"Cracking UPSC 2024: Avinash's Journey from Job Dissatisfaction to AIR-17 with Philosophy"

Who is Avinash?

Avinash Kumar, a job dissatisfied professional turned UPSC achiever, secured an All India Rank of 17 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2024. Raised in Bihar, his inclination towards civil services was born from his upbringing and his dissatisfaction with his job. He chose Philosophy as his optional subject, regardless of its reputation as a low-scoring subject, and ended up scoring 319 marks.

UPSC Journey and Attempts

Avinash began his UPSC preparation journey in July 2020. He left his secure job to devote himself entirely to exam preparation, emphasizing the importance of self-study in cracking the UPSC. His journey was not just about studying; he believes that maintaining positivity is crucial. He advises aspirants to not lose hope if they fail in their initial attempts, but to keep working hard and stay positive.

Avinash’s UPSC Preparation Strategy

• Study Approach: Avinash stressed the importance of self-study and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the preparation journey.
• Optional Subject Strategy: Despite Philosophy's reputation as a low-scoring subject, Avinash chose it due to his personal interest. His strategy revolved around achieving conceptual clarity, practising expected questions, managing time and space, writing content-rich answers, and choosing the right questions. He credits his teacher, Mahesh Sir, for helping him achieve clarity in understanding core philosophical concepts.

Key Takeaways from Avinash’s Success

• Choosing an optional subject should be based on personal interest and belief, not just on its scoring reputation.
• Self-study is crucial in cracking the UPSC, supplemented by guidance from a mentor or teacher.
• Maintaining a positive mindset is as important as hard work and perseverance.
• Leaving a secure job for full-time preparation can be a tough, but sometimes necessary, decision.

Final Words

Avinash's journey from job dissatisfaction to securing AIR-17 in UPSC 2024 is a testimony to the power of hard work, self-study, and maintaining a positive mindset. His story serves as a beacon of hope for future aspirants, demonstrating that with the right approach and determination, success is attainable. Remember, it's not just about studying; it's about staying positive and believing in yourself. Don't lose hope if you fail in your initial attempts; keep working hard, stay positive, and success will be yours.