UPPSC 2024 Topper Karishma Chauhan, Rank 17 Preparation Strategy

The success story of Karishma Chauhan, who secured Rank 17 in UPPSC 2024, offers valuable insights for aspirants preparing for state civil services examinations. Her journey highlights the effectiveness of self-study, strategic resource selection, and smart use of technology in exam preparation.

Transitioning from UPSC preparation to the PCS exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, she adapted her approach to match the factual nature of the exam. By focusing on targeted preparation for Prelims and structured answer writing for Mains, she successfully cracked the exam in her second attempt.

UPPSC 2024 Topper Karishma Chauhan, Rank 17 Introduction

Know about the successful strategy of Karishma Chauhan, UPPSC 2024 Rank 17, offering valuable insights for civil services aspirants. Learn about her preparation journey, effective resources, and unique approaches to tackling the Prelims and Mains examinations, including her vision for public service in Uttar Pradesh.

Civil Services Exam Preparation Overview

Karishma Chauhan initially prepared for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, attempting one Mains examination. Subsequently, she shifted her focus to the PCS examination. Her first PCS attempt did not clear Prelims. Her current successful attempt is her second for PCS, achieved entirely through self-study.

General Strategy and Exam Nature

Comparative Analysis: UPSC vs. PCS

The PCS exam is considered "quite simple" compared to UPSC. UPSC primarily focuses on conceptual questions, requiring deep understanding and analytical skills. In contrast, PCS is heavily factual, with 60-70% of the effort involving memorizing facts. Success in PCS depends on recalling these facts accurately in response to questions.

Importance of Clear Thought Process

A clear thought process regarding one's objectives in public service is fundamental for sustained motivation and effective preparation.

UPPSC Prelims Preparation Strategy

Key Resources for Prelims

For Prelims, Karishma primarily relied on current affairs. 

UPPSC Mains Preparation Strategy

General Studies Papers (GS 1, 2, 3, 4)

ChatGPT was utilized for answer formation and framing across all General Studies papers, streamlining the structuring of responses.

Essay Writing Strategy

ChatGPT was extensively used for essay preparation. Karishma prepared 20-30 essays with its help, including downloading formats and incorporating relevant quotes. Three of these prepared essays appeared in the actual exam, allowing her to write them verbatim. Essay themes such as Literature, Women, Organic Farming, and India's Multipolar World tend to repeat annually.

Paper 5 & 6 (UP Specific)

PW Only IAS books served as the primary resource for Papers 5 and 6, which are specific to Uttar Pradesh. The content was enriched with data from sources like the state budget and labor force periodic surveys, as these papers demand a high volume of facts.

Managing Challenges and Maintaining Motivation

Handling Demotivation

When feeling demotivated, Karishma would watch movies or series. (Memory Tip: This unconventional method reportedly helped improve concentration during study sessions by diverting the mind's natural tendency to wander, allowing for better focus on studies.)

Social Media Management

Karishma was not highly active on social media. Her interactions with friends, who were also serious students, primarily occurred in person at the library. This approach minimized the need for extensive social media use and reduced potential distractions.

Role of Friends and Peer Support

Supportive friends played a crucial role, offering motivation during challenging times. Karishma belonged to a supportive study group in the library where members consistently encouraged each other.

Post-Selection Goals and Vision for Public Service

Key Focus Areas in Uttar Pradesh

Karishma has identified three primary areas for her work in Uttar Pradesh:

1. Health

2. Women's Education

3. Grievance Redressal

Role of Civil Servants in State Development

Uttar Pradesh is currently in a growing phase, with many improvements underway. However, significant work remains in various sectors. Current civil servants are crucial as policy-makers and implementers to enhance UP's often low rankings in various indices, particularly in education, health, and women's issues.