When Shailendra Choudhary received the call confirming his UPSC rank, he didn’t immediately celebrate. He walked to the gate of his house, still unsure if it was real, until he saw his father, a sub-engineer in the Madhya Pradesh government, holding back tears. That moment—quiet, emotional, and deeply personal—marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Shailendra secured All India Rank 362 in the UPSC CSE 2024 in his second attempt, and in an insightful video interview with Indian Masterminds, he shared the detailed strategy that helped him reach this milestone—especially how he structured answers in the mains, managed his time, and learned through test series. His preparation journey stands out for its clarity, balance, and grounded approach.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW HERE-
EARLY CHOICES THAT SHAPED THE DREAM
Though originally from Narsinghpur, a town in Madhya Pradesh, Shailendra’s story isn’t just about his background—it’s about how he made deliberate choices at every step. A bright student from the start, he was torn between biology and mathematics in school. The idea of becoming a cytologist once fascinated him, but he chose math and went on to study civil engineering at NIT Bhopal. During college, it was his involvement in extracurriculars—student groups, leadership roles, and campus initiatives—that nudged him toward civil services.
What turned that nudge into a decision was a combination of personal curiosity and meaningful exposure. Success stories, along with conversations with senior officers, opened up the idea of civil services as more than just a job—it became a path he genuinely wanted to walk.
After graduation, Shailendra turned down a corporate career and began preparing for UPSC. His first attempt in 2023 didn’t go as planned—he had only 24 days of preparation and couldn’t clear prelims. While disappointing, it helped him realise the scale of the exam and what it really demanded. He took a short break, gathered himself, and started again—this time with full focus.
Preparing from Narsinghpur meant limited access to coaching centres, study groups, or mentorship. But he didn’t see that as a disadvantage. Instead, he made his own system. A morning running group gave him routine, accountability, and company. Gardening—his long-time hobby—helped him unwind. He spent time with plants and fish tanks, creating a balance between study and life.
SELF-MADE STRATEGY
For prelims, his focus was on understanding the syllabus deeply, working through previous year papers, and identifying themes that repeat. For mains, answer writing was the core of his approach. He made short, crisp notes, practised regularly through test series, and studied topper copies to refine his style. His optional subject, anthropology, was chosen with help from a senior and turned out to be a good fit. He relied on notes from some coaching, with a strong revision cycle to keep everything fresh.
Interestingly, he took inspiration for writing essays from stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi. His goal was to make essays feel like a conversation—starting with something relatable and ending on a high, optimistic note.
LESSONS FOR ASPIRANTS: WHAT WORKED AND WHY
His message to future aspirants is clear: Focus on revision, treat test series like learning opportunities, and never ignore your mental health. If prelims don’t go well, take a break, don’t panic, and stay meaningfully engaged—momentum matters more than perfection.
Shailendra’s journey is proof that success in UPSC doesn’t need fancy coaching or the perfect environment. It requires clarity, consistency, and making the most of what you have. And sometimes, the most powerful motivation comes not from competition but from quiet confidence and self-belief.
