Imagine acing an IAS interview by cleverly anticipating a question the panel never asked. This is exactly how Priya Rani, the current Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) officer beaming in Kasauli and Dagshai Cantonment, Himachal Pradesh, secured her dream position. Priya’s journey to clearing UPSC CSE is not just a story of perseverance, but also one that highlights the importance of presence of mind and strategic thinking.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Priya shared her preparation strategy in detail.
CALL FOR CIVIL SERVICE
Hailing from Patna, Bihar, Priya’s dream of civil service was sown in her childhood. With a strong foundation in academics, she excelled in her studies, completing her Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from BIT Mesra, Ranchi. After a brief stint in the private sector, the call to public service grew stronger.
“The impact a civil servant can make is unparalleled,” Priya explains. “The diversity of work, the opportunity to contribute meaningfully – it resonated deeply with me.”
STRATEGICALLY PREPARED JOURNEY
Priya’s UPSC odyssey began with a strategic approach. Recognizing the importance of a strong foundation, she mastered the static portion of the prelims exam. Analyzing previous years’ question papers became a core part of her strategy, and she meticulously made notes for future reference. “This strategy proved instrumental, as I cleared the prelims in all four of my attempts,” she shared.
The Mains, however, presented a different challenge. Her weakness was her optional subject, Economics. Priya, with an engineering background, found solace in the subject’s blend of technicality and social science. However, her initial attempts yielded scores in the mid-260s range. “To improve my marks, I devised new strategies and revamped my notes in the optional subject’s Paper 2, a tactic that paid off in my final attempt,” Priya added.
The interview round was another area of growth for Priya. In her first attempt, she couldn’t clear the mains. The second attempt brought an interview call, but the score remained elusive. However, her experience as an IDES officer proved invaluable. Daily interaction with the public sharpened her communication and presence of mind, evident in her final attempt, where she scored a stellar 193 marks. She cleared UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 69 on her fourth attempt.
Priya Rani’s Telegram Channel Link-
Interestingly, she opted out of mock interviews in her final attempt, relying instead on the confidence gained from her real-world interactions.
PRESENCE OF MIND
The interview panel, Priya recounts with a smile, threw a curveball. “They asked me to predict a question they hadn’t asked yet. After a moment, I said, ‘Perhaps you’d like me to introduce myself?’ This lightened the mood, and everyone smiled.”
MANAGING MENTAL STRESS
Managing mental stress during exam preparation involves several key strategies. “Firstly, it’s crucial to maintain self-motivation by reminding yourself of your initial reasons for embarking on this journey. Secondly, family support can be a vital source of strength and encouragement. Thirdly, embracing humility and spirituality can help in maintaining a calm mind amidst challenges,” Priya shares with Indian Masterminds.
MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can greatly benefit your mental well-being. She further advises that focusing on the static portion is essential for success. “Always remember why you started and stay committed to your aspirations, whether they are rooted in public service or personal career growth,” she said in conclusion.
