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(Success Story) UPSC 2021 TOPPER, AIR-8 Ishita Rathi Shares Strategy for UPSC Exams



(Success Story) UPSC 2021 TOPPER, AIR-8 Ishita Rathi Shares Strategy for UPSC Exams



Ishita Rathi has secured the 8th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021. Originally, she hails from the Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh. But now she lives in Delhi. Her parents are in Delhi Police, father is Head Constable and mother is ASI. She appeared in the UPSC exam thrice. In her first attempt, she could not clear the preliminary examination and in her second attempt she reached the interview stage but didn't qualify. Finally, in 2021, she secured AIR 8th in her third attempt. During an interview by India today she said,

"To make her dream come true, her parents gave her all the support and resources that she needed while preparing for the exam by herself. Further she added that she wants to work for women empowerment in the country as she believes only if the women are developed in a country, the country’s growth continues".

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 

She completed her schooling from Delhi and completed her graduation from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. After that she completed her post graduation degree in Economics from Madras School of Economics. She also kept Economics as her optional subject. She gave her first attempt right after the post graduation which was in 2019.

ISHITA RATHI'S UPSC PREPARATION STRATEGY

FIRST STEP IS GO THROUGH THE SYLLABUS AND MAKE A WELL PLANNED STRATEGY

The  UPSC syllabus is the soul of this exam. Knowing the syllabus is the first thing to do before you go through the books. After that strategy comes. Ishita said, "A vision without a strategy remains an illusion". Make a well planned strategy. It will ease your UPSC preparation and make it more streamlined. With deadlines, you would work better and complete the syllabus faster.

 

 

IS UPSC PREPARATION POSSIBLE WITHOUT COACHING?

Ishita cracked the UPSC exam without taking any coaching classes. She had prepared using strategies used by previous Toppers and online material, which also includes YouTube content.

RELYING ON ONLINE SOURCES

Online sources are easily available, aspirants can easily prepare for the IAS exam. Aspirants can watch video lectures on YouTube for basic subjects like polity, history, geography, etc. Ishita said, she also used to do this.

FILL THE GAPS IN PREPARATION BY PRACTICING MOCK TESTS, PYQS AND ANSWER WRITING PRACTICE 

Ishita said whatever gaps were left in her preparations; she filled up those with mock test series, answer writing practice and PYQs. She relied much more on practice and revision. It helped her a lot. She believes that revision is very important when you are facing an exam as tough as the UPSC  exam.

STRATEGY FOR OPTIONAL SUBJECT

Ishita kept Economics as her optional subject. She had prepared optional also without any coaching. She took the help of mentoring. She did the analysis of past year questions and on the basis of that she prepared the optional. She took the help of newspapers and important government resources such as Economic Survey, Budget and Economic weekly.

At last Ishita said, parents were her biggest inspiration for joining the civil service. She advised the aspirants, UPSC exam needs patience. With patience, aspirants need to follow a well planned strategy in a disciplined manner. Apart from this, aspirants do not ignore their psychological and physical health because this exam will test you on multiple levels. So, maintain a balance in your UPSC  journey. 

Ishita wishes you all the best

© IASEXAMPORTAL

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ALERT: UPSC IAS, IPS, IFS 2023 Exam Dates Announced by UPSC

IAS EXAM

ALERT: IAS Exam 2023-2024 Exam Dates Notification by UPSC

UPSC IAS (Pre.) Exam 2022 Notification..

Date of UPSC Notification: 01 FEB 2023 (01-02-2023) 

Last Date to Apply:  21 FEB 2023 (21-02-2023)

Date of UPSC PRE Exam: 28 MAY 2023 (28-05-2023) SUNDAY

Date of UPSC MAINS Exam: 15 SEP 2023 (15-09-2022) 5 DAYS

IMPORTANT LINKS:

SOURCE: UPSC OFFICIAL CALENDAR 2023
Courtesy: UPSC.GOV.IN

Disclaimer: IAS EXAM PORTAL is NOT associated with Union Public Service Commission, For UPSC official website visit - www.upsc.gov.in

(Download) संघ लोक सेवा आयोग सिविल सेवा - मुख्य परीक्षा सिविल इन्जीनियरी (Paper - 2) - 2014

(Download) संघ लोक सेवा आयोग सिविल सेवा - मुख्य परीक्षा सिविल इन्जीनियरी (Paper - 1) - 2014

(Getting Started) Is A Test Series Must For UPSC Mains?



