Uday Krishna Reddy, a name now synonymous with dedication in the challenging world of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. His journey, culminating in an impressive All India Rank of 350 in the 2024 exam after multiple attempts, is a compelling narrative of overcoming significant personal adversity and maintaining focus on a demanding goal. In an exclusive video interview with Indian Masterminds, he shared about his preparation strategy in detail.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE-
Mr Reddy’s early life was marked by profound loss. He lost his mother at the tender age of five and his father when he was just seventeen. His upbringing then fell to his grandmother in Palo village, Andhra Pradesh. His schooling was entirely within government and government-aided institutions, a far cry from the privileged backgrounds often associated with UPSC aspirants. Despite these early hardships, Reddy displayed a drive to improve his circumstances.
His initial career path led him to the Andhra Pradesh Police Department, where he served for five years as a police constable. This experience provided him with firsthand exposure to the workings of the administrative system at the grassroots level. Witnessing the challenges and opportunities within this system ignited a desire to contribute at a higher level. He resigned from his police job to dedicate himself to UPSC preparation, a decision fuelled not by a single inspiring figure but by a growing conviction that he could make a greater impact.
Mr Reddy’s path to success was far from linear. He faced setbacks, including failing the CSAT by a single mark in one attempt and by a significant margin in another, despite scoring well in the General Studies paper. These failures led to self-doubt and frustration. Seeking solace and renewed strength, he turned to spirituality, a practice that helped him regain his composure and focus.
His strategy for the examination involved a meticulous approach to each stage. He emphasised understanding the syllabus and previous years’ question papers to grasp the examination’s scope and depth. Creating his own notes from fundamental books like NCERTs and standard texts formed the bedrock of his preparation. Consistent revision and staying updated with current affairs through newspapers were crucial components. For the preliminary examination, Mr Reddy remarkably took over 100 mock tests, alongside repeatedly solving previous year papers to familiarise himself with the UPSC’s question patterns and logic. He also employed elimination techniques to tackle the multiple-choice questions.
The CSAT proved to be a significant hurdle. To overcome this, Mr Reddy sought guidance from a CAT and SSC teacher, focusing on comprehension skills and practising aptitude questions from relevant sources and previous year papers. His interview experiences across three attempts were largely centred around his detailed application form, which included a diverse range of experiences from NCC and NSS to sports and his work in the police department. Questions ranged from current affairs and state-specific cultural aspects to unique challenges designed to test his analytical abilities.
Mr Reddy’s approach to studying involved consistent effort, typically around 5-6 hours daily during periods of maintenance, increasing to 12-15 hours in the months leading up to the examination. He prioritised adequate sleep and structured his day to cover optional subjects, general studies, and other relevant areas.
Looking ahead, with his current rank, he anticipates allocation to the Indian Police Service. Reflecting on his journey, he offered crucial last-minute advice for aspirants, particularly those preparing for the upcoming preliminary examination. He stressed the importance of a positive mindset, believing in one’s preparation, and focusing on revision rather than attempting new material. He likened the exam to a puzzle that can be solved with logical thinking and common sense, even with limited knowledge.
Udyak Krishna Reddy’s achievement, earned through persistent effort and a refusal to be defined by adversity, offers valuable lessons for all those striving towards ambitious goals.
