The journey to becoming an IAS officer is demanding and intense. Yet, some aspirants, with their sheer determination and strategic approach, manage to clear the UPSC examination with flying colors. One such remarkable achiever is Saloni Verma, whose preparation strategy holds key insights for all UPSC aspirants.
The Genesis of Saloni’s Dream:
Hailing from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Saloni spent a significant portion of her life in Delhi. The bustling capital exposed her to the myriad challenges and possibilities of public service. After completing her graduation, she resolved to venture into the competitive realm of UPSC.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles:
No journey is devoid of setbacks, and Saloni’s was no exception. Her first attempt at the UPSC examination did not yield the desired result due to certain mistakes. However, undeterred, she took this as a learning opportunity, rectified her errors, and came back stronger, clinching her dream of becoming an IAS officer in her second attempt.
Saloni’s Five Pillars of UPSC Preparation:
- Understanding the Syllabus: According to Saloni, the primary step is to thoroughly familiarize oneself with the UPSC syllabus. It acts as a compass guiding one’s preparation. She even suggests memorizing it if possible.
- Thoughtful Option Selection: The optional subject in UPSC can make or break one’s rank. Saloni emphasizes the importance of choosing the optional subject after careful consideration, ensuring alignment with one’s interests and strengths.
- Curating the Right Study Materials: While books form the foundation, the vastness of UPSC syllabus necessitates augmenting them with additional resources. Saloni suggests leveraging the internet to gather supplementary study material when needed.
- Creating an Efficient Study Schedule: A well-structured schedule, tailored according to one’s needs, ensures comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. Saloni’s strategy was to craft a plan that balanced both static and dynamic components of the syllabus.
- Regular Self-Assessment: Lastly, Saloni stresses the significance of continuous self-evaluation. Regularly analyzing one’s preparation and honing answer-writing skills can significantly elevate one’s performance in the main examination.
The Role of Coaching:
One of Saloni’s strong beliefs is that coaching isn’t a prerequisite for UPSC success. She asserts that the essence of cracking the examination lies in hard work and dedicated self-study. While coaching might provide direction, the ultimate victory stems from personal effort.
Saloni Verma’s journey and her strategic approach serve as an inspiration. Her story underscores the importance of resilience, meticulous planning, and self-belief. Her “secrets” are now open for all, acting as a guiding light for future IAS aspirants.