(Getting Started) Is A Test Series Must For UPSC Mains?



One of the toughest competitive examinations held across the country each year is the UPSC Civil Services Exams. The limited vacancies, the unpredictability of the questions set, and the vast scope of the upsc syllabus makes it difficult for aspirants to structure their preparation. IAS Topper’s over the years have said that joining a test series is one of the first steps towards cracking the exam as it helps one cover the ask of the exam exhaustively.

UPSC civil services main 2016: Exam schedule released, check it here -  education$career - Hindustan Times

A Typical UPSC Mains Exam Hall

Importance of A Mains Test Series

Helps Cover The Complete Syllabus

Initially, one look at the syllabus for UPSC Civil Services and one might get very overwhelmed. The sheer scope and depth of the subjects covered can be intimidating. However, with the proper planning and guidance, it can be easily completed in a 10 to 18 months span. For this guidance, especially for self-studying aspirants, a test series is key as it breaks down the vast syllabus into short-term goals. Not only that, it schedules regular revisions as well.

SUBJECTS IN UPSC MAINS EXAM in 2020 | Ias study material, Exam study tips,  What to study

UPSC Civil Services Has A Vast Syllabus

Analysis of Your Strengths And Weaknesses

A test series also allows you to gauge your strengths and weaknesses. Often, we have preconceived notions about which parts of the syllabus we have a better grip over and which needs work. A test series allows you to test that theory out. Depending on the results, you can devote more time to the portions that need more effort, while lightly polishing those that are already well-cooked. This will elevate your overall performance.

How To Practise Essay Writing For Upsc | Sitedoct.org

Improved Writing Skills

Writing is the core of your UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. No matter how much knowledge you have gathered, unless you can put it on paper coherently, within the required page limit, you will not score enough to qualify mains. Writing a test series allows you to not only practice your answer writing but also get feedback from experts in the field; feedback that you can utilize to better your answers. In the long-term, this will help you score better than most other aspirants.

Time Management Strategy

Toppers across years have mentioned how important it is to manage your time when writing a mains paper. Many say they missed being on the final list in their previous attempts simply because they could not complete their papers. Writing a mains test series will allow you to understand how much time to designate to each question to comfortably complete your paper.

So Should You join A Mains Test Series?

If experts in the field and previous upsc toppers are to be believed, absolutely! Joining a test series is crucial towards performing well in the mains examination. And even if you only choose to self-study, and even self-evaluate, at least attempting a test series on your own is undoubtedly the most important step in your preparation. Not only will it help you in ways we have discussed already, but it also allows you to judge the competition, and keep yourself updated on the hot topics of the year. This ensures you are not lagging behind your competitors in any manner. Overall, a mains test series is a must if you want to see your name on the final list.

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(Getting Started) UPSC Prelims Strategy-By IAS Topper Raunak Agarwal (AIR-13)



(Getting Started) UPSC Prelims Strategy-By IAS Topper Raunak Agarwal (AIR-13)



Public service brings satisfaction, respect,' says UPSC Rank 13 Raunak  Agarwal - ABPEducation

Raunak Agarwal, AIR-13, UPSC CSE 2019

Raunak Aggarwal from Kolkata secured a prestigious all India rank of 13 in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Hailing from a family of businessmen, Raunak is a Chartered Accountant by training. He is no stranger to outstanding performances as he even secured a rank of 5 in his CA exam. This was Raunak’s 3rd attempt at Civil Services and he was under pressure to join the family business if it did not work out. Even though shocked by the magnitude of his success, Raunak is relieved that he will now be taking the first step into his dream career.

Raunak’S Strategy For The upsc preliminary Examination

Raunak had failed to qualify both his previous upsc prelims attempts. He realised that objectives were not his strength so he went on to modify his strategy a little here and there to better his chances. For the static portion, he followed the most common sources. It was for current affairs and mock tests where he made amendments.

Understanding The Trend

UPSC’s question patterns and types are ever changing and very hard to predict. However, Raunak has observed that current affairs have been gaining a lot of momentum. And the questions asked are not directly factual, they are usually analytical in their approach or a mixture of current events and related static affairs.

UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage 2011 - 2019 | IAS Prelims Marks  Distribution

Question Trends In UPSC Prelims

Current Affairs

Raunak used to read the Indian Express daily for his dose of current updates. He used to also go through Vision IAS and Insights On India’s monthly current affairs magazines. Rau has a Study Focussed magazine that is released two months before the prelims which Raunak also referred to. He believes that studying current affairs from varied sources allows you to exhaustively complete current affairs.

How To Use Mock Tests

Raunak believes negative marking is one of the main reasons many fail to qualify prelims. The first step should be to minimize it. He suggests noting down on each page which questions you are a 100% certain one, which you have 50% certainty with, and so on. On the first iteration of attempting your paper, answer only the ones you are 100% certain of. Check how short you are from reaching the score you need to clear the cut-off. If you have already reached it, there is no need to answer more. If not, answer the ones where you are 50% sure of the answers and then again repeat the process. 

This way, you minimize your negative marking and can score the best you can.

How To Answer

Message For IAS Aspirants

Raunak admits that even though he is from an financially privileged family, his ultimate goal has always been Civil Services. Businesses may fetch in a lot of money, but he sees himself contributing a lot more on the ground than anything else and encourages others to do the same. His message to aspirants is to not give up once they have admitted their passion for civil services and keep working hard towards the end goal. 

That is the only way to achieve your UPSC dream.

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(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2022 - Sociology (Paper-2)


(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2022

SOCIOLOGY (Paper-2)


  • Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains SOCIOLOGY (Paper-II)
  • Marks: 250
  • Year : 2022
  • Time Allowed: 3 Hours

 

(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2022 - Sociology (Paper-1)


(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2022

SOCIOLOGY (Paper-1)


  • Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains SOCIOLOGY (Paper-I)
  • Marks: 250
  • Year : 2022
  • Time Allowed: 3 Hours

 

(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2022 - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-2)


(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2022

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-2)


  • Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
  • Marks: 250
  • Year : 2022
  • Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 x 5 = 50 Marks

 

1.(a) “Mughal administrative system was centralised despotism”. Comment.

(b) “The office of the District Collector admirably survived the changing times from colonialism to the present times”. Comment.

(c) “The smooth transaction of business in Ministries and Departments depends on the role played by Cabinet Secretariat”. Discuss.

(d) “The Government of India Act, 1935 is the most important source of Indian constitution”. Identify its features.

(e) “The Chief Secretary is the chief communication link between the state and central government”. Explain.

2:- (a) “The Indian federal structure is largely symmetric albeit with some asymmetric features”. Examine the status of States and Union Territories through the principle of weighted and differentiated equality in India. (20)

(b) The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a progressive policy. Analyse. (20)

(c) “Indicative Planning, is a middle path of planning and market mechanism to ensure coordination between public and private activities.” Explain. (10)

3:- (a) “The New Economic Reforms during the past three decades have not only reduced the scope of industrial licensing and areas reserved exclusively for Public Sector but also infringed the autonomy of existing public sector undertakings”. Examine. (20)

(b) “National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Ayog has become super cabinet in formulating the development agenda of our country”. Examine the statement by giving suitable examples. (20)

(c) Despite the constitutional status, the District planning committees remained a non-entity in preparation and implementation of plans. Discuss. (10)

4:- (a) “The Indian judicial system has failed to deliver justice expeditiously”. Examine the challenges faced by the judiciary and suggest measures to overcome them. (20)

(b) Analyse the specific areas of controversies with regard to Union-State financial relations, particularly in the context of one nation – one tax policy. (20)

(c) Examine the role of central government in adjudication of disputes relating to water of interstate rivers. (10)

SECTION B

5:- Answer the following in about 150 words. (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) Examine the lateral entry recruitment in government in the context of Part XIV of the Indian Constitution.

(b) Examine the role of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in protecting the interests of the investors in securities.

