- By Ritesh Kumar
- Sun, 20 Aug 2023 05:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ravi Kapoor, a former IRS officer, defied conventional education norms after facing personal and academic challenges during his upbringing. Overcoming obesity and academic struggles, he excelled in bodybuilding and powerlifting, winning medals and titles for India in the Asian Powerlifting Championship. The success continued and in 2008, he earned the title of Mr. Delhi. And he began playing for Delhi Rugby Club in 2009.
After a life-changing injury, Ravi shifted his focus to cracking the UPSC exam, achieving success through his unwavering determination and self-study. Throughout his bureaucratic career, Ravi remained committed to reforming UPSC preparation, offering free mentorship to over 1.4 lakh aspirants, integrating innovative techniques and psychological principles. His transformative approach led to multiple successful candidates and a role as an educator on the Testbook platform, with a vision to revolutionize the entire education system.
In 2013, Ravi's first posting as an IRS officer was in the customs department at Chennai airport where he handled multiple high-profile cases and successfully solved smuggling rackets. In 2015, he was relocated to Delhi within the Ministry of Finance, where he continued to thrive in both his professional endeavours and passion for powerlifting. Eventually, in 2017, he fulfilled his lifelong aspiration by clinching the top position at the Global Powerlifting Championship.
Jagran English interviewed Ravi Kapoor, delving into his arduous UPSC journey. He shed light on his initiative of offering free UPSC Coaching through mentorship programs, as well as shared insights into strategies for effectively managing UPSC exam preparation while juggling college and job commitments. Ravi also provided tips for excelling in the UPSC CSAT paper, discussed the success trajectory of both Hindi and English language mediums, and shared strategies for comprehensive syllabus coverage. He imparted advice on note-making techniques and offered guidance to aspiring UPSC candidates.
Here are excerpts from the conversation:
Q.) How can aspiring students enroll in the free UPSC Coaching mentorship program, and what advantages and benefits do they stand to gain from participating in the program?
Ans) The procedure is quite simple. Students need to fill out a form with their details, with the most important part being their email id. Afterward, students will begin receiving tasks and assignments via email. These tasks must be completed by the end of the day. Tasks are designed progressively, starting with basics to build a strong foundation. After 10 days, advanced assignments covering history, geography, and polity are introduced. The difficulty level increases gradually. The whole preparation, including essay guidance, is entirely free of cost. Live classes are also conducted on YouTube. Every student's journey is unique, depending on their starting point, ensuring that each student benefits from this approach.
Q.) What strategies and tips can students employ to effectively manage their UPSC exam preparation along with college and a job?
Ans) Many people often ask these questions. To address this, I've structured a dedicated segment within my recently designed free mentorship program. On the program's first day, students receive an email explaining the basics of time management. On the second day, they receive an email requesting their daily schedule, including time available and locked time for working professionals or students. This approach aims to identify the amount of free time each individual has in a day. For those aspiring to study 4 to 6 hours, but facing time constraints due to work commitments, the initial email sets a realistic expectation.
The subsequent emails focus on energy management. Many aspirants find it challenging to dedicate 1 to 2 hours in the evening due to low energy and lack of focus. Energy management emphasises tackling difficult tasks during peak energy times, typically in the morning. If caffeine, coffee, or tea is consumed, it should align with tasks without disrupting sleep. Another email guides students in task setting allocating tasks mentioned in their schedule to specific times of the day. I've divided this into 7 segments over a week, all of which are provided at free cost.
This week-long approach empowers aspirants to design an effective timetable, recognising that a copy-paste solution won't fit everyone due to differing schedules, especially for working professionals. Ultimately, each individual must tailor their own timetable, decide on necessary sacrifices, and strive for improvement. The process is about self-realisation and creating a customised schedule. At the program's end, participants design their routines independently, which I then analyze for potential enhancements. This is the approach I guide students for effective time management strategies.
Q.) How does having many coaching institutes and study materials available affect students' understanding of the exam?
Ans) I believe that coaching institutes are creating a conducive study environment. While content and materials are readily available for free, the challenge lies in establishing the right environment and fostering discipline among students to engage with the content effectively. In today's age, YouTube offers a wealth of educational content, and candidates can access downloadable notes. However, the crucial aspects are the environment and the commitment to studying. Downloading content takes just a few minutes, but the real challenge lies in motivating oneself to study and adopting effective study methods.
This is where coaching institutes play a vital role. They provide the necessary study environment, discipline, and structure that students often lack when studying on their own. When surrounded by peers who are also actively engaged, students tend to adopt similar productive behaviors. While I can't speak for all coaching institutes, I'm focused on ensuring these fundamental elements are upheld in my approach.
Q.) What are the effects of the pressure to clear the IAS exam on the first attempt, particularly for students who do not succeed in their initial try?
Ans) The pressure to crack the UPSC exam, whether in the first attempt or subsequent ones, often stems from societal expectations, parental desires, and the influence of relatives. These external pressures can weigh heavily on students' minds. However, it's important to realize that while these pressures are taken seriously, they might not necessarily align with one's inner voice. It's crucial to assess whether the motivation comes from within or is purely external.
Amidst the burden of suggestions to pursue an IAS career, it's vital to be clear about personal desires and interests. If the heart isn't in it, and you're sure you want to pursue another path, it's important to follow your true calling. The UPSC exam provides a valuable platform for launching a government sector career, but it doesn't guarantee the subsequent trajectory of that career. In my mentorship program, I emphasize topics like these. It's vital to remember that the UPSC exam is not the definitive endpoint of life. I also use psychological tests to help aspirants identify their true interests and desires in order to guide them toward a fulfilling career path.
Q.) Many students are saying that this time the UPSC CSAT paper was difficult, and they are claiming that some questions were out of the syllabus and were related to the CAT exam. What would you like to say about this?
Ans) I empathize deeply with their pain as they were my students. Their frustration was palpable after the exams. The students had put in a tremendous amount of effort; the difficulty level of the paper was so high that it rattled even the most capable individuals upon seeing the questions. The crux of the matter is the extent of the paper's difficulty the higher it is, the more one needs to outperform others to pass the exams. Achieving the top rank isn't necessary, nor is knowing the answers to every question. When the questions are easier, the cutoff score rises, adhering to the same principle one must excel relative to their peers. Similarly, if the paper is challenging, the same principle applies one must rise above the average performance.
CSAT used to be treated casually before, but now the paper's complexity has increased, demanding sincere attention from all candidates. Previously, CSAT preparation was often postponed until the last moment, but now students need to initiate their preparation right from the beginning. It's imperative for candidates to approach UPSC CSAT with comprehensive readiness. They should meticulously practice mathematics and ensure a thorough grasp of the subject.
Q.) The success graph of those taking the exam in the Hindi language declining? What could be the reason behind this?
Ans) The difficulties in the UPSC exam related to the Hindi language can be attributed to a few reasons. Firstly, the proficiency level of Hindi among people is comparatively lower. English, being more widespread, has become the language of science and technology, given our strong connection to these fields. Technology is intricately linked with the English language, and it has become the primary language for Internet communication. Consequently, English content is more readily available, making preparation seem easier, even though it's not inherently so.
Contrastingly, Hindi content is less prevalent, making preparation in this language more challenging. Access to guidance and mentors proficient in UPSC-level Hindi is limited compared to English. This scarcity is not only to UPSC but is pervasive across various domains. The world's shift towards technology has led to the predominance of the English language.
Q.) Many students are opting for civil services over-engineering and medical fields. Can those individuals excel in their respective domains? What could be the reason behind students making this choice?
Ans) Many individuals feel drawn to enter the UPSC field. I, too, was an Engineer before transitioning to UPSC. This career path holds a strong allure due to its inherent attractiveness. Job security is a significant factor in a world filled with uncertainties; a government job offers reassuring stability. Additionally, the status associated with being a government official is highly esteemed. Our society places great value on such roles, fostering widespread respect for them. In contemporary times, success in civil services can also bring about fame, especially in the realm of social media. This confluence of respect, recognition, relevance, and authority makes the UPSC field a compelling choice for many aspirants.
Q.) What approach can be adopted to formulate an effective strategy for covering the syllabus? How should one go about creating comprehensive and organised study notes?
Ans) I employ a method called the "Hexatask Method," which involves six key tasks, to formulate effective strategies. These tasks serve as a framework for tackling subjects. They encompass: developing a comprehensive overview, initial reading, subsequent reading, analysing past years' questions, revision, and testing. Allocating specific time slots for each of these tasks is vital.
It's essential to set realistic expectations. While everyone aspires to succeed on their first attempt, this isn't always the case. Progressing through different levels in this examination demands time and effort; overnight success is unlikely. When advising students on strategy development, I recommend incorporating a 20 percent buffer into their strategies. I delve into these strategies meticulously, explaining their scientific underpinnings to my students.
The purpose of creating notes is to spare you from rereading the entire book. Consider a scenario where the book spans 200 pages. The rationale behind note-taking is that you won't need to revisit those 200 pages multiple times. The goal is to condense the material into a more manageable format. These notes typically range from 25 to 50 pages. They should be crafted with distinct markings and highlights that emphasize important points. These markings serve as cues for efficient revision.
It's possible to generate these notes within the book itself. The intention behind note-making isn't memorization; it's about encapsulating the entire book within around 50 pages.
Q.) What guidance or advice would you offer to aspiring candidates to clear the UPSC exam?
Ans) My advice centers on dealing with the abundance of available content. Rather than stressing over the sheer volume, the real challenge lies in filtering through it. The influx of information can lead to confusion about what to prioritise. For instance, on platforms like YouTube, the multitude of options might leave you unsure of what to watch. The initial step involves establishing an honest filter and committing to a disciplined approach. It's crucial to maintain discipline and establish limits on your consumption.
It's pivotal to pinpoint reliable sources, mentors, or teachers and prioritize their guidance over others. The journey of dedicating oneself consistently for 365 days isn't facile. A dependable mentor's presence becomes imperative, in guiding your path. A supportive group and a conducive environment are also essential factors in this process.
Starting with a focused mindset and maintaining it throughout significantly enhances your chances of succeeding in the competition.