It’s a general belief that UPSC CSE is too time consuming, and one requires 10-12 hours of studying to crack it. It is also believed that one needs to ditch all kinds of entertainment and focus only on studies as the syllabus is too vast.
However, a topper has dispelled all myths around the preparation for this prestigious exam. He not only continued with a job but also played basketball all along his preparation period, and still managed to crack the tough exam twice! According to him, the hours do not matter, what really matters is efficiency.
He is Shashwat Sangwan, currently under training as an Indian Defence Estate Services officer. He secured AIR 34 this time and is all set to become an IAS officer.
During a conversation with Indian Masterminds, he shared his mantra for clearing the tough exam and freely gave few important tips for aspirants.
PLAYED BASKETBALL SINCE SCHOOL
Mr. Sangwan belongs to Bhiwani, Haryana, and grew up there till class 5th. His parents are doctors and after class 5th, he moved with them to Delhi and got admitted to Delhi Public School in RK Puram.
After finishing his schooling in Delhi, he went to BITS Pillani for B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. However, all these years, he never stopped playing basketball. Talking about his interest in the game, he said, “In Haryana, we have a culture of sports and when my time came, I was inclined towards basketball. I played for my school and, also, represented the Delhi team at national level tournaments.”
The national level player now plays for a club in Gurgaon. He never missed playing the sport for his UPSC preparation, or anything. “When you are studying for hours, you might get bored. You need some sort of recreational activities that will help to enhance your efficiency. For me, basketball worked but I will advise everyone to choose something that they enjoy and eventually it will help them focus better on studies.”
JOB HELPED TO STREAMLINE PREPARATION
Mr. Sangwan used to work as a product manager in a private company and was getting good salary. However, started searching for a deeper meaning in life, which he felt was missing in his career. “I wasn’t satisfied with my work. So, I started looking for options and UPSC CSE seemed worth a shot. I gave my first attempt in 2019 and couldn’t get through pre. So, I wasn’t very confident that I will crack this exam, but still I tried again,” he said.
Before starting the preparation, he decided to give only two attempts and didn’t leave his job. Explaining that decision, he says, “There were two reasons behind this. First, I didn’t want to feel the financial pressure because it could affect my preparation. Secondly, when you’re in a job, you follow certain routine and discipline in life. I think that helped me streamline my preparation. I decided that I will study 4-5 hours but will be consistent. I followed it and got the result.”
In his second attempt, Mr. Sangwan got 320 rank and just getting selected pushed him for another attempt, otherwise he would have given up.
CSE IS NOT THE REPORT CARD OF LIFE
According to him, UPSC CSE is just another test to get a job and the hype around is unnecessary. Sharing some advice for aspirants, he says, “I have met many successful candidates and some aspirants, too. They take this exam too seriously and are ready to give up everything for it. I think that goes against them and they feel extra pressure. If you’ll put every egg in one single basket, it is going to get exhausted. One must know that UPSC CSE just gives you job and is one of the many things that completes your life. It is not a test of your calibre or ability. It is not a report card for success or failure in life.”
He also shares one of the unexpected questions put to him in the interview. “The panel asked me the height of Michael Jordan. I was taken by surprise with this but since I play basketball and follow it too, so I did know that!” he said.
He said that these types of questions might be asked and “if you don’t know, then don’t think it will go against you. As far as you are honest with your answers, you will get good marks.”
