(Success Story) UPSC 2022 TOPPER, AIR- 9: KANIKA GOYAL SUCCESS STORY AND TIPS

Kanika Goyal has secured the 9th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022. She is a native of Haryana. This was her second attempt. Kanika gives credits to her parents for always boosting her morale and motivating her to succeed in the UPSC exam. She said Logical and conceptional clarity is very necessary to crack this exam.

Educational background

Kanika completed her schooling from Hindu Girls Senior Secondary School, Kaithal. After that she completed her graduation from Shri Ram College, Delhi. She chooses PSIR as her optional subject. Her advice the aspirants to consider all advantages and disadvantages of the optional subject that you choose and think through that, and then you can go ahead with that optional subject.

Her preparation strategy

Understand the pattern of exam

Kanika advised the aspirants before starting the preparation for UPSC exam, first of all to understand the pattern of the exam. Aspirants must read the SYLLABUS thoroughly and understand it. It is very necessary because the success in the examination depends on your understanding of the demand of the examination. Kanika said, the syllabus is like the mirror which reflects the demand and expectation of the examination from you. After that start from the basic books which means read the NCERT books. According to her, NCERT books are the most important companion in the lives of UPSC aspirants.

Mock tests and PYQs are very important

Kanika said that “Practice makes a man perfect”. Mock tests play an important role in the civil services exam. Before one month prior to PRILIMS she used to solve one mock test daily. It helped her to get used to the test and handle the pressure in the actual exam. She advised the aspirants to at least solve the 30 to 40 mock tests for the PRILIMS exam. After giving the test, the most important thing is to analyse yourself and find in which areas you are making mistakes and rectify it.

Relying on online sources

Online sources are easily available, aspirants can easily prepare for the UPSC exam. Aspirants can watch video lectures and current updates on YouTube. She also took the help of the internet when she didn't understand any topic of any subject, which she could not find in any standard books. She also mentioned that read only relevant study materials because bulks of study materials are available on the internet.

At last Kanika said, “She believes that every setback and failure is a stepping stone. It is necessary to make an aspirant humble towards the journey and the service they are applying for. Just be consistent and practice smart work".