UPSC Mains 2016 · All India Rank 2

Anmol Sher Singh Bedi — AIR 2, UPSC CSE 2016

Official UPSC marksWritten 899Interview 206Final 1105
General Studies
✦ Strategy & Learnings

How Anmol Sher Singh Bedi Cracked the UPSC

Preparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.

ⓘ AI-generated from Anmol Sher Singh Bedi's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
1st
Attempt that worked
8
Hours studied per day
1105/2025
Final marks
206/275
Interview score
2016
Attempt 1 - AIR 2
Anmol secured AIR 2 in his maiden attempt at the civil services exam.
📚

Preparation Strategy

Consistency and smart work

Anmol emphasizes consistency and smart work given the vastness of the UPSC syllabus.

Study routine
He maintained a consistent study schedule of approximately 8 hours per day.
Start early
He recommends beginning preparation during one's degree course, having started his own in his final semester of engineering.
✍️

Mains Answer Writing

Clarity and structure

Anmol advocates for a simple and structured approach to answer writing.

Structure
Write a basic introduction for every answer and use bullet points to present information clearly.
Tone
Ensure that conclusions are optimistic.
📝

Essay Strategy

Organization and flow

For the essay paper, Anmol focuses on clarity and proper organization.

Opening
Include relevant and impactful quotes at the very beginning of the essay.
Content
Keep ideas simple, clear, and maintain a proper flow throughout the essay.
🗣️

Interview Approach

Performance and authenticity

Anmol views the interview as a performance in a specific environment rather than just a personality test.

DAF importance
The DAF is an invitation for the board to ask questions; be truthful and prepared to substantiate everything you write.
Presentation
Maintain a balanced and objective tone, and avoid getting into emotional debates.
Mock interviews
Take 8-9 mock interviews to build comfort with the environment and improve your performance.

For me, it was now or never.

on his mindset during his first attempt

Overthinking breeds doubt.

on handling self-doubt

🎯 Advice for Aspirants

  • Be truthful in your DAF, as every word is an invitation for questions.
  • Do not overthink; instead, create small, achievable milestones to build momentum and reduce self-doubt.
  • Focus on revision; it is more important than reading new material repeatedly.
  • Avoid making comprehensive notes; use highlighters and mark directly on your books to save time.
  • Do not try to be perfect; aim for average to above-average quality across all answers.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across 2 coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from 1 interview session.