“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure”. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam, said to be one of the toughest examinations in the country, requires patience, perseverance and dedication. The dedicated too fail to qualify for this prestigious examination at times but then there are students who succeed in the very first attempt.
One among them is Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) graduate Simi Karan, who cracked the exam in her first attempt without coaching and secured All India Rank 31. Simi’s success story is surprising and inspiring. Her journey proves the fact that even seemingly impossible goals can be achieved in less time courtesy hard work and proper planning.
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The girl from Odisha threw light on her journey so far during an exclusive conversation with Delhi Knowledge Track. Simi, who studied in Bhilai, Madhya Pradesh, was a bright student scoring excellent marks throughout. Simi, who was initially undecided about appearing for the UPSC exam, did her engineering after Class 12th and that too from the prestigious IIT. While a student at IIT, Simi got the opportunity to teach children in the nearby slum area during her internship programme. This was the time when she decided to join a field which would help her in catering to the needs of people with disabilities. The idea of appearing for the UPSC finally struck her mind.
Here begins the journey:
Simi shares she initially saw the interviews of toppers and prepared a book list for herself with the help of internet. She selected all the standard books, which guide in the preparation for UPSC exam, and ensured she does a proper revision of all the study materials. Taking note of the huge syllabus, she divided them into small portions. Simi says this does not impose burden and the syllabus appears to be easy.
Simi says revision must be the key while appearing for the preliminary examination. She shares one must revise all the books available and conduct self-mock tests.
Simi shares answer writing practice is also essential besides the preparation for the exam. She says the students must imbibe the habit of writing answers after collecting all inputs from different sources. Simi points out that it may appear to be a problem initially but there is no need to panic as this will fructify in the long run.
Simi’s journey so far also teaches time management as she followed a balanced approach while preparing for the UPSC exam from her days in IIT. She ensured to make maximum use of time. Simi also took out time during her class breaks to study materials related to the UPSC exam. She remained focused while ignoring all parties and farewells. Simi kept the e-notes ready with herself and revised them whenever she got time. She eventually justified the saying that proper planning and strategy helps you achieve even the toughest goal.