests external help for those unfamiliar with the subject, but emphasizes the importance of integrating ideas over dictation of notes.
3. Which prelims tests did the topper find beneficial, and how were they approached?
- Ishita Kishore attempted Vision Abhyas in all three attempts and benefited from Forum’s Daily SFG for simulation. Emphasis is placed on comparing test questions with PYQs, categorizing them based on difficulty perception, and analyzing mistakes for self-awareness.
4. How did the topper approach mains test preparation, especially regarding PYQs?
- Ishita Kishore recommends printing PYQs and writing answers to brainstorm and compare with peers. Additionally, cost-effective alternatives involve downloading previous year topper copies and comparing answers. Specific mentions include Forum MGP, Vision Abhyas, and Vision Essay.
5. What role did current affairs play in the topper’s preparation strategy?
- Newspaper reading was consistent at all stages for [Topper’s Name], aiding in CSAT comprehension and Mains articulation. Specific approaches for each year included revision of old notes, PT 365, and Optimise IAS website’s Daily Prelims Notes (DPN).
6. How did the topper approach the interview stage, and what resources were utilized?
- Ishita Kishore highlights the usefulness of peer group practice and participating in numerous mock interviews. Specific mentions include Vajirao and Reddy, KSG, Chanakya Mandal, Chahal Academy, and various online platforms.
7. Are there any recommended digital resources and efficiency tips for UPSC preparation?
- Ishita Kishore emphasizes the use of digital apps for notes efficiency. Additionally, free online resources such as YouTube mock interviews and analysis sessions with experts are mentioned.
8. What advice does Ishita Kishore offer for aspirants preparing for UPSC exams?
- Ishita Kishore stresses the importance of self-evaluation, starting with solving PYQs, and judiciously extracting relevant material. The bottom line is to focus on progress rather than aiming for perfection.
These FAQs provide insights into Ishita Kishore’s strategies and experiences, addressing common queries that aspirants may have during their UPSC preparation journey.