(Success Story) UPSC 2021 TOPPER, AIR-30 Naman Goyal Share Strategy To Crack UPSC Exams

Naman Goyal has secured 30th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2021. Originally, he is a native of Rajasthan but now lives in Maharashtra. This was his second attempt. He chose Geography as his optional subject. He used to study almost 7 to 8 hours with full dedication. He restricted his study materials and did not go for multiple books. Naman said, “Always keep your plan simple, and do not put yourself under too much stress. Try to be calm. It will be helpful for you. Give one year with full dedication for CSE preparation and create an action plan.”

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND HIS UPSC JOURNEY

He has completed his B.Tech degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Bombay. During his preparation days firstly he focussed on the basic NCERT textbooks. After completing NCERT, he moved towards the standard textbooks. He also reads the newspapers diligently daily. The Times of India and The Hindu are the two newspapers he suggests reading for UPSC preparation.

NAMAN GOYAL'S UPSC PREPARATION STRATEGY

HIS PRELIMS STRATEGY

He used to have at least read all his self prepared notes and current affairs in the last 3 to 4 days. He advised the aspirants, only revise at the moment, don't read anything new. He used to focus on revision of the static portion because the static portion is rewarding and predictable. During the exam stick to your strategy, don't change it at the last moment.

Most importantly, he suggested reading every word of the question paper carefully. Many questions can be solved just by reading each word and also by using elimination techniques.

CONSOLIDATE THE CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR GS AND OPTIONAL BOTH

He used to read Newspaper daily. He has always followed the 'The Hindu' newspaper. He used to make the notes (online mode) of the newspaper subject wise. He also followed the monthly magazine and Vision 365. He used to add the current affairs notes to his static notes. For optional, he used to follow Kosmos of Edukemy and newsletter of Guidance IAS.

PRACTICE MORE AND MORE

Naman advised the aspirants before appearing in the actual exam; take mock practice examinations for both the prelims and the mains. This will definitely help you to develop confidence and expertise in appropriately structuring your responses. He said, "Do not worry if any topic appears difficult for you and you become stuck; think it through. Surely, you will gain insight on how to learn that specific idea."

At last he advised the aspirants to stay motivated and positive because it is a very long journey, and one needs to have a positive mind set to stay focused during all the three stages.

Naman wishes you all the best for your preparation. Good luck.