[AMA] Paras Chitkara - 4 UPSC CSE interviews, 5 - Mains, PSIR Optional
Hi everyone, This is Paras Chitkara, I've appeared in 4 UPSC cse interviews ( 2022,2021,2020,2018) and have written 5 Mains. My UPSC journey ended with my last attempt in 2022.
My optional- PSIR - one of the highest score - 310 ( 138 P1 + 172 P2) - 2018
Would be happy to help you out! Ask anything related to Stragety, Prelims , Mains, PSIR, career options beyond UPSC.
Cheers !
EDIT :
Hey! Thanks for all your queries and responses, glad to help the community! :) I've answered most of the common questions, I'll answer the remaining shortly.
--- > Things to remember for Mains :
PYQ is the key - go through them analyse the most repeated themes.
Make Short Notes for Mains - very imp. - do multiple revisions and attempt the tests. (add value addition content - diagrams, examples, reports - can use Compass magazine/ model answers from tests)
Do not join CA classes like BIPIN etc. , QEP, QIP .... waste of time. (you can use notes selectively)
All GS papers and sub subjects have different writing styles- learn it and practice it via mock tests. ( I have made detailed videos on that on YT)
Do not skip any question in the exam, it is a sin.
Refer good topper copies like - Divya Mishra's (all GS) , Vishkha Yadav (ethics), shurti Sharma ( ethics), do not follow the topper's strategy blindly.
----> Things to remember for Prelims :
Read the basic sources (laxmi, NCERT, Spect) and revise them multiple times.
Before reading a scoure go through PYQs so you know the standard, after reading the source solve all the PYQs
Attempt a sectional Mock once you complete a subject like Polity, Histroy etc.
Once big 4 is completed go for FLT mock tests - practice on OMR in exam hall condition -after the test keep a notebook to write and revise your mistakes.
Cover the remaining stuff, envt. S&T, IR, places in News, govt. schemes.
Learn the "traps" being set by analysing PYQs/ elimination technique etc.
Use PT 365 Selectively for Prelims.
That's the only thing needed for Prelims
---> Mistakes I did: 1. Wrote my first essay directly in Mains
Didn't analyse PYQs well and didn't make theme wise notes for GS in my early attempts.
Relied more on classes (CA/QEP etc.) than on self study in my early attempts. (this is a waste as these classes are 3 hour long and have very low cost benefit.)
Made a mistake in PSIR after my first Mains which I fixed in later attempts.
Essay has been my achilles heel, still don't know what works in Essay due to its unpredicatability.
Do not ignore the holfy trinity - Essay, Ethics, Optional.
All the best Folks! Avoid the FOMO, stick with basic sources + PYQs, believe in yourself. The ultimate selection depends on destiny and your hardwork. Stay humble, compassionate and explore the world out there. There are many shores beyond UPSC, so after certain attempts get a backup job and plan accordingly. I'll be here on this sub to help you, you can post your queries and I'll respond shortly! :)