Aditya Agarwal's UPSC AIR 9 Strategy: Key Lessons from 5 Attempts

Who is Aditya Vikram Agarwal?

Aditya Vikram Agarwal hails from Jhajjar, Haryana. He secured All India Rank 9 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.

Educational Background

Aditya scored 9.8 CGPA in his class 10th from SR Century School, CBSE in 2012. He scored 96.8% (PCM) in his class 12th from the same school in 2014, becoming the Jhajjar district topper. He completed his graduation in Mechanical Engineering with 8.7 CGPA from MNNIT Allahabad in 2018. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Anthropology from IGNOU, scoring 74.25% in 2024.

UPSC Journey and Attempts

Aditya secured AIR 9 in his fifth attempt. He did not clear Prelims in his first two attempts (2019 and 2020). In his third and fourth attempts (2021 and 2022), he cleared Prelims and Mains, reaching the interview stage but was not selected.

Aditya Vikram Agarwal’s UPSC Preparation Strategy

• Study Approach: He emphasized limiting study materials and focusing on repeated revisions. He wrote 2-3 answers every day for General Studies and Anthropology.
• Daily Routine: He followed a daily routine of reading at the library from dawn till dusk.
• Prelims Strategy: He revised static books, practiced mock tests, and solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs) consistently.
• Mains Strategy: He allocated seven minutes per 10-mark question and ten minutes per 15-mark question.
• Role of Current Affairs: Used The Hindu and Vision IAS compilations.

Optional Subject Strategy (Anthropology)

He chose Anthropology for its relevance to civil services and governance. He prepared by incorporating actual administrative procedures and case laws into his answers.

Interview Preparation

He underwent mock interviews to build confidence and gain feedback.

Mental Health and Motivation

To manage stress, Aditya practiced meditation and physical exercises. He also limited social media use. He credits support from his family for helping him navigate the ups and downs.

Key Takeaways from Aditya Vikram Agarwal’s Success

• Limit study materials and focus on repeated revisions.
• Practice answer writing daily.
• Follow a consistent daily routine.
• Manage stress through meditation and exercise.
• Minimize social media use.

Final Words

Aditya Vikram Agarwal's journey to securing AIR 9 in the UPSC CSE 2024 showcases the power of perseverance, disciplined preparation, and a strategic approach. His story is a beacon of hope for future aspirants, demonstrating that with consistent effort and a resilient mindset, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

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