UPSC Mains 2023 · All India Rank 10

AISHWARYAM PRAJAPATI — AIR 10, UPSC CSE 2023

Official UPSC marksWritten 890Interview 154Final 1044
EssayEthicsGeneral StudiesSociology
✦ Strategy & Learnings

How AISHWARYAM PRAJAPATI Cracked the UPSC

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

ⓘ AI-generated from AISHWARYAM PRAJAPATI's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
AIR 10
UPSC CSE 2023 Rank
2nd
Attempt that worked
134
GS-II Marks
1044
Final Total Marks
2022
Attempt 1 - Failed
Did not clear the Prelims stage, which prompted a shift to a more balanced Prelims-Mains preparation strategy.
2023
Attempt 2 - AIR 10
Cleared all stages of the examination to secure AIR 10.
📝

Answer Writing Strategy

Crafting high-scoring responses for GS-II

Aishwaryam emphasizes that mastering GS-II requires analytical depth rather than rote memorization, focusing on clarity, balance, and real-world relevance.

Holistic approach
Address every dimension of a question with balanced perspectives, avoiding one-sided narratives.
Evidence-based
Strengthen arguments by integrating statistical trends, judicial pronouncements, and current events.
Visual presentation
Use proper vertical and horizontal spacing, box specific parts, and underline keywords to make answers examiner-friendly.
Structured format
Ensure answers have clear, lucid introductions and concise, purposeful conclusions that tie back to the core discussion.
🎯

Prelims Preparation

Refining the approach after a setback

After failing to clear the Prelims in her first attempt, Aishwaryam overhauled her strategy to focus on consistency and intensity.

Test series intensity
Increased the frequency and intensity of test-taking, ensuring she analyzed every mistake to refine her approach.
Syllabus focus
Prioritized high-yield topics like Polity and History while maintaining a strong balance between static and dynamic portions.
📚

Mains Preparation

Syllabus-driven content creation

Her Mains strategy was built on deep syllabus understanding and the creation of personalized notes.

Personalized notes
Created self-made notes by synthesizing standard books like 'Spectrum' and 'Laxmikant' with online resources.
Optional subject
Mastered History by combining online lectures, essential readings, and extensive note-taking.
🗣️

Interview Approach

Personality development and confidence

The interview stage required a focus on current affairs, personal background, and hobbies.

Mock interviews
Attended mock interviews to refine communication skills and receive feedback on being thoughtful and spontaneous.
Profile awareness
Focused on a thorough understanding of her own background and personal profile.
💡

Core Philosophy

The 3R and 3P formula

Aishwaryam attributes her success to a simple, disciplined framework.

3R and 3P
Her strategy is defined by 3R (Revision, Revision, Revision) and 3P (Practice, Practice, Practice).
Quality over quantity
After her first attempt, she shifted her focus from the quantity of study hours to the quality of study.

Motivation and demotivation are words that don't matter and never exist. Whatever the situation you are in, that should be the sole motivation.

on handling the pressures of preparation

🎯 If You're Starting Out

  • Do not start your preparation too early (e.g., in school); focus on your current studies first to build a wholesome experience.
  • Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly before diving into resources.
  • Don't get distracted by the 'glamorized' version of UPSC on social media; focus on the hard work that happens behind the scenes.
  • If you feel demotivated, talk to parents, mentors, or friends; emotional support is crucial during this journey.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across 3 coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from 1 interview video and 3 strategy-focused blog posts.