IAS Chandrajyoti Singh stands as a testament to the power of self-study. Without relying on coaching institutes, she carved her own path to success in the UPSC examination.
At the age of 22, Chandrajyoti made headlines by securing the 28th rank in the 2019 UPSC examination, astonishingly, in her first attempt. Growing up as the daughter of army personnel, she embraced a nomadic lifestyle, moving across various cities in India. This exposure possibly nurtured her adaptability and resilience. She pursued her undergraduate degree from the esteemed St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, where her aspiration for the civil services continued to flourish.
From a young age, Chandrajyoti’s ambition was clear – she envisioned herself serving the nation through the civil services. Upon completing her graduation, she took a gap year to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to UPSC preparations. The intensity of her commitment was evident when, within just a year of preparation, she not only cleared the examination but also etched her name among the toppers.
Her study strategy was both rigorous and unique. Dividing her day systematically, Chandrajyoti dedicated the first half to General Studies, while the latter half was reserved for her optional subject. Initially, she would immerse herself in studies for 6-8 hours daily, but as the examination date neared, she extended her study sessions to about 10 hours.
But the crux of her preparation lay in her post-syllabus strategy. She enrolled in test series to subject herself to mock examination environments. Answer-writing became a pivotal aspect of her regimen, practicing it extensively to perfect her skill. Emphasizing the importance of revision, she revisited topics periodically, ensuring her retention was impeccable.
Chandrajyoti’s success story serves as an inspiration for many, proving that with unwavering determination, a clear strategy, and self-reliance, one can conquer even the most challenging of examinations.