Drive to Succeed: IAS Divyansh Singh’s Blueprint for UPSC Success

February 9, 2024

3 Minutes

IAS Divyansh Singh

“Life can be lived in two ways: let things happen to you, or take charge and make your own way” 

People who start this tough journey get ready not only with books and notes but also with determination and dreams. Every step shows their strong will to reach the top. Divyansh Singh’s story is about not giving up, having hope, and always chasing a dream. He comes from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Like others, he faced problems but didn’t quit. He passed the Civil Services Exams on his fourth attempt in 2021, securing All India Rank of 49.

Early Failures

Divyansh Singh started his journey in 2018 but didn’t succeed at first. He bravely faced the difficulties which shows his dedication. In the 2021 Civil Services exam, Divyansh Singh got a rank of 49 in all of India. He first tried in 2018 but didn’t succeed. In his second attempt in 2019, he did better and even passed the interview stage, getting a job in the IRS for Customs and Indirect Taxes. In 2020, he improved and got a rank of 425, but it wasn’t enough to become an IAS officer. Finally, in 2021, he achieved a much better rank of 49. 

UPSC Prelims Exam Tips

The CSE is divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims stage consists of two objective papers: General Studies (GS) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). While the GS paper contains 100 questions worth 200 marks, the CSAT has evolved, becoming a challenge for many. Divyansh’s success story shows the importance of a focused syllabus. By sticking to a single book for each subject and not diversifying excessively he prioritized quality over quantity. Regularly studying the newspapers and monthly magazines expanded his knowledge. 

Depth and Consistency in UPSC Mains

For the Mains examination, Divyansh stressed the significance of answer writing practice. Starting with lower scores in the test series, he gradually improved by focusing on the demands of the exam and the question patterns. He advised prioritizing subjects like Modern India and Polity, which require more in-depth study and suggested that map-based questions could be prepared closer to the exam date.

UPSC Interview

Divyansh’s strategy for the interview stage was to stay connected with his roots. Preferring to take his exams from Jaipur, he spent time with his family the day before the exam to reduce pressure. He acknowledged that frustration and fluctuating motivation levels are natural during the preparation phase. Managing time effectively and maintaining a balanced timetable with adequate study breaks were key aspects of his preparation. 

Conclusion

Divyansh Singh’s journey to securing AIR 49 in the UPSC CSE is a story of not just achieving a rank, but of embodying perseverance, strategic planning, and emotional resilience. His experience is proof of the reality that success in the CSE is not just about intellectual prowess but also about managing one’s mental and emotional health, staying persistent in the face of failures, and strategically analysing the exam’s rigorous demands. Aspiring civil servants can draw inspiration from their journey, recognizing that while the path to success may be filled with challenges, it can be overcome with the right strategies and a resilient mindset. 

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