Srishti Dabas: A Trailblazer in UPSC CSE 2023 with Rank 6

Securing a top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is no small feat, and Srishti Dabas has achieved it with remarkable dedication and perseverance. Ranked AIR 6 in UPSC CSE 2023, Srishti’s journey is a testament to the power of focused effort and strategic planning. In this blog, she shares her preparation journey, the challenges she faced, and the strategies that helped her crack one of India’s toughest exams.

1.   Introduction
2.   Early Life and Academic Background
3.   The Decision to Join UPSC
4.   Strategic Approach to UPSC Preparation

a]. Choosing the Right Optional Subject

b]. Study Resources and Time Management

c]. Answer Writing and Mock Interviews

5.   Overcoming Challenges
6.   Advice for UPSC Aspirants
7.   Conclusion

Introduction

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive and challenging exams in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants compete for a coveted spot in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), among other services. Among those who cracked the 2023 UPSC CSE was Srishti Dabas, who achieved an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 6 in her first attempt. Her success story is a perfect blend of hard work, strategic planning, and perseverance, serving as an inspiration for future aspirants.

Early Life and Academic Background

Srishti Dabas hails from Ranikhera, North-West Delhi. Raised in a disciplined family with values of responsibility and public service, Srishti's father, an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Delhi Police, and her mother, a homemaker, encouraged her to serve the nation.
Academically, she excelled from a young age. Srishti completed her B.A. (Hons) in Political Science from Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University, where she earned a gold medal. She later pursued her Master’s in Political Science from IGNOU, which further deepened her interest in governance and policy-making. She has previously cleared the prestigious RBI Grade B exam, showcasing her dedication and academic excellence. Motivated by a desire to serve the nation more broadly and make a greater impact on society, she decided to pursue UPSC CSE, reflecting her unwavering commitment to public service.

The Decision to Join UPSC

Srishti’s decision to take the UPSC CSE was driven by a passion for public service and her desire to bring positive change to society. Inspired by her father's career in law enforcement, she wanted to serve the country through the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She believed that through IAS, she could have a direct impact on the lives of citizens, especially in areas like education and women's empowerment.
Her vision of becoming an IAS officer was not only to secure a prestigious career but to work towards improving governance and tackling issues of national importance.

Strategic Approach to UPSC Preparation

Srishti’s success in UPSC CSE 2023 was the result of careful planning, smart strategy, and disciplined execution. Here’s a look at how she prepared for this challenging exam.

1.Choosing the Right Optional Subject

Srishti chose Political Science as her optional subject, aligning with her academic background and interests. She had studied it extensively during her graduation and postgraduation, so it was a subject she was both comfortable with and passionate about. Additionally, Political Science overlaps significantly with General Studies topics like Indian Polity and International Relations, making it a strategic choice. This familiarity helped her save time during preparation and score well in both Mains and the Interview.

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2.Study Resources and Time Management

For General Studies, Srishti focused on building a strong foundation using NCERT textbooks, which helped her understand basic concepts in subjects like History, Geography, and Economics. She supplemented this with standard books, such as “M. Laxmikanth” for Indian Polity and “Ramesh Singh” for Economics. For current affairs, Srishti read The Hindu daily and followed reliable online platforms to stay updated.
Srishti’s success was also due to her disciplined approach to time management. She created a well-structured timetable to balance her preparation with other commitments. Despite juggling her full-time job at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), she set aside specific hours for daily study, breaking down her syllabus into manageable portions. Consistency was her mantra. She believed in steady progress over time rather than cramming at the last minute.

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3.Answer Writing and Mock Interviews

One of the key components of UPSC success is effective answer writing, and Srishti dedicated ample time to improve this skill. She regularly practiced writing answers to previous years' questions and participated in online mock tests. This helped her improve her writing speed, presentation, and ability to answer concisely. She focused on making her answers structured, linking theory with real-world applications, and incorporating current affairs wherever possible.-https://upscguide.in/web/Course/course_details_title/upsc-cse-mains-test-series---20-test-with-evaluation
The UPSC Interview (Personality Test) also played a significant role in Srishti’s preparation. She took several mock interviews to enhance her confidence and interview skills. These sessions helped her refine her responses, handle stress better, and communicate her thoughts clearly. Srishti’s composed demeanor and ability to think on her feet were crucial in impressing the interview panel.

https://youtube.com/shorts/mtKqZ9Gg_3I?feature=share

Overcoming Challenges

Srishti’s path to success was not without challenges. The UPSC journey is demanding, both mentally and physically, and Srishti had to manage her time effectively to balance her job with her preparation. Despite her busy schedule, she made the most of every available hour. Whether it was during her commute or late at night, she ensured she remained consistent in her studies.
Mental fatigue and self-doubt are common among UPSC aspirants. Srishti, too, faced moments of uncertainty, but she remained focused on her long-term goals. She leaned on her family for emotional support, particularly her father, who had faced his own challenges in public service. His resilience motivated her to stay positive and committed.

Advice for UPSC Aspirants

Srishti’s journey offers valuable insights for future UPSC aspirants:
1.   Consistency and Discipline: Regular study and consistent effort are crucial. Develop a routine that you can stick to, and avoid procrastination.
2.   Strategic Planning: Choose an optional subject that aligns with your academic background and interests. This will not only make preparation easier but also improve your chances of scoring well.
3.   Time Management: Create a realistic timetable that accounts for all subjects. Make time for revision, and don’t rush through the syllabus.
4.   Practice Answer Writing: Focus on improving your answer-writing skills. Clear, concise, and structured answers will help you perform well in the Mains exam.
5.   Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers daily and stay informed about national and international events. This will be essential for both General Studies and the Interview.
6.   Mental Resilience: UPSC preparation is a long journey. It’s important to stay patient, believe in your abilities, and keep pushing forward even during difficult times.

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Conclusion

Srishti Dabas’ remarkable achievement in UPSC CSE 2023 is a testament to her dedication, strategic planning, and hard work. Her success story is an inspiration for every UPSC aspirant, showing that with the right approach, discipline, and persistence, even the most challenging exams can be conquered.
Srishti’s journey also reinforces the importance of maintaining a balanced approach—focusing not just on academic excellence, but also on mental resilience, effective time management, and answer-writing skills. For future aspirants, her experience serves as a reminder that success in UPSC requires more than just knowledge; it demands a holistic approach to preparation and a deep commitment to serving the nation.

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