6:- (a) The recommendations of National Finance Commissions are more norms based than the need based. In the light of this statement analyse the terms of references of 15th National Finance Commission. (20)

(b) “The objective of Mission Karmyogi is to enhance capacity building of Indian Civil Servants and improve governance.” Discuss. (20)

(c) Parliamentary control over administration is no substitute for judicial control. Comment. (10)

7:- (a) In India, for the upliftment of majority of people, governmental intervention remains a central fact of life. Nevertheless, the effective implementation of policies depends on the ethical values of Public Servants. Discuss. (20)

(b) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is today a primary cause of widespread and paralysing unwillingness on the part of government institutions to decide and act. Discuss. (20)

(c) Do you think that the new localism relegate the spirit of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992? (10)

8:- (a) The main objective of Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 is to enable tribal society to assume control over their livelihoods and traditional rights. Critically examine the implementation of the Act. (20)

(b) The effectiveness of law and order administration depends on cooperative attitudes of people towards police, than bringing reforms in the structure and procedures of law and order machinery. Do you agree? Give reasons. (20)

(c) Examine the role of Lokpal in ensuring transparency and accountability in Indian administration. (10)

(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2022 - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-1)


(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2022

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-1)


  • Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-I)
  • Marks: 250
  • Year : 2022
  • Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-I)

Marks: 250

Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION A

 

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 x 5 = 50 Marks

 

1.(a) Public Management takes ‘what’ and ‘why’ from Public Administration and ‘how’ from Business Management. Elaborate. 10

1.(b) Every human organisation shall start from System-I and ultimately end up with System-IV. Comment on Likert’s statement. 10

1.(c) All tribunals are courts, but all courts are not tribunals. Explain. 10

1.(d) Classical Organisation Theory formed the bedrock for the modern organisation theories. Analyse. 10

1.(e) Interaction between the State and Civil society has hitherto been largely neglected,especially in developing countries. Examine. 

2.(a) ‘The administrative state is the creation of a power to bind us, with rules that are not made by legislature.’ Discuss the constitutionality of the administrative state and its future. 20

2.(b) Transformational leadership requires high degree of coordination, communication and cooperation. Explain. 15

2.(c) Human relationists postulate that ‘what is important to a worker and what influences his/her productivity level may not be the organisational chart but his or her associations with other workers’. Is it more relevant today? 15

3.(a) Barnard posits the zone of indifference as the human condition that animates authority relationships and cooperation in modern organisations. Examine. 20

3.(b) New public service celebrates what is distinctive, important and meaningful about public service. Discuss 15

3.(c) Strategic communication ought to be an agile management process Discuss the conceptualization of strategic communication for the government actions.

4.(a) ‘Leadership is seen as dealing with change, whereas administration is viewed as coping with complexity.’ In this context, discuss the contextuality of leadership and administration for the success of organisations. 20

4.(b) Regulatory governance frameworks have become essential building blocks of world society. Discuss their potential and impact in fulfilling the hopes and demands. 15

4.(c) Social auditing is not just saving the money, it creates positive impact on governance. Comment.

 

SECTION B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 x 5 = 50

5.(a) Development Administration ‘embraces the array of new functions assumed by the developing countries’. Explain. 10

5.(b) Policy evaluation contributes fundamentally to sound public governance. Discuss. 10

5.(c) Weber’s construct of bureaucracy has served a great heuristic purpose in furthering research in the field of Comparative Public Administration. Do you agree with the statement ? Give reasons. 10

5.(d) Standards are the foundation which do not replace regulations but complement them. Comment. 10

5.(e) ‘Outcome budgeting addresses the weaknesses of performance budgeting.’ Elaborate. 10

6.(a) ‘The more exogenetic the process of diffraction, the more formalistic and heterogenous its prismatic phase; the more endogenetic, the less formalistic and heterogenous.’ Examine this hypothesis of Riggs. 20

6.(b) The environment and situational conditions under which the government operates have an important bearing on its human resource development practices. Examine. 15

6.(c) ‘Lindblom regarded rational decision-making as an unattainable goal.’ In the light of the statement, suggest measures to avoid policy failures. 15

7.(a) The results of Washington Consensus were far from optimal for transitional economies. In this background, discuss the change of direction towards postWashington Consensus. 20

7.(b) A sound budgeting system is one which engenders trust among citizens that the government is listening to their concerns. Elaborate this in the context of budgetary governance. 15

7.(c) Performance problems are rarely caused simply by lack of training and rarely can performance be improved by training alone. Critically analyse the statement. 15

8.(a) The audit function has always been viewed as an integral part of government financial management. Discuss the significance of internal audit in improving the performance of the government sector. 20

8.(b) Most civil service regimes still equate ‘Public Sector Ethics’ with anti-corruption efforts. Discuss the insufficiency of Ethics-code in this background. 15

8.(c) Failure of public policies has often been attributed to problems of implementation, while implementors question the policy design. Discuss the contestation. 15

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