The Nischaya Civil Services Society, in association with MMTTC-UoH, organized an exclusive event featuring UPSC CSE achievers, Sidharth Ramkumar (AIR 4, UPSC CSE 2023) and Chandana Jahnavi (AIR 50, UPSC CSE 2023) who shared their strategies for success. Unfortunately, Uma Harathi, All India Rank 3 in UPSC CSE 2022, couldn’t attend due to service commitments. However, Siddharth Ramkumar and Chandana Jahnavi provided invaluable insights.
Siddharth elaborated on holistic mains preparation and strategies for Anthropology as an optional subject. He emphasized the need for interest in the optional subject, current affairs awareness, and enjoyable note-making. Siddharth recommended the SQRLED approach for answer writing, focusing on relevant stats, quotes, reports, laws, examples, and diagrams. He also discussed the evolution of the Essay paper, suggesting techniques like thought experiments and incorporating relevant cultural references. Siddharth stressed the importance of relaxation techniques for stress management during the preparation journey.
Chandana outlined a comprehensive strategy for conquering the Prelims stage and leveraging Sociology as an optional subject. She emphasized the significance of basic NCERTs, static subjects, current affairs, and mock tests for Prelims preparation. During mock exams, Chandana emphasized the importance of keeping an error log. This log helps identify weak areas for further improvement through revision. Chandana addressed challenges such as the CSAT paper and encouraged aspirants to identify and work on weaker areas. Regarding Sociology as an optional subject, Chandana highlighted its suitability based on various criteria and provided a beginner’s strategy focusing on conceptual clarity, resource utilization, and multiple revisions. She also emphasized the importance of physical and mental health maintenance during preparation, including the practice of maintaining an error log to track and improve upon weak areas.
Prof. Krishna Reddy Chittedi commended Nischaya members for organizing the event and encouraged continuous support for aspirants. The co-founders of Nischaya Civil Services Society, Mr. Abhigyan Ranjan and Ms. Abhidha Anil and other team members were felicitated for their tremendous contributions. Mr. Abhigyan shared his inspiring journey and the inception of Nischaya. Sampoorna Panigrahy delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to dignitaries, support staff, students, members, and participants.
The Nischaya Toppers Talk provided aspirants with valuable insights and strategies from successful UPSC CSE achievers. The event not only focused on academic strategies but also emphasized the importance of mental and physical well-being during the preparation journey. Such initiatives play a vital role in guiding and supporting aspiring civil servants towards their goals.
Contributed by: Neeli Rishi Sai Raj, Department of History
Content Writer for Nischaya – The Civil Services Society