✦ Strategy & LearningsPreparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.
ⓘ AI-generated from Aniruddh Yadav's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2019
Attempt 1 - Progress
Selected for the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS).
2020
Attempt 2 - Progress
Selected for the Indian Information Service (IIS).
2021
Attempt 3 - Setback
Failed to clear the Prelims stage.
2022
Attempt 4 - Success
Secured AIR 8 and selected for the IAS.
📚Preparation Routine
Balancing service training with study
Aniruddh balanced his training as an officer trainee in the Indian Information Service with his UPSC preparation, requiring a highly disciplined approach.
Study hours
Dedicated 6-8 hours daily to studies, though he notes some aspirants may need 8-10 hours depending on their individual pace.
Well-being
Prioritized adequate sleep and a balanced diet to maintain physical and mental health throughout the rigorous preparation.
Mindset
Approached the preparation with the mindset of clearing the exam on the first attempt while maintaining consistency.
📝Mains Answer Writing
The key to scoring high
Aniruddh emphasizes that Mains answer writing is a distinct skill that requires significant practice to master.
Practice strategy
Diligently practiced answer writing for Mains and participated in multiple mock tests for Prelims to sharpen his skills.
Time management
Focus on completing the paper within the time limit; practice writing 150-word answers in 7 minutes and 250-word answers in 11 minutes.
Structuring
Use structured formats for answers, such as creating specific sub-headings for social institutions, social beliefs, and social change.
🧬Optional Subject Strategy
Choosing Anthropology
Despite his engineering background, Aniruddh chose Anthropology as his optional subject.
Subject selection
Selected Anthropology due to its significant overlap with concepts from his background in biotechnology.
📰Current Affairs
Staying updated for all stages
Current affairs are vital for all three stages of the UPSC examination.
Daily habit
Never miss studying current affairs and news topics; maintain a daily diary to note down 6-7 important items.
Contextualization
Contextualize current events with the syllabus to make them useful for Mains answers, such as using recent news for Ethics or GS papers.
🗣️Interview Approach
Personality test preparation
Aniruddh's interview preparation focused on his DAF (Detailed Application Form) and current events.
DAF mastery
Be prepared for questions on every word in your DAF, including your hometown, schooling, and family background.
Mock interviews
Participated in mock interviews to practice articulation and handle diverse questions from the panel.
“The first answer you write will be the worst answer you write. It is just a matter of slow, steady improvement.”
— on the importance of starting answer writing early“Science without ethics will lead us to destruction.”
— on his philosophy regarding the application of technology🎯 Advice for Aspirants
- Thoroughly understand the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus before starting your preparation.
- If a particular approach or material doesn't yield results, seek expert advice and be willing to modify your routine.
- Do not get overly consumed by exam preparation; maintain a balanced life to keep your mind and body healthy.
- Use previous year question papers to understand the type and difficulty level of questions asked.
Where this came fromBiography and marks facts corroborated across two coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from two strategy/interview videos.