✦ Strategy & LearningsPreparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.
ⓘ AI-generated from Mamta Yadav's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2019
Attempt 1 - AIR 556
Secured a position with the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS).
2020
Attempt 2 - AIR 5
Achieved the dream of becoming an IAS officer.
📚Prelims Strategy
Building a solid foundation
Mamta emphasizes a disciplined approach to the preliminary examination, focusing on static subjects and consistent revision.
Static subjects
Focus on NCERT books for history, geography, and economics, and use standard resources like Laxmikanth for Polity and Shankar IAS for environment.
Revision
Revise the static portion at least 5 to 6 times before the exam and pay extra attention to related current affairs.
Mock tests
Solve as many mock tests as possible to identify strengths and weaknesses and improve speed and accuracy.
✍️Mains Strategy
Honing writing skills
For the Mains, Mamta shifted her focus to extensive answer writing and refining her approach to different papers.
Answer writing
Practice writing answers for General Studies and essays consistently using mock tests.
Previous year questions
Solve papers starting from 2013 to understand the exam pattern and the depth of knowledge expected by the UPSC.
Optional subject
Leverage your academic background; Mamta used her Physics degree to excel in her optional paper through consistent revision and practice.
🗣️Interview Approach
Calm and composed
The personality test requires a balanced mindset and thorough preparation of one's background and current affairs.
Preparation
Be well-versed in your personal background, optional subject, and current national and international issues.
Mindset
Approach the interview with a calm and composed mindset, emphasizing clear communication and answering with confidence.
💡General Preparation
Steering clear of noise
Mamta highlights the importance of filtering information and staying focused on proven strategies.
Avoid confusion
The internet is full of white noise; research topper strategies and stick to long-proven advice from popular institutes.
Time management
Count study time in minutes rather than hours, and maintain a disciplined schedule for newspapers and current affairs magazines.
“The focus should be on that restricting the source and revising it as many times as possible.”
— on her Prelims preparation“Rather than focusing on marks, just focus on your own answer and whatever analysis the evaluator has given.”
— on mock test strategy🎯 If You're Starting Out
- Follow the syllabus diligently and use previous year's questions as your primary guide.
- Do not deviate from standard books recommended by toppers and institutes.
- Take as many mock tests as possible to tailor your strategy to your specific needs.
- If you have a degree in a specific subject, give it an honest chance as your optional paper.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across 3 coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from 3 interview/strategy videos.