Navigating the maze of the UPSC examination is an arduous journey, one that demands dedication, resilience, and unwavering focus. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the experience of Mr Adarsh Verma, an aspirant currently undertaking her UPSC preparation at Vajiram and Ravi. Through this interview, we are hoping to shed light on the trials, triumphs, and strategies involved in this demanding pursuit of cracking civil services.
Q. What inspired you to pursue the UPSC journey?
The idea of contributing directly to society’s betterment drew me towards the UPSC journey. Witnessing the impact that civil servants make in shaping policies and effecting change inspired me to take this path. The potential to serve the nation and effect substantive change on a large scale was a profound motivation. In addition, becoming an IAS officer has been my long-term personal dream as well, one that I nurtured when I was still pursuing my engineering degree.
Q. Could you share a pivotal moment or strategy that significantly impacted your approach to tackling the UPSC syllabus?
Realizing the importance of a holistic approach transformed my preparation. Rather than fixating on individual subjects, I shifted focus to interlinking topics. This approach helped in comprehend the syllabus more cohesively, aiding not just in answering questions but also in developing a broader perspective.
Another pivotal moment was my decision to get enrolled into a coaching institute. Just like many of us, I too started my preparation on my own, relying on online and freely available course materials for my preparation. But I soon realised that while I had too much material, I had absolutely no idea what to prioritise. Each source that I went to had its own list of important topics to focus on. For a long time, I was completely lost. It was only when I joined Vajiram and Ravi that this crucial but largely forgotten part of my preparation got in order.
Q. How do you manage the exhaustive syllabus and stay motivated throughout the preparation process? Are there specific methods or resources that have been instrumental in your preparation?
Breaking the syllabus into manageable segments is crucial. Daily targets, coupled with varied study resources like Vajiram and Ravi’s meticulously crafted materials, PYQs, and peer discussions, also helped maintain motivation. Additionally, periodic self-assessment and a balanced routine play a pivotal role in making sure that we stay on track.
I also ensure that I maintain the right mental and physical balance. I exercise regularly. At least I try to (*laughs*). I also talk to my parents regularly and try to remain in touch with my old friends as well. Over time, the circle has indeed shrunk quite a bit but whatever is still left is a great source of motivation for me. They help me calm down.
Q. What do you believe are the essential elements a coaching institute should offer to guide aspirants effectively through the UPSC journey?
A comprehensive curriculum, adept faculty, personalized guidance, and a conducive learning environment are crucial. A coaching institute should not just focus on content delivery but also nurture critical thinking, and answer-writing skills, and provide ample opportunities for doubt clarification and practice.
I cannot say of other institutes but this is one area that my choice of coaching institute has really helped me. Vajiram and Ravi have a long history of producing toppers and achievers. We have access to personalised mentorship programmes and a long list of mentors to choose from. And while not all of us may be destined to get our golden dream, the support and the peer group that we get here will indeed make us a better person, one that will help us anywhere regardless of whether it’s UPSC or some other civil servant post.
Q. Can you recall a challenging phase during your preparation and how your support system, including coaching, friends, or self-strategies, helped you overcome it?
That would be hard to pinpoint. But I can think of two particularly challenging phases. One was 4-5 months after I began my preparation. As I mentioned before, I was completely lost in the materials and was severely lacking guidance. Another was the period leading up to my first prelims. The volume of information and the pressure were immense. However, the guidance from Vajiram and Ravi, coupled with support from friends and family, helped me maintain focus. Regular discussions with peers on strategies and doubts significantly eased the burden.
Q. From your perspective, how crucial is mentorship or guidance in clearing the UPSC exam?
Mentorship is invaluable. Guidance from experienced mentors provides clarity, helps in avoiding pitfalls, and offers insights that books might not cover. A mentor’s role in fine-tuning strategies, providing feedback on mock tests, and offering emotional support cannot be overstated. While it’s true that your family and friends are probably your most trusted and loyal well-wishers, they often lack the experience or the outlook required to provide structured guidance. And this is where the presence of expert mentors helps.
Conclusion
The journey of a UPSC aspirant is a journey of determination, resilience, and continuous learning. We hope that the insights shared by Mr Adarsh Verma offer a glimpse into the relentless pursuit of excellence and overcoming setbacks that define their preparation. As thousands of others navigate the complex maze of UPSC, we hope that the strategies, and experiences shared here will serve as a source of inspiration for those treading a similar path toward civil service.