It takes the right kind of motivation and the right level of focus to achieve one’s dream as quickly as possible. And so it is, with UPSC CSE, too. With the right strategy and preparation, an aspirant can crack the exam in a few months’ time and become a civil servant.
There are several UPSC aspirants who are confused or don’t know how to move in the right direction, and for such people, the story of IAS officer Tejaswi Rana can be an inspiration.Today, Indian Masterminds will take you through the officer’s UPSC journey.
EARLY LIFE
Born and brought up in Kurukshetra, Haryana, Ms. Rana completed her schooling from a public school in her district.Right from her formative years, she wanted to do engineering and so after intermediate, she took the JEE exam. She cracked the examination and went on to study engineering in IIT Kanpur.
It was during her graduation years in IIT Kanpur that she started getting inclined towards UPSC. Her parents always wanted to see her become a big government official and during her graduation, Ms. Rana also started understanding the importance and power that an IAS officer holds. Her will to give the examination increased and she finally made up her mind to start preparing for UPSC Civil Service Examination.
FAILED IN FIRST ATTEMPT
After preparing for almost a year, Ms. Rana gave her first attempt at UPSC CSE in 2015. She cleared her Prelims but got stuck in the Mains. After failing her first attempt, she started having second thoughts about preparing again and wanted to give up.
But her parents and family supported her and made her realise the importance of second chances. They encouraged her to give another shot at the examination and, hence, Ms. Rana began preparing for the exam all over again.
PREPARING FOR SECOND ATTEMPT
While preparing for her exam the second time, Ms. Rana first looked at the UPSC syllabus thoroughly and then collected NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 to clear the basics. She read these books well and strengthened her base.
After this, she chose her optional subject very thoughtfully and took the standard books. She made a better schedule and made short notes by studying as much as possible every day. In between, she analysed the preparation by taking mock tests and, also, practised answer writing.
VICTORY AT LAST
Her efforts bore fruits when she cracked the UPSC Civil Service Examination in 2016 with an All India Rank of 12! Her strategy for preparation worked and helped her in clearing the examination in her second attempt.
MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
According to Ms. Rana, to get success in UPSC, one will have to work hard by being fully dedicated. One should not panic over failures and try again with patience.
“Candidates should prepare with better sources in the right direction and, also, analyse their preparation from time to time. This will let you know your exact position and accordingly correct the mistakes and try again in a better way,” she says.
