Canadian- American motivational speaker and self-development author Brian Tracy once said, “Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it”. It means the peace of mind is ultimate success and if your mind & heart is calm you can achieve anything in your life.
UPSC topper of 2019 batch Ms. Deeksha Jain follows the same mantra in her life- and this has helped her immensely in reapin rich dividends. Currently posted as Assistant Collector in Mathura, Ms. Jain secured 22ndrank in the UPSC. She believes that her success in India’s most prestigious services was ensured because of her calm & positive attitude.
Inspired by her father
A resident of Maharashtra, Ms. Jain wanted to go in civil services from very beginning. The major reason was her father Mr. M Ashok Jain, who was an IPS officer.
An inspiring and motivational figure in her life, he played big a role in her life journey.
Ms. Jain, was always fond of literature, chose English language for her graduation and post-graduation. Eventually, English also became her optional subject in UPSC. She started her preparation in 2017 and gave her first attempt in the same year. In an interview to a YouTube Channel she says, “While I was in my last year of PG, I started my preparation for UPSC. The primary goal was to develop a basic understanding of the subjects and the pattern of exam. Since my preparation was half-baked, I couldn’t crack prelims in my first attempt. But, then I drop one year and gave 100% of my energy and time for preparation.’’
Minimalist approach
Ms. Jain says that during the preparation she never delved much into reading “more and more’’ books. Rather, she focused on basic NCERT stuff and read newspapers for keeping herself updated with current affairs. Her strategy was to rely on coaching and self-study simultaneously, almost in equal measure.
As she said, “I joined coaching classes for my preparation and every day I used to revise what all had been taught in the class. Then, I spent time in self-studying the subjects. For two or three days I would study one subject and then shift to another. This became my routine for many days.”
Prepared for Prelims & Mains together
Most of the UPSC aspirants first prepare for prelims and after clearing it, they start preparations for Mains. However, Ms. Jain tried a different approach. She started the preparation for both stages together. Every day she used to write at least one or two answers. It helped her in the mains exam and she was able to attempt each question.
Besides this, she also practiced multiple mock tests. “First I used to attempt the subject-wise mock test; then I shifted to completed mock sheets. When the exam got near, I started to do two mock papers a day, with timer. This process helped me keep calm in prelims exam, which you have to give exams in two sittings,” she said.
Other than practicing question papers, Ms Jain also practiced meditation on a daily basis.
Believe in your strategy
Ms. Jain says that everyone has different approach and strategy for UPSC preparation, but one should trust their own processes. She explains: “I will give you my example. I focused on reading basic books and practicing mock tests. Now there would be individuals who might have read more material than you, but that should not your confidence. The whole world is waiting to judge you, so why should you also start judging yourself and questioning your decision. One should back his or decisions all the way. Self-trust is very important in life, irrespective of which field you’re in.’’
Know yourself better to give answers in Interview
Ms Jain also has a strategy for the interview, that last hurdle which many aspirants fail to clear. Says she, “Interview is where the interviewer sees your personality. If you want to impress them you should not appear bookish. Rather, you should present the best version of yourself. It is only possible if you have complete understanding about yourself”.
Well, isn’t this what the renowned Greek philosopher Socrates advised many centuries ago: Know Thyself!
