✦ Strategy & LearningsPreparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.
ⓘ AI-generated from SHASHANK TRIPATHI's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2013
Attempt 1 - Progress
Cleared the exam with AIR 272 and joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
2015
Attempt 2 - Success
Secured AIR 5 in the Civil Services Examination.
📝Notes Strategy
Efficiency for working professionals
Shashank emphasizes that note-making should be a tool for revision, not an exercise in rewriting textbooks.
Be selective
Avoid making notes for subjects where material is readily available; focus on abstract topics or optional subjects.
Read first, note later
Read a textbook twice before making notes. Use the second reading to underline key parts and align with the syllabus.
Keep it concise
Notes should be brief enough to be reviewed a day before the exam; do not aim for scholarly depth.
📚Subject-Specific Strategy
Curated resources for Prelims & Mains
Shashank relied on a mix of coaching notes, standard textbooks, and online resources.
History & Geography
Used coaching class notes and NCERTs for geography; for modern history, relied on Spectrum and class notes.
Polity & Economy
Utilized coaching class notes, the 'Yellow Book' for polity, and NCERTs (11th/12th) for economy.
Current Affairs
Used Feedly for online news and Evernote for storage, supplemented by monthly current affairs magazines.
✍️Mains Answer Writing
Techniques for high-scoring answers
Answer writing is about quality and comprehensiveness rather than just speed.
Attempt everything
Never skip questions; even if you don't know the topic well, use your broad knowledge to write something.
Use diagrams
Incorporate diagrams to make your answers stand out from others.
Be comprehensive
Cover multiple aspects of a topic; you don't need to explain one point in great detail as the examiner is already knowledgeable.
💡Preparation Philosophy
Mindset for success
Preparation requires a clear understanding of your 'why' and a balanced approach.
Stay motivated
When you feel low, remember your goal and keep working; don't let external opinions dictate your effort.
Avoid burnout
Don't over-prepare from the first year; maintain intensity but avoid excessive, non-productive study hours.
Test series
Use test series to revise material and follow a strict schedule rather than just for practice.
“When the mind is set, you don't fear hard work. As long as you feel others are pushing you, it's hard, but once you decide for yourself, you can do it.”
— on his motivation to switch from a corporate career to civil services🎯 Advice for Aspirants
- Start your serious preparation 1 to 1.5 years before your intended exam attempt.
- Do not try to read every book from cover to cover; be selective and focus on high-yield topics.
- Don't rely on a single source; use test series to identify gaps in your knowledge and revise accordingly.
- If you are from an engineering background, don't be intimidated by the humanities syllabus; your analytical skills are an advantage.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from multiple interview and strategy videos.