(Success Story) UPSC 2021 TOPPER, AIR-17 Mahak Jain Strategy To Crack UPSC Exams

Mehak Jain has secured 17thrank in the UPSC UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2021. She is a native of Haryana. She appeared in the UPSC exam thrice. In her first two attempts she couldn't qualify even Preliminary Examination but finally in 2021, she has secured All India Rank 17th in her third attempt. During an interview she said, “In her first two attempts, she could not even qualify the prelims exam. The journey was quite challenging for her, because sometimes she felt hopeless that when she could not even qualify the prelims exam, how can she pass all three stages of the UPSC exam? But then, better guidance suggested that if she puts her honest efforts with hard work and dedication, good results will definitely come. Finally she cracked the UPSC Exam with flying colours”.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND HER UPSC JOURNEY

She has completed her graduation with B.com (Hons) from Hansraj College, Delhi University. After that she completed her master's degree in Public Administration from Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi. She chose Public Administration as her optional subject also. She started her Civil Services preparation journey in the final year of graduation. She gave her first attempt in 2019 just after graduation but she didn't qualify Prelims. Again in 2020 the same thing happened. She worked on her strategy. Earlier she used to prepare prelims and mains separately but later she started her preparation in an integrated manner. She made handwritten notes in her own language. She used to study almost 9 to 20 hours daily. Finally, she got success in UPSC exam 2021.

MEHAK JAIN'S UPSC PREPARATION STRATEGY

DO THE ANALYSIS OF PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPERS

Mehak said she did the analysis of PYQS subject wise. The utility of PYQs varies as per the stage of the examination. Mehak believed that they are an indispensable part of UPSC exam preparation. She advised the aspirants that they can read and re-read the previous prelims as well as mains papers many times to get an understanding of UPSC pattern and it will really help. For the mains examination, there is no need to go back 10 to 15 years. Last 6 to 7 years will be enough. However, for optional subjects, you can go.

INTEGRATED PREPARATION OF PRELIMS AND MAINS

Mehak advised the aspirants to try to start your preparation in an integrated manner. She said, in her first two attempts she used to prepare for prelims and mains separately and she couldn't even qualify the Prelims. After that she changed her strategy and started her preparation in an integrated manner. It helps you in covering the entire UPSC syllabus in quite a cordial and lucid manner. Mehak said, the majority of subjects have an overlapping segment in prelims and mains stage of the examination. In Subjects like, Polity, Geography, Environment, Economy and history questions are asked both in prelims and mains examination.

ANSWER WRITING, NOTES MAKING AND REVISION

Mehak said there is a need to practice answer writing on a daily basis and should look to avoid having the perception that, if you are writing answers then they are solely doing it for mains preparation. It helps you in revision also. Notes making is very essential in the preparation of Civil Services Examination. Try to make handwritten notes in your own language. She also used to do it. Another important aspect that aspirants need to keep in mind is the frequent revision and updating their notes from time to time. Revision is very important and it should be emphasized by the aspirants. 

MEHAK JAIN'S INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE

Mehak points out that in the Interview, all questions were not DAF related. She was asked more situational questions than technical or DAF related ones such as what reforms would you suggest for National Police Commission Reform. For the interview she gave many mocks and she used to study online a lot.

At last Mehak said that her aim in service is work for women empowerment. She would like to work on women entrepreneurship. She believes that financial independence for women is crucial for a country's growth. She advised the aspirants to be confident and achieve your goals. Nothing is impossible.

Mehak wishes you all the best.

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