Young and ambitious Divyanshi Singla, a resident of Kaithal, Haryana, finally emerged successful in the highly competitive Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), after two unsuccessful attempts before.
Her hard work, consistency, and dedication paid off as she secured an enviable position in the very tough examination. What went right this time was that she had worked considerably hard on CSAT and History.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES WITH DETERMINATION
Divyanshi, who pursued her schooling in Kaithal, completed her graduation in Chemistry Honours from Ramjas College, Delhi. Shortly after her graduation, she set her sights on the Civil Services Examination and began her preparations earnestly. However, her initial two attempts proved unsuccessful as she could not clear the Prelims stage.
Undeterred by the setbacks, Divyanshi identified her weaknesses and made necessary adjustments to her study approach. “I focused on strengthening my CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) skills, as well as improving my knowledge in history, particularly ancient and medieval history,” she shared with Indian Masterminds.
To avoid repeating past mistakes, she diligently practised with test series, minimizing any potential errors.
STRATEGIC CHOICES IN PREPARATION
With Sociology as her optional subject, Divyanshi found the subject intriguing and manageable. Although she did not take coaching for her optional subject, she made sure to seek guidance for the General Studies paper. Joining Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) provided her with a supportive peer group and valuable resources, including 24/7 library facilities. “This enabled me to engage in fruitful discussions and collaborative learning with my peers,” she said.
For the interview round, she engaged in mini mock interviews with her peer group and participated in mock interviews organized by various coaching institutes. She devoted considerable time to preparing her Detailed Application Form (DAF) in a comprehensive manner. Her interview mainly revolved around her DAF, chemistry, sociology, and her home state Haryana.
COPING WITH STRESS AND SEEKING BALANCE
After facing disappointment in her second attempt, Divyanshi experienced mental stress. Determined to overcome it, she took proactive steps to identify her mistakes and areas for improvement. Yoga became a crucial tool in managing her stress and maintaining mental stability during her third attempt.
“Having a supportive peer group of fellow UPSC aspirants also played a significant role in helping me cope with the pressures of the preparation process,” she mentioned.
TIPS FOR ASPIRANTS
She emphasized the importance of hard work and smart work in the journey towards cracking CSE. “Cover the vast syllabus efficiently within the limited time available,” is her advice. Additionally, she stresses the significance of maintaining connections with friends and family throughout the preparation period.
Divyanshi Singla’s remarkable achievement stands as an inspiration for countless UPSC aspirants across the country. Her journey exemplifies the virtues of perseverance, dedication, and adaptability in the pursuit of one’s goals.
