Clearing UPSC CSE Examination in one go is not that easy and aspirants often have to make multiple attempts to clear all the phases to make it to the final list of successful candidates. However, the sweet victory, in the end, makes all the struggle worthwhile.
Today, Indian Masterminds will take you through the journey of Indian Foreign Service officer Kanishka Singh, who despite the ups and downs in her UPSC journey, achieved her long-time dream of becoming a civil servant.
EARLY LIFE
Born and brought up in the capital city of New Delhi, Ms. Singh did her initial schooling at a public school. Right after completing her schooling, she joined the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College in the city. After three years in college, she completed her graduation in Psychology.
It was during her college days that Ms. Singh understood the importance of a civil servant in the country and decided to go for it. But she decided to complete her graduation first and then prepare.
UPSC PREPARATION
As soon as she received her degree, Ms. Singh immediately started preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination. She chose her optional subject as Psychology since it is not a technical subject and can be easily understood and solved.
She prepared for a few months before giving her UPSC examination, but she agrees that she was not very serious in her preparation. Thus, the mistake of not giving mock tests during her preparation cost her an attempt.
FAILED IN THE FIRST ATTEMPT
Ms. Singh gave her first attempt at UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2017 when she could not even clear her Prelims examination. She says that her preparation for the exam was not good and not taking many mock tests cost her dearly.
She analyzed where she went wrong and made notes about her mistakes and things that she needed to improve on. She changed her preparation strategy accordingly and learned from her mistakes. While she gave only 10 mock tests during her first preparation, the next time she gave over 60 mock tests!
SUCCESSFUL AT LAST
Ms. Singh gave her second attempt at UPSC in the year 2018 and much to everyone’s pleasure, she not only cleared the examination but also scored an All-India Rank of 416, thereby receiving a chance to choose a service of her choice!
The officer opted to get into the Indian Foreign Service and is posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow currently.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANTS
Ms. Singh said in several interviews that answer writing is very important for UPSC Mains Exam and so is to keep practicing and focussing on one subject at a time. Candidates should prepare for the UPSC exam as per their capacity, she says, and revise and write answers continuously and manage time well.
About the selection of optional subjects, she said, “Candidates should mostly try and choose the subject of their graduation as an optional subject. However, if you are interested in any other subject and are confident about it, then you can also choose that as an optional subject.”
She also explained the importance of revising everything that one has prepared again and again so that it retains in their mind. By following such a strategy, Ms. Singh was able to clear the exam on her second attempt.
