Strategy to crack UPSC in first attempt by UPSC CSE 2019 topper Mandar Patki AIR 22

The strategy of Mandar Patki, CSE 2019 (AIR 22), He is 24 years old, from Maharashtra & this was his first attempt.

Mandar: I am a Beed(Maharashtra) native and pursued my Polytechnic diploma from Government Polytechnic College, Pune, followed by a Btech degree from Vishwakarma University. (2018 graduated)

• From where did you prepared for this exam?

I prepared in Pune, came to Delhi only for an interview. Joined a preparation program & took guidance, not formal coaching.

• What was your strategy?

Limited Resources, Maximum Revision – The Mantra. My planning was so airtight that if you asked me in December what portion of the UPSC syllabus I  would be studying in March, I  would be able to tell you exactly. And, if you double-checked me, you would find me studying exactly that.

• What were your Study Sources?

I  read the go-to books such as the NCERT books for classes 6-12, Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, Shankar IAS for Environment, and The Hindu for current affairs.
I religiously studied current affairs daily and made notes for both the static and current portions.
Followed basic books suggested by many toppers. Made short notes & Revised multiple tests and took many tests to know weaknesses and strengths.

• What was your strategy for the Preliminary Examination?

I made topic-wise short notes for the IAS Prelims syllabus. I kept on revising those notes over and over again. To ensure that they were always handy, I used Evernote – a cloud-based note-making software.
I have solved over 60 sectional mock tests and 40 full-length mock tests during my preliminary preparation.

• What was your strategy for the Mains Examination?

UPSC mains syllabus is incredibly vast for General Studies.
However, if one notices the syllabus and follows it topically by topic, it is easier to manage.
I made notes from the Study IQ for World History.
Using my compact notes, I  was able to revise the whole mains General Studies syllabus multiple times in the one month before the mains examination.
For mains, I had not joined a test series.
I kept on practicing answer writing from day one. Through my practice, I  realized how important time management is.
I allotted 7 minutes for my 10 mark answers and 11 minutes for the 15 mark answers, ensuring I never ran out of the clock.
I advise aspirants to focus on the quality of answer writing, even if they run out of time at the beginning of their preparation.
Timing can be improved in due time.
You need to be mentally tough,  give your best, and don’t worry about things that are not in your hands.

• How did you prepared for your optional subject?

I chose Anthropology as it has a very crisp syllabus, with a lot of online and offline resources available.
It has also had a very scoring trend over the past few years of UPSC. It also happens to be interesting. He was able to complete it in 3 to 4 months.
Study IQ and Khan Sir’s video were helpful for me.

• Tell us something about your writing speed?

Did answer writing in a religious manner. Intro, Body, Conclusion format of the answer is important.
Suggestion- Focus on quality first and then focus on speed.
Wisely devote time to each answer.
In answer writing initially focus more on the quality of the content.
Download the answer sheet of toppers.

• How did you prepare for the Interview?

UPSC DAF is the most important part of your interview and it will guide what questions you are asked in the UPSC interview
One should research their local area’s history and geography, and also about the discipline of studies one has pursued.
I faced a very conservative board, which is known for giving very few marks to students.
I was even asked if students like him choosing to stay unemployed to pursue other careers is the reason for skill India failing.
I chose to answer it in all honesty and with extreme humility, ensuring my confidence did not falter.
Some questions were asked about my background and Marathwada, as I am from Marathwada.

• How did you prepare for the essay?

Read essays of previous years toppers and inculcate their good points in your answer as well.
Did a good practice of the essay before Mains.
Made notes for essays (read from essays by Vikram gravel Sir, Anu Kumari Madam, they used to give very unique examples and quotes)
I prepared many examples and case studies on national and international events and personalities.
I had prepared a few quotes as well.
I even used poetry by Rudyard Kipling to enrich my answer.
Predefining a few model introductions and conclusions helps one save time as well.
Keep writing 5 to 6 essays and not be surprised by exam

• What was your back up plan?

I resolved to have 3 years of full preparation if not selected.
My father retired in 2018, financial stability  was very much required
2 Backup Plan: try banking exam & join the startup of my friend.

• Any expectations to work in any particular field?

My background is from Beed (Maharashtra),I want to do something for rural development.

I want to thank Study Iq, as they helped me in my preparations and provided me with a platform so I can interact with aspirants