✦ Strategy & LearningsPreparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.
ⓘ AI-generated from ANIKET SHANDILYA's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2019
Attempt 1 - Failed
Missed the cut-off by a narrow margin.
2022
Attempt 4 - Failed
Could not clear the Prelims stage.
2023
Attempt 5 - AIR 12
Successfully cleared the exam with AIR 12.
📚Optional Subject Strategy
Switching to Sociology for better results
Aniket initially prepared with Mechanical Engineering but realized it was a weak point, leading him to switch to Sociology.
Mentorship
Enrolled in a Sociology Optional Mentorship Programme to deepen conceptual understanding and receive performance feedback.
Practice
Utilized a Sociology Optional Test Series to simulate real-time exam conditions and identify specific areas for improvement.
📰Current Affairs & Daily Routine
Consistency and news-based learning
Aniket emphasized the importance of staying updated and maintaining a disciplined approach to daily news.
Newspaper habit
Dedicated 30 minutes daily to reading newspapers, which he found crucial for gaining comprehensive subject knowledge.
Note-taking
Maintained a dedicated notebook for current affairs, summarizing key events and facts to aid in regular revision.
🎙️Interview Preparation
Mastering the final hurdle
Aniket achieved a high interview score of 215/275 by focusing on personality and DAF-based preparation.
DAF Mastery
Created detailed notes on every section of his Detailed Application Form, including his background, hobbies, and home state.
Situational awareness
Practiced answering situational and ethical dilemma questions to demonstrate balanced judgment and decision-making skills.
📝General Studies Strategy
Structured syllabus coverage
A systematic approach to GS subjects ensured well-rounded knowledge and effective revision.
Syllabus Mapping
Broke down the UPSC syllabus into specific topics and created a checklist to track coverage of key historical periods and subjects.
Weekly Revision
Dedicated one hour every weekend to revisit concepts studied during the week to ensure long-term retention.
“If you have a clear objective in mind and are willing to put in the effort, nothing can stop you from succeeding.”
— on his mantra for future aspirants🎯 Advice for Aspirants
- Do not lose resolve after failures; treat each attempt as a lesson learned and a step closer to your goal.
- Be willing to pivot your strategy, such as changing your optional subject if it is not yielding the desired results.
- Focus on your DAF thoroughly, as it is a primary source of questions during the interview stage.
- Maintain a consistent daily routine that includes reading newspapers and regular revision of core concepts.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across 3 coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from 3 interview/strategy resources.