UPSC Topper AIR 9, Nausheen's Secrets to Success in UPSC Exam Revealed!

Nausheen, a 24-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, shares her remarkable journey to securing Rank 9 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Despite facing numerous challenges, she persevered and emerged as one of the top performers, inspiring others with her dedication and strategic approach.
Table of Contents
- Nausheen's Background and Exam Attempts
- Nausheen's Preparation Strategies for Prelims
- Nausheen's Approach to Mains Exam Preparation
- Nausheen's Insights on Mindset and Time Management
- Nausheen's Advice to Aspiring UPSC Candidates
- FAQ
Nausheen's Background and Exam Attempts
Nausheen, a 24-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, began her UPSC journey in 2019 after graduating from Delhi University’s Khalsa College. Her determination led her through multiple attempts at the UPSC exam, each one a learning experience.
Nausheen's Preparation Strategies for Prelims
Nausheen's journey to securing Rank 9 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination was marked by meticulous preparation strategies that proved to be instrumental in her success. Here, she shares her insights and techniques that helped her ace the preliminary stage of the exam.
Understanding the Exam Pattern
- Regularly analyzed previous year's question papers
- Identified repeated themes and questions
- Focused on solving at least 50 questions daily
By understanding the recurring patterns and themes in the exam, Nausheen was able to tailor her preparation effectively, ensuring comprehensive coverage of potential question areas.
Thorough Revision and Practice
- Dedicated significant time to revision and practice
- Conducted extensive revision sessions with peer groups
- Solved around 70 to 80 test papers
Nausheen's consistent and thorough revision, coupled with extensive practice through solving test papers, honed her understanding and problem-solving skills, ultimately boosting her confidence and performance in the exam.
Utilizing Previous Year Question Papers
- Carefully analyzed and discussed questions with peers
- Identified repeated themes and questions
- Recognized the importance of recurring themes in the exam
By utilizing previous year question papers, Nausheen gained invaluable insights into the exam trends, allowing her to focus on critical areas and anticipate potential question types, thus refining her preparation for the prelims.
Nausheen's Approach to Mains Exam Preparation
Nausheen's meticulous preparation strategies for the Mains Exam were crucial in securing her impressive rank. Here, she details her approach to tackling the challenging Mains stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Strategic Handling of GS-I, II, III, and IV
- Developed a focused strategy for each General Studies paper
- Emphasized in-depth understanding and comprehensive coverage of relevant topics
- Prioritized the application of knowledge through real-world examples and case studies
Nausheen's strategic approach towards each General Studies paper allowed her to delve deep into the subjects, ensuring a thorough understanding and effective application of concepts.
Effective Essay Writing Techniques
- Practiced regular essay writing to enhance proficiency
- Utilized a structured approach for essay composition
- Focused on incorporating diverse viewpoints and maintaining a balanced argument
Nausheen's dedication to honing her essay writing skills through regular practice and structured composition enabled her to craft well-rounded and impactful essays for the Mains Exam.
Utilizing Current Affairs and Editorials
- Engaged with daily current affairs to stay updated with recent developments
- Analyzed and synthesized editorial content for comprehensive understanding
- Integrated current affairs and editorials into answers for a contemporary perspective
Nausheen's proactive approach towards current affairs and editorials allowed her to infuse her answers with relevant and contemporary insights, showcasing a well-rounded understanding of the subjects.
Nausheen's Insights on Mindset and Time Management
Nausheen emphasizes the importance of utilizing both coaching notes and newspaper notes for effective preparation. She highlights the significance of staying updated with current affairs and integrating them into study materials to enhance overall understanding.
Strategic Note-taking and Revision
- Create concise notes, including current affairs and specific subject matter
- Regularly revise and update notes to stay aligned with evolving topics
- Organize notes for quick referencing during time-constrained revision sessions
By maintaining well-organized and comprehensive notes, Nausheen effectively managed her study materials, ensuring efficient revision and retention of crucial information.
Utilizing Previous Year Question Papers
- Analyze and incorporate previous year questions and patterns into study notes
- Refine notes based on the recurring themes observed in previous year papers
- Regularly practice answering questions from previous year papers to gauge preparedness
Nausheen's approach to utilizing previous year question papers for note revision and practice exemplifies the value of integrating past exam trends into study materials for targeted preparation.
Strategic Approach to Optional Subjects
- Devote focused time to create and revise notes specifically for optional subjects
- Integrate current affairs and relevant case studies into optional subject notes
- Regularly update and refine notes to encompass diverse perspectives and contemporary examples
Nausheen's strategic approach to managing notes for optional subjects highlights the need for comprehensive and updated materials, incorporating relevant current affairs and case studies for a well-rounded understanding.
Nausheen's Advice to Aspiring UPSC Candidates
Nausheen's journey to securing Rank 9 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination was marked by meticulous preparation strategies and a resilient mindset. Here, she shares invaluable advice for aspiring UPSC candidates, drawing from her own experiences and challenges.
Strategic Handling of Previous Year Question Papers
- Analyze and understand the recurring patterns in previous year's question papers
- Regularly practice answering questions to gauge preparedness
- Update notes based on the observed patterns and themes
Nausheen emphasizes the importance of thorough analysis and strategic practice with previous year question papers, enabling candidates to anticipate potential question types and tailor their preparation effectively.
Effective Time Management and Mindset
- Believe in yourself and maintain a resilient mindset during challenging times
- Strategically manage time for both prelims and mains preparation
- Stay connected with the exam process and adapt to pattern changes
Nausheen highlights the significance of self-belief, resilience, and efficient time management for effective preparation, urging candidates to adapt to evolving patterns and challenges with confidence.
Utilizing Current Affairs and Editorials
- Engage actively with daily current affairs and synthesizing editorial content
- Integrate contemporary insights into study materials and answers
- Stay updated and infuse answers with relevant and contemporary viewpoints
Nausheen stresses the proactive engagement with current affairs and editorials, advocating for the integration of contemporary insights into study materials and answers, showcasing a well-rounded understanding of the subjects.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nausheen's journey to securing Rank 9 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination:
1. What was Nausheen's approach to preparing for the UPSC exam?
- Initially relied on coaching material, then shifted to newspaper-based preparation
- Religiously read The Hindu and focused on The Indian Express for the interview
- Emphasized the importance of current affairs and integrating them into study materials
Nausheen's approach involved a strategic shift from coaching material to newspaper-based preparation, with a strong focus on current affairs and editorial content.
2. How did Nausheen handle time management and mindset during her preparation?
- Believed in maintaining a resilient mindset during challenging times
- Strategically managed time for both prelims and mains preparation
- Adapted to pattern changes and stayed connected with the exam process
Nausheen emphasized the importance of a resilient mindset, efficient time management, and adaptability to pattern changes, urging candidates to stay connected with the evolving exam process.
3. What were Nausheen's strategies for handling the Mains Exam?
- Developed a focused strategy for each General Studies paper
- Emphasized in-depth understanding and comprehensive coverage of relevant topics
- Prioritized the application of knowledge through real-world examples and case studies
Nausheen's approach involved developing focused strategies for each General Studies paper, emphasizing in-depth understanding, and applying knowledge through real-world examples and case studies.