✦ Strategy & LearningsPreparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.
ⓘ AI-generated from Yashaswi Raj Vardhan's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2025
Attempt 2 - AIR 11
Secured AIR 11 in his second attempt after preparing with a rigorous schedule while working.
📅Preparation Routine
Balancing a full-time job with UPSC preparation
Yashaswi balanced his preparation while working as a quantitative analyst at a bank, requiring a highly disciplined approach.
Time Management
He dedicated 3-4 hours every morning to studies before his 11 AM job start time.
Consistency
He emphasized the importance of starting the day early and maintaining a strict schedule to build self-discipline.
Leveraging Resources
When live classes clashed with his work, he utilized recorded sessions on the app to stay on track.
📚Optional Subject Strategy
Choosing and mastering Public Administration
Yashaswi chose Public Administration as his optional subject, focusing on understanding its theoretical aspects and best practices.
Subject Selection
He opted for Public Administration as it aligned with his professional interest in understanding governance and administrative systems.
Study Approach
He focused on the theoretical aspects and best practices of the subject, noting that the syllabus is manageable if approached with a structured plan.
✍️Answer Writing
Overcoming the hesitation to start
Yashaswi identified early hesitation as a major hurdle in answer writing and emphasized the need for consistent practice.
Overcoming Hesitation
He noted that waiting for the 'perfect' answer prevents progress; one must start writing to improve.
Practice Volume
He took over 60 mock tests, using them as a primary tool for both content absorption and revision.
🗣️Interview Approach
Handling the personality test
Yashaswi's interview was heavily influenced by his background and current affairs knowledge.
Content Focus
His interview discussion was significantly centered around movies, his work experience, and current affairs.
Communication Style
He advised keeping answers concise, as overly long responses can hinder effective communication with the board.
Authenticity
He emphasized that hobbies listed in the DAF should be genuine, as they provide a comfortable space for discussion during the interview.
“Technology is only as good as the user. If we train our users and make them skillful, this technology can be put to good use.”
— on the role of AI in governance“Reflective writing is a cyclical process. I note down my experiences, draw learnings from them, try to implement them in my life, and then again note down my experiences.”
— on his writing philosophy🎯 Advice for Aspirants
- Do not wait for the perfect answer; start writing early to overcome the initial hesitation.
- If you are attempting fewer than 80-85 questions in Prelims, your accuracy requirement increases drastically, making it harder to clear.
- Take as many mock tests as possible; they are the most effective tool for both learning and revision.
- Maintain a distance from social media during the preparation phase to avoid wasting time.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across 2 coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from 2 interview/strategy videos.