✦ Strategy & LearningsPreparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.
ⓘ AI-generated from Anju's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2022
Attempt 1 - Progress
Cleared Prelims but did not secure a final rank, scoring 195 in the interview.
2024
Attempt 4 - Success
Secured AIR 60 in the UPSC CSE 2024 examination.
🎓Academic Background
Foundation for UPSC preparation
Anju's academic journey provided a strong base for her civil services preparation.
Education
Completed an integrated course in Economics from IIT Kharagpur.
Experience
Completed an internship at the Australian National University.
📚Optional Subject Strategy
Choosing Anthropology
Anju chose Anthropology as her optional subject, driven by a desire to understand diverse societal issues.
Subject Choice
Selected Anthropology to gain deep insights into marginalized sections of society, including caste and tribal issues.
Motivation
Wanted to explore topics she hadn't studied in detail during her Economics degree.
📰Current Affairs & Newspaper Strategy
Staying updated for the interview
Anju emphasizes the importance of consistent newspaper reading to stay updated on current events.
Newspapers
Regularly read The Economic Times and The Indian Express.
Approach
Focuses on understanding the unfolding of major events and their significance, such as the 75th Republic Day.
🗣️Interview Approach
Handling the personality test
Anju's interview strategy focused on confidence, honesty, and maintaining a positive demeanor.
Communication
Maintained a positive and confident demeanor, though she noted the need to control the speed of her speech.
Handling Unknowns
Advised not to guess answers if unsure, preferring to admit lack of knowledge rather than providing incorrect information.
Body Language
Maintained eye contact with all panel members and kept hand movements natural.
“If you are standing for the right thing, you have nothing to fear.”
— on her philosophy during the interview🎯 If You're Starting Out
- Be thorough with your Detailed Application Form (DAF) as it forms the basis of many interview questions.
- Maintain a question bank of current affairs topics and summarize them on paper to aid quick revision.
- Do not be afraid to admit when you don't know an answer; honesty is valued by the interview panel.
- Focus on developing a diverse perspective by studying subjects outside your core academic background.
Where this came fromBiography and rank corroborated across 3 coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from 3 interview/strategy videos.