The UPSC Civil Services exam stands as one of the most challenging examinations in India. While a few fortunate individuals may achieve success on their first attempt, many others may require multiple attempts to secure a favourable outcome. However, what truly counts is the unwavering determination and resilience exhibited by these individuals, as they pursue their goals without giving up, and consistently strive to achieve success in the face of challenges.

Jagran English interviewed Mohit Gupta, who successfully cracked the UPSC civil services examination in his last attempt, securing an impressive rank of 195. In the interview, he provides insights into his journey, starting from his first attempt to the last, detailing his preparation strategies for the preliminary and main exams. He also discusses his approach to current affairs preparation, shares advice on selecting an optional subject, and emphasises on the importance of having a backup plan (Plan B). The interview delves into various significant aspects, providing valuable information for aspiring candidates.

Q. What makes the NCERT book essential for UPSC exam preparation?

Ans) The UPSC CSE examination assesses candidates' foundational understanding of diverse concepts, making NCERT books an excellent resource for covering these basics. Reference books typically assume prior knowledge from these foundational texts. Moreover, many previous year's questions are directly sourced from NCERT, reinforcing the importance of studying these books.

Q. How do you effectively utilise the time between the UPSC prelims and main exams?

Ans) My primary objective has always been to achieve clarity and a thorough understanding of each topic. To ensure this, I initially focused solely on preparing for my mains examination, dedicating myself to completing the mains syllabus. Once that was accomplished, I transitioned my attention towards developing the specific skills necessary for the Prelims paper. Approximately four months prior to the prelims, I shifted my entire focus to intensive prelims preparation, which involved taking numerous mock tests to enhance my proficiency.

Q. What are the subjects or areas that you personally find challenging during the UPSC examination, and what strategies do you employ to effectively tackle those areas?

Ans) Coming from an engineering background, I encountered significant challenges when I embarked on my UPSC CSE preparation, particularly in subjects like Economics, Polity, and Geography. Fortunately, I discovered a wealth of valuable and free educational resources on YouTube, such as the informative videos by Mrunal sir, which played a crucial role in addressing my initial doubts and uncertainties.

To deepen my understanding and master these subjects, I adopted the practice of regularly taking mock tests. This approach proved immensely beneficial, as it enabled me to delve into the nuances of these subjects more effortlessly. Through consistent mock test practice, I gained a stronger grasp of the intricacies involved, boosting my confidence and proficiency in Economics, Polity, and Geography.

Q. What approaches or methods do you follow to prepare for current affairs while studying for the UPSC examination?

Ans) I diligently followed the Indian Express newspaper on a daily basis, recognizing the value of staying informed. I made it a routine to take detailed notes from the newspaper, ensuring that I captured relevant information for both the Prelims and Mains examinations. In addition to that, I thoroughly studied the VisionIAS current affairs monthly magazines, covering a comprehensive range of current events and analysis.

Q. What advice would you like to offer UPSC aspirants regarding selecting an optional subject? How can they make an informed decision when choosing their optional subject?

Ans) I opted for Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as my optional subject because its syllabus shared common ground with the General Studies (GS) papers. Additionally, I found ample resources available in the market for PSIR preparation, eliminating the need for external coaching or guidance.

To aspiring candidates, I would recommend selecting an optional subject that aligns with their comfort and interests. However, it is essential to choose an optional that can be reasonably completed within a manageable timeframe.

Q. During your UPSC exam preparation, did you have a plan B or an alternative career path in mind in case you were not successful in cracking the exam?

Ans) One mistake that I deeply regretted was underestimating the number of attempts it would take for me to secure a rank in the UPSC CSE. As I faced repeated failures, I resorted to freelancing work as a temporary source of income, yet struggled to secure a job in the corporate sector. Consequently, my advice to newcomers is to always have a contingency plan (Plan B) in mind before embarking on this journey. It is crucial to acknowledge that there is no guaranteed security in this examination, and having alternative options or career paths in mind can provide a sense of stability and preparedness for any outcome.

Q. How does coaching contribute to your preparation?

Ans) In my opinion, test series play a more pivotal role compared to coaching in UPSC CSE preparation. It is crucial to find a competent mentor who can guide you and regularly evaluate your progress through mock tests.

Investing in full-length courses from coaching institutes may not be necessary. Instead, focusing on test series and their analysis can provide targeted practice and insights into areas that require improvement. By honing your exam-taking skills and receiving feedback from mocks, you can effectively enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success in the UPSC CSE.

Q. What are some effective strategies and tips for preparing for the interview stage of the UPSC examination?

Ans) To ensure an authentic and well-rounded approach, it is crucial to thoroughly cover your Detailed Application Form (DAF) from all perspectives. Paying attention to every detail and presenting your genuine self is key.

Additionally, I highly recommend participating in 4-5 mock interviews before the actual interview stage. These practice sessions provide invaluable experience, allowing you to refine your responses, improve your confidence, and familiarize yourself with the interview format. By dedicating time to mock interviews, you can significantly enhance your performance and increase the likelihood of success during the UPSC CSE interview.

Q. In recent years, have there been any notable changes or reforms in the UPSC examination pattern or selection criteria? If yes, what are they, and how do they impact the candidates?

Ans) Notably, there have been significant changes in the Prelims stage of the UPSC CSE, shifting the focus from mere knowledge to the assessment of diverse skills, including elimination and risk-taking abilities. The questions posed by UPSC now demand more than just information from standard study materials or newspapers; they require on-the-spot thinking and a broader understanding of concepts. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that a well-educated individual with quick-thinking capabilities can indeed conquer the Prelims stage and excel in the examination.

Q. Could you describe your journey from your first attempt to your last attempt in the UPSC exam, and how do you stay motivated throughout the process?

Ans) Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, I persevered in my pursuit of success in the UPSC CSE. My first attempt in 2017, right after graduation and without any preparation, resulted in not clearing the prelims. Undeterred, I returned in 2018, having prepared for the prelims, but missed the cutoff by a mere 2 marks.

Determined to succeed, I embarked on my third attempt and successfully cleared the Prelims. However, I faced a setback once again as I failed to clear the mains. It was only in my fourth attempt that I made significant progress, reaching the interview stage for the first time. Despite coming close, I missed the final result by a margin of 13 marks, a similar outcome occurring on my fifth attempt.

Following several failures, I found myself losing hope. Nevertheless, with only one attempt remaining, I managed to gather my strength and appeared for the next prelims. Finally, my perseverance paid off as I secured a place on the final list.