RankSheet

UPSC Mains 2024 · All India Rank 67

Farkhanda Qureshi — AIR 67, UPSC CSE 2024

Official UPSC marksWritten 822Interview 170Final 992
6 answer copies
Read Farkhanda Qureshi's answer copies →
✦ Strategy & Learnings

How Farkhanda Qureshi Cracked the UPSC

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

ⓘ AI-generated from Farkhanda Qureshi's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
4th
Attempt that worked
3
Minimum revisions for Mains
170
Interview score
280
Geography optional score
2021
Attempt 1 - Failed
Did not clear the Prelims stage.
2022
Attempt 2 - Failed
Cleared Prelims but did not clear the Mains stage.
2023
Attempt 3 - Failed
Cleared Prelims and Mains but did not make the final list.
2024
Attempt 4 - AIR 67
Successfully cleared all stages to secure AIR 67.
📚

Geography Optional Strategy

Managing a lengthy optional subject

Farkhanda emphasizes the importance of structured notes and consistent revision for this lengthy optional.

Study material
Use Savindra Singh for Physical Geography (Paper 1) and Khullar for Indian Geography (Paper 2).
Notes & Synopses
Create synopses and summary sheets for every topic to make revision manageable.
Online resources
Utilize the 'Lotus Arise' website for free, high-quality material and maps.
✍️

Mains Answer Writing

The art of value addition

To stand out, Farkhanda focused on integrating specific elements into every answer.

Value addition
Include recent examples, relevant data, committee reports, and flowcharts in every answer.
Strategic wall-stickers
Stick important Supreme Court judgments and diagrams on your room wall for constant revision.
Answer structure
Follow the trend of including examples for every point to make answers more concrete.
🎯

Prelims Preparation

Focusing on high-yield areas

Farkhanda suggests prioritizing core subjects and consistent practice.

High-yield subjects
Prioritize revising Polity, Economy, Geography, and Environment as they yield the most marks.
PYQ practice
Start solving Previous Year Questions (PYQs) at least two months before the exam, aiming for 10-20 questions daily.
Simulated testing
Take tests in a simulated environment to improve time management and reduce exam-day anxiety.
🗣️

Interview Approach

Confidence and authenticity

After a setback in the interview stage, Farkhanda adjusted her approach to be more authentic.

Authenticity
Avoid extreme statements and focus on being honest and confident in your responses.
Peer discussion
Focus on discussions with friends rather than over-relying on mock interviews, which can sometimes be overly grilling.
🌱

Mindset & Motivation

Staying the course

The journey to success is long and requires a strong support system.

Support system
Lean on family and friends for emotional support during the difficult phases of the journey.
Daily writing
When feeling demotivated, write down your thoughts to process them and end on an optimistic note.
Persistence
If you have reached the final stage, do not give up; one more attempt can make the difference.

“There are a thousand reasons to quit this exam, but you need to find one reason why you want to move forward.”

— on maintaining motivation

“Failures are the stepping stones to success.”

— on her journey

🎯 If You're Starting Out

  • Maintain patience and self-belief, as these are critical throughout the preparation.
  • Do not let low test scores demotivate you; use them as tools for time management and improvement.
  • Cultivate a habit of consistency; it is a gradual process that cannot be rushed.
  • Do not over-rely on external sources; focus on consolidating your own notes and resources.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across ForumIAS profile; strategy details drawn from two video interviews with UPSCprep.com and Sunya IAS.
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