(Success Story) UPSC 2021 TOPPER, AIR-21 Dilip K Kainikkara Strategy for Cracking UPSC Exams

Dilip Kainikkara has secured the 21th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2021. He is a native of Kerala. In his first attempt, he couldn't clear the exam but in his second attempt, he managed to crack it and was allotted the Indian Forest Service. He decided to give it another attempt to get where he wants to- the Indian Administrative Service. Finally, in 2021 he got there, in his third attempt, while serving as an IFS probationer. During an interview he said,

"Basically, he was determined to become an IAS officer when he quit his lucrative job. Also, even though he failed to crack the exam in his first attempt, he knew where he went wrong and worked on it. Further he added that he liked his job and was also satisfied with it. However, two years down the line, he began to feel disconnect with the field. He felt that he could use his potential in a different way like to improve the lives of the people at the grassroot level. He chose the field of Civil Services".

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND HIS UPSC JOURNEY

Dilip completed his graduation with a degree in electrical engineering from IIT Madras in 2015. He joined a job in a corporate company in South Korea where he worked for close to 3 years. Dilip wants to pursue his dream for Civil Services; he left his lucrative job and returned to Kerala in 2018.

Dilip started his Civil Services preparation in 2018. His journey is also challenging. He took Maths as his optional subject. He couldn't qualify the exam in his first attempt. In his second attempt he cracked the exam but he didn't settle with that. Finally, in 2021 he got 21th rank in his third attempt. Mostly he depended on self study but for mains answer writing he credited the Nitin Menon of Fortune IAS academy in Trivandrum.

DILIP KAINIKKARA'S UPSC PREPARATION STRATEGY

DEDICATION AND CONSISTENCY ARE MANDATORY

He admits that maintaining that determination and dedication needed for the examination was a bit of a challenge during the preparation phase but dedication and consistency are mandatory. He advised the aspirants to maintain consistency and determination towards this exam. It requires sheer determination and thorough preparation in multiple domains, from history to technology, to clear these examinations.

MATHS OPTIONAL STRATEGY

He largely depended on self study. His background was engineering; he already had a basic foundation in this subject. He used IMS notes and took the help of YouTube videos. He also used Kanishak Kataria notes to revise the core formulae and theory. Most importantly he strongly prioritises PYQs, which align well with his preparation strategy.

PRACTISING MOCK TESTS AND PYQS WILL ENSURE GUARANTEED RESULTS

Dilip said practising is the only way for improvement; it is the way to enhance you into a better aspirant. Consistency only helps when it is channelled in a precise way. It is very important to practice for the Prelim Mock Test, Write long essays on topics from the Mains Exam and communicate your views to peers. He also used to do so. He used to practice PYQS and mock tests, and rectified his mistakes.

At last Dilip advised the aspirants never forget what you will get by cracking this precious exam, always keep that flame of your biggest dream lightened up, and always keep reminding yourself of the original motive for entering the Civil Services. Just focus on your goal and keep struggling consistently.

Dilip wishes you all the best. Good luck

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