RankSheet

UPSC Mains 2017 · All India Rank 8

Anubhav Singh — AIR 8, UPSC CSE 2017

Official UPSC marksWritten 945Interview 165Final 1110
General Studies
Read Anubhav Singh's answer copies →
✦ Strategy & Learnings

How Anubhav Singh Cracked the UPSC

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

ⓘ AI-generated from Anubhav Singh's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2nd
Attempt that secured AIR 8
3
Years of preparation
8-10
Daily study hours
2016
Attempt 1 - IRS (IT)
Secured rank 683 and was allocated to the Indian Revenue Service.
2017
Attempt 2 - AIR 8
Secured All India Rank 8 in his second attempt.
📚

Prelims Strategy

Focusing on standard books and selective revision

The candidate emphasizes the importance of standard textbooks and selective use of online resources to manage the unpredictable nature of the Prelims.

Standard Books
Multiple readings of Bipan Chandra, Spectrum, and Laxmikanth are essential. NCERTs are sufficient for Geography.
Current Affairs
Utilized Vision IAS magazines, PIB updates, and ForumIAS articles to stay updated.
Test Strategy
Practice at least 10 mock tests to understand the pattern, but prioritize syllabus revision over excessive testing.
✍️

Essay Strategy

Balancing concrete content with abstract thinking

The essay paper requires a mix of factual knowledge and critical thinking. The candidate suggests a structured approach to writing.

Content Gathering
Read magazines like Yojana, EPW, and Frontline for concrete topics; read classical literature for abstract/philosophical topics.
Structure
Start with a catchy introduction, analyze the topic from multiple dimensions, and conclude with an optimistic, emotional note.
⚖️

Ethics Strategy

Focusing on pattern recognition and concise writing

Ethics is a high-scoring paper that requires a specific approach to case studies.

Pattern Recognition
Analyze topper copies to identify a consistent structure for answering case studies.
Concise Writing
Develop a personal pattern for case studies to save time and ensure clarity.
🧠

Preparation Philosophy

Maintaining balance and focus

The candidate stresses the importance of mental well-being and a balanced lifestyle during the long preparation phase.

Work-Life Balance
Regular outings with friends and family helped reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Selective Study
Focus on a few standard sources and revise them multiple times rather than collecting excessive notes.
🗣️

Interview Approach

Preparing with a clear strategy

The interview is a test of personality and suitability for administration, not just knowledge.

Preparation
Divided preparation into sections like graduation, background, and hobbies to handle questions systematically.
Honesty
Be prepared to handle situational questions by reflecting on your own experiences and values.

“I tried to strike a balance between enjoyment and preparation. It is very necessary to keep your mind off from preparation related things for some time.”

— on his preparation philosophy

🎯 If You're Starting Out

  • Do not make the exam the sole focus of your life; maintain a balance with your personal life.
  • Focus on quality study hours (8-10 hours) rather than just quantity.
  • Analyze past 3-4 years' papers to understand the exam pattern.
  • Do not get overwhelmed by the abundance of online material; stick to standard books for static subjects.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across multiple coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from interview and strategy videos.